Why am i like this? The Science Behind Your Weirdest Thoughts and Habits

Talks on Tuesdays is a live event series bringing big ideas, real experts, and curious minds together – at your favourite local venues. Think thought-provoking lectures, audience questions, and post-talk mingling over drinks and dinner.

This isn’t a uni lecture. It’s a social, intelligent night out.Come alone or with friends, leave with something to talk about.

Event Schedule:

6.30pm Arrival & Doors Open

7pm Lecuture Starts

7.45pm Q&A

8pm Talk Concludes

8.30pm Event Closes.

*Please arrive close to 6.30pm

A La Carte menu and full bar available throughout the night – pay as you go.

Your Topic:

Why Am I Like This?

Ever wondered why songs get stuck in your head, why taking photos feels irresistible, or why walking into a room makes you instantly forget what you came for? Dr Jen Martin dives deep into these everyday mysteries, unpacking the science behind FOMO, procrastination, late-night cravings, and the strange ways our brains trick us. Her talk will reveal how our quirks—like feeling nostalgic from a smell or sticking our tongue out while concentrating—are rooted in fascinating brain science shared by us all. Jen brings surprising stories, practical insights, and plenty of fun facts that will make you see your habits and thoughts from a whole new perspective.

Your Speaker:

Associate Professor Jen Martin studied the sex lives of possums before founding the University of Melbourne’s Science Communication Teaching Program which teaches scientists across all disciplines to be engaging and effective communicators. She also practises what she preaches: she’s been talking about science each week on 3RRR radio for nearly 20 years, hosts podcasts (including Let’s Talk SciComm), MCs events, writes for a variety of publications, was named the 2019 Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication and is Ambassador for The Wilderness Society’s Nature Book Week.