Events
Events
40 minute talks by experts and storytellers.
From News to Noise: How Broadcast Media Became Entertainment
Wednesday 4 February 2026
19:30 - 21:15
Mara, Edinburgh
Speaker: James Matthewson, Writer & Broadcaster.
The world of news media is changing. Impartial reporting is giving way to an increasingly polarised world of political commentary where opinions rule and bias is blatant. In this talk, political adviser turned broadcaster and writer, James Matthewson, leads us through this transformation and explores what could be next in this new dawn of ‘political entertainment’.
Expect to hear inside stories and anecdotes about political debates as we seek to come away with a deeper understanding of how the press differs from broadcast and how politicians are using this new media landscape to communicate their messages to you.
You Are Not Awkward: How to Stop Social Anxiety
Tuesday 10 February 2026
19:30 - 21:15
Inn Deep, Glasgow
Speaker: Fraser Smith, Counselling Psychologist and Founder of MAPP psychology
Social anxiety doesn’t appear out of nowhere; it’s shaped by early experiences, learned patterns, and the ways we protect ourselves when situations feel overwhelming. In this session, Fraser, psychologist and founder of MAP Psychology, breaks down how social anxiety forms, why it intensifies over time, and the subtle mechanisms that keep people stuck. The talk moves beyond theory, offering grounded and genuinely workable strategies that help people loosen the grip of fear, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with others in a more authentic way. It’s a practical, compassionate exploration of what meaningful improvement in social anxiety actually looks like..
Simulating The Cosmos : Why The Universe Looks The Way It Does
Wednesday 18 February 2026
19:30 - 21:15
Mara, Edinburgh
Speaker: Romeel Davé, Professor and Chair of Physics at the University of Edinburgh
The quest for understanding our cosmic origins is as old as humanity. Today, astrophysicists are answering that question using the world's most powerful supercomputers. This talk will introduce the audience to the emerging field of cosmological simulations, which aim to recreate the Universe we see with our latest telescopes inside a computer. Doing so opens up new ways to explore the Universe, which have revolutionised how we think galaxies like our own Milky Way came to be. In this talk Romeel will cover the motivation, ingredients, and methodologies of cosmological simulations, and what it tells us about our cosmic origins.
Inside a Dog’s Mind: Understanding The Science Behind Your Best Friend’s Behaviour
Tuesday 24 February 2026
19:30 - 21:15
WEST On The Green, Glasgow
Speaker: Elaine Henley P.G.Dip CABC, Clinical Animal Behaviourist.
Dogs don’t just act on instinct — their behaviour is shaped by evolution, learning, emotions, and their relationship with us. This engaging talk explores what science tells us about how dogs think, feel, communicate, and make decisions. We’ll look at everything from tail wagging and barking to problem-solving, attachment, and anxiety. You’ll discover why dogs behave the way they do in everyday situations and how small changes in our own behaviour can transform theirs. Whether you’re a lifelong dog owner or simply curious, this talk will help you see dogs not just as pets, but as individuals with minds of their own.
Manchester Events Announcing Mid February
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Manchester Events Announcing Mid February **
FAQS
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Moving Minds currently runs fortnightly events in Glasgow, monthly in Edinburgh, and expanding to Dundee, Manchester, and London in the new year. Each talk is hosted in one of our partner pubs known for great atmosphere and conversation.
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Moving Minds brings together ideas from science, psychology, history and everyday culture to help people see the world with fresh eyes. Each talk is built around questions that spark curiosity. The aim is to create AHA moments of insight that stay with you long after the night ends.
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Tickets for each month’s events go on sale at the end of the previous month. Subscribers to our mailing list get first access (be sure to check your junk folder), followed by announcements on our social media channels.
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When a talk has reached capacity, we start a waitlist so if any tickets are refunded, we can offer them to interested people straight away. Once you’ve been invited to buy a ticket, you have 24hrs to complete the sale before it goes to the next person on the list. This means it’s always worth checking your junk mail folder. If you’d like to buy 2+ tickets, please sign up to the waitlist for each individual ticket.
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Doors open at 7:30pm, with seating on a first come, first served basis. At 7:45pm, there’s a short reminder for guests to grab a final drink and confirm filming consent. Introductions begin at 7:55pm, followed by the talk at 8pm and an audience Q&A at around 8:45pm. You’re welcome to stay around and discuss the topics with your fellow guests once we wrap up at around 9:15pm
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Absolutely. We love hearing from our community. If there is a subject or speaker you would like to see at a future event, you can submit your ideas through our website. Our next viral talk might just come from your suggestion.
Previous Events
Want To Tell Your Story?
Looking at these events and thinking people would benefit from your expertise or story? Submit your contacts, profession and what your talk would be about and we’ll be in contact.