Reimagining Human Intelligence

Scientist, bestselling author, and performer Justin Gregg brings the stage to life with talks that blend cutting-edge research, improv comedy, and practical wisdom for teams, leaders, creatives, educators, and curious minds.

Justin specializes in making complex science both entertaining and memorable through humor. He delivers complex ideas about intelligence, leadership, creativity, and human behavior through unforgettable animal stories and audience interaction. Justin’s mastered the art of making people laugh while they learn about what makes us uniquely—and ridiculously—human. Talks include:

  • The Future of Human Intelligence

  • Humanish Wisdom: How Anthropomorphism Shapes Our Behavior

  • Don’t Think, Do: How Improv Transforms Teams and Unlocks Creativity

  • Humanish Live: The Science Comedy Show That Will Change How You See the World

  • The Future of Science Communication: Why Authenticity and Vulnerability Win

Booking info

Animal Intelligence |

Human Stupidity |

Creativity |

Anthropomorphism |

Improv |

Animal Intelligence | Human Stupidity | Creativity | Anthropomorphism | Improv |

Talks

  • What makes human intelligence irreplaceable in an age of artificial intelligence? In this thought-provoking and engaging talk, scientist and bestselling author Justin Gregg (If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal, Humanish) explores the unique biological foundations of human cognition that set us apart from both AI systems and animal minds. Drawing on cutting-edge research in cognitive psychology and his research into dolphin cognition and behavior, Justin reveals why creativity, imagination, and meaning-making remain distinctly human—and why these capabilities will become more valuable, not less, as AI transforms our world.

    In a future where AI and human intelligence will be pitted against each other, understanding what each brings to the table becomes critical for navigating our shared future. Justin explains how the biological nature of human consciousness generates forms of creativity and insight that silicon-based systems simply cannot replicate, while also acknowledging where AI excels beyond human capabilities.

    Perfect for leaders in AI-adjacent industries, educators, and anyone grappling with how to maintain human relevance in an AI world, this talk provides a roadmap for leveraging our species' greatest cognitive gifts. Special emphasis is placed on the vital role that arts, humanities, and creative disciplines will play in shaping ethical, meaningful human-AI partnerships.

    Target Audiences:

    • Industries: AI/Tech, Education, Arts & Culture, Healthcare, Creative Industries, Research & Development

    • Roles: AI Researchers, Educators, Creative Professionals, Innovation Leaders, Policy Makers, Humanities Scholars

    Three Takeaways:

    1. Why biological consciousness creates forms of creativity and imagination that AI cannot replicate—and why this matters for the future.

    2. How to identify and cultivate distinctly human cognitive strengths in an AI-integrated workplace and society.

    3. Practical strategies for building human-AI partnerships that leverage the irreplaceable contributions of both forms of intelligence.

  • Based on his book Humanish, bestselling author and performer Justin Gregg brings his signature blend of science, storytelling, and comedy to the stage in this unforgettable one-person show. Using multimedia, props, and audience participation, Justin takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the weird world of anthropomorphism, exploring why humans see faces in toast, talk to their cats, and fall in love with their cars.

    Perfect for science festivals, theater venues, and public engagement programs, Humanish Live offers both laugh-out-loud moments and surprisingly deep insights about empathy, technology, and human behavior. Whether audiences come for the comedy or the science, they leave seeing the world—and themselves—a little differently.

    Target Audiences:

    • Industries: Arts, Theater, Public Science Engagement, Cultural Events

    • Roles: Festival Producers, Theater Programmers, Public Engagement Coordinators, Museum Educators

    Three Takeaways

    1. Why humans are wired to anthropomorphize everything from pets to technology.

    2. How humor and science together can help audiences better understand themselves and the world.

    1. A live experience that blends comedy, science, and audience interaction to deliver both laughter and learning.

  • Why do we apologize to our cats, feel guilty throwing away childhood toys, or find ourselves bonding with our robot vacuum? In this eye-opening and entertaining talk, scientist and bestselling author Justin Gregg (If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal) reveals how one of humanity's oldest psychological quirks secretly influences nearly every decision we make. Drawing on cutting-edge research from his book Humanish, Justin explores our universal tendency to see human-like qualities in everything around us, and shows how understanding this bias can transform our relationships with animals, technology, and each other.

    From the marketing tricks that make developed personal relationships with brands to the reason some people fall in love with their AI assistants, this talk uncovers the hidden psychology behind anthropomorphism. Justin explains how this cognitive bias shapes everything from our relationships with our pets to our political views, and provides practical tools for recognizing when we're being influenced or manipulated, and when we can harness anthropomorphism to build deeper connections and make better decisions.

    Perfect for anyone curious about human psychology, this research-backed presentation offers surprising insights into why we do what we do, along with actionable strategies for improving relationships with the people, animals, and even machines in our daily lives.

    Target Audiences:

    • Industries: Education, AI, Psychology, Product Design, Robotics, Tech

    • Roles: Educators, Marketers, General Audiences, Lifelong Learners

    Three Takeaways:

    1. How to recognize anthropomorphism as a cognitive bias influencing your daily decisions and relationships.

    2. Practical ways to use anthropomorphism to build stronger connections with pets, loved ones, and even helpful technology.

    3. Tools for protecting yourself from manipulation while harnessing this natural tendency for personal growth and empathy.

  • Based on his book Humanish, bestselling author and performer Justin Gregg brings his signature blend of science, storytelling, and comedy to the stage in this unforgettable one-person show. Using multimedia, props, and audience participation, Justin takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the weird world of anthropomorphism, exploring why humans see faces in toast, talk to their cats, and fall in love with their cars.

    Perfect for science festivals, theater venues, and public engagement programs, Humanish Live offers both laugh-out-loud moments and surprisingly deep insights about empathy, technology, and human behavior. Whether audiences come for the comedy or the science, they leave seeing the world—and themselves—a little differently.

    Target Audiences:

    • Industries: Arts, Theater, Public Science Engagement, Cultural Events

    • Roles: Festival Producers, Theater Programmers, Public Engagement Coordinators, Museum Educators

    Three Takeaways

    1. Why humans are wired to anthropomorphize everything from pets to technology.

    2. How humor and science together can help audiences better understand themselves and the world.

    1. A live experience that blends comedy, science, and audience interaction to deliver both laughter and learning.

  • At a time when trust in science and universities faces unprecedented challenges, how scientists communicate matters more than ever. But effective science communication isn’t about starting a TikTok or launching a newsletter—it’s about showing up as a human being whenever you engage with the public. Drawing on his own journey as a scientist and science communicator with expertise spanning dolphin behavior, linguistics, psychology, and the arts, bestselling author Justin Gregg makes the case for vulnerability and authenticity in science communication. Through examples of communicators who lead with humanity and humility, he’ll show why dropping the “expert scientist” facade is the key to making people receptive to scientific ideas.

Testimonials

  • Justin is an articulate and engaging speaker and improv facilitator, whether with a room full of medical learners, newcomers to town, people living with dementia, or the community at large. His amiability, eloquence, and quick wit melt the inhibitions of the most reticent and he skillfully integrates both his scientific knowledge and his personal journey to create a masterclass on the transformational value of engaging in improv. t Item

    -Dr. Liz Brennan - Founder and Director, Arts Health Antigonish (AHA!)

  • Justin used improv not just as a performance tool, but as a powerful practice for building trust, presence, and connection with our diverse community audience. What stood out most was his ability to make scientific content feel accessible, playful, and immediately relevant—people were laughing, participating, and learning together. Also, the room felt alive in a way that reminded me how vital arts-based engagement is to healthy, resilient communities. He models what it looks like to embrace uncertainty with curiosity and courage, inviting others to do the same. I would wholeheartedly recommend him as a speaker for organizations and communities seeking meaningful connection, engagement, and a more human way forward.

    -Jennifer DeCoste, Founder of FireLoch

  • Justin Gregg delivers an improv talk that’s funny, accessible, and substantive. His personal stories create an immediate human connection, and he follows with clear, practical improv principles backed by research and real-life examples. He makes thoughtful insights feel like common sense the audience wants to use right away.

    -Caleb Marshall, Managing Director, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre & Theatre Antigonish

  • Justin transformed a reserved roomful of scientists and administrators into an active, laughing crowd while teaching practical science communication skills. With a perfect blend of knowledge, humor, and improv, he had even the most serious attendees on their feet and engaged. Everyone left the session energized and more confident about sharing their science with the public.

    —Lois Whitehead, Science Atlantic

  • Justin Gregg is an entertaining speaker who beautifully balances personal anecdotes with universal themes while keeping his audience engaged and curious. When he spoke at our theatre, the audience responded to his unique blend of storytelling, humour, and intelligent commentary with uproarious laughter and applause. His insights inspired post-show conversations as we all reflected on his thoughtful presentation. Justin is a delightful performer (and human) who is a well-loved member of our community. The support shown for his books, improv shows, and talks is evidence of his appeal as an author, speaker, and improviser.

    -Andrea Boyd, Artistic Director Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre