Sip n Learn: The Concept of Self — Who Are You Really?

Who are you, really? And how does this link to the nervous system?

Explore identity, agency and the brain in a relaxed, thought-provoking night of science & conversation.

Following high demand and previous sold-out events, we’re bringing this conversation back!

This event is part of the Mind Circles 'Sip n Learn' series, our live ideas platform where leading clinicians, researchers and thought leaders deliver accessible, evidence based talks in relaxed social spaces.

For this months event topic, neuroscientist and psychologist Louise Spurgeon joins us to explore one of the most powerful questions in psychology and neuroscience. How is the self actually formed and maintained?

Many of us describe ourselves in fixed terms:
“I am anxious.”
“I am driven.”
“I avoid conflict.”

But what if those traits are not fixed at all? What if they are nervous system patterns shaped by genetics, early relationships, culture and experience?

Louise brings both professional expertise and lived insight to this conversation. Louise has worked across diverse sectors ( e.g. mental health, investment banking, coaching and higher education) utilising this experience to challenge societal norms.

Her work focuses on nervous system mastery as an ongoing practice and the need to collectively respect brain capital. She supports individuals and organisations understand how biology shapes behaviour, leadership and culture.In this relaxed setting, we will explore how the nervous system constructs identity, where agency and biology are entwined to allow for you to reshape your story.

Expect science grounded in research, space for reflection, and a thoughtful discussion that may leave you seeing yourself differently.

No prior knowledge required. Just curiosity.

Come for the drink. Leave with new perspective.

Limited seats available. Early booking recommended.

19:00 – 19:30 Arrival & Warm-Up Activity
Guest arrival and a guided warm-up activity (optional) to help you notice your own nervous system patterns before the talk begins

19:30 – 20:15 Talk: The Concept of Self — Who Are You Really?
Louise explores how identity is shaped through biology, experience and culture, and how we can participate in updating those patterns

20:15 – 20:30 Q&A
A chance to ask questions and deepen the conversation

20:30 – 21:00 Optional Networking
Continue the discussion

• How neuroscience understands the construction of the “self”
• Why repeated nervous system states can start to feel like personality
• The role of genetics, attachment and culture in shaping regulation
• How both positive and challenging experiences shape neurophysiology
• What agency really means from a biological perspective
• A simple framework to question automatic reactions and expand flexibility

Mind Circles Talks is a purpose-led start-up committed to creating accessible, community-focused, neuroscience-informed events. To help make this possible, we offer a range of ticket options. We trust your honesty in selecting the ticket tier that best reflects your circumstances.

Your contribution directly supports:

• The costs of running these events
• The speakers, facilitators, and collaborators who make them possible
• The ongoing work of bringing neuroscience insights to our community in meaningful, practical ways

By choosing the ticket tier that fits your means, you help ensure we can continue offering events like this to a wider and more inclusive audience.

Thank you for your support and your integrity, both matter to us deeply.

If you have any questions or accessibility considerations around pricing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Louise's expert talk will be recorded and shared privately with all registered attendees within 4 weeks of the event. The recording is for personal use only and will not be publicly distributed.

Mind Circles Talks is a purpose-led start-up committed to creating accessible, community-focused, neuroscience-informed events. To help make this possible, we offer a range of ticket options. We trust your honesty in selecting the ticket tier that best reflects your circumstances.

Your contribution directly supports:

• The costs of running these events
• The ongoing work of bringing neuroscience insights to our community in meaningful, practical ways

By choosing the ticket tier that fits your means, you help ensure we can continue offering events like this to a wider and more inclusive audience.

Thank you for your support and your integrity, both matter to us deeply.

If you have any questions or accessibility considerations around pricing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The expert talk will be recorded and shared privately with all registered attendees within 4 weeks of the event. The recording is for personal use only and will not be publicly distributed.

This event will take place in central London. Full venue details will be shared with all ticket holders in advance.

Please arrive by 7:15pm at the latest. You’ll need to check in before the main talk begins and to avoid disruption to other attendees, we ask everyone to arrive and be settled on time.

Venue Partner
This event is hosted in collaboration with Big Chill Bar (King’s Cross), a vibrant space known for music, culture, and community.

Guests will be able to purchase drinks and refreshments throughout the evening, so feel free to come early, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere before the session begins.

Unfortunately there will be no tickets available at the door.

Age & ID

As the event is held in a bar venue, you may be asked to show valid ID to purchase alcoholic drinks. Please bring a form of identification if you look under 25.

When you purchase a ticket, you’ll be added to the Mind Circles Talks mailing list to be notified of future events. If you'd prefer not to be included, just drop us an email and we’ll happily remove you.

Info: Guest arrival and informal mingling. A short and optional facilitated practical warm-up exercise to help you notice your own nervous system patterns before the talk begins.

Info: Louise explores how identity is shaped by nervous system patterns — and where agency becomes possible within those patterns.

Info: An opportunity to ask questions and deepen your understanding of the science and its application.

Info: Continue the conversation over drinks.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Big Chill King's Cross, 257-259 Pentonville Road, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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