Think and Drink: The Science of Fear
October 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT
Fear is one of the most powerful and universal human experiences—but what actually happens in our bodies when we become afraid? Dr. Westley Youngren explores the science of fear, from the neural circuits that detect threats to the surprising reasons we sometimes seek out fear for fun. Join us as we explore the biological and social phenomenon of fear and discover why being scared can be both terrifying and fascinating!
Think & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. These Think & Drink lecture programs often reach capacity, so we encourage ESU members to register now. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.
When: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:00 pm
Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO
Tickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to October 15 to RSVP.
Parking: Street parking available but arrive early for best choices and for best non-reserved open seating.
About Dr. Westley Youngren
Westley Youngren completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Quantitative Psychology at the University of Kansas. After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Youngren worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Veteran’s Affairs Center of Excellence for Suicide Research and at the University of Rochester Psychiatry Department where he examined the relationship between sleep and suicide.
Dr. Youngren’s research focuses on the intersection of sleep and trauma, with a particular emphasis on trauma-related nightmares. His current research concentrates on integrating sleep and dreaming science within trauma informed care, examining the relationship between nightmares and suicide, and utilizing advanced statistical analyses to examine large pre-existing databases. Dr. Youngren is a member of the Sleep Research Society, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, and the International Association for the Study of Dreams.
About Think & Drink Lecture Series
Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.