Neurotechnology

Welcome to the PyData Berlin January meetup! We would like to welcome you all starting from 18:30. There will be food and drinks. The talks begin around 19.15 and the doors will close at 18:45. **Make sure to arrive on time!** Please provide your first and last name for the registration because this is required for the venue's entry policy. If you cannot attend, please cancel your spot so others are able to join as the space is limited. **Host**: **Spiced Academy** is excited to welcome you to this month's version of PyData. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* The Lineup for the evening **Talk 1: From Grape Stomping to Gorilla Trekking: AI-Driven Discovery of Novel Interests at GetYourGuide** **Abstract**: UX research shows that discovering new, unexpected and unique things to do in a destination is among the most important needs for travelers. However, surfacing these “hidden gems” at scale is a major challenge for any dynamic marketplace. At GetYourGuide, we tackled this by combining large language models, semantic vector embeddings, and a robust human-in-the-loop process to automatically identify and categorize novel customer interests. Join me as I dive into how we created this AI-driven solution and how we achieved scalable, granular and relevant categorization of our activities. **Description:** How do you help a traveler find something they never knew they wanted? In this talk, I will explore the exciting journey of developing an AI-driven solution to identify novel customer interests at GetYourGuide. With thousands of new activities onboarded weekly, manual categorization became impractical, prompting the need for automation. This talk will walk you through our end-to-end solution: * The problem: the challenges travelers face in discovering relevant and unique experiences, the organizational complexity of this on our platform and its business impact * The AI journey: From raw LLM-based extraction to vector embeddings, clustering, all the way to a robust human-in-the-loop pipeline. I’ll share how we iterated from noisy prototypes to an impactful system, launching 300+ new interests and driving significant engagement and net revenue uplifts * What we learned: The realities of working with LLMs in production-like settings, more specifically hallucinations and issues with relevance, granularity and semantic deduplication. We found out that the line between useful innovation and unwanted noise can be surprisingly fine when using LLM’s. I’ll share practical examples of these challenges and how we addressed them. * Impact and future directions: How we achieved a 10x increase in manual acceptance of AI-suggested interests in just two iterations, and what’s next for AI-driven discovery at GetYourGuide **Bio**: **Morena Bastiaansen** holds a master’s degree in Econometrics from the University of Amsterdam and currently works as a Data Scientist at GetYourGuide in Berlin. She combines her passions for machine learning, language, and travel to build impactful systems for travelers worldwide, with a current focus on personalization in email marketing. Morena is also actively involved in the local tech and ML community. **Talk 2: Deep dive into data streaming security** **Abstract**: Data streaming is powering everything from fraud detection and real-time analytics to patient monitoring and order fulfillment. But as the role of streaming grows, so does the risk - because many streaming platforms, like Apache Kafka, aren't secure by default. In this talk, we’ll take a practical look at data streaming security through the lens of Kafka, one of the most widely adopted streaming platforms in the world. We'll walk through what can go wrong - real examples of exposing 14M patient-doctor messages, or years of real-time delivery info to the internet - and what it takes to do it right. We'll cover the key pillars of securing a streaming system: encryption in transit and at rest, access control, monitoring, and key management. Along the way, we’ll look at the trade-offs like disk encryption vs. end-to-end encryption, what is behind field-level and envelope encryption, and the realities of using customer-managed keys in regulated industries. We'll also explore how streaming security has evolved, how real vulnerabilities (like CVE-2019-12399) highlight the need for patching and monitoring, and what successful multi-layered security looks like in production - from financial institutions to healthcare platforms. If you're building, running, or scaling streaming systems, this talk will help you see the security blind spots and give you concrete steps to protect the data flowing through your pipelines. **Bio**: Olena Kutsenko is a Staff Developer Advocate at Confluent and a recognized expert in data streaming and analytics. With two decades of experience in software engineering, she has built mission-critical applications, led high-performing teams, and driven large-scale technology adoption at industry leaders like Nokia, HERE Technologies, AWS, and Aiven. A passionate advocate for real-time data processing and AI-driven applications, Olena empowers developers and organizations to use the power of streaming data. She is an AWS Community Builder, a dedicated mentor, and a volunteer instructor at a nonprofit tech school, helping to shape the next generation of engineers. As an international speaker and thought leader, Olena regularly presents at top global conferences, sharing deep technical insights and hands-on expertise. Whether through her talks, workshops, or content, she is committed to making complex technologies accessible and inspiring innovation in the developer community. **Lightning talks** There will be slots for 2-3 Lightning Talks (3-5 Minutes for each) between the two main talks. Kindly let us know if you would like to present something :) \*\*\* NumFOCUS **Code of Conduct** THE SHORT VERSION Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for NumFOCUS. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate. NumFOCUS is dedicated to providing a harassment-free community for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form. Thank you for helping make this a welcoming, friendly community for all. If you haven't yet, please read the detailed version here: https://numfocus.org/code-of-conduct \*\*\*

Hola chicos, Moin zusammen, lasst uns Deutsch und Spanisch sprechen und ein paar Bier zusammen trinken, die Idee ist einfach und gut :) Bitte bringt zumindest basis Deutsch oder Spanisch Kenntnisse mit! Vamos a hablar español y alemán y tomar unas cervezas, la idea es simple y buena jaja. ¡Por favor, ven por lo menos con un nivel básico de español o alemán! Danke, gracias!

Complete your event RSVP here: [https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-berlin-presents-gathering-at-google-berlin/](https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-berlin-presents-gathering-at-google-berlin/) 🔖 We’re all about keeping things friendly and welcoming. Please take a moment to check out our Code of Conduct to help us make this event great for everyone. 👀 Have any ideas for future events or questions about sponsorships? Feel free to reach out! We really appreciate your feedback and are eager to build a strong and fun community together. *** **Agenda:** 6:00 PM ▶️ Arrival, Food & Networking 6:30 PM 📜 Opening Remarks 7:00 PM ⏯️ Patrick Löber: Building Agentic Applications with Gemini 3 7:40 PM ⏸️ Stretch and refresh 8:20 PM ⏯️ Steffen Hoellinger Pattern Recognition and Anomaly Detection for event-driven AI Agents with Apache Flink and Kafka 9:00 PM 🎤 Open Mic Session & Networking 9:30 PM ⏹️ Doors close ***

-DROP IN - *(English below)* **Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance Unterricht** Klassen (fast) jeden Mittwoch Abend 18\.15 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Starter 19\.30 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Improver oder/or SOLO JAZZ\! Bitte für weitere Informationen & Kosten hier schauen: [SWING PATROL ROLLBERG _ SCHILLERKIEZ - NEUKÖLLN](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-rollberg.html) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- classes (almost) every Wednesday evening 18\.15 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Starter 19\.30 Uhr Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance \- Improver All information & costs here: [SWING PATROL ROLLBERG _ SCHILLERKIEZ - NEUKÖLLN](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-rollberg.html)

**Space is limited! RSVP on the [343 Labs Website](https://343labs.de/events/ableton-user-group-berlin-3/) to reserve your spot!** This month we will host an intimate **Track Feedback Session** where producers of all levels come together to share new tracks and works-in-progress. Peers and experienced mentors will offer each participant constructive feedback aimed at helping you improve your track; from songwriting to arrangement to sound design to mixing. Register now on the 343 Labs website and **bring your track on the day of the event** (mp3 file, email link, private Soundcloud). This monthly meetup is open to producers, songwriters, DJs, and musicians of all types and proficiency levels who use Ableton and are looking to exchange ideas, network, meet like-minded producers, and learn new tips and tricks from our presenters and fellow participants.

Es wird sommerlich in unserer Winterrunde! Die milden Temperaturen erlauben uns einen Ausflug an den Strand! Aber keine Angst. Natürlich haben wir eine warme Hütte zur Verfügung und ein gemütliches Feuer lässt den Abend in einer entspannten Atmosphäre ausklingen. Wir treffen uns im Beach Mitte. Dieses Mal, in der Winterzeit, die wir gut kennen, sind unsere Plätze in der Kahuna Winterlounge reserviert. Wenn Ihr links in den Hauptbereich geht, ist es ggü., wo wir auch im Sommer gelegentlich untergebracht waren. Fragt an der Bar nach, wenn ihr unsicher seid. Es geht 19 Uhr los. Zu einem Treffen kommen ca. 25+ Leute und wir sind den ganzen Abend vor Ort, bis mind. 23 Uhr. Wie kommt ihr hin? S-Bahn: S1/2/25/26 - Nordbahnhof Tram: M8/M10/12 - Nordbahnhof U-Bahn: U6 - Naturkundemuseum

An engaging, high-energy evening focused on audience engagement, effective feedback, and leadership through communication — right in the heart of Berlin. **Mercury Toastmasters Berlin** invites you to a special workshop meeting at our home at Das Center, Potsdamer Platz, in the stunning Imperial Historic Breakfast Hall. This evening brings together two practical workshops designed to help you connect more powerfully with your audience and give feedback that truly supports growth. Expect a welcoming, international atmosphere where ideas are tested, skills are sharpened, and confidence grows through practice and reflection. **Workshops** **The Art of Audience Engagement** This workshop examines how great speakers consistently capture and sustain attention. Based on the study of high-impact speakers and personal speaking experience, it reveals practical engagement techniques Toastmasters can use right away to make speeches more dynamic, memorable, and audience-centered. **Effective Evaluation – From Feedback to Leadership** This workshop explores how evaluations influence confidence, motivation, and growth. Drawing on best practices and real club experience, it introduces practical approaches evaluators can apply immediately to make feedback clearer, more supportive, and development-oriented — turning evaluation into a meaningful leadership moment. **🕢 Time:** Doors open at 7:15 PM Meeting starts promptly at 7:30 PM **[What you’ll gain 🎤](https://luma.com/n22m5azb)** • Practical techniques to capture and hold audience attention • Clear frameworks for giving focused, motivating feedback • Insight into how evaluation becomes a leadership skill • A supportive, international group of 25–30 participants *** **🤙 [Hear it from our members:](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRtvR9DRNqU9WZQn7)** *“You can sharpen your public speaking skills and gain tons of confidence, while having fun and making new friends. Mercury is well-structured, fun, and affordable.”* — *Therese Pitt* *“Mercury gave me a safe place to speak, create, and grow. I love the multicultural vibe and supportive community. It’s the best place to learn and have fun.”* — *Krisztina Linka* *** **[Did You Know?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Toastmasters is where people go to get better at speaking—and grow into confident communicators and leaders. Today [Toastmasters ](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)has 350,000+ members across 16,000 clubs in 143 countries. And [Mercury ](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)is one of the best places to experience it. So bring your curiosity, your energy—and just be yourself. Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, there’s a place for you here. *** **[See you Wednesday night!](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)**[ 🎉](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)

Wie therapeutisch fundierte KI Führungskräfte dabei unterstützt, schwierige Gespräche wirksam, menschlich und verantwortungsvoll zu führen. 🗓 Date: Tue, 22th January ⏰ Time: 18:00–19:30 (CET) 📍 Location: LinkedIn Live 🎟 Free registration Künstliche Intelligenz hält zunehmend Einzug in Führungskräfteentwicklung, Coaching und Kommunikationstrainings. Doch mit der wachsenden Wirkung steigt auch die Verantwortung. **In diesem Webinar diskutieren wir:** Wie KI sinnvoll zur Vorbereitung und Reflexion von Führungsgesprächen eingesetzt werden kann Wo die Grenzen von Automatisierung liegen. Und warum menschliche Verantwortung zentral bleibt Warum reines Wissen nicht ausreicht, sondern emotionales Erleben entscheidend für nachhaltige Verhaltensänderung ist AI Bonding wurde von einem Therapeuten entwickelt, um Führungskräften einen sicheren Raum zu bieten, schwierige Gespräche realistisch zu trainieren . Mit klaren Zielen, emotionaler Dynamik und messbarer Entwicklung. Dieses Webinar richtet sich an: \- HR\-Leiter:innen & People Development \- Coaches & Leadership\-Trainer:innen \- Geschäftsführer:innen & Führungskräfte \- Organisationsentwickler:innen **Agenda** 18:00 – 18:10 Einordnung: Warum KI in Führung nicht neutral ist 18:10 – 18:25 Live-Einblick: Wie KI-basiertes Rollenspiel emotionale Lernprozesse ermöglicht 18:25 – 18:40 Qualität & Verantwortung: -> Datensicherheit -> Rollenklärung (Mensch vs. KI) -> Wirkung statt Simulation 18:40 – 19:00 Diskussion & Q&A **Unsere Speaker:innen** Martin Hesterberg, Therapeut & CEO, AI Bonding

🍕 **Data & AI Lunch Meetup – Pizza & Exciting Conversations** 🍕 The very first **DVC Data & AI Lunch Meetup Berlin** is coming up! We’ll gather for a **shared lunch** and discuss everything around **Data & AI**. **When:** January 22, 2026, 12:30 PM **Where:** Monte Mente, Das Center am Potsdamer Platz **Cost:** Self-pay **Topic:** Exchange on Data & AI Join us for a great time of pizza and discussion on the latest developments in the **data world**! Looking forward to an exciting exchange with you! 🍕🤝 [#Data](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Data) [#AI](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#AI) [#Meetup](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Meetup) [#Networking](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Networking) [#Innovation](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Innovation) [#DataStrategy](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#DataStrategy)

**Join us for a swim at Stadtbad Tiergarten Pool (near Hauptbahnhof)!** Hey everyone, We are doing a casual non-professional swim. It's an indoor heated (+26°C) pool, and I'd love for you to join us! We'll be gathering for a casual chill 30-minute swim. No need to race or compete, just enjoy the water and calm after completing the swim. Afterwards we go to a nearby café for coffees and chat, but no pressure to stick around - totally optional! **Bring** * swimsuit * towel * 1 Euro coin (for a locker) * ticket (5.50€, buy online or on site) **Where** In the entrance hall inside the pool.

Build and Strengthen Your Football Foundation in a Beginner-Friendly Environment. Looking to feel more comfortable and confident on a pitch? Join us for professional training sessions crafted specifically for beginner/amateurs and those eager to strengthen their foundational football skills. Our sessions focus on helping you grasp the basics and build a solid foundation lead by UEFA Licensed Coach Fernando Rebora - https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/fernando-rebora/profil/trainer/122442 **Beginner-Friendly Coaching:** • Led by UEFA Licensed Coach Fernando Rebora, our sessions focus on helping you grasp the basics and build a solid foundation. **First Session is FREE:** • Experience our supportive and friendly environment with no commitment. **Affordable Monthly Fee:** • Continue your development for just **80 EUR** per month after your free session. Training Details: We are a beginner/amateur football lovers who train with a coach to improve our technique and practice game knowledge. • When: Every Friday at 5 PM • Duration: 1.5-hour sessions focusing on fundamental skills and confidence-building • Where: Meet us on Platz #1 What You’ll Gain **Essential Skills:** Learn and master the fundamentals to help you play confidently. **Boosted Confidence:** Feel at ease joining any pickup game knowing you have the skills to enjoy the game. **Supportive Community:** Train with like-minded individuals in a welcoming atmosphere. Take the First Step Towards Confident Play! Don’t let inexperience keep you off the field. This is your chance to develop your abilities in a nurturing setting and start enjoying football like never before. **👉 Sign Up Today and Kickstart Your Football Journey with Confidence!**

Hi everyone, join us on Sunday, January 25th, at Castle Mitte for a fun afternoon to connect and discuss MBTI personality, psychology and other interesting topics. Looking forward to seeing you there! Take a test to learn your type: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test https://sakinorva.net/functions Some basic info on functions and type: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-2795583 https://www.truity.com/blog/beginners-guide-understanding-mbti-cognitive-functions Our group aims to bring together people who are interested in self-development and self-improvement using MBTI and cognitive functions, in order to learn more about the theory and share our experiences with it. Another reason for this meetup is to meet people with whom you might potentially get along really well based on your type. This can lead to meaningful connections :)
Although the meetup is geared towards people who are interested in learning about MBTI theory and using it to improve their lives, our conversations aren’t only about that! We talk about anything and everything. So it's more like a regular social meetup with the aim of avoiding small talk :) 
You can also join our WhatsApp group chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KzEwl2YD5K9F6adO7kvqPO

* Find us on IG: [@neurocrafting.berlin](https://www.instagram.com/neurocrafting.berlin/) **Welcome to the Knitting Club!** °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° Want to work on that project you have been ignoring for weeks, months... even years?? This is your event. We will give each other support while having some tea and biscuits. If you also would like to learn how to knit or crochet, yarn, knitting needles/crochet hooks, and instructions will be provided. **There is a donation of a minimum of 3-4 euros to cover the materials and organization.** In case you wish to pay via paypal: [[neurocrafting.berlin@gmail.com](mailto:neurocrafting.berlin@gmail.com)]

Join us for a C++ meetup, proudly organized by think-cell, on **Wednesday, January 21, 2026**. The event is for C++ engineers eager to learn about "Lightweight: fast yet type safe database access". Connect with fellow engineers and industry experts over pizza and beer in the new year. **Agenda** 18:30 Doors open, snacks & drinks 19:00 Welcome speech by think-cell 19:05 Talks + Q/A 20:15 Pizza and beer, networking 21:30 Farewell **Venue** The meetup will be held at a new location this year. Say hello to [42 Berlin](https://42berlin.de/de/), a vibrant and welcoming space perfect for our gathering. We would like to extend our gratitude to42 Berlin for their generous cooperation in hosting this event. Address: Harzer Str. 42, 12059 Berlin Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/tRUZuNqXvCoySysA6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/tRUZuNqXvCoySysA6) **Talk** This talk introduces Lightweight, a new C++ SQL library that aims to provide a user-friendly API while maintaining high performance and type safety. We'll discuss the design philosophy behind Lightweight and the challenges we overcame to create a solution that hides most boilerplate and low-level processes. The presentation will cover the library's iterative development, highlight practical usage examples, and offer an outlook on what's to come, including plans for C++26. **Speaker** **Yaraslau Tamashevich** is a Software Developer at **LASTRADA**, a leading software provider for the construction materials industry. He writes modern C++ code during the day and maintains multiple open-source projects, including a Contour terminal emulator that he attempts not to leave. Before relocation to Berlin, he wrote computational code in Julia to solve nonlinear light–matter interaction problems. He also worked on algorithms for electromagnetic compatibility solutions using C++. **Lightning Talk** *Slint a Modern UI Framework with First-Class C++ Support* by **Olivier Goffart**, **Co-founder at SixtyFPS**. Slint is a modern UI framework for building native applications, with a focus on performance and developer experience. This talk introduces Slint and shows how it can be used through a clean and idiomatic C++ API. We'll also look behind the scenes at how Slint C++ wrapper is made around the Rust implementation, how C++ and Rust interoperate, and how CMake integration is handled so that using Slint from C++ feels natural. **Registration** Seats are limited, so register to secure your spot. We look forward to an evening of technical deep dives and networking with fellow C++ engineers!

Gamers only interested in ai ar war strategy only

HYBRID EVENT, VIRTUAL SPEAKER In this talk, Sean Hoar will explore the transformative journey of AI’s role in modern software engineering, from rapid prototyping (“Vibe Coding”) to strategic AI integration by skilled practitioners. It clarifies the distinctions between AI-assisted, AI-enabled, and practitioner-led approaches, offering insights into how developers can effectively adapt to and harness AI tools. The presentation also highlights recent advancements and practical strategies for leveraging AI in daily workflows and long-term development.

Hello everyone! Who doesn't love Pizza! We'll be meeting at Andy's Pizza in Tyson's Galleria and doing some old-fashioned networking, beer-drinking, and pizza-eating. I guarantee a fun time, or else your pizza is free :) **Location:** Andy's Pizza, Tyson's Galleria, 2001 International Dr, McLean, VA 22102 **Overview:** Join us at AI Innovators Network for our upcoming meetup in Tysons dedicated to exploring the latest trends in Artificial Intelligence. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a professional, or someone curious about the intersection of technology and AI, this event is perfect for networking, learning, and sharing insights. Connect with like-minded individuals from DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland as we dive deep into the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation driving innovation and progress in Artificial Intelligence.

**Cabell Harris** is always thinking, It’s what he does... Ad Man. Designer. Professor. Entrepreneur. Futurist. Cabell’s career began in Richmond, Virginia. Fortunately, he was in the right place at the right time. Richmond was getting national attention as being one of the few creative hot spots outside New York. He continued building his reputation and portfolio by working for many distinguished companies in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, Cabell founded WORK Inc. as an agency for agencies. He returned to his roots and relocated the agency to Richmond in 1995. Few individuals have worked for more agencies or brands than Cabell. Along with managing WORK, creating ad campaigns, corporate identities, packaging products, publishing books, building apps, and taking his own brands and products to market, Cabell was a professor for over 10 years at the VCU BrandCenter. Today, WORK has evolved into a brand consultancy working directly with clients who need innovative thinking. Cabell has been recognized, multiple times, in every major industry award show including Cannes, the Clios, the One Show, New York Addys, Art Directors Club, Graphis, Athena, Andy’s, British Design & Art Direction, Effie’s, Communication Arts, and over 10 Best of Shows for the local Richmond Addy’s. Various publications have also declared him one of the top creatives in the country. March of 2020 Cabell was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame. **WORK Labs** is a creative branding agency located in Richmond, Virginia. Whether we’re creating an advertising campaign that will break through the clutter or bringing our own products to market, we know we are ultimately in the idea business. We publish books. We brew our own beer. We’re designers, writers, strategists, professors and students. And we’re all brought together by one common belief: nothing is more compelling than a smart idea, executed well. **Thnk Collecive** is a lifestyle brand and retail store with curated, unique and consciously sourced products for home, gifts, and self-care: * Home & Living * Wellness & Self Care * Apparel & Accessories * Family & Fun Thnk Collective is located at 4913 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, January 23, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

**Join globally respected cardiologist , Dr. Mohit Gupta, as we explore how our thoughts impact our physical health and overall well-being.** Our thoughts are far more powerful than we often realize. A single thought has the capacity to influence our emotions, shape our health, strengthen or strain our relationships, and quietly guide the course of our lives. The Power of One Thought is an insightful session that explores how conscious and intentional thinking impacts the brain, heart, and overall well-being. Through a thoughtful blend of scientific evidence and meditative practice, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how thought patterns influence stress, emotional resilience, mental clarity, and long-term health. In this session, Dr. Mohit Gupta seamlessly integrates modern neuroscience and cardiology with the wisdom of Raj Yoga meditation, offering practical insights into emotional regulation, cardiovascular health, and the slowing of biological aging. He uses his own life stories of Belief and Resilience. The experience is designed to be reflective, engaging, and immediately applicable to both personal and professional life. This session is ideal for individuals seeking inner clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper understanding of how one consciously chosen thought can create lasting transformation. **About Dr. Mohit Gupta** *Dr. Mohit Dayal Gupta, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP, is a globally respected interventional cardiologist and Director–Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, and serves as Cardiologist to the Parliament of India. A four-time TEDx speaker, he has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is a Fellow of leading international cardiology institutions.* *A distinguished clinician–scientist, Dr. Gupta’s current research focuses on the effects of Raj Yoga meditation on biological aging and cardiovascular resilience. Associated with the Brahma Kumaris since childhood, he is widely known for his rare ability to bridge cardiology, neuroscience, meditation, and spirituality, offering a compelling perspective on holistic health and conscious leadership.* Fri., Jan. 30th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2ndFloor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/wt8yd](https://shorturl.at/wt8yd)

You've read the books. You've learned to tap into your intuition. You've developed card meanings for yourself. Now what? This month, we'll look at how the cards relate to each other, how meanings emerge from patterns, and move beyond the one card at a time interpretations. Remember to bring a Tarot deck and something to write with. If you want a chance to put into practice what you learned in this class, you can sign up for the Tarot Practicum, which follows immediately after. ($5 discount on this class, if you take both, making a $10 total discount. Remember to register for both classes individually.)

(2024) by Christof Koch, 288 pages [Psychology] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=613100 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "A wonderful book."―Sam Harris, Making Sense with Sam Harris “a fun introduction to a number of debates… Mr. Koch’s book provokes questions… and counterarguments, but that’s what gives it life.” ―The Wall Street Journal “Easily the most current, thorough, and helpful exploration of consciousness available. Koch’s light, simple, yet authoritative writing style will appeal to general audiences as well as scientists and researchers. An essential, highly recommended purchase.”―Library Journal “magisterial… charming, sometimes beautiful, and almost always illuminating” ―Science Magazine “an impressive and sometimes exuberant work, showcasing decades of [Koch’s] research”―New Scientist “Koch’s adept use of analogies and entertaining anecdotes — complete with his own near-death experience and psychedelic drug trips — make the book a compelling and surprisingly light read.” ―Science News “undeniably compelling… a smoothly written must-read for anyone interested in a detailed introduction to the relationship between the brain, consciousness, and transformative experiences” ―Ars Technica “Expertly weaving in personal experience with science that few, if any, can speak more authoritatively about, Koch leads us on an amazing journey of consciousness—from birth to death. Deeply personal and infinitely digestible, Then I Am Myself the World is a remarkable must read for anyone interested in knowing their mind.”―Judson Brewer MD, PhD, New York Times–bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety “Koch’s latest book brilliantly navigates the intricate landscape of our mind and our brain, offering insightful perspectives on the nature of conscious experiences, both ordinary as well as extraordinary ones.”―Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google’s quantum AI lab “Then I Am Myself the World is the new record of note for the scientific understanding of consciousness. This is an elegant tableau, a travelogue of subjective experience grounded in the latest neuroscience and philosophy traversing religion, science, and a life dedicated to the biggest questions. Filled with crystalline prose, lucid explanation, and revelatory honesty, this book will continue to be read centuries from now.”―Patrick House, author of Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness “What would happen if a hardcore neuroscientist, with encyclopedic knowledge and four decades of experience in his field, were personally confronted with transformative mystical experiences carrying inevitable metaphysical implications? What would happen if the neuroscientist in question were open-minded, humble, but remained rigorously grounded in reason, evidence, and his hard-earned understanding of how consciousness relates to brain structures and function? What would he, the most preeminent professional of his generation, make of his extraordinary experiences? And what if, in addition, the neuroscientist was a modern renaissance man versed in physics, philosophy, the arts, the classics, and could pluck irresistibly evocative metaphors from the Western literary and artistic canon as if leisurely picking apples in early fall? This is what you will find in this treasured book, a whirlwind ride of insight after insight—so many they can’t possibly be all documented in footnotes—that will surprise and delight you from the get-go. ‘Primacy goes to consciousness, not to the objective world,’ he boldly states already on page two, in a prelude of things to come. ‘Everything else follows from there, including the realist assumption of the existence of objects, out ‘there,’ independent of my experiencing them.’ The book embodies the ever-evolving wisdom of a man whose intellectual prowess is only matched by his intellectual honesty. And this man, in the seventh decade of his scintillatingly productive life, has a lifetime of learning to share with you.”―Bernardo Kastrup, executive director, Essentia Foundation “Koch’s first book was entitled The Quest for Consciousness. And such has been Koch’s life, an adventurer’s pursuit of a distant goal, undeterred by the prevailing winds. The reader will learn where this quest has led and, like the author, will be enriched by it. Koch, one of the most accomplished scientists of our time, a mind singularly open to learning and changing, here opens his soul, revealing his vast, scintillating appreciation of nature in all its forms. It is a touching, profound book. Which is as it should be, since consciousness touches everything and is everything we touch.”―Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin-Madison ### About the Author Christof Koch is a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute and at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, the former president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and a former professor at the California Institute of Technology. Author of four previous titles, Koch writes regularly for a range of media, including Scientific American. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.