In Awe of It All

Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors and experts to downtown Toronto bars for vivid, entertaining talks that spark curiosity and connection over drinks (alcoholic and non-alchoholic options available). On December 17, we present : "In Awe of It All: The Science of Awe" by Prof. Jennifer Stellar.

Ever get chills from a starry sky or feel small in the best way possible? That’s awe — and it turns out, it’s good for us. It’s a force that shifts how we see ourselves and the world.

Prof. Jennifer Stellar, a leading researcher on human emotion at the University of Toronto, studies exactly that — how awe changes our minds, bodies, and relationships.

In Awe of It All, she unpacks the science behind those big, goosebump moments — revealing how awe can quiet our egos, spark creativity, strengthen connection, and even boost our health. And the best part? Awe isn’t rare or reserved for mountaintops or those once-in-a-lifetime moments — it’s something we can cultivate in our everyday lives — it’s hiding in plain sight, waiting to be found in everyday life.

💡About the wonderful Prof. Jennifer Stellar

Prof. Jennifer Stellar is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga and the director of the Health, Emotions, and Altruism Lab (HEAL). She received her PhD in Social-Personality Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley and her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Stellar investigates how emotions like awe, compassion, and gratitude promote altruism, foster health and well-being, and support thriving communities. Her work aims to answer a fundamental question about humans: how do we transcend our own self-focus to care about other people, groups, and society as a whole?

Whether you’re chasing that feeling of wonder, love learning something new, or just want a meaningful night out, this talk is for you. No background needed — just curiosity and an open mind.

📅 Date: December 17, 2025

🕡 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM. We will be closing doors at 6:20PM. Please be respectful and arrive on time.

📍 Location: Entertainment District / Trinity Bellwoods

🎤 Speaker: Prof. Jennifer Stellar

Come curious, stay to mingle with new found, like minded friends after the talk!

🎟 Seats are limited — grab yours now for an unforgettable night of science, stories, and surprises. Early bird ticket sale ends on December 9 at 11:30PM EST!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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