I was invited to give a keynote lecture at the annual Neuro-Psycho-Endocrinology meeting in New Orleans in early September, 2025. As often occurs for such events, I was asked to also play some of the mind-brain songs I wrote for my band, The Amygdaloid’s, over the years. I usually bring Colin Dempsey, our bass player, along on such trips, and we do unplugged acoustic guitar versions of my songs. We were also invited to play for a screening in New Orleans of Werner Herzog’s Theatre of Thought, a documentary about the human brain and mind, which I was in, as were three of my songs.

The initial plan was to drive three hours west to Eunice, my hometown in Louisiana’s Cajun Country, known for its food and music, and visit a handful of folks that I had stayed in touch with over the years. But a few weeks before the trip, I had an idea. Why not invite, via word of mouth, a broader swath of members of the Eunice community, especially those with whom I had not been in contact for decades, to come to a short talk about what I did after leaving Louisiana in 1974, and a musical performance by Colin and me. I was 75 years old, so if not then, when?

I rented a party space downtown, and to get the word out, I contacted The Eunice News about printing an announcement. But instead, they posted a front page spread and a lengthy interview. These did the trick. Around 50 people showed up, some I went to school with, but others were remote relatives, and strangers.

I have to admit that I was a bit nervous. Many of the good people of Eunice were fans of Donald Trump. I know because I have stayed in touch with a handful who are not. But much to my surprise, the one-hour event proceeded without a hitch, without even the tiniest mention politics. In fact, during the Q and A, one person suggested we do it every year—the whole crowd clapped and cheered. Afterward, I hung out talking to old friends and new ones. The outcome was fabulous. We all left full of love and friendship.

A sociologist, cultural anthropologist, or political scientist might put a spin on what transpired. But I had no mission or purpose, other than explaining what I did as a scientist and how my music was related to my science. Thank you, Euniciens!