Nerd Nite Orlando returns to the legendary Stardust Video & Coffee on Thursday, Feb 20th at 7pm.
Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining and educational presentations. Speakers present for 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. A few rounds of trivia will precede the presentations.
PRESENTATION #1: “The Overlooked Benefits of Physical Hobbies” by Waldo
Waldo is a multi-faceted geek, keen on helping orgs stop hurting themselves and their people. Despite being a raging introvert, he enjoys public speaking. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting hobbies that he doesn’t have the time to engage in. He hates writing about himself in the third person, and aspires to one day be a better bio writer.
PRESENTATION #2: We Need To Talk” by Paul Heroux
Paul Heroux has been a resident of Florida since December of 1979. He lives here in Orlando with Jill his wife of over 40 years. Over 50% of the people who have met Paul since he became an activist in 2010 cannot recognize him without his hat on. Paul received his degree in activism from the Florida Department of Corrections, where he studied from 2005 to 2009 at various prisons. His career choices have included insurance adjusting, teaching, real estate, residential painter – handyman, theater and more. It has not been boring.
Nerd Nite Orlando returns to the legendary Stardust Video & Coffee on Thursday, Jan 16th.
Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining and educational presentations. Speakers present for 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with the audience. A few rounds of trivia will precede the presentations.
* Weird Science and Other Things You Wouldn’t Believe
* 1980s Movies
* The Science of Science Fiction
* Potent Potables
PRESENTATION #1: “Medieval Misconceptions” by Gavin Lanza
Medieval era actualities with the main focus on medieval torture methods. Misconceptions around which weapons were used and which were completely fabricated in the late 18th century and after as an attraction.
Gavin is a history major with an interest in the medieval period. He works as a computer and phone repair agent at Geek Squad, and has always had a love for history and discovering new point of views.
Experience the world-renowned CELEBRATION OF INVENTION, CREATIVITY & CURIOSITY
Immerse yourself in Maker culture with endless exhibits, big art and spectacle, competitions, hands-on making and learning— all showcasing the creative and experimental folks who make, play, tinker and hack in areas like: Robotics + Cosplay + STEM & STEAM + Craft + Science + Electronics + Tools and Materials + Crazy things you’ve never seen + Much much more!
Your Maker Faire Orlando 2024 ticket includes Robot Ruckus, our combat robot competition and exhibition featuring teams from the BattleBots TV show and combat robot competitors from around the U.S.
Dates & Hours: — Saturday, November 9, 2024: 10 am – 5 pm — Sunday, November 10, 2024: 10 am – 5 pm
Nerd Nite will return to Maker Faire on SUNDAY, NOV 10th at 4pm as the closing set on the MAIN STAGE with Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, Max Jackson, Shaun Marshall of Florida Armored Combat, and host Ricardo Williams.
For more information about Maker Faire Orlando, please visit makerfaireorlando.com For information about free tickets for educators, homeschool educators, veterans, first responders and more, please visit makerfaireorlando.com/attend
PRESENTATION #1: “Busting Myths About Booze” by Rachel Cooper
What you think you know about your favorite beverage might not be true. Here’s what decades of research on alcohol tell us about how alcohol actually impacts us.
Rachel is currently a PhD student at UCF, studying clinical psychology. Her research focuses broadly on sexual violence and more specifically on sexual aggression, sexual communication, such as consent and rejection, and the role substance use plays in perpetration and victimization. She is also interested in the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence as well as the development of intervention and prevention programs for sexual violence among both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. When Rachel is not drowning in grad school work she loves doing any craft project she can get her hands on, checking out all the amazing restaurants and bars in Orlando, reading psychological thrillers and Buddhist philosophy (she was a double psychology and religion major in undergrad).
PRESENTATION #2: “Childish Things” by Jimmy Waldron
Some of the greatest paleontology discoveries aren’t made by academics. Sometimes they’re regular people exploring nature. And sometimes, they’re not even old enough to drive! Let’s meet a few of this pint-sized paleos, with enough time left over to still enjoy recess!
Jimmy Waldron is a dinosaur hunter and founder of Dinosaurs Will Always Be Awesome—an Orlando nonprofit that brings real and replica fossils to communities without access to natural history museums! A veteran Nerd Nite presenter, Jimmy wants everyone in this room to get back in the sandbox and reconnect with their inner DinoKid!
Guest speakers: Daniel Kaufman, Katie Mathews, Jenny Truong
PRESENTATION #1: “State Machines for Your Mental State” by Jenny Truong
What does state management and mental health have in common? We tend to think in the moment in life – I’m tired, I’m hungry, I’m burnt out. But we sometimes fail to think about the transitions between the states – how did I become tired, burnt out, and how do I transition to a better state? Then, how do I avoid taking the transitions back to states I don’t want to be in? Thinking in terms of states and transitions is a useful mental model not only for software development, but for understanding yourself and having better control of your life.
Jenny Truing is the Head of Operations and Developer Relations at Stately.ai. Jenny also dedicates her time to co-organizing Orlando JavaScript meetups. Jenny is a passionate advocate for her community, imparting valuable insights on mental awareness, state machines, and various collaborative tools. When she’s not engaging with users or gracing the stage, you can spot Jenny at your favorite local donut shop, savoring the simple joys of life!
PRESENTATION #2:
“Why Pluto was a planet and why it’s not” by Katie Mathews
Katie Mathews is currently a high school junior and is involved in many activities such as speech and debate, jazz band, and is the ONE the ONLY nerd nite next gen founder, organizer, and host!!!
PRESENTATION #3
“Finding The Power of Mythology Using ‘The Gamer’s Journey’” by Dr. Daniel Kaufmann
Dr. Daniel Kaufmann (aka: Dr. Gameology) is a YouTube Partner and also streams regularly on Twitch as @DrGameology and is on a never-ending quest to discuss mental health and video games to encourage audiences of all types to be their very best as they continue the journey. He is an Associate Professor at Grand Canyon University and has served in multiple roles related to program development for treating gambling and video game issues in clinical settings. His research on the psychology of player types has been presented internationally and continues to evolve with each new world players can inhabit across PCs and consoles.
Dr. Kaufmann is a fearless advocate for the positive elements of video games, and credits them with many of the thought processes that have proved critical in helping him overcome professional and personal journeys in life. As a result, Dr. Kaufmann became more involved in the Geek Therapeutics community in 2020 as a presenter for online trainings, content writer, and author of the upcoming book entitled The Gamer’s Journey.
Nerd Nite Orlando returns Friday, Oct 25th for “DRESS-UP & DRINK 2024”. A special Halloween themed Nerd Nite event featuring presentations and a costume contest at the beloved Hammered Lamb.
Guest speakers: Max Jackson Florida Armored Combat
PRESENTATIONS #1:
“Dostoevsky’s Monsters: I’m in this book and I don’t like it” by Max Jackson
When we think of “monsters” we think of Dracula, we think of Frankenstein, we think of… ourselves??
Dostoevsky’s novels created some of the most damning and enduring images of moral depravity, images that show us parts of ourselves that we’d often prefer not to see. This talk will take you on a tour of Dostoevsky’s darkness, from Crime and Punishment to the Brothers Karamazov, highlighting the compelling characters he created at the edges of the human condition, showing how the worst parts of ourselves can be discovered and disclosed and ultimately redeemed.
PRESENTATION #2
“Buhurt: Don’t Get Hurt” Modern Medieval Tournament Fighting by Florida Armored Combat
Shaun Marshall will be returning to Nerd Nite with Florida Armored Combat for an buhurt demonstration. Buhurt, or historical medieval battles, is a modern full contact fighting sport with steel blunt weapons characteristic for the Middle Ages.
Join Nerd Nite Orlando on Thursday, March 14th for NERD NITE DAY 2024 at the Orlando Science Center** and celebrate 11 years of “the most fun public speaking event in town”. Click here to purchase your tickets.
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
Each speaker will be giving a 10-minute presentation.
Guest speakers include: Emilee Speck Rachel Cooper Eliza Harris Juliano Sharife Gacel Anna V. Eskamani Jim Hobart Joshua “TechDev” Walker Max Jackson
Orlando Science Center 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803 **The event will take place in the Digital Adventure Theater.
BEER & WINE will be available for sale. However, there WON’T BE HOT FOOD FOR SALE this evening. So it’s recommended that you have dinner before you arrive.
PRESENTATION #1: “Road Trippin’ to Totality” by Emilee Speck
Emilee Speck is a space journalist and FOX Weather digital producer based in Florida. Emilee’s reporting has included covering historic milestones in spaceflight such as the return to human spaceflight from U.S. soil in 2020, the Artemis I launch to the Moon and driving across the country documenting the 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse. She previously hosted the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast Space Curious.
PRESENTATION #2: “Busting Myths About Booze” by Rachel Cooper
What you think you know about your favorite beverage might not be true. Here’s what decades of research on alcohol tell us about how alcohol actually impacts us.
Rachel is currently a PhD student at UCF, studying clinical psychology. Her research focuses broadly on sexual violence and more specifically on sexual aggression, sexual communication, such as consent and rejection, and the role substance use plays in perpetration and victimization. She is also interested in the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence as well as the development of intervention and prevention programs for sexual violence among both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. When Rachel is not drowning in grad school work she loves doing any craft project she can get her hands on, checking out all the amazing restaurants and bars in Orlando, reading psychological thrillers and Buddhist philosophy (she was a double psychology and religion major in undergrad).
PRESENTATION #3: “Math for a Better City” by Eliza Harris Juliano
Learn how math can help us make better decisions about how we design and build our cities; and better understand how good (or bad) city planning affects your everyday life in sometimes counterintuitive ways.
Eliza Harris Juliano is an advocate for better cities. She provides professional planning services at Kimley-Horn where she works with local governments to develop community plans and rewrite regulations to enable a broader range of sustainable neighborhoods. She serves on the board of Bike/Walk Central Florida and is a former board chair of the Congress for the New Urbanism. You can find her on twitter at @myurbangen.
PRESENTATION #4: “Cosmic Conversations: The Overview Effect as an Analog Astronaut” by Sharife Gacel
Sharife Gacel is an Analog Astronaut, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a passion for sharing space with others. As an Analog Astronaut, she served as the Medical Officer and her ongoing research is titled “The Impact of Crew Isolation and Lunar Simulation on Human Behavior.” Her background is in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Veterinary Medicine, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sharife has a private practice with her adopted greyhound, Cosmos, that she founded over 10 years ago and specializes in life transitions, anxiety, and general mental health concerns. You can learn more about Sharife and her work on her website, www.thespacetherapist.com.
PRESENTATION #5: “Florida Politics as Star Wars” by Rep. Anna V. Eskamani
Anna V. Eskamani is a UCF grad and a nonprofit professional currently seeking her PhD in Public Administration. Anna ran for public office as a first time candidate in 2018, flipped a legislative seat, and is proud to serve as a State House Representative for District 42 winning both of her re-election campaigns in a landslide. When she’s not serving the good people of Florida, she’s probably watching Star Wars (if she has time).
PRESENTATION #6: “Lights, Camera, Legacy: A Guide to Preserving Family Stories + Why It’s so Important” by Jim Hobart
This talk will focus on the technical considerations and sentimental value of creating a personal documentary of your loved ones, crafting your own treasured and irreplaceable keepsake that can be cherished for generations. Jim Hobart, the founder of Legacy Life Project, will share his passion for this meaningful undertaking and guide you through the professional process he uses to develop high-quality biographies. You’ll also learn about the importance of selecting the right interviewer to capture your loved ones’ unique stories and experiences, so you can get started on your own video documentary today.
Jim Hobart is a creative Orlando business owner with a passion for videography, stories, and a deep love for dogs. Jim came to realize the profound value of his own recordings of his loved ones after losing his father, and decided to focus his talent and experience on creating high-quality biographical documentaries through the Legacy Life Project. These video heirlooms capture the unique narratives and legacies of the everyday people who mean the world to us, preserving family histories for generations to come.
PRESENTATION #7: Amazon Web Services Explained Through Politics and $hi++y Pop Culture 2024 by Joshua “TechDev” Walker
Josh returns to Nerd Nite, ready to demystify the elusive Amazon Premiere Platform! Buckle up for another bipartisan laugh riot as he blends “shitty pop culture” and “shitty politics” (his words, not mine!) to tackle this technical beast. This talk promises to be an update to his last raved-about presentation, but instead of Steve Urkel, get ready for a wild ride through AWS, all while potentially ruffling some feathers (but hey, at least it’ll be bipartisan fun!). So join Josh as he connects the dots between the familiar and the unknown, making AWS accessible and maybe even raising some awareness along the way!
Joshua “TechDev” Walker is an Army Vet turned self-taught Cloud Solutions Architect, Diversity Pioneer, and Author of “Venti Fried Chicken”. Joshua has been featured on Deloitte’s “Uncensored” series, and Deloitte’s “On Cloud Podcast ” and has frequently been covered by the Orlando Business Journal for his work in Diversity, Equity, and, Inclusion as one of the Black Orlando Tech founders. Joshua continues to serve his clients and community to make the maximum impact through cloud delivery, online tech education, and in-person tech talks. His mantra is to train, inspire, and relate. #cloudGang
PRESENTATION #8: “Haus Wittgenstein: The Life of Meaning and the Meaning of Life” by Max Jackson
Max is a data scientist by day and an actor and improvisor by night – his lifelong passion of making people laugh and clap when he talks has taken him every stage he could stand on, from TED talks to improv comedy shows and from New York to Miami to Seattle and back.
Nerd Nite RETURNS to the legendary Stardust Video & Coffee on Thurs, Feb 8th at 7pm with new speakers and new presentations. Be there & be square.
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
Guest speakers: Waldo Grunenwald Victor Hurlburt
After multiple wins, Nerd Nite veteran Ed Petersen returns to ‘Jeopardy!’ Thursday night. We will kick off Nerd Nite with a watch party and cheer on Ed while he competes in the Jeopardy Champions Wildcard!
PRESENTATION #1: “Little Known Facts About Machu Picchu” by Victor Hurlburt
This is neither a travelogue, nor a boring vacation slide show, nor does it provide answers to probing questions like “how’d they do that?” Instead, the focus of this presentation is to share information about numerous interesting features to be aware of at the same time you are being overwhelmed by the grandeur, mystery, and mystique of the amazingly fascinating Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Pay attention – don’t miss seeing (not just looking but seeing) features no matter how small. The experience of visiting one of the seven wonders of the world is certainly awe inspiring just on its own, but there are also interesting features hidden in plain sight that can easily be overlooked.
Victor is a semi-retired environmental engineer with over 54 years of experience in water and wastewater conveyance and treatment projects in the US and Puerto Rico. He has been summoned to Nerd Nite to explore Machu Picchu and admits that there’s an engineering skew to the subject matter, but there are also historical facts thrown in along with pop culture information as well.
PRESENTATION #2: “Argue Better with Active Listening” by Waldo Grunenwald
Have you ever gotten into an argument because the statement that you made wasn’t understood as you meant it? Have you ever seen a simple disagreement go rapidly off the rails, and turn into a shouting match?
Rather than quipping at one-another (like UDP), there is a technique for resolving disputes or conflicts that is more akin to TCP. It is called “Active Listening”.
In this talk, I’ll show you how this technique reduces the likelihood of a shouting match by drastically slowing the escalation and forcing each side to listen & comprehend what the other person is trying to say.
Waldo is a geek, and if you find him odd, there are plenty of things you could blame that on. He’s a long-time Sys/Ops Engineer, enjoys leading teams, and is active in the DevOps community. He may or may not be Batman. He is pretty keen on helping orgs stop hurting themselves, insight tooling (trending / monitoring / alerting), and automation in general. He takes joy in helping teams and orgs to stop hurting themselves. Despite being a raging introvert, he enjoys public speaking. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting hobbies that he doesn’t have the time to engage in. He hates writing about himself in the third person, and aspires to one day be a better bio writer.
Join us Thurs, Jan. 11th for a special edition of Nerd Nite…. SPACE NITE 2024**
Presentations will be themed completely around astronomy and we will have a telescope on site for some stargazing.
GUEST SPEAKERS include: Sharife Gacel Sean Greeney Derek Demeter
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
*NEW LOCATION* Thursday, January 11, 7-9pm (Doors at 6:30p) 816 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32805
PARKING: There is a lot directly in front of the building.
Sharife Gacel, MS, LMHC, LPC, QS is an Analog Astronaut, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a passion for sharing space with others. She served as the Medical Officer at the HI-SEAS habitat in Hawaii as part of the “Lokahi” mission and her ongoing research is, “The Impact of Crew Isolation and Lunar Simulation on Human Behavior.” You can learn more about Sharife and her work on her website, www.thespacetherapist.com
Sean Greeney is from MN, helped establish the cooling rate of the Sun. Sean works with meteorites and is an astrogeologist. He also used to play hockey. I
Derek Demeter is the director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida. Derek also enjoys promoting science beyond the planetarium with his work as an astrophotographer, which earned him pictures seen in NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day website, Universe Today, Astronomy Magazine, and Sky and Telescope.
Nerd Nite Orlando returns to the legendary Stardust Video & Coffee on Thursday, December 14th at 7pm. Nerd Nite is free and all are welcome.
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
Guest Speakers:
Adrienne H. Lee
Marissa Germain
JD Casto
PRESENTATION #1: “#ArtHistoryTrending: Foodie Pics & Dutch Baroque Still Life Paintings” by Adrienne H. Lee
Adrienne H. Lee, also known as The Wandering Art Historian, spends most of her time researching, studying, and talking to people about art. She gives lectures, teaches classes, hosts book club discussions, runs a blog and a YouTube channel devoted to the celebration of art in all forms. Adrienne has lived in the Central Florida region for twenty years and works diligently to draw attention to the rich creative output of the area’s artists and art institutions.
PRESENTATION #2: “Tiny Victories: Why Little Decisions Matter” by Marissa Germain
After many adventures to help make the world a better place, Marissa Germain is always finding ways to have a positive impact on her community. The founder of the Feel Good Living Guide, she celebrates small businesses and nonprofits as they make their mark on their communities.
PRESENTATION #3: “Sex Work is Work: Christian Nationalist’s Fight Against Porn” by JD Casto
J.D. Casto is an Orlando-based photographer that specializes in capturing Queer Joy. First published at only 13, J.D.’s photography has been seen worldwide. With an award-winning film and photography career that spans nearly two decades, there’s not much that J.D. hasn’t done. As a multi-passionate creative, J.D. has most recently worked in the video game industry, helping produce the NBA, WWE, and PGA video games at 2K Go. In his off time, J.D. writes for the Watermark Magazine, photographs concerts for Orlando Weekly, and mentors the next generation of Central Florida writers, filmmakers, and photographers.
