Hen & Chicken

Talk: The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche
2025-04-14 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Hen & Chicken Studio
Unravel one of history’s greatest thinkers exploring the ‘death of God’, the meaning of life, and the value of our values. Followed by Q&A.

‘God is dead’ proclaimed Nietzsche in 1882, a saying which has become world-renowned alongside his recognition as a philosopher of ‘nihilism’. Nietzsche is one of the key figures to address the decline in religion in Europe alongside increasing modernisation and what this means for life’s fundamental questions. If a higher power doesn’t exist, then what do our lives mean? Similarly in a largely post-religious society, how can we think about universal values?
Join Dr Elliott to explore Nietzsche’s key ideas. First, we will assess the importance of the famous ‘death of god’ message from Nietzsche’s The Gay Science, exploring its implications for thinking about nihilism, commonly understood as the absence of any ultimate value or meaning to life. We will also address the nuances of Nietzsche’s own position about what nihilism really is. Secondly, we will explore what tools or resources Nietzsche gives us for thinking about the meaning of our lives. We will look at the reasons for his rejection of traditional religious narratives about the meaning of life and take Nietzsche seriously about his claim to re-think the “value of our values”, and what possibilities are opened up to us in the wake of the death of God.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
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Dr Richard J. Elliott is Lecturer in European Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. He has published widely on Nietzsche and many other topics in modern European philosophy. He currently has a book under contract on the topic of Nietzsche and the Death of God with Cambridge University Press.

Talk: The Science of Magic Mushrooms with Dr David Luke
2025-04-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Unlock the mysteries of magic mushrooms – their potential to heal depression, enhance brain connectivity and much more. Followed by Q+A.

We are currently in a psychedelic renaissance and Magic Mushrooms are one of the key areas of research for scientists around the world. Recent studies have shown that psilocybin, the active ingredient in the plant, can heal depression, enhance connectivity in the brain and even result in an increase in participants’ gardening! Join Dr. David Luke as he explains the chemistry, neuroscience and psychology of Magic Mushrooms.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a bite to eat
Dr David Luke is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich. His research focuses on transpersonal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including ten books, most recently Otherworlds: Psychedelics and Exceptional Human Experience. When he is not running clinical drug trials with LSD, conducting DMT field experiments or observing apparent weather control with Mexican shamans he directs the Ecology, Cosmos and Consciousness salon and is a cofounder and director of Breaking Convention: International Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness.

Talk: Gut rot — Are ultra-processed foods the new tobacco?
2025-05-01 19:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Food entrepreneur and business owner, Charlie Bigham, and other speakers (TBC) will talk all about UPFs. We will find out why our supermarket shelves are still groaning with addictive crap that cause obesity and health problems. We will look at what can we do to stem the tide of sugar, fat and salt and how they are affecting our gut microbiome.

Talk: The Art of Tim Burton: Exploring Dark Fantasy and Gothic Aesthetics
2025-05-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Characterised by dark, uncanny imagery and an off-beat persona, Tim Burton has cultivated a reputation as an eccentric and irreverent filmmaker. Spanning both live-action and animation, his work applies a macabre twist to everything from superhero and sci-fi films to biographical dramas and musicals. However, it is through stop-motion animation that Burton’s grotesque monsters and misfits truly come to life, allowing him to explore themes of bodily difference, disfigurement, and disassembly.
In this talk, Dr Christopher Holliday, a Senior Lecturer in Liberal Arts and Visual Cultures Education at King’s College London, examines how Burton’s fascination with unstable, conflicted bodies is enhanced by stop-motion’s inherent strangeness. We will trace his artistic beginnings at the California Institute of the Arts, his early work at Disney, and his departure to develop a gothic-inspired counter-style. By exploring Corpse Bride (2005) and Frankenweenie (2012), this talk reveals how Burton’s haunting aesthetic has shaped his legacy as a Hollywood outsider. By reflecting on Burton’s contribution to the development of animation as an art form over the last forty years, Dr Chris Holliday reveals how his haunting visual style has come to symbolise the career of a filmmaker whose identity has remained increasingly difficult to place.

Dr Christopher Holliday is Senior Lecturer in Liberal Arts and Visual Cultures Education at King’s College London. He has published widely on Hollywood cinema and animation history, and is the author of The Computer-Animated Film: Industry, Style and Genre (2018) and co-editor of Fantasy/Animation: Connections Between Media, Mediums and Genres (2018) and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: New Perspectives on Production, Reception, Legacy (2021). He has written multiple book chapters and articles on animation and contemporary media culture for academic publications, as well as for Total Film, The Independent, and The Conversation, and spoken on animation around the world, including at the British Film Institute and Cinema Museum in London and recently at the Annecy Film Festival in France. He can also be found as the curator and creator of the website, blog, and podcast Fantasy/Animation.

Talk: The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Jennifer Farrell
2025-05-27 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The image of a female witch, with broom and black cat serving the devil, is ingrained in pop culture. But where did this stereotype come from? The concept of witchcraft emerged slowly over the course of several centuries as a result of theological, intellectual, and cultural changes in ideas about demons and heresy.
Magical practices were varied – including love magic, healing, and various forms of prognostication. And it certainly wasn’t always associated with women. In fact, more ‘sinister’ magic like necromancy – which relied heavily on the power of demons – was mostly done by men. This type of magic involved a lot of education that simply wasn’t accessible to women at the time. So how come this image of evil women practising magic – witches – came about?
This talk will use feminist approaches to the past to explore medieval changes in ideas about magic, gender, and heresy in order to better understand the emergence of witchcraft at the end of the middle ages. We will also look at witchcraft in relation to female sexuality and fears about women’s access to ritual power throughout history.
Dr Jennifer Farrell is a lecturer in medieval history at the University of Exeter. With interests in both gender and the medieval supernatural, her research and teaching focuses on cultural developments and their relationship to socio-political changes in Western Europe during the high and late middle ages (c. 1000- c. 1500). She has published on subjects including medieval prophecy; fairies in medieval history and romance; the relationship between literary representations of fairies, the supernatural, and gender; and is currently working on a book focused on Geoffrey of Monmouth and the origins of the Arthurian legends. Her teaching has included undergraduate and postgraduate courses looking at medieval gender and sexuality, universities and learning in the middle ages, magic in the middle ages, sexualities across time and space, and the legends of King Arthur.

The Shroomshop: DIY Mushroom Cultivation Workshop with Darren Le Baron
2025-06-03 18:30 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Learn how to grow edible, nootropic and medicinal mushrooms at home from expert cultivator Darren Le Baron.Darren has been educating and growing mushrooms for over thirteen years, welcoming thousands of budding mycologists to his famous Shroomshop! This event will sell out, so grab your ticket now!
Mushrooms have been growing wild since prehistoric times. Their therapeutic value has been prized in indigenous cultures for thousands of years. They play a critical role in medicinal practice and were noted in some of the first books on herbal medicine written thousands of years agoIn the past few decades, mushrooms have become more popular for their therapeutic qualities in the west as a result of an expanding body of scientific research supporting their numerous health benefits.Come and learn the basics of mushroom cultivation, explore various techniques for growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms such as Oyster, Reishi, Lions Mane and many other magical varieties of mushrooms.This will be a hands-on experience and will cover everything you need to know to get you started. What will you learn?

What are Mushrooms?
How do Mushrooms grow?
How to cultivate Mushrooms at home!
How to make your very own grain spawn!
Making a mushroom fruiting tub!
Mushroom Aftercare!
Where to get everything?
Each participant will leave with a mushroom grow kit and access to digital notes.

TALK: The Science of ADHD: Navigating Neurodiversity in a Neurotypical World
2025-06-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
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 have been diagnosed. Waiting times to access an adult ADHD specialist clinic in the NHS can be up to 2 years or more. It’s hard to find support and help.
From dopamine dips, hits and myths, how ADHD can present differently in women than men, and the neuroscience of neurodiversity; this talk is designed to give you an increased awareness and understanding of an ADHD brain. It will include advice and tips on how to navigate a neurotypical world as a neurodivergent person.
This talk will also highlight how society is demanding change. People are increasingly recognising and accepting neurodiversity and self-defining as neurodivergent. Surely, it’s time for the world to alter neurotypical societal standards as they are fast becoming outdated.
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Professor James Brown is an academic researcher and science communicator. James was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021. Subsequently, James co-founded and is Chair for the registered UK charity ADHDadultUK, set up the evidence-based online ADHD magazine focusmag.uk and is a co-founder and co-host of The ADHD Adults Podcast. James is also an ADHD Coach and Mentor and provides training, guidance and assistance to organisations around adult ADHD for his company JBHD Ltd.

TALK: The History of Folklore and Feminism
2025-06-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
For centuries, feminist writers and thinkers have turned to myths, legends, fairytales, religious stories, and cultural traditions to make sense of women’s experiences. All of these come under the umbrella of ‘folklore’. This talk will explore the enduring relevance of folklore, asking how these stories can be reclaimed and reimagined for the 21st-century feminist.
We’ll trace figures like the witch, the shapeshifter, and the maiden across different traditions, examining the societal norms they were created to enforce and how feminist thinkers have reshaped them into symbols of resistance and possibility.
Finally, we will ask why we continually return to ancient stories to tell new ones — does this suggest that we’re out of new stories, or is it a part of a longstanding literary tradition in women’s writing, to look back, to subvert dominant myths, and to challenge the patriarchal ideas embedded in our society?
Speaker Bio:
Dr Shelby Judge is a Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Derby,
where she researches digital feminist and popular feminist responses to Incels and the
Manosphere. She recently completed her PhD in English Literature at the University of
Glasgow, for which she produced the thesis Contemporary Feminist Adaptations of Greek
Myth. Due to the proliferating nature of this genre, Shelby’s work in this field is ongoing. She
has published work on #MeToo and the Trojan War, 21st Century adaptations of Helen of
Troy, transgender adaptations of Frankenstein, and transgender readings of Ovid. She has
previously given public lectures on toxic masculinity in Greek myth and sea monsters in Scottish folklore. She is a regular contributor to the Literary Encyclopedia, for which she has
written articles on the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and Margaret Atwood, as well as entries on
Laura Bates and Janice Hallett. Shelby is a committee member for the Transatlantic Literary
Women network, funded by the US Embassy and BAAS.

Talk: Trump & Vance
2025-06-24 19:30 - 23:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Trump & Vance- with friends like these, who needs enemies?
Altered State welcomes General Sir Timothy Radford and Richard Graham, former diplomat and MP, to the panel to discuss the impacts of America First foreign policy on the UK, NATO as is, geopolitics and any likely realignments and new alliances that it might beget

Talk: The Psychology of Psychopaths with Forensic Psychologist Dee Anand
2025-07-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Do psychopaths live amongst us?
“Psychopath” is a term often thrown around in popular culture, but how many of us truly understand what it means? Psychopathy is a complex and often misunderstood condition that has fascinated forensic psychologists, criminologists, and the public for decades.In this talk, we’ll examine the defining traits and behaviours of psychopathy. Diving into genetic roots, emotional detachment and socio-environmental influences, Chartered Forensic Psychologist Dee Anand will unravel the science behind the condition. We’ll also tackle the big questions: Are psychopaths born or made? And can a psychopath ever be cured?
Dee Anand is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and has been practising in the field for over 20 years. He has led Forensic Psychology with an unprecedented two terms as Chair of the National Division of Forensic Psychology, and has held the position of Chair of every professional board in Forensic Psychology at the British Psychological Society. He is currently Head of Qualification in Forensic Psychology at the British Psychological Society. His research on psychopathy was conducted at Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric institution, where he investigated the PCL-R model of psychopathy. As a practitioner, Dee has worked extensively with violent offenders and other complex offenders in creating and leading intervention and reform programmes. In academia, he was the Programme Director for the Professional Doctorate in Forensic Psychology at the University of Portsmouth.
This is a 16+ event.

Talk: The Art History of Howl’s Moving Castle with Helen McCarthy
2025-08-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
What do a Welsh children’s book, the Iraq War, and a master of Japanese animation have in common? They collide in Howl’s Moving Castle—the dazzling follow-up to Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning Spirited Away. Though now beloved by audiences worldwide, the film almost wasn’t Miyazaki’s. Originally intended for another director, this spellbinding story only came under his care after global events reshaped its destiny.
Howl’s Moving Castle, like many other Ghibli films, finds its roots in a European children’s book, in this case Diana Wynne Jones’ 1986 book of the same name. It was an important book for the New Mythology movement, which is defined by the emergence of a new heroic archetype that transcends old cultural concepts and confronts them with modern ideals. The central character, Sophie Hatter, with her courage and determination in the face of difficulty, is an ideal New Mythology hero. Sophie also fits neatly into the Miyazaki canon of brave, capable female leads – with a unique and interesting twist. Miyazaki’s adaptation, however, adds his signature touch: a poignant anti-war message, breathtaking artistry, and one of Studio Ghibli’s rare adult romances.
Discover the twists, turns, and heart of Howl’s Moving Castle, a film that redefined bravery and love for generations.
Helen McCarthy is a writer and speaker on anime and manga. She’s been studying anime since 1981, writing over a dozen books, over a hundred articles and essays, and giving talks all over the world. Her talk on the Art History of Studio Ghibli has wowed audiences all over the UK for Seed Talks. Exploring Howl’s Moving Castle dives deep into the studio’s inspirations with new ideas and information for even the most dedicated Ghibli fan, but even a complete Ghibli beginner will enjoy this exploration of the film’s art, story, legacy and the people who made it.

Discovery Talk: Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean
2025-09-11 19:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Marine biologist Steve Simpson, Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change at the University of Bristol, will take us on an adventure into the world of underwater acoustics in this fascinating talk. Tuning into the sounds of the ocean reveals amazing habitats and behaviours, but also highlights environments at risk. Discover how sound itself may hold the key to reversing some of the issues facing marine life, such as the ravages of climate change, overfishing and pollution.
Steve and his team use cutting edge acoustic technology to listen to the ocean and gain new insights into the extraordinary abundance of life beneath the waves. Tens of thousands of species of fish, marine mammals, crustaceans, mussels opening and closing, sea urchins and snapping clams all contribute to an incredible aquatic soundscape. But we are adding to this cheerful cacophony with human-made noise pollution.
Steve and his team have gained worrying insights into the changing health of precious habitats by listening to the ocean’s symphony in places as far flung as Indonesia, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Overfishing, climate change and pollution are all taking a toll on habitats and biodiversity. But all is not lost – through the use of sound, Steve’s team have found ways to encourage the restoration of habitats and measure their recovery. Steve’s message is one of optimism and active hope – through the use of technology, and also art, film and music, we can bring people together to rewrite the soundtrack of the ocean and create a better future.
“Listening to the ocean connects us to marine life, highlights the severity of human impacts, and gives us tools and stories to underpin active hope and build a better future.” Steve Simpson, Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change, University of Bristol
About the speaker
Prof. Steve Simpson teaches marine biology to hundreds of undergraduates and masters students, and leads a thriving research group consisting of 15 postdoc, PhD and Masters students, with active projects in the UK, Maldives, Egypt, Caribbean and Australia. He runs the MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet at the University of Bristol. He was Series Academic Advisor to the BBC’s Blue Planet II and Netflix’s Our Oceans, and recently featured in the BBC’s Our Changing Planet. He gives public lectures and media interviews on marine biology, global impacts and potential solutions, and remains optimistic that we can work together to restore the oceans for a better future.
The event will be chaired by Miranda Krestovnikoff, TV presenter, diver and author.
Pre-show dining is available in the bar/restaurant downstairs at the Hen & Chicken, including a pizza/burger & drink offer for ticket holders. Please contact the Hen & Chicken direct to reserve your table for pre-show dining. Pre-Events Restaurant Offer – Hen & Chicken

Talk: The Psychology of EMDR Therapy: Rewiring memories
2025-09-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Have you ever wondered how our brains process and heal from life’s toughest moments? Many of us carry unresolved experiences—whether it’s a difficult breakup, childhood criticism, or a lingering fear—that can quietly block our confidence, relationships, or success.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach designed to help people move past trauma, anxiety, and other emotional hurdles.
In this talk, you’ll discover how EMDR works—by using a combination of focused attention and guided eye movements to “unblock” the trauma stored in the brain and release emotional pain. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal, offering relief often in a shorter timeframe.
Trauma expert Shelly Bradley-Scholey will explore real-world success stories and explain why EMDR has become a trusted tool for millions worldwide. Whether you’re curious about new ways to heal or want to understand how the mind can overcome its deepest struggles, this talk will open your eyes to the possibilities of modern therapy.
About your host:
Shelley Bradley-Scholey is a UK-based trauma expert, accredited EMDR Consultant, BABCP-certified CBT therapist, and Registered Mental Health Nurse with over 20 years of experience in mental health, including 13 years in Defence Mental Health Services. She holds a MSc in CBT Research from the University of Oxford and is the founder of Fortitude Psychological Therapy, offering trauma-focused therapy, supervision, and teaching. A guest lecturer at Oxford and Exeter Universities, published author, and public speaker, Shelley integrates EMDR, Beckian CBT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy into her survivor-centered, compassionate approach to healing.

Talk: ADHD & Women: Misunderstood, misdiagnosed & moving forward for change
2025-10-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover the nuances of how ADHD presents itself differently within women in a neuroaffirming environment. Followed by Q&A.
Join us for an insightful talk exploring how ADHD uniquely affects women – from late or missed diagnoses to the emotional toll of being misunderstood.
Despite growing awareness, many women are still overlooked or misdiagnosed due to outdated assumptions and gender bias. Drawing on the latest research and real-life experiences, we’ll unpack key topics including emotional regulation, masking, burnout and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. We’ll also explore how hormonal changes can intensify ADHD symptoms – and what can be done to support wellbeing throughout these shifts.
This talk takes a neuro-affirming approach, offering practical strategies and insights to empower women to better understand themselves and advocate for the support they need.
Speaker Bio:
Dr Emilie Moorhead (DClinPsych, CPsychol, BSc) is a Clinical Psychologist with nearly two decades of clinical experience working with Neurodivergent people. She is a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Dr Moorhead runs her own successful Psychology practice, This Is Me Psychology, which specialises in supporting Neurodivergent people to gain the best possible understanding of themselves. She adopts a neuro-affirming approach, helping Neurodivergent people to recognise the strengths and values that they have to enable them to embrace their full potential. She strongly believes that everybody should be able to access Neurodivergent support in a proactive and preventative manner, without needing to reach crisis point first.
Dr Moorhead has also worked in a range of NHS and private mental health services, including Clinical Lead at two specialist Neurodiversity Services. She works with individuals across the lifespan. She is a guest lecturer on a number of University courses, specialising in Neurodivergent conditions and post-diagnostic support.

Talk: The Psychology of Carl Jung with Dr Rachel Newsome
2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Have you ever wondered what our dreams and imagination can say about our inner psychology? Join us for an illuminating introduction to the psychology of Carl Jung and his groundbreaking ideas about the creative, healing power of the unconscious. A founding father of depth psychology, Jung was a maverick thinker, artist and visionary whose ideas were ahead of his time. His extensive studies of ancient religions and mythologies, alongside his deep dream work, brought him to the edge of sanity. Through this work, he developed the pioneering concepts of the collective unconscious, the archetypes (including the shadow and the self), synchronicity, individuation, creative self-realisation and more.
In this talk, we’ll explore key Jungian concepts in relation to how Jung combined ancient Eastern wisdom with Western psychology. We’ll learn how this can be understood as a form of ‘sacred science’ reflecting the spiritual crisis of late stage capitalism and how Jung’s thought places us inside a larger reality transcending space and time. We’ll look at the instrumental role of imagination, dreams and symbols in Jung’s approach to psychoanalysis, including his innovative technique of active imagination or ‘dreaming awake’. We’ll consider how Jung’s psychoanalysis is still relevant today as a powerful, transformative tool to access the unknown and facilitate creativity in support of both individual and collective growth.
Dr Rachel Newsome is a Jungian-based writer and teacher. She holds a doctorate in applying Jungian psychoanalysis to creative writing and is the founder of Depth Writing With Dr Rachel, a holistic creative learning programme aimed at supporting transformational growth. Dr Rachel has a background in the media and academia as a former editor of arts & culture magazine Dazed & Confused and a lecturer with twenty years’ experience, respectively. She is an Associate of the Higher Education Association and an Editorial Board Member of the London Arts-Based Research Centre. Her research has been published in international academic journals and she is Co-Editor of the forthcoming Routledge publication The Creative Psyche: Between Spirit and Matter. Her monthly Depth Writing With Dr Rachel dispatches on travels between worlds via the arts, culture and all things Jungian can be found on Substack.

Talk: Beneath the skin – an intimate look at our bodies
2025-10-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Altered State returns with a new talk, taking a fresh look at how bodies are seen in medicine.
From the influence of tradition and male bias to the blind spots of race and gender. Have female sexual organs had the attention they deserve? We’ll explore how priorities in surgery are arrived at and what we can do to compensate.
Altered State host Eliz Mizon will be joined by:
Gabriel Weston – surgeon, author and mother of 4
Gene Feder – Professor of Primary Care at University of Bristol
The event will be followed by a book signing with Gabriel
Contact hello@alteredstate.org.uk if have any questions
Entry requirements: 16+

Talk: A History of Tarot Cards: The ancient art of inner knowing
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
What makes tarot such a compelling tool for reflection, insight, and even transformation?
In this talk, we’ll explore how tarot works not just as a way to predict the future, but as a tool for spiritual growth. Rich in symbols, emotions and archetypes, tarot offers a way to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
We’ll start with how tarot is used today, then trace its roots back to the Italian Renaissance. Thinkers like Pico della Mirandola were searching for a way to talk to angels – a kind of spiritual language – and this quest helped shape the deeper meanings tarot still carries.
We’ll then take a closer look at three powerful cards: the High Priestess, Temperance, and the Devil, and explore what they might be saying. Finally, we’ll explore the explosion of tarot design in recent years, and why so many people turn to tarot to make sense of the world.
Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble
College. She has published works on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England’s biggest witchhunt. She has been in more than a dozen television documentaries; she even has an IMDb entry and a Wikipedia page.She has spoken to general audiences at numerous literary festivals and to many local history societies.

Talk: The Phenomena of Parapsychology: A scientific approach to the extraordinary
2025-11-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
What if science could explain your most mysterious experiences – like sensing someone’s thoughts, glimpsing the future, or feeling a presence when no one’s there?
Parapsychology is the scientific study of the paranormal – those strange, often unspoken moments that challenge our understanding of reality. From telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition to altered states of consciousness and near-death experiences, parapsychology explores the outer edges of human perception. It also investigates ghost sightings, poltergeists, mediumship, and even memories of past lives – phenomena that seem to blur the boundary between life and death.
What many don’t realise is that this field has a long and surprising history. The scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena began in 1882 – before psychology itself was formally established. Over the past 140 years, parapsychological research has quietly influenced our understanding of the mind, both within and beyond the mainstream. Join Dr David Luke for a deep dive into this fascinating realm – and discover what decades of scientific research say about the extraordinary experiences so many of us quietly wonder about.
Speaker Bio:
Dr David Luke is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, and Perrott-Warrick Senior Researcher (via Trinity College, Cambridge) exploring parapsychology. He is a past president of the Parapsychological Association, the field’s professional body. His research focuses on transpersonal and paranormal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including thirteen books, such as Otherworlds: Psychedelics and Exceptional Human Experience. When he is not running clinical drug trials with LSD, studying lucid dream precognition, or exploring apparent weather control with Mexican shamans he manages a small ancient woodland and is a cofounder and trustee of Breaking Convention: International Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness. He lives life on the edge of Sussex, England.

TALK: The History of Horror Films & Women
2025-12-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Horror films often get a bad rap for how they treat women. Many lean on explicit sex and violence, reduce women into disposable victims, or fall back on familiar roles: the mother, the virgin, and the whore. But is that the whole story?

In this talk, Prof Susanne Kord takes a fresh look at women in horror, from the “final girl” who outlasts everyone else to the archetypes we love to fear. Drawing on film and cartoon theory, she explores how horror shapes the way we see women, whether audiences share some responsibility for what they watch, and whether an “ethical” horror film can exist.
At its core, this talk wrestles with two big questions: why do we keep watching horror – and what does that say about us?
Speaker Bio:
Professor Susanne Kord is a Professor Emeritus of German at UCL and a member of the British Academy. Her research interests include German history and culture, English literature, cinema (with an emphasis on horror and/or gender issues), and the history of crime (in real life, literature, and film). She is the author of eleven books and dozens of essays, and has received seven major awards for her writing, including a life-time achievement award. So far she has gone on three international lecture tours, and additionally offered fifteen keynote or plenary addresses at major conventions, four named lectures, and hundreds of other talks.

Talk: The History of Witchcraft in Popular Culture
2025-12-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Why do witches have such a strong pull on our collective imagination? Are they simply bewitching caricatures, or is there something more metaphysical that drives their continuing popularity?
From the printed engravings of the 15th century to the images created by AI in the 21st century, witches continue to occupy a place in popular culture. They feature in art, literature, theatre, music, and film, and many more.
Dr Julia Phillips will examine the role of the witch in popular culture, from its earlier depictions to the present day. Discover why this figure has remained so compelling, and how it has continually evolved to embody the fears, values and hopes of each generation. Expect a lively journey through history, myth and gender, and leave with a fresh perspective on one of culture’s most enduring icons.

Dr Julia Phillips is Hons Senior Research Associate and lecturer at the University of Bristol. She received her PhD for her research examining how witches and witchcraft were featured in newspapers in Victorian Britain. Her work has been published in books, academic journals, and popular magazines, and she is a regular presenter at conferences and events. Her primary research interests are the study of witchcraft in the 19th century and the development of modern Pagan Witchcraft in the 20th/21st centuries.

TALK: The Psychology of Cats with Dr Jon Bowen
2026-01-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Worshipped & domesticated by us for over 10,000 years, learn what modern science says about what goes on inside the mind of a cat! With Q+A.

What do cats need to keep them happy? What are the rules cats expect us to follow when we interact with them? Why do cats ask for attention but then sometimes object when we stroke them? Where do cats go and what do they get up to when they leave the house? How have cats learned tricks to secretly manipulate us to get what they want? These are just some of the questions we’ll answer in this wide-ranging talk about the secret lives of cats.
Jon Bowen is a veterinary surgeon who has been working with dogs and cats with behaviour problems for more than 25 years. He runs the behavioural medicine referral service at the Royal Veterinary College, where he also lectures on behaviour, and he has published research papers and book chapters on a diverse range of subjects including normal and problematic cat and dog behaviour, the social support people get from their pets, and the welfare of pets. He is a regular speaker at international meetings.

Talk: The Psychology of People Pleasing
2026-01-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join us as we explore what people pleasing is, what drives it, and how to begin to break free. Followed by a Q+A.

Do you struggle to say no? Take on too much? Put everyone else’s needs before your own? If fear and guilt are stopping you from living the life you want, people-pleasing could be the reason why.
In this talk, psychotherapist Hannah Paskin will break down people pleasing – helping you identify the signs, understand how it shows up in your work, relationships, and daily life, and learn practical techniques to say no with confidence and let go of guilt.
Speaker bio:
Psychotherapist Hannah Paskin is a Recovering People Pleaser who really gets it. She runs her own successful full-time therapy practice Hannah Paskin Therapy in Cheshire & Online. She is known as the Straight-Talking Therapist, and her mission is to give people the answers they need to break free from fear, guilt, anxiety and more. She helps people to overcome People Pleasing, Burnout, Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism and High Functioning Anxiety. She is an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with 15 years’ experience in the field.

Talk: The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women
2026-02-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Dive beneath the surface of mermaid lore, tracing their long histories and what they may reveal about wider society. Followed by Q&A.

Since Hans Christian Andersen turned the mermaid into a romantic heroine, shimmering sea-maidens have swum through popular culture. “Mermaiding” has even become a verb. But where do these figures really come from, and why do they hold such power over us?

Talk: Vampires & the Human Psyche
2026-03-04 19:30 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover the fascinating connections between vampires and the human mind, from Dracula to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With Q&A.

Why are we so drawn to vampires? What do they reveal about us?
Long before Hollywood, vampires started with folklore, born out of fear and superstition. Over the centuries, these figures have evolved into a key element of pop culture and left a lasting mark on our collective consciousness. From Dracula and Nosferatu to Lost Boys and our beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this talk will explore these enduring symbols and their connections to the human psyche.
Join Katie Evans in exploring why we both fear and love vampires, and how their stories resonate with us on a personal level. Through psychoanalysis, forensic psychology and the lens of gender and sexuality, we will dig deep into vampiric legend. From Freud and Jung to modern ideas of narcissism, we will explore how these blood-sucking figures represent otherness, internal struggles and the complexities that many of us face as humans.
Speaker Bio:
Katie Evans is a BACP-accredited therapist and self-confessed horror nerd. Her passion for all things spooky began in childhood and continued through her studies in music, film, and media at Liverpool University, before moving into the field of mental health. She holds advanced accreditation in GSRD Therapy (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity). In addition, Katie has presented at conferences across Europe and has spoken for organisations including The Maudsley, the British Psychological Society, The NHS, LGBT Foundation, and HMPPS, among others. She is also a registered guest lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. An advocate for using pop culture in psychotherapy, Katie previously hosted The Mental Health Monsters Podcast and continues to explore how fictional narratives – especially those from the horror genre – can help us better understand ourselves.

Talk: A Psychologist’s Guide to Expressing Female Rage
2026-03-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join award-winning psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani to explore women’s hidden rage, why it matters, and how to release it. With Q&A.

Do you often find yourself suppressing your anger? When anger goes unexpressed, it can surface as anxiety, burnout and self-blame. Yet, anger is not something to fear, it is a powerful emotional signal.
This talk will explore where female range comes from, why so many women are conditioned to silence it and how to better recognise it. We will explore the psychological roots of anger, and how early social and relational conditioning shapes how safely we feel able to express it. Walk away with practical guides to recognise, regulate and communicate anger constructively. Join Dr Suglani to find out why your rage has been hiding, and how to work with it consciously.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Lalitaa Suglani is an award-winning psychologist specialising in helping high-achieving professionals manage stress, burnout, and high-functioning anxiety. As the author of High Functioning Anxiety: How to Manage Inner Panic and Thrive, she offers actionable tools to help individuals live authentically while resisting the pressures of overwork. With a wealth of experience speaking at international events and appearing on multiple podcasts, Dr. Suglani is committed to empowering individuals to balance ambition with well-being and resilience.

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Talk: The Neuroscience of Adverse Childhood Experiences
2026-04-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover how early life experiences could shape long-term wellbeing, and how certain factors can support recovery. With Q&A.

Why do early life experiences, especially those that are difficult, shape who we become as adults? Adverse Childhood Experiences like neglect, abuse and/or chronic stress can alter the developing brains of children and adolescents. In turn, this cumulative stress could play a role in shaping our emotions, learning, memory, and decision-making.
In this talk, Dr Jeffrey DeMarco will draw on neuroscience to explore the influences of early environment on children’s long-term well-being, and how this impacts us into adulthood. He will also explore the role of support and resilience in helping the brain heal and grow after trauma. This session is perfect for any adult eager to explore and understand childhood experiences and how they can have a lasting impact on our lives.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
Speaker Bio:
Dr Jeffrey DeMarco is a Senior Technical Advisor for Protecting Children from Digital Harm at Save the Children UK. He is also a chartered forensic psychologist, and frequently lectures on trauma at Middlesex University. His research and policy work bridge psychology with technology and child protection, where most recently, he led a nine-nation digital-resilience programme. He has spoken before the European Commission, Europol, and UNICEF on online harms, radicalisation, and the experience of trauma. His ideas have been featured in his TEDx RoyalHolloway talks “The Importance of Trust” and his podcast “Privacy Talks” (2025).

Talk: The History of Greek Mythology: From Mount Olympus to modern mystery
2026-04-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
From Mount Olympus to Medusa, discover the fascinating history of Greek mythology and its echoes through the ages. Followed by Q&A.

For over two thousand years, Greek mythology has shaped Western imagination. Stories of Olympian gods, epic heroes, and fearsome monsters have inspired philosophers and poets, painters and playwrights, filmmakers and fans alike. We’ve seen Homeric epics to the spectacle of Troy and the bold reinvention of myth in Netflix’s Kaos. Every retelling places us in an unbroken chain of storytellers stretching back to antiquity, keeping ancient voices alive in the modern world. But how well do we really know the origins of these tales?
In this talk, Dr Shelby Judge explores the great mythic ages of ancient Greece – the Golden and Silver Ages, the Bronze Age, and the Age of Heroes – bringing to life the defining stories and figures of each era. Along the way, the talk asks a deeper question: why have these myths endured? By examining their archetypes, moral tensions, and enduring insights into the human condition, this talk reveals why Greek mythology continues to fascinate, challenge, and enchant us today.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
Speaker Bio:
Dr Shelby Judge is a Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Derby, where she researches digital feminist and popular feminist responses to Incels and the Manosphere. She recently completed her PhD in English Literature at the University of Glasgow, producing the thesis Contemporary Feminist Adaptations of Greek Myth, and her work in this field is ongoing due to the genre’s proliferating nature. Shelby has published on topics including #MeToo and the Trojan War, 21st-century adaptations of Helen of Troy, transgender adaptations of Frankenstein, and transgender readings of Ovid.
She has delivered public lectures on toxic masculinity in Greek myth and sea monsters in Scottish folklore, and is a regular contributor to the Literary Encyclopedia, where she has written on the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and Margaret Atwood, as well as entries on Laura Bates and Janice Hallett. She also serves as a committee member for the Transatlantic Literary Women network, funded by the US Embassy and BAAS.

Talk: Getting Away with Murder: Why some murders stay unsolved
2026-04-30 19:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Every crime tells a story. But not every story ends with justice.

Behind every closed case and every cold file lies a question we can’t quite let go of… how did they get away with it?
In this series, we’ll uncover the truth behind the world’s most baffling crimes… where evidence was missed, witnesses were silenced, and the guilty walked free. We’ll explore the psychology of deception, the flaws in forensic science, and the fragile line between guilt and innocence. Because when the system breaks, it’s not just the victims who suffer — it’s our faith in justice itself.
Join Dr. Friday, as we go beyond the headlines… and into the minds of those who got away with murder.

Dr Friday earned his PhD at the University of Greenwich and went on to lead their forensic psychology course for the Criminology Department.
His experimental research earned him the ‘doctor’ title and several academic awards, but he’s very much just Ross when bringing the darker edges of human behaviour to the public. With pitch-black humour and personal stories, he makes complex forensic psychology accessible, entertaining — and sometimes even hilarious. He’s created live shows, a book, and even an immersive crime scene experience that lets guests step into the macabre world of the serial killer.

Talk: Horror Movies, Sexuality & Power
2026-05-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover how horror movies reveal hidden stories of sexuality, fear and identity across classic and modern cinema. Followed by Q&A.

Sex and horror have always been intertwined. While the genre has often been criticised as exploitative or moralising – particularly toward women – it has also created a powerful space for audiences to explore their own stories of desire, fear and identity.
In this thought-provoking talk, Katie Evans draws on psychoanalysis, queer theory and film history to uncover the hidden narratives within some of our most beloved horror films. From classic monsters like Dracula and The Bride of Frankenstein to Psycho, Hellraiser and It Follows, we’ll examine how themes of shame, pleasure and survival play out on screen.
Whether you’re drawn to horror, fascinated by identity, or curious about sexuality, this talk invites you to consider what horror narratives really represent. Together, we’ll explore ideas on sexual development, kink and queerness – and how horror films can reflect the parts of ourselves we’re taught to hide, revealing our complex relationship with otherness and what we can fear is the “monstrous” within.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
Speaker Bio:
Katie Evans is a BACP-accredited therapist and self-confessed horror nerd. Her passion for all things spooky began in childhood and continued through her studies in music, film, and media at Liverpool University, before moving into the field of mental health. She holds advanced accreditation in GSRD Therapy (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity). In addition, Katie has presented at conferences across Europe and has spoken for organisations including The Maudsley, the British Psychological Society, The NHS, LGBT Foundation, and HMPPS, among others. She is also a registered guest lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. An advocate for using pop culture in psychotherapy, Katie previously hosted The Mental Health Monsters Podcast and continues to explore how fictional narratives – especially those from the horror genre – can help us better understand ourselves.
This talk is 18+

Talk: The Hidden World of Fairies & Women
2026-06-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Step into Britain’s hidden fairy realm and meet the powerful Queen behind its myths, magic and forgotten stories. Followed by Q&A.

Once, there was a realm ruled by a powerful Queen – a figure who could shape her appearance, take lovers, and command a kingdom beneath the earth that included the dead. Known by many names, she was most often called the Queen of the Fairies.
In this talk, we’ll explore Britain’s lost fairy traditions through this enigmatic figure. From early medieval pagan beliefs – including links to the goddess Diana – to later connections with saints and angels, we’ll trace how her story evolved across time. We’ll uncover accounts of Scottish witches said to draw power from her, alongside those who feared her influence – and explore why the Presbyterian Kirk sought to suppress these stories. Finally, we’ll examine what these stories reveal about women, power and belief in Britain’s past.
Speaker Bio:
Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble College. She has published on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England’s biggest witchhunt. She has been in more than a dozen television documentaries; she even has an IMdb entry and a Wikipedia page… She has spoken to general audiences at numerous literary festivals and to many local history societies.
