Happy new year to you and your big brain! We’re back to our normal schedule of the second Thursday of the month, and we’ve starting the new year with myths about capitalism, where to start with anime, and the tea on infidelity in the animal kingdom.
January 8th, 2026 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Pre-sale tickets $10, door $15 (cash preferred, Venmo etc. available). Get your pre-sale tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/nerd-nite-asheville-january-2026
This month’s lineup:
Justin Bellame
The Myths and Hidden Truths of Capitalism
Is our economy a living system or a highly controlled and rigged shell game? Our capitalistic system is held up by personal, psychological, and systemic myths and hidden truths that cloud and distort how we all see and approach investing, wealth accumulation, and giving back. Justin will share data and real world examples from his decade studying and working in the world of impact investing and social justice to reveal uncomfortable truths about asset ownership, access to investment opportunities, and the complicated and messy intersection of philanthropy and wealth management.
Justin Belleme has been a serial entrepreneur since his early childhood and was honored as the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2014. Between 2015 and 2022 he worked on marketing for several of the largest social impact investing, venture philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and catalytic capital events, organizations, media, and industry associations in the world. He is currently the Publisher of RomanticAsheville.com while also exploring creative ways to use his network and impact capital experience to build more affordable housing in Asheville and other gentrifying communities.
He is a Western NC native who loves the Asheville area. Beyond all things internet marketing, Justin enjoys exploring nature, rock climbing, playing sports, and cooking delicious meals for family and friends. https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbelleme/
Tavi
How to Start Watching Anime
In the modern age of the Internet, Anime is something that everyone is aware of… so why are you not watching any?!?!? Anime is a medium of Japanese film and animation that caters to all ages. Tavi will help you navigate some of the Greatest Hits, and tell you what to avoid, from a wide range of genres. This will include some history, anime nomenclature, addressing stereotypes, beautiful art, and amusing videos.
Tavi grew up in WNC and moved to Hawaii for school, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics. This journey also included a career in Polynesian Performance. Now, he is a Middle School Math and Science Teacher at Odyssey Community School located here in Asheville. When Tavi isn’t teaching, he is creating his next cosplay, dancing with fire, or myriad of other random things. You can find him on Socials as Tavi Does Stuff! IG: @tavi.does.stuff http://tavidoesstuff.com
Jeremy Morris
Monogamy in the Animal World (Barely Exists)
Monogamy: what a sweet romantic idea. Despite our society’s desire to hold dear those animal species that form monogamous pairs, almost none of them are actually monogamous. While many animals form “socially” monogamous pairs, DNA evidence from parents and offspring shows that genetic monogamy barely exists. In this talk, you’ll learn how widespread this is and why both males and females are driven to sneak around. We’ll also talk about humans–can you guess what’s common for us?
Dr. Jeremy Morris is an evolutionary biologist and professor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. His research focuses on anatomy and physiology related to animal performance. Jeremy is also an advocate for public engagement in science and has brought science talks and conservation projects to audiences in prisons, museums, and other venues. He spends much of his free time trail running, rock climbing, skiing, and pursuing other adventures.
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: Celebrity Cameos in Star Trek
What do Iggy Pop, Sarah Silverman, Jason Alexander, Carol Kane, Tig Notaro, Tom Morello, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson all have in common? Star Trek, naturally. This month, we’re revisiting Von’s favorite celebrity cameo moments from the past 40 years of Star Trek.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)