Why can’t we think straight when hungry? What’s the point of nightmares? And why can’t we forget embarrassing memories? Emotions can be a pain. After losing his dad to COVID-19, Dean Burnett found himself wondering what life would be like without them. And so, he decided to put his feelings under the microscope – for science.

In ‘Emotional Ignorance’, Dean takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, stretching from the origins of life to the end of the universe. Along the way he reveals:

– why we would ever follow our gut;
– whether things really were better in the old days;
– why it’s so hard to stop doomscrolling;
– and how sad music can make us happier.

Combining expert analysis, brilliant humour and powerful insights into the grieving process, Dean uncovers how, far from holding us back, our emotions make us who we are.

Dean Burnett is a neuroscientist, blogger, sometimes-comedian and author. He lives in Cardiff, and is currently an honorary research associate at the Cardiff University Psychology School. His previous books, The Idiot Brain and The Happy Brain, were international bestsellers published in over twenty-five countries. His Guardian articles have been read over sixteen million times and he currently writes the ‘Brain Yapping’ blog for the Cosmic Shambles network.

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Wednesday 15 March
7.30 pm (doors open 7.00 pm)
All Saints Church, Victoria Square, Penarth
Tickets: £15.00 including a signed copy of Emotional Ignorance (RRP: £14.99) / £7.50 event only / £5.00 Student Ticket