Nutrition Beyond Restriction: The Importance of Pleasure in Long-Term Health
🃏 Before the lecture begins, we’re trying something a little different: UNO night! 🃏
The first half of the evening will be dedicated to casually playing UNO, grabbing drinks, and meeting other curious people before we transition into the lecture portion of the night. Whether you come with friends or solo, the goal is to make it easier to connect and actually get to know the people around you before settling in for the talk.
After UNO, we’ll begin the lecture as normal: a ~40 minute lecture followed by a ~15 minute audience Q&A.
This event is in partnership with Gathermaxxing! Gathermaxxing is a San Francisco community/club built around one idea: meeting people shouldn’t be hard. Dedicated to genuine connection, they bring people together through accessible, fun, in-person events. Known for their UNO nights around the city and a growing slate of experiences where strangers leave as friends.
🍷 What if pleasure itself is part of the secret to longevity?
Modern nutrition advice often focuses on restriction, optimization, and biological metrics. But emerging research suggests that the experience of eating, including taste, enjoyment, ritual, and satisfaction, may play a much larger role in long-term health than many people realize.
In this lecture, Johnna Rey Hartenstine, Registered Dietitian, Certified Sommelier, and nutrition researcher, explores the intersection of nutrition science and sensory experience. Drawing from her background in molecular biology and years spent inside some of Napa Valley’s most exclusive wine estates, she examines why even people with unlimited access to “the best” food and wine still struggle to understand what truly nourishes them.
Blending nutrition science, psychology, and sensory experience, this talk explores why pleasure may not be separate from health at all, but part of the mechanism that helps sustain it. 🍓✨
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
6:30-7:35 --> UNO!!
7:35-8:20 --> lecture
8:20-9:00 --> q&a, chatting, and maybe some more uno!
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people came solo to our last event, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no parking on-site, so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
Yes! This lecture is hosted at a bar that requires all occupants to be 21+.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🔔 Stay in the Loop
I can't make it to this event. How do I stay updated for future events?
How do I become a speaker?
Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think your lecture is a good fit! 👉 Speaker form
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event! Attendees are likely to drop out.
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about the ticket structure?
We’re proud to pay all of our incredible venues and hardworking speakers, and the rest supports the Big Brain team so we can keep bringing community lectures to the Bay Area.
We also reserve a handful of financial assistance tickets for every lecture. If you need support, please email [email protected]
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email [email protected].