Summer 2026 Topics

Summer 2026 Weekly Class Calendar

Subject to change. Each class is designed to support lifelong brain health, clarity, and connection.

Week 1 – The Inflammation Connection
Instructor: Erika (6/8 - 6/12)
This class explores how "leaky gut" leads to "leaky brain" (Blood-Brain Barrier permeability). 

Week 2 – The Lymphatic System & Brain Health: The Power of Gentle Massage  

Instructor: Charisse (6/15 - 6/18)
Explore how your brain’s "waste clearance" network—including the recently discovered meningeal lymphatic vessels—works to protect cognitive health and emotional well-being. This course dives into the science of how light-touch lymphatic massage can stimulate fluid movement in the head and neck, potentially reducing the buildup of proteins like amyloid-beta that are linked to memory loss. You will learn how supporting this vital system through gentle massage and relaxation can sharpen mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote long-term brain resilience for a more vibrant quality of life. 

Week 3 –Neuralink and Beyond
Instructor: Erika (6/22 - 6/26) )
This class will explore the cutting edge of neurotechnology, focusing on the development and implications of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). We will dive into the science behind Neuralink, examining how implantable devices aim to bridge the gap between human cognition and artificial intelligence. Discussions will cover the current therapeutic applications for neurological disorders, the technical hurdles of "high-bandwidth" neural communication, and the profound ethical questions surrounding cognitive enhancement and neural privacy 

Week 4 –The Neuroscience of Music: Harmony for the Aging Brain
Instructor: Charisse (6/29 - 7/2)
This class explores how music acts as a "total brain workout" to strengthen neural pathways and enhance cognitive resilience as we age. You will discover the latest research on how melodies can bypass cognitive decline to trigger deep-seated memories and improve mental clarity. Join us to learn how the science of sound can help you maintain a vibrant, resilient, and tuneful brain. 

Week 5 – The Neuroscience of Hypnosis: Rewiring the Focused Mind
Instructor:  Charisse (7/6-7/10)
Explore how hypnosis shifts neural networks to enhance focus, manage pain, and regulate emotional well-being. This course dives into the "neuro-signatures" of the hypnotic state, showing how dialing down the analytical mind can build cognitive flexibility. Learn how these clinical techniques serve as a powerful tool for maintaining a resilient and vibrant brain as we age. 

Week 6 – The Ethics of Nootropics  
Instructor: Erika (7/13 - 7/17)
This class will examine the rise of nootropics, or "smart drugs." We will evaluate the biological mechanisms of cognitive enhancers—ranging from prescription stimulants to over-the-counter supplements—and their intended effects on memory, focus, and mental clarity. The session will feature a deep dive into the neuroethics of pharmacological enhancement, addressing concerns regarding social equity, the pressure to "optimize" the human brain, and the long-term safety of altering brain chemistry in healthy individuals.