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.

Drawing on research in psychology and his experience as both a scientist and performer, bestselling author Justin Gregg reveals how the principles of improvisational comedy can transform the way you navigate everyday life. Justin explores five powerful ways improv reshapes how we think, connect, and create. Through compelling stories, accessible science, and humor, you'll discover how the "Yes, and" mindset opens doors instead of closing them, how embracing failure accelerates growth, and how letting go of overthinking unleashes surprising possibilities.

Perfect for team leaders, innovation managers, and anyone looking to build more creative and resilient organizations, this talk provides actionable strategies for transforming workplace culture through the power of improvisation. Special emphasis is placed on how these principles enhance cross-functional collaboration, accelerate ideation processes, and help teams navigate ambiguity with confidence and creativity.

Target Audiences:

• Industries: Tech/Startups, Corporate Innovation, Education, Creative Industries, Consulting, Healthcare

• Roles: Team Leaders, Innovation Managers, HR Professionals, Creative Directors, Educators, Project Managers

Three Takeaways:

1. Why improv's core principles—"yes, and," embracing failure, and co-creation—are essential cognitive tools for modern collaboration and innovation.

2. How to create psychological safety and unlock collective creativity within teams using simple, science-backed improv techniques.

3. Practical exercises and frameworks for implementing improv principles that immediately improve communication, problem-solving, and adaptability in any team setting.

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.