About this Event
Sip N Learn: Nature Within – Is Modern Life Making Us Unwell?
Modern life has changed how we live, work, rest, and relate to the natural world around us. But what happens when humans become disconnected from nature?
In this Mind Circles Talk, neurologist and neuroscientist Dr James Bashford explores how the environments we inhabit shape the brain, nervous system, and mental health. Drawing from neuroscience, clinical medicine, public health research, and his new book Nature Within, James examines the growing evidence linking modern lifestyles with stress, burnout, attention difficulties, chronic illness, and emotional disconnection.
This talk invites us to reconsider the idea that humans exist separately from nature. Instead, it explores how deeply interconnected we are with the living systems around us — and what this means for human health and modern life today.
About the SpeakerDr James Bashford completed his medical degree at the University of Cambridge in 2010 before beginning specialist neurology training at King’s College Hospital London. He obtained a PhD in clinical neuroscience in 2019 and now works as a clinical academic and honorary consultant neurologist in South London, leading a research programme while caring for patients with motor neuron disease.
Alongside his clinical and academic work, James writes and speaks about the relationship between human health and the natural world. He is also a father, amateur moth-er, and makeshift marathoner.
His first book, , was published in January 2026.
Website and communication links:https://linktr.ee/drjamesbashford
Event Schedule
19:00 – 19:30 | Arrival & Warm-Up Activity Guest arrival and informal connection. Optional guided warm-up activity.
19:30 – 20:15 | Expert Talk Dr Bashford explores how nature shapes the brain, stress, attention, emotional wellbeing, and human connection.
20:15 – 20:30 | Q&A A chance to ask questions and explore the ideas further.
20:30 – 21:00 | Optional Networking Continue the conversation after the talk.
What You’ll Learn
- How nature influences the brain and nervous system
- The relationship between environment, stress, and mental health
- Why modern lifestyles may contribute to emotional and physical strain
- What neuroscience tells us about attention, restoration, and connection
- Practical ways to reconnect with nature in everyday urban life
Ticket Options
Early Bird: Discounted early-access ticket. Includes in-person entry, livestream access, and recording.
Community Ticket: Lower-cost ticket for students, lower-income attendees, carers, or anyone currently facing financial barriers. Includes in-person entry, livestream access, and recording.
General Admission: Standard in-person ticket. Includes livestream access and recording.
Final Release: Final allocation of in-person tickets. Includes livestream access and recording.
Livestream & Recording: ONLY remote access ticket with livestream and recording. No in person ticket included. All recordings will be shared privately within 4 weeks of the event.
Venue: Big Chill Kings Cross
For venue information, please visit:Big Chill Kings Cross
Age & IDs: the event takes place in a bar venue, you may be asked to show valid ID to purchase alcoholic drinks. Please bring identification if you look under 25.
Enquiries & Waitlist: Please do not contact the speaker or founder directly regarding tickets. Use the Eventbrite contact function or join the waitlist.If events sell out, additional dates may be released. Waitlist members should monitor their inbox, including spam or junk folders. Ticket offers remain valid for 6 hours before being released to the next person.
On-the-Day Tickets: No tickets will be available at the door.
Livestream Access: A livestream option is available. Access details will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event.
Photography & Recording: Photos and recordings may be taken for promotional and archival purposes.If you’d prefer not to be included, please email us in advance or speak to the team on the day.
Talk Recording: The talk will be recorded and shared privately with attendees within 4 weeks. The recording is for personal use only.If you haven’t received it within 4 weeks, please check your spam or junk folder before getting in touch.
Arrival Time: Please arrive by 19:15 and be seated before the talk begins to avoid disruption.
Stay in the Circle: You’ll be added to the Mind Circles Talks mailing list after booking. You can opt out at any time.
Get Early-Release Tickets: Join our Inner Circle WhatsApp broadcast channel for early-release tickets and Mind Circles Talks updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb88bk9IHphC26a10B14
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Arrival & Warm-Up Activity
Host: Jenny Okolo
Info: Guest arrival, drinks, and informal connection. Optional guided warm-up activity.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:15 PM
Expert Talk
Host: Dr Bashford
Info: Dr James Bashford explores how modern life and disconnection from nature affect the brain, stress, attention, and mental health.
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Q&A
Host: Dr Bashford
Info: Audience questions and discussion.
🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Optional Networking
Host: Jenny Okolo
Info: Continue the conversation after the talk.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Big Chill King's Cross, 257-259 Pentonville Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 11.55 to GBP 31.05
