We launched Nerd Nite St. Pete in February 2019 and had just enough time to perfect our craft before the pandemic forced us to take a break. Have no fear! We have been dusting off our nerd gear, practicing in front of a mirror, and getting ready to bring you the best monthly lecture event with an inebriated, salacious, and yet deeply academic vibe. Join us to hear about everything from deep sea creatures to wimpy clouds to obscure but exciting video games, and everything in between.
Welcome to Nerd Nite St. Pete!
December 11 Nerd Nite – Anniversary Edition
**This December Nerd Nite Anniversary Edition will be held on a Wednesday at a different venue: Coastal Creative at 2201 1st Ave S., St. Pete, 33702**
Eric Deggans, The Four Types Of Racism Which Often Derail Media (and all of us)
There are four types of racism which pop up often in news reports, TV shows, radio broadcasts and even personal interactions. As a longtime TV critic and scholar on issues involving media and race, Eric leads a surprisingly fun and informative look at this list, complete with film and TV clips and shout outs. Best of all: Viewers who see this presentation never look at media the same way again.
Eric Deggans is NPR’s TV critic, media analyst and guest host. He is an adjunct instructor at Duke University and Indiana University, as well as guest instructor and National Advisory Board member at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg. A former TV, media and pop culture critic for the Tampa Bay Times — where he worked for 18 years — Eric is also author of Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation, published in October 2012 by Palgrave Macmillan.
Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Why it Could be the Key to Controlling Your Spending
If you’ve ever made an impulse purchase or bought yourself a little treat that just didn’t fulfill you the way you wanted it to you may be looking to fulfill your needs in the wrong places. Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the beloved Frugal Friends Podcast and authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, will show you how ignoring spending on your higher needs costs you more money in the long run.
Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni are the co-hosts of the beloved Frugal Friends Podcast and authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. Jen is a St. Pete native and laments every time she has to pay for parking. Jill is a Philly transplant who is now probably more of a native than Jen is.
Amanda Boisen, The Story Of Transit In Pinellas County
Join Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) writer and history nerd Amanda Boisen as they take you down the rabbit hole of how public transit was developed in Pinellas County. From 1885 to the present day, this story has everything you could want: trains, some old dudes from Philadelphia, urban expansion, gas crises, an overly complicated merger, and the rise of the SunRunner to create the PSTA you know and love today.
Amanda Boisen is a professional writer, musician, and certified nerd, currently serving as Communications Coordinator for Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). They are responsible for writing PSTA’s marketing materials, blogs, grant applications, and award submissions. When not hyperfixating on transit history, they can be found hand embroidering spooky folklore, playing various TTRPGs, discussing Zelda and Star Trek lore, writing music and novels, and cuddling their cats. IG: @moth_vvitch
Get your tickets on Humanitix!
October 29 Nerd Nite
Alexis Baum, Times Over Time: The secret sauce to a life of strategic serendipity
Alexis believe a life well lived, a business that sells itself, and an abundance of cherished relationships are all shaped not by constant action, but by short, meaningful moments spread out over time. Whether it’s a quick coffee catchup after years apart or a spontaneous burst of creative collaboration, these deep, shared experiences produce lasting impact. Sometimes, it only takes a few minutes to change everything. Often, it takes a lifetime to realize that is the case. Take part in the Nerd Nite session that doubles as one of your “times over time” with Alexis and others.
Alex Boza, How to Colonize Venus, because doing things the hard way is more fun
An imaginative, innovative, and hopefully inspiring tutorial on what it would take for humans to live on Venus. When the only limit is the capacity of your imagination the possibilities for Earth’s twin planet are endless. From releasing toxic gasses to basically freezing the planet this presentation will show you how to do it all in 5 easy steps!
Jason Vogel, Creating a more equitable world with as little as $25
kiva.org is a non-profit crowdfunding platform designed to open financial opportunity for all. With as little as $25 you can help fund a loan to one of the 1.4 BILLION people that do not otherwise have access to financial services. Hand-pick your recipient, location, and sector based on your own passions, and help make the world a more equitable place!
September 24 Nerd Nite
Sean Nordquist, A History of Civilization… Thanks to Beer!
We all know beer is the great social lubricant, but did you know that the reason we even have society is because of beer?! Join us for the best history class you’ve ever taken, and drink in the science, history, and industry of everyone’s favorite fermented libation.
Bruce Albrecht, Women in Meteorology: An Old Nerd’s Perspective
In 1976, when Bruce Albrecht began his career in meteorology, there was only one woman scientist–Joanne Simpson– who had made an indelible mark in the field. Joanne’s early work provided inspiration for Albrecht’s own research endeavors. Since then, the field has witnessed the advancement of women in meteorology and the atmospheric sciences. In this generation of atmospheric scientists, the number of women has equaled or exceeded the number of men in the the field. This talk will discuss this evolution of women in meteorology and the impact they have had on the field.
Amy Keith, Voting in Florida: Easier than you think, Weirder than it should be
Arcane knowledge and fun facts to make your voting journey as easy as possible this year, with a peak into the dark world of voter suppression and how we can vanquish it.
Get your tickets on Humanitix!
August 27 Nerd Nite
Get nerdy with us and three dynamic speakers on August 27th! This month’s speakers are:
Sarah Peacock, Unlocking Democracy: The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Unveiled
Discover the key to a more equitable and representative democracy. We will unravel the complexities and potential of this approach to voting. Join us as we gain a deeper understanding of the future of American democracy.
Chaz Colavito, Everything’s Hybrid: Bridging the Gap Between Cannabis Science & Marketing
Cannabis isn’t what it used to be, as legalization spreads across the country, here’s some tips and tricks for your next shopping trip to the dispensary.
Thomas Hallock, Salt Creek, St. Pete’s Forgotten Stream
What’s the difference between a ditch and a creek? And why do these words matter? We’ll ask these questions about Salt Creek, an urbanized stream that flows from Lake Maggiore to Bayboro Harbor, through the heart of south St. Pete. What are the stories of natural waterways that we drive over every day?
Get your tickets on Humanitix!
July 30 Nerd Nite
L.L. Kirchner presents: Florida Hustlers, Dreamers & Queenpins: True Stories You Won’t Believe
From smooth-talking con artists to wide-eyed dreamers with impossible schemes, Florida’s history is chock-full of personalities that’ll make your jaw drop. True stories that will remind you—truth is stranger than fiction. To write her first novel, FLORIDA GIRLS, LL Kirchner spent years digging up these tales of audacious scams, outrageous dreams, and some fierce women who outsmarted them all.
Bert Rubini presents: Solids, Liquids and Gases: Why do substances behave the way they do?
Everyone knows the difference between a solid, a liquid, and a gas. But WHY do substances exist in different phases? In short, it depends on how molecules are interacting with one another on an unimaginably small scale. My presentation will briefly describe what is going on at the molecular level which results in different properties of the phases and differences in melting points and boiling points. (It’s more fun than it sounds, I promise!).
Bambi’s Revenge presents: Roller Derby: Past, Present, and Future
Rollerskating has been around since 1743 when wheels were affixed to shoes of actors onstage to mimic ice skating. Roller derby started in 1935 as a promotional money making scheme for a businessman and boomed in the 1970s as a theatrical entertainment option by his offspring. The modern resurgence in the 00s speaks to athleticism, entertainment, camaraderie, and counter culture combined. Come out to learn the history of the sport and get a taste of the scene for yourself! Lace up baby!
Tickets available on Humanitix!
June 25 Nerd Nite
Tickets available on Humanitix!
Angela Blesener presents:
Unlocking the Benefits of Neuroplasticity: Your Starter Kit to Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Stepping into the world of Psychedelics: The intricacies of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy! Join us for a talk where we explore the art and science of harnessing neuroplasticity with intentional Ketamine use. Get ready to explore the journey from preparation to post-session integration with practical insights, science-backed research, and creative arts.
Mark Aeling presents:
Problem Solving for Design and Fabrication of Monumental Sculpture
Thinking big is fun and exciting but making big is full of complications. Mark will share insights into the creative and technical processes behind manifesting large scale concepts. Inevitably, the talk will get into the weeds regarding materials and techniques that allow for ideas to become reality and discuss how to rely on the known to resolve the unknown in the creative process.
Norah Mendoza presents:
Sharks and Scholars: The Power of Diversity in our Oceans and Science
Join me for an insightful presentation on sharks and the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy oceans. As the Program Coordinator for Minorities in Shark Science, I will discuss the importance of diversity both in our marine ecosystems and within the scientific community. Learn how fostering a variety of species, as well as inclusive representation in research, leads to stronger, more resilient oceans and innovative scientific discoveries.
Highlight from March Nerd Nite
May 28 Nerd Nite
April 30 Nerd Nite
Marguerite Boissonnault, Embodied Awareness: Catalyst for Transformation
John Broshears, Real Pathologists: Would you tell your mother if you became one?
Erica Moulton, Getting Wet with Robots
This month we are exploring how to apply skills from theater in our lives, what it’s like to be a real-world pathologist, and underwater robots! Join us for another dynamic and engaging St. Pete Nerd Nite event.
Get your tickets on Humanitix.
See you at Bayboro Brewing!
March 26 Nerd Nite
We are now partnering with Humanitix for our events. Get your March tickets here: March 26 Nerd Nite tix.
Keven Hohl presents: Everything you wanted to know about Augmented Reality, but were afraid to ask!
Kevin will talk about the evolution of Augmented Reality development, from web cams in 2009, to mobile AR, to the launch of Quest 3 and Apple Vision pro. He will give live demonstrations of AR experiences that he has created throughout his career, explaining the technology behind each experience.
Aaron Williamson presents: Was Jesus a mushroom? The answer may surprise you.
The red mushroom with the white flecks goes by many names: soma, the Mario mushroom, the flesh of the gods. It illustrates art from medieval illuminated manuscripts to Alice in Wonderland. It’s been credited as the inspiration for the colors of Santa’s red and white coat and the Christian gospels. It’s a potent stimulant and soporific, perfectly legal, and grows wild in the backyards of St. Petersburg. Yet for many, the world’s most recognizable mushroom remains mysterious. This talk will explore the history, folklore, and psychopharmacology of the Amanita Muscaria mushroom and equip audience members to explore its magic properties at home.
Heather Judkins presents: A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist at Sea
Dr. Heather Judkins is an associate professor at USFSP and as part of her research, she has gone out on multiple research cruises over the years. She will be talking about her life at sea and share interesting stories about some of her favorite moments which include discussing the realities of ship life in the open ocean, observing the largest animals on earth, and working with her favorite group of animals- squid and octopus!