October 29 6:00 pm

Join Ira Flatow and the rest of the SciFri crew as they hit the road to uncover and report on the amazing science news and stories happening in Chicago, IL! This is your chance to look behind the curtain of your favorite national radio show and participate in a special live performance with the experts and conversations you love.

This 90-minute program typically features interactive moments, props, video screenings, and science demonstrations. And as a bonus, the event will be recorded for the Science Friday radio show, so you can be a part of a future broadcast! (We’ll give attendees a head’s up when they can tune in to re-listen to their favorite moments.)

This time, we’ll be talking about exciting research in behavioral science with a focus on social connection and well-being.

We hear a lot about how to stay physically healthy as we age: take vitamins, go for walks, and cook at home. But what do researchers know about social and psychological health in our golden years? Linda Waite, sociologist and professor at the University of Chicago, will tell us all about her work to understand how improving our social lives may improve our overall health—and audience members get the chance to see what it’s like to be part of her study by answering some of the questions research participants answer!

Speaking multiple languages can help travelers communicate more easily with people across the world, but studies show this skillset can wire our brains differently from monolingual brains when it comes to memory, decision making, creativity, and more. Viorica Marian, cognitive scientist and author of The Power of Language, will share with our audience what speaking many languages can do for our social, emotional and cognitive health.

VIP tickets include admission to a post-event reception, where you can continue the conversation with fellow attendees and our on-stage guests, including Ira Flatow. The reception will take place nearby, and will be hosted by Mindworks: The Science of Thinking. Limited tickets for the reception are available, so don’t miss out and get your spot today!

This event is presented by WBEZ and Mindworks.

Mindworks is the world’s first lab & discovery center dedicated to behavioral science. Free and located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Mindworks welcomes visitors to explore interactive exhibits, take part in hands-on research studies that advance the scientific understanding of human behavior, and earn prizes for participating.

By attending this event, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with the Science Friday Initiative, WBEZ, and Mindworks and its initiatives, including but not limited to: brochures, websites, online videos, radio broadcasts, social media, etc.

It’s COVID season. Please consider wearing a mask during our event to protect yourself and others around you. Complimentary masks will be available at the box office and concession stands.

Socials:

IG: @scifri @mindworkschicago

No Refunds