#United States #Santa Monica #Unlikely Collaborators #Spark Salon #Lisa Feldman Barrett

Unlikely Collaborators Present a Unique Spark Salon Event

Unlikely Collaborators is set to host an intriguing Spark Salon featuring Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a prominent neuroscientist and psychologist known for her groundbreaking research. Scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. PT, the event will take place at their Santa Monica headquarters and will also be available via livestream.

The evening, titled "Are You a Spectator to Reality? Or Are You Its Creator?", invites attendees to reexamine long-standing beliefs about perception, emotion, and the nature of reality itself. Dr. Barrett's extensive research indicates that our understanding of the world is not based on a static, objective reality but is rather shaped by our brains, influenced by culture, context, and memory.

Through engaging examples, such as the classic thought experiment of a falling tree and physiological responses like a racing heart, Dr. Barrett elucidates how sensory inputs carry no inherent meaning until interpreted by the brain. This begs the question: What is perceived as reality is essentially a narrative our brains are in the process of composing.

Dr. Barrett encourages participants to acknowledge their potential as active participants in shaping reality rather than mere observers. She asserts that we possess the ability to alter meanings and reinterpret what it means to be human, championing the notion that our perspectives can bridge gaps in understanding and connectivity with others.

The Spark Salon aims to dismantle preconceived notions regarding thought and feeling, prompting attendees to explore how expanded awareness of the brain's influence on our experiences can open doors to new possibilities and enrich our sense of agency.

Attendees will enjoy complimentary access to the event, though registration is necessary to secure a spot. Those attending in person will receive a gift of Dr. Barrett's acclaimed books, How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain and Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a reception before the program commences at 7:00.p.m. After the event, a book signing and another reception are scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

About Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett

Dr. Barrett is recognized as one of the top scientists globally in her field, with her work earning extensive accolades and more than 280 peer-reviewed publications in distinguished journals. Beyond her academic accomplishments, she’s a respected writer for mainstream media outlets, including The New York Times and Scientific American. Her TED talk has garnered over 8 million views, reflecting her reach and influence in disseminating scientific knowledge.

Her research has led her to receive significant honors, such as the National Institutes of Health Director's Pioneer Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship in Neuroscience, among others. Her notable contributions to the field of emotion and neuroscience showcase her role as a thought leader, often engaging with government agencies and appearing in prominent media formats.

Spark Salon: A Valuable Initiative

The Spark Salon is part of a larger initiative by Unlikely Collaborators, an organization founded by Elizabeth R. Koch. These gatherings foster discussions among researchers, grantees, and creative minds, aiming to shift perspectives and enrich community connections.

This particular event with Dr. Barrett promises to be a thought-provoking evening that not only challenges existing narratives about our experiences but also encourages deeper connections among attendees.

In today's society where perceptions shape actions and outcomes, understanding the mechanisms that govern our realities becomes crucial. This is where Dr. Barrett's insights can help unravel the complexities of human perception, empowering individuals to reconsider their roles in reality's creation.

To ensure your participation in this transformative event, register today and join the conversation on what it really means to perceive and create our reality.