What we’re about
## What we’re about
Join our Whatsapp community to meet others and hear about events first. You’ll also get early access to event tickets.
*Important info* - *you'll need to buy a ticket for our events* - you can only get tickets on our ticket tailor page here.
What is Pub Psychology?
Want to learn about psychology, neuroscience or healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? Pub psychology offers meetups focused on learning from specialists in their field, while building supportive connections. Whether you're a professional, a student, exploring psychology and related fields as a new career path or simply have a personal interest in the subject matter — you're welcome here.
Why Join?
We’re not just an event — we’re a growing community that believes in collaboration, learning, and opportunity. Come along for an evening of learning from experts in a 'TED style' talk and in-depth Q and A. You'll also get a chance to take part in themed icebreakers and interactive quiz to help you informally meet others.
Topics We Cover:
🧠 Psychology (of course!)
🧠 Psychiatry
🧠 Neuroscience
💊Healthcare
What to Expect:
✅ Make genuine connections with other like-minded people.
✅ Learn about different psychology, neuroscience and healthcare topics with a new topic explored each month.
✅ Share your knowledge and get help from others
✅ Navigate new career opportunities and gain clarity on the direction you want to head in, support for your studies, collaborate and make new friends.
✅ Enjoy relaxed, informal meetups at a lovely private room in a welcoming pub.
Who’s Hosting?
I’m Adam and I’ll be hosting the events with Hannah. The speakers and topics are different each month. Our venue’s currently at the Star of Kings pub in Kings Cross (a 5 minute walk from the station), in London. You’ll see a separate page for each event so you know what to expect when attending. We offer the events across a number of online platforms.
Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠
Upcoming events
3
Kinks, Communication and Connection: Busting Your Myths About Sexuality
Star of Kings pub, The Star of Kings 126 York Wy, London N1 0AX, London, GBTo note: You'll be able to send questions anonymously to the speaker before this event.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
What you'll learn
How do desire and relationships work? Key concepts and psychological mechanisms
We will explore what research suggests about desire, arousal, and sexual decision-making, and why these don’t always align neatly (e.g., wanting vs doing; arousal vs consent). This includes how context, stress, mood, health, and relationship dynamics shape sexual experience and satisfaction.
What are “kinks”?
You'll get an understanding of what people mean by kinks and sexual preferences, including how common sexual diversity is and how psychologists distinguish fantasies and behaviours. How do you separate evidence-based definitions from common myths and stigma?
Communication: Practical skills grounded in evidence
The talk will cover straightforward, research-informed tools for talking about sex: how to start the conversation, make and receive requests, negotiate boundaries, and handle mismatched desires without shame or coercion. The talk also discusses broader relational communication strategies useful for all interpersonal relationships.
Reimagining sexual and relational health: from “normal vs abnormal” to wellbeing and connection
How does contemporary research challenge simplistic ideas of what’s “normal,” and frame sexual health in a different way? The talk will highlight how sexual self-knowledge can support healthier relationships and better mental wellbeing in intersectional contexts such as disability, relationship structures, and sexual/gender diversity.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events
The Speaker
Dr Ashley Brown
Ashley Brown is a Lecturer in Psychology (Education) in the Department of Psychology at King's College, London at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. She co-leads the LGBTQ+ Mental Health Research Group and teaches across the Psychology BSc and Health Psychology MSc. Dr Brown is a Fellow of Advance HE and centres diversity and evidence-based practice in her teaching.
Her research is focused on sexual functioning and distress in minoritised populations, such as people with long term health conditions (LTCs) and who are transgender and gender diverse. She also works in scale development and psychometric assessment.
Clinically, Dr Brown works as a counsellor at cliniQ, a clinic for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse people that works in partnership with King’s College Hospital.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
Follow us on Instagram
The Agenda
18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers
Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll have more time than ever before to meet others. You'll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. We'll also have an interactive pub psychology quiz in groups using your mobile phone.
19:30-20:20- 'TED style' talk
Learn something new. You'll get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides and ticket holders will get a recording of the talk after the event (subject to agreement from the speaker/capacity in our team).
20:10 - 20:40 - Q and A
Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.
20:40 - 22:00 - Networking mingle
Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect with young professionals is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
The Venue
You'll have exclusive use of the private 'Green Room' (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub - just a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train/tube station. Further details about the pub can be found here.
This pub has a lovely array of craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks. The pub recently updated its menu to include a range of burgers from award-winning 'Filthy Buns'. You'll also be a short stroll from a number of restaurants around Kings Cross.
One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events
FAQs – Pub psychology events
Who attends these events?
This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Many attendees have a professional interest working (or aspiring to work) in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, counselling, wellness and wellbeing, education or related fields. You're also welcome to come along if you have a personal interest in the subject matter. This is an ideal way to expand your social and professional network**.**
Will you sell tickets on the door?
No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day without a ticket as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!
I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?
Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, most talks begin 1 hour after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.
Will I be able to network?
Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've got a personal or professional interest and/or want to meet new people. Based on feedback, we’ve added loads of new opportunities for mingling. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll also have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.
Can I come just for the talk?
Absolutely! If you'd prefer to come along for just the expert 'TED style' talk (skipping the networking/mingling bits) you're more than welcome to arrive later and before the talk begins. Please keep in mind all seats are unreserved.
Are you on social media?
Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite
You can also follow us on Instagram: @Conn8cting
About us
Want to learn about psychology, neuroscience and healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? You're in the right place. Exclusive educational talks and mingling events for young professionals. Conn8cting 'TED style' talks are ideal for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the topics and want to meet likeminded people.
Our talks cover every topic you can think of. From the psychology of laughter, happiness, decision-making and regret to psychosis, narcissism, incels, drugs and psychopaths. You'll learn interesting stuff delivered by experts, in-person.
Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup1 attendeeHow does the internet change your identity & behaviour?
Star of Kings pub, The Star of Kings 126 York Wy, London N1 0AX, London, GB*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1997652/r/meetup
What you'll learn
Understanding the Landscape
Understand the internet as a psychological space and how digital environments shape your identity, emotions and behaviour. Recognise key cyberpsychiatric concepts, including online disinhibition, hyperpersonal communication, the digital minute and the extended self.
Psychological Dimensions
You'll be able to explain how platforms and algorithms influence mental health, including attention, mood, belief formation, and behavioural reinforcement.
Risk Management & Engagement
Identify emerging digital-related mental health risks, including problematic internet use, online radicalisation, parasocial attachment, and AI-related vulnerabilities. Recognise increased online vulnerability in at-risk groups, including young people, autistic individuals and those with severe mental illness.
Intervention
Apply practical, non-judgemental approaches to assessment and intervention, integrating digital behaviour into clinical and safeguarding practice.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1997652/r/meetup
The Speaker
Dr Damon Parsons
Dr Damon Parsons is a forensic psychiatrist at Broadmoor Hospital - England's oldest high-security psychiatric hospital. Dr Parsons serves as a ward doctor and honorary research fellow. He has a longstanding academic and clinical interest in the intersection between mental health and the digital world.
Dr Parsons is the founder of CEAR (Cyberpsychiatry Education Awareness Research), an initiative dedicated to understanding how online environments shape mental illness, identity, and behaviour. His work is informed by both clinical expertise and lived experience.
He has been a vocal advocate for the development of cyber-psychiatry as a distinct sub-field. His research has addressed topics including online radicalisation, incel ideology and the impact of influencers such as Andrew Tate.
Dr Parsons has delivered talks and training sessions for a wide range of national and international bodies, including the American Psychiatric Association, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1997652/r/meetup
Follow us on Instagram
The Agenda
18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers
Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll have more time than ever before to meet others. You'll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields.
19:30-20:20- 'TED style' talk
Learn something new. You'll get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides. Ticket holders will get a recording of the talk after the event (subject to agreement from the speaker/capacity in our team).
20:10 - 20:40 - Q and A
Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.
20:40 - 22:00 - Networking mingle
Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect with young professionals is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network.
The Venue
You'll have exclusive use of the private 'Green Room' (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub - just a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train/tube station. Further details about the pub can be found here.
This pub has a lovely array of craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks. The pub recently updated its menu to include a range of burgers from award-winning 'Filthy Buns'. You'll also be a short stroll from a number of restaurants around Kings Cross.
One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1997652/r/meetup
Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events
FAQs – Pub psychology events
Who attends these events?
This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Many attendees have a professional interest working (or aspiring to work) in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, counselling, wellness and wellbeing, education or related fields. You're also welcome to come along if you have a personal interest in the subject matter. This is an ideal way to expand your social and professional network..
Will you sell tickets on the door?
No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day without a ticket as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!
I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?
Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, most talks begin 1 hour after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.
Will I be able to network?
Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've got a personal or professional interest and/or want to meet new people. Based on feedback, we’ve added loads of new opportunities for mingling. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll also have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.
Can I come just for the talk?
Absolutely! If you'd prefer to come along for just the expert 'TED style' talk (skipping the networking/mingling bits) you're more than welcome to arrive later and before the talk begins. Please keep in mind all seats are unreserved.
Are you on social media?
Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite
You can also follow us on Instagram: @Conn8cting
About us
Want to learn about psychology, neuroscience and healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? You're in the right place. Exclusive educational talks and mingling events for young professionals. Conn8cting 'TED style' talks are ideal for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the topics and want to meet likeminded people.
Our talks cover every topic you can think of. From the psychology of laughter, happiness, decision-making and regret to psychosis, narcissism, incels, drugs and psychopaths. You'll learn interesting stuff delivered by experts, in-person.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1997652/r/meetup
Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠1 attendeeTake a trip into the new world of Psychedelic therapy: The good, bad and unknown
Star of Kings pub, The Star of Kings 126 York Wy, London N1 0AX, London, GB*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup
What you'll learn
What are Psychedelics? Attendees will gain an understanding of what psychedelics are and their classification within pharmacology. This includes differentiating between various types of psychedelics and their unique properties.
What do they do? Suggested psychological and neurobiological mechanisms - We will delve into the scientific mechanisms through which psychedelics affect the brain and body. This includes understanding how these substances interact with neurotransmitter systems, alter brain connectivity, and induce altered states of consciousness. What do we really know at this stage?
The clinical potential - The talk will discuss the latest on psychedelic clinical trials using psychedelics for treating disorders with a focus on depression data. Attendees will learn about the therapeutic protocols, outcomes, and potential for treatments.
Reimagining Mental Health and Disorder Concepts - We will explore how psychedelics have made us re-evaluate traditional views on mental health and disorders. The talk will discuss how psychedelics challenge conventional psychiatric paradigms. Where is this field moving? And what are the key challenges?
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup
Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events
The Speaker
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup
Dr David Erritzoe
Dr. David Erritzoe, MD, PhD, MRCPsych, is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He holds a Clinical Associate Professorship in Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry in Imperial's Division of Psychiatry, Dept of Brain Sciences. David is a highly cited scientist (top 0.1% globally in 2025, Clarivate), and in 2025 received Imperial’s President Award for Excellence in Research, and his team has received several additional awards in recent years.
David and his team have been awarded competitive grant & fellowship funding, hereunder from MRC/UKRI, NIHR and Welcome Trust. David has published 150+ scientific papers, contributed to 7 books and per Dec 2025 has a Scopus h-index of 54 and 19k+ citations.
At Imperial’s Hammersmith Hospital campus, he heads the Centre for Psychedelic Research (CPR), and at St Charles Hospital campus he set up (in 2021) and is Director of the NHS-based CNWL-Imperial Psychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research Clinic, the CIPPRes Clinic. Across these two sites, David - together with his CPR team and colleagues from CNWL - runs experimental neuroscience-focused studies, clinical trials, and clinical service pilots – with a focus on novel interventions in psychiatry.
A central focus of his research is the neuromechanisms and therapeutic effects of MDMA, ketamine and classic psychedelics (i.e. psilocybin, DMT, 5MEO-DMT). Clinical conditions that he and the team are studying with psychedelic therapy include Depression, OCD, Anorexia Nervosa and Chronic Pain, Opioid Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder.
David has together with CNWL and international colleagues launched a ketamine therapy pilot program in the CIPPRes Clinic at St Charles. The model being piloted is inspired by Montreal Model and uses an integrative biomedical-psychedelic approach to use ketamine therapy for (treatment-resistant) depression, and is named “CIM-KeT” ( = CNWL-Imperial-Montreal Ketamine Therapy).
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup
The Agenda
18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers
Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll have more time than ever before to meet others. You'll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields.
19:30-20:20- 'TED style' talk
Learn something new. You'll get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides.
20:10 - 20:40 - Q and A
Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.
20:40 - 22:00 - Networking mingle
Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network.
The Venue
You'll have exclusive use of the private 'Green Room' (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub - just a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train/tube station. Further details about the pub can be found here.
This pub has a lovely array of craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks. The pub recently updated its menu to include a range of burgers from award-winning 'Filthy Buns'. You'll also be a short stroll from a number of restaurants around Kings Cross.
One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup
FAQs – Pub psychology events
Who attends these events?
This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Many attendees have a professional interest working (or aspiring to work) in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, counselling, wellness and wellbeing, education or related fields. You're also welcome to come along if you have a personal interest in the subject matter. This is an ideal way to expand your social and professional network.
Will you sell tickets on the door?
No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day without a ticket as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!
I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?
Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, most talks begin 30-45 minutes after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.
Will I be able to network?
Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've got a personal or professional interest and/or want to meet new people. Based on feedback, we’ve added loads of new opportunities for mingling. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll also have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.
Can I come just for the talk?
Absolutely! If you'd prefer to come along for just the expert 'TED style' talk (skipping the networking/mingling bits) you're more than welcome to arrive later and before the talk begins. Please keep in mind all seats are unreserved.
Are you on social media?
Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite
You can also follow us on Instagram: @Conn8cting
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup
About us
Want to learn about psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience and healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? You're in the right place. Exclusive educational talks and mingling events for professionals. Conn8cting 'TED style' talks are ideal for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the topics and want to meet likeminded people.
Our talks cover every topic you can think of. From the psychology of laughter, happiness, decision-making and regret to psychosis, narcissism, incels, drugs and psychopaths. You'll learn interesting stuff delivered by experts, in-person.
Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1994743/r/meetup2 attendees
Past events
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