Humans have studied and interpreted dreams for many centuries. Have you ever woken up after a crazy dream convinced it means something? Or spent hours wondering why your mind comes up with such ludicrous fantasies? In this engaging talk from NHS psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Jonathan Iliff, you will learn what science has to say...
Did you know that many emotions are processed in a specific part of the brain called the amygdala? This small almond-shaped structure plays a crucial role in processing emotional information and is especially active when we experience fear and anger. The way we feel emotions is also influenced by other parts of the brain –...
Why are we attracted to some people but not others? And why is attraction sometimes a bolt from the blue, while at others it’s a gentle, slow burn? Join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin in unraveling the tangle of factors that lead to attraction and love. Uncover the complex processes in your body triggered by...
Brand new to the Hen & Chicken- Altered State: Conversations for Grownups Altered State’s mission is to foster intelligent debate and stimulating thought through live talks and podcasts. They explore politics, pop culture, contemporary lifestyles, and a green future. They strive to inspire forward-thinking ideas and to cultivate a community for the curious and open-minded, bringing...
The traditional use of psychoactive plants and fungi for spiritual and shamanic rituals has occurred for thousands of years, whereas the Western scientific research of these substances has only been explored in the last 100 years, and prohibition stalled the last 50 years of this. In this talk you will be introduced to the science...
We are all in the pursuit of happiness. So what is it and where is it? In this talk we’ll be looking inside the brain and the mind to understand the science of happiness. We’ll learn from the locations and mechanisms of pleasure and reward in the brain and ask if this is happiness, and...
Have you ever wondered if a psychedelic experience could affect your sex and love life, or even hold the key to transformative couples therapy? Emerging research from Imperial College London suggests that psychedelics could indeed enhance partner communication, self-satisfaction, and sexual pleasure. Other studies have shown the promising role of MDMA in couples therapy. In...
Experiences shape you, even ones that aren’t your own: they can also be inherited from your family. It is likely that your experiences of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other psychological conditions can be traced back to your parents’, grandparents’, and great-grandparents’ trauma. Join us in uncovering how a distant familial trauma can imprint on...
In this incredible talk, you will learn all about the mind body connection and fascinating examples of how the placebo effect and belief can shift biology in the brain. Dr David Hamilton will also discuss meditation, how different types can produce different effects and how positive feelings can impact the immune system and shape brain...
Embark on an illuminating exploration of Carl Jung's groundbreaking insights into the human psyche. Beyond his roles as a scientist and psychologist, Jung's trajectory led him to become a captivating figure within the New Age movement. Join Jungian Psychotherapist Max Noak in dissecting Jung's life and work, which often traversed the delicate balance between scientific...
A recent study in the UK found that approximately 50% of adults reported having a fetish or kink. Despite their prevalence, they are often shrouded in taboo and misunderstanding. In this talk Dr Lori Beth Bisbey will demystify the topic and answer the often asked question… Am I normal? Discover the psychological and social factors...
A simple scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll be left questioning: do I have ADHD? The rise in ADHD in adults is undeniable. But only over the last decade has ADHD been formally recognised in the UK. It has been suggested that about 1.5 million adults in the UK have ADHD but only 120,000...
