Town Hall Seattle Science Series

Town Hall Seattle
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Science
  • Updated Semimonthly

The Science series presents cutting-edge research about biology, physics, chemistry, ecology, geology, astronomy, and more. These events appeal to many different levels of expertise, from grade school students to career scientists. With a range of relevant applications, including medicine, the environment, and technology, this series expands our thinking and our possibilities.

  1. May 17

    259. Psychedelic Salon: Psychedelics & Substance Use With Dr. Nathan Sackett and April Pride

    Psychedelic therapy is rapidly gaining traction as a promising approach for addressing substance use disorders—from alcohol and opioids to nicotine and beyond. This session will explore how psychedelic compounds like ibogaine, ketamine, and psilocybin may help interrupt compulsive cycles, uncover root causes of addiction, and support sustained recovery. Featuring Dr. Nathan Sackett of the UW Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry, this conversation will examine how pairing psychedelic compounds with evidence-based behavioral interventions could transform the treatment of addiction. Drawing on his team's cautious, research-driven approach, Dr. Sackett will discuss what's known, what remains to be discovered, and how rigorous clinical study can help bring safe, effective psychedelic-assisted therapies to those who need them most. Nathan Sackett, MD, MS, is an addiction psychiatrist and Founding Director of the UW Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry. He completed medical and nursing school at UCSF, graduate studies at UC Berkeley, and residency and fellowship training in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry at the University of Washington, where he is now a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research explores how psychedelics can enhance psychotherapy and support lasting behavioral change. __ Psychedelic Salon: Cultivating Conscious Connections Join Seattle-based psychedelics educator and podcast host April Pride in a dynamic series co-produced with Town Hall Seattle. Psychedelic Salon explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines through engaging conversations, expert panels, and interactive community discussions. Rooted in scientific evidence, each event highlights unique themes—including grief, seniors, menopause, and more—emphasizing their role in mental health, spiritual growth, and personal optimization. Designed to be inclusive and insightful, this series invites attendees of all backgrounds to discover how psychedelics can foster profound connections, healing, and well-being. About April Pride April Pride is a Seattle-based creative entrepreneur and harm reduction advocate with over two decades of experience building brands at the intersection of lifestyle, cannabis, psychedelics, and women's health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, and The Guardian. April is the founder of SetSet, the world's first clinician-approved woman-focused platform for safe, accessible psychedelic integration. To learn more, follow April on Substack – aprilpride.substack.com Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SetSet.

    1h 13m

  2. May 14

    258. Michael Pollan with Jon Mooallem: A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness

    When it comes to the phenomenon that is consciousness, there is one point on which scientists, philosophers, and artists all agree: it feels like something to be us. Yet the fact that we have a subjective experience of the world remains one of nature's greatest mysteries. How is it that our mental operations are accompanied by feelings, thoughts, and a sense of self? What would a scientific investigation of our inner life look like when we have as little distance and perspective on it as fish do of the sea? In A World Appears, Michael Pollan traces the unmapped continent that is consciousness, bringing radically different perspectives—scientific, philosophical, literary, spiritual, and psychedelic—to see what each can teach us about this central fact of life. When neuroscientists began studying consciousness in the early 1990s, they sought to explain how and why three pounds of spongy gray matter could generate a subjective point of view — assuming that the brain is the source of our perceived reality. Pollan takes us to the cutting edge of the field, where scientists are entertaining more radical (and less materialist) theories of consciousness. He introduces us to "plant neurobiologists" searching for the first flicker of consciousness in plants, scientists striving to engineer feelings into AI, and psychologists and novelists seeking to capture the felt experience of our slippery stream of consciousness. In Pollan's exploration of consciousness, he discovers a world far deeper and stranger than our everyday reality. Eye-opening and mind-expanding, A World Appears takes us into the laboratories of our own minds, ultimately showing us how we might make better use of the gift of awareness to more meaningfully connect with our deepest selves. Michael Pollan is the author of ten books, including This Is Your Mind on Plants, How to Change Your Mind, Cooked, Food Rules, In Defense of Food, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and The Botany of Desire, all of which were New York Times bestsellers. He is also the author of the audiobook Caffeine. A Guggenheim and Radcliffe Fellow, Pollan has taught writing at the University of California, Berkeley, and at Harvard University. In 2010, Time named him one of the one hundred most influential people in the world. Jon Mooallem is the author of three books, Wild Ones, This is Chance! and the essay collection Serious Face. He lives on Bainbridge Island.  Buy the Book A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness Elliott Bay Book Company

    1h 21m

  3. Apr 17

    257. Dr. Nicole McNichols with Dr. Julie Gottman: You Could Be Having Better Sex

    Whether you're married, dating, or flying solo, Dr. Nicole McNichols has some sex advice for you. And you may want to pay attention because McNichols is not only the professor of University of Washington's most sought-after class in its history, she's one of social media's most popular educators on the topic of sex. Pulling from her book, You Could Be Having Better Sex, McNichols shares the latest data that shows good sex is one of the most powerful and effective sources of joy. Good sex, McNichols argues, is a gateway to better health, stronger relationships, and the diverse forms of self-actualization we all crave. And yet, the data suggests that good sex is not happening as often as it could. So how do we start having better sex? As a renowned human sexuality expert, McNichols explains through data how to elevate our sex life through practical tools and relatable case studies. She offers all of it with a gender and orientation inclusive, pleasure-forward perspective. Covering everything from sexual anatomy to orgasm and response, hook-up culture, long-term relationships, ethical non-monogamy, kink, pornography, and consent, McNichols emphasizes a holistic philosophy that eliminates shame and stigma. She aims to normalize open and frank conversations and illustrate how connected sex is a pathway to self-awareness, self-expression, true thriving, and happiness. McNichols wants you to know just how important good sex is, and that she has the advice on how to get it. Dr. Nicole McNichols is an internationally renowned human sexuality professor, author, and speaker whose groundbreaking course, The Diversity of Human Sexuality, is the most popular in the history of the University of Washington, enrolling over 4,000 students annually. Dr. Nicole McNichols received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and completed her master's in psychology at NYU and PhD in social psychology at the University of Washington. She currently lives in the Seattle area with her husband and three children. Dr. Julie Gottman is a highly respected licensed clinical psychologist and educator and the co-founder of the Gottman Institute. She is sought internationally as an expert advisor on marriage, the treatment of trauma and affairs, sexual harassment and rape, domestic violence, same-sex marriage, and gay and lesbian parenting. She is author or co-author of many books, including best-sellers like Fight Right, The Love Prescription, and Eight Dates, as well as The New Marriage Clinic, and The Marriage Clinic Casebook, Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage, The Man's Guide To Women, and And Baby Makes Three. Buy the Book You Could Be Having Better Sex: The Definitive Guide to a Happier, Healthier, and Hotter Sex Life Third Place Books

    1h 36m

  4. Apr 16

    256. Psychedelic Salon: Psychedelics & Seniors: With Scott Wright, Abbie Rosner, Dr. Emily Whinkin, and April Pride

    As life expectancy increases, so does the need for mental, emotional, and spiritual support in later years. This Salon delves into the ways older adults are exploring psychedelics for healing, spiritual deepening, meaning-making, joyful intimacy and making peace with mortality. With insights from geriatric practitioners, researchers, and individuals with lived experience, we'll examine how today's older psychonauts are rewriting the narrative around aging. Scott Paul Wright is a filmmaker and screenwriter based in Paris and New Orleans. His adventures in film followed previous careers as a radio personality, record business executive, and award-winning winemaker. He's written five feature films, and made two documentaries that are now in international distribution. He took his first psychedelic journey at age 68 – resulting in his new documentary – Psychedelics for Seniors, which is now in post-production and scheduled for release in June 2026. Abbie Rosner is a writer and cultural observer exploring how the modern psychedelic renaissance is reshaping our understanding of aging—individually and collectively. Her forthcoming book, Psychedelics and the Counterculture of Aging (Park Street Press, July 2026), examines how baby boomers are once again intersecting with psychedelics, this time with the insight and perspective of a lifetime behind them. Through her Substack ELDEREVOLUTION, Rosner documents the experiences of older adults turning to psychedelics for healing, growth, and spiritual exploration—revealing how later life can become a profound period of renewal and meaning. Rosner's work has been featured in Forbes, Next Avenue, DoubleBlind, and other publications. She regularly speaks on the intersection of psychedelics and aging, and closely follows emerging research and evolving frameworks for legal and spiritual access to psychedelics. Dr. Emily Whinkin (she/they) is a naturopathic physician and integrative mental health specialist blending psychedelic and entheogenic medicine with mental, reproductive, and generative health. Trained at the National University of Natural Medicine and the AIMS Institute in Seattle, she is a board-certified Fellow of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians and holds certifications in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) and Holistic Pelvic Care™. Her work centers on community, belonging, and social justice, weaving somatic therapy and botanical medicine into care for people of all genders across the lifespan. Dr. Whinkin is licensed in Oregon and Washington, provides global consultation, and is dedicated to research, education, and individualized integrative mental health. Learn more at emilywhinkin.com. __ Psychedelic Salon: Cultivating Conscious Connections Join Seattle-based psychedelics educator and podcast host April Pride in a dynamic series co-produced with Town Hall Seattle. Psychedelic Salon explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines through engaging conversations, expert panels, and interactive community discussions. Rooted in scientific evidence, each event highlights unique themes—including grief, seniors, menopause, and more—emphasizing their role in mental health, spiritual growth, and personal optimization. Designed to be inclusive and insightful, this series invites attendees of all backgrounds to discover how psychedelics can foster profound connections, healing, and well-being. About April Pride April Pride is a Seattle-based creative entrepreneur and harm reduction advocate with over two decades of experience building brands at the intersection of lifestyle, cannabis, psychedelics, and women's health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, and The Guardian. April is the founder of SetSet, the world's first clinician-approved woman-focused platform for safe, accessible psychedelic integration. To learn more, follow April on Substack – aprilpride.substack.com   Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SetSet.

    1h 21m

  5. Mar 9

    255. Blaise Agüera y Arcas: What Is Intelligence?

    What intelligence really is, and how AI's emergence is a natural consequence of evolution. It has come as a shock to some AI researchers that a large neural net that predicts next words seems to produce a system with general intelligence. Yet this is consistent with a long-held view among some neuroscientists that the brain evolved precisely to predict the future—the "predictive brain" hypothesis. In What Is Intelligence?, Blaise Agüera y Arcas takes up this idea—that prediction is fundamental not only to intelligence and the brain but to life itself—and explores the wide-ranging implications. These include radical new perspectives on the computational properties of living systems, the evolutionary and social origins of intelligence, the relationship between models and reality, entropy and the nature of time, the meaning of free will, the problem of consciousness, and the ethics of machine intelligence. The book offers a unified picture of intelligence from molecules to organisms, societies, and AI, drawing from a wide array of literature in many fields, including computer science and machine learning, biology, physics, and neuroscience. It also adds recent and novel findings from the author, his research team, and colleagues. Combining technical rigor and deep up-to-the-minute knowledge about AI development, the natural sciences (especially neuroscience), and philosophical literacy, What Is Intelligence? argues—quite against the grain—that certain modern AI systems do indeed have a claim to intelligence, consciousness, and free will.Blaise Agüera y Arcas is a researcher and author focused on artificial intelligence, sociality, evolution, and software development. He is a VP and Fellow at Google, where he is the CTO of Technology & Society and founder of Paradigms of Intelligence (Pi). He is a frequent speaker at TED and has been featured in the Economist and Noēma, and has previously published the books Who Are We Now? and Ubi Sunt. Buy the Book What Is Intelligence?: Lessons from AI About Evolution, Computing, and Minds Elliott Bay Book Company

    1h 15m

  6. Feb 2

    254. Psychedelic Law & Nature: What Can Americans Use Legally? Perry Salzhauer, Daniel Shortt, and April Pride

    Seattle's 2021 ordinance decriminalized entheogens — plants and fungi that contain psychoactive indolamines, tryptamines, or phenethylamines—such as psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, mescaline cacti, and iboga. This Salon weaves together two threads: the little-known plant and fungal allies often left off the psychedelic main stage, and the laws that shape how we can (and cannot) work with them today. Legal experts Perry Salzhauer and Daniel Shortt explore what this ordinance means in practice, including how it shapes access, cultivation, and community use of approved entheogenic plants and fungi. Key to this discussion is analyzing the parameters of what decriminalization allows and, more importantly, does not allow. The Salon will cover the interplay between local, state, and federal law and share insights from Perry and Daniel's work in the field. Attendees will gain practical insight into the evolving legal and cultural landscape of entheogens in Seattle and beyond. Perry Salzhauer is a corporate transactions attorney with extensive experience advising businesses in highly regulated and emerging industries, including cannabis and psychedelics. He co-founded Green Light Law Group, a boutique firm focused on cannabis and psychedelics, and has served as both outside and in-house counsel to corporations, investors, and government agencies. His background encompasses securities, environmental compliance, and corporate governance, providing clients with a strategic advantage in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Daniel Shortt is a regulatory and corporate attorney who advises clients across cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics. His work spans federal agencies, multinational corporations, and entrepreneurial startups, with expertise in transactions, compliance, and regulatory frameworks. A frequent commentator in national outlets like The Washington Post and Bloomberg, Daniel also teaches cannabis law at the University of Washington School of Law. Recognized as a Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer and a Super Lawyers "Rising Star," Daniel bridges legal intricacies with pragmatic business insight in emerging psychedelic markets. __ Psychedelic Salon: Cultivating Conscious Connections Join Seattle-based psychedelics educator and podcast host April Pride in a dynamic series co-produced with Town Hall Seattle. Psychedelic Salon explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines through engaging conversations, expert panels, and interactive community discussions. Rooted in scientific evidence, each event highlights unique themes—including grief, seniors, menopause, and more—emphasizing their role in mental health, spiritual growth, and personal optimization. Designed to be inclusive and insightful, this series invites attendees of all backgrounds to discover how psychedelics can foster profound connections, healing, and well-being. About April Pride April Pride is a Seattle-based creative entrepreneur and harm reduction advocate with over two decades of experience building brands at the intersection of lifestyle, cannabis, psychedelics, and women's health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, and The Guardian. April is the founder of SetSet, the world's first clinician-approved woman-focused platform for safe, accessible psychedelic integration. To learn more, follow April on Substack – aprilpride.substack.com Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SetSet. Events are offered for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Read Town Hall's Program Content Policy.

    1h 11m

  7. Jan 27

    253. Therese Huston with Katy Sewall: Everyday Strategies for a Sharper Mind

    https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/book/9798887702018Your brain has a favorite beverage, a surprising way to add new neurons, and strong opinions about multitasking—and it's not what you think. In this engaging conversation, cognitive scientist Therese Huston and podcast host Katy Sewall unpack the small changes, many of which take 5 minutes or less, that can keep your brain sharp and your body calm. Based on Huston's new book Sharp, they'll explore topics like how to turn a scattered mind into focused energy and why switching doctors, while annoying, might be your secret weapon for your health. This is a night filled with science-backed advice for anyone who wants to think clearly and age wisely. Therese Huston is a cognitive scientist at Seattle University, where she turns good research into great practice. She's the author of four books and her latest is Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science, published with Mayo Clinic Press. She's written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, and Harvard Business Review and although she has taken the stage internationally as a speaker, her favorite audiences are right here in Seattle. Katy Sewall is the host and creator of The Bittersweet Life podcast. She's a writer, podcast consultant, and a Public Radio professional frequently heard on 94.9 KUOW. She's also the former Program Director at Town Hall. Buy the Book Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science Third Place Books

    1 hr

  8. 10/27/2025

    252. Psychedelic Salon: Psilocybin & Menopause: With Dr. Patricia Singh, Kelly McGinty, and April Pride

    Menopause is often portrayed as a period of decline, but what if it could be reframed as an awakening? Join co-authors Dr. Patricia Singh, psychotherapist and psychedelic integration specialist, and Kelly McGinty, nurse practitioner specializing in hormonal and integrative wellness, for a groundbreaking exploration of menopause as a transformative threshold. This session will delve into how psychedelics, especially psilocybin, offer a radical new perspective, easing cognitive rigidity, reducing internal narratives of decline, and fostering emotional and spiritual growth. Attendees will gain fresh insights on navigating midlife with strength, clarity, and empowerment. About Mycelopause: Uncovering the Magic of Menopause with Psilocybin Co-authored by Dr. Trish Singh, PhD, LPCC and Kelly McGinty, CNP, MSN, Mycelopause is not your typical menopause guide. It's a rebellious, witty, and deeply insightful journey into the intersection of psychedelics, perimenopause, and personal transformation. Combining science, storytelling, and satirical humor, we explore how psilocybin and other holistic tools can help reframe menopause from a crisis to a rite of passage. Kelly McGinty is a nurse practitioner accredited by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, with a Master's in Nursing from Gonzaga University. After over a decade as an emergency department NP, Kelly sought holistic approaches to address pandemic-related burnout and mental health crises. Her transformative experiences with psychedelics led her to study psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Kelly integrates Reiki, herbology, and Druidic traditions to help clients—particularly first responders, end-of-life patients, and those with treatment-resistant conditions—achieve holistic wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Patricia Singh, Ph.D., LPCC, is an independently licensed mental health counselor in New Mexico and California with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health. She holds a doctorate in Mind-Body Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Mental Health and is certified in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy through the California Institute of Integral Studies. Dr. Singh integrates Ayurvedic principles, trauma-informed care, and psychedelic preparation and integration into her clinical work, where she focuses on post-traumatic stress, addiction, and family trauma. She is the founder of A New Awakening Counseling, a progressive rehabilitation facility serving individuals reentering society after incarceration. Her current research centers on holistic weight loss strategies for menopausal women. Dr. Singh splits her time between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Oxnard, California. Psychedelic Salon: Cultivating Conscious Connections Join Seattle-based psychedelics educator and podcast host April Pride in a dynamic series co-produced with Town Hall Seattle. Psychedelic Salon explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines through engaging conversations, expert panels, and interactive community discussions. Rooted in scientific evidence, each event highlights unique themes—including grief, seniors, menopause, and more—emphasizing their role in mental health, spiritual growth, and personal optimization. Designed to be inclusive and insightful, this series invites attendees of all backgrounds to discover how psychedelics can foster profound connections, healing, and well-being. About April Pride April Pride is a Seattle-based creative entrepreneur and harm reduction advocate with over two decades of experience building brands at the intersection of lifestyle, cannabis, psychedelics, and women's health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, and The Guardian. April is the founder of SetSet, the world's first clinician-approved woman-focused platform for safe, accessible psychedelic integration. Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SetSet.

    1h 19m
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Science series presents cutting-edge research about biology, physics, chemistry, ecology, geology, astronomy, and more. These events appeal to many different levels of expertise, from grade school students to career scientists. With a range of relevant applications, including medicine, the environment, and technology, this series expands our thinking and our possibilities.

Information

  • Creator
    Town Hall Seattle
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 Town Hall Association. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Town Hall Seattle Science Series

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