EUREKA, Calif. — A free brain science seminar in Eureka aims to make people’s reactions under stress understandable and usable in everyday life.
The City of Eureka is inviting the public to “Wait, Why Did I Do That? Turning Brain Science into Real-Life Resilience,” a free educational seminar set for May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building at 1 Marina Way.
The event will feature Rick Griffin of Neuro Leadership Academy, who will explain how the brain responds to stress, trauma and everyday challenges in an easy-to-understand, relatable way. Participants will learn how brain chemistry influences reactions, why people often respond from a place of survival and how to apply simple, practical strategies to build resilience in both personal and professional settings. Organizers say the seminar focuses on translating complex neuroscience into practical tools that support well-being, communication, and everyday functioning.
“This initiative is about helping people better understand themselves and each other,” Mayor Kim Bergel said. “People fear what they don’t understand. When we can make sense of how our brains respond to stress and trauma, we reduce stigma and create stronger, more connected communities. This seminar is a powerful step in making that knowledge accessible to everyone.”
Mental Health Clinician Jacob Rosen said, “Believe that when talking about mental health, we want to challenge the stigma that often goes along with it, and we believe the best way to do that is through education.”
Bergel added, “This is a topic that everybody can identify with. We all have a brain. We all use it differently, and I am hopeful that we’ll glean some tools on better understanding.”
The seminar is a collaboration between Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka (CARE) and Mayor Bergel’s Mental Health Initiative, launched in 2023 to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and expand access to mental health education and resources throughout the Eureka community.
The event is free and open to the public, and no prior knowledge of neuroscience or mental health is required.
—