Just when you think you’ve got nightlife all figured out, a new kind of evening is adding serious intrigue to the city. Big Questions, Cool Drinks in Chicago brings cutting-edge brain science out of formal lecture halls and into the laid-back, welcoming vibe of The Den Theatre, led by clinical psychologist Dr. Vilmarie Fraguada Narloch.
More dynamic than a standard talk and far more stimulating than your usual happy hour, this immersive event sparks informed discussion about the fast-changing world of neuroscience and mental health. No topic is too taboo, and every question gets a clear, evidence-based response grounded in published clinical research.
What is the Big Questions, Cool Drinks experience?
You can sip your fave cocktail while discovering exactly how the human mind works under the surface. This 60-minute, expert-led science talk completely redefines bar culture. The evening kicks off with a 45-minute deep dive where someone with real research credentials breaks down the complex neuroscience of compounds currently being studied in medical research. Using published clinical trial data, they explain the measured therapeutic outcomes of these substances in an incredibly digestible way.
Expect zero academic jargon, just an open, educational space designed for adults to learn and engage. Following the talk, the floor opens for a 10-minute Q&A where you can ask those burning questions. The best part? The night doesn’t end when the mic switches off. Guests are encouraged to stay at the bar, order another round, and keep the fascinating conversation going with fellow curious minds.
The expert and the research
At this edition, you’ll be guided by Dr. Vilmarie Fraguada Narloch, a Chicago-based licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and activist, and co-founder of Sana Healing Collective, a nonprofit focused on accessible, harm-reduction–oriented psychedelic-assisted therapy. She specializes in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and brings a community-centered, culturally responsive lens to her work.
She’ll break down cutting-edge research from leading institutions into clear, engaging stories, showing how clinically studied substances may help rewire neural pathways and reopen the brain’s learning windows. The conversation stays strictly science-based, exploring why modern medicine is looking beyond standard treatments to better address conditions like depression, PTSD and anxiety.
Ready to add a dose of discovery to your weekend plans? This educational talk is strictly for adults (21+ with valid ID required), ensuring a mature and respectful atmosphere for exploring these complex clinical findings. The experience takes place in The Den Theater, chosen for its intimate vibe, great drinks, and perfect acoustic setup for a cozy, conversational evening.
Because of the venue’s intimate nature, spaces are highly limited. There are only a handful of selected dates on the calendar, so you will want to mark your schedule and make your reservations early. Grab your friends, bring your curiosity, and don’t miss out on these limited tickets to the most mind-expanding night out in the city.
