Summer is ending, but it’s always the season to learn! This month we have Private Citizen™ Jared Rennie returning to talk about what it’s like being a federal scientist in this era of anti-science. Plus, George Avery will share the fascinating engineering behind fasteners, and the hilarious Ashley Allen will tell you how to wield logical fallacies as weapons.
September 11th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
2025 has been a roller coaster of emotions for federal employees, not just for folks at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information in Asheville, but for many federal scientists at NOAA, NASA, NSF, and elsewhere across the country. Despite the craziness, we are still pushing out important work, even if some people don’t want us to. Bring your “emotional support forks” and join us to learn about what has been going on, why it’s important, and what you can do about it.
Jared Rennie (he/him) is a research meteorologist for NOAA who sits on a treasure trove of data. Originally from Boston, he moved to Asheville in 2010 to perform climate research, primarily focusing on heat waves. Recently, he has shifted efforts towards science communication, bridging the gap between climate extremes and vulnerable communities. IG: @jjrenniewx
George Avery
Understanding Friction Through the Eyes of a Fastener
Fasteners achieve their ultimate goal when they have a torque instruction with them. This could be the 90 ft-lb you install the wheels on your car with, or the 5 N-M you use to assemble the handlebars of your new mountain bike. The heart of the torque instruction comes down to understanding friction, which ironically is a very slippery concept to find a value for. This is an in-depth look at the math that determines torque instructions for fasteners and how small changes can greatly affect the friction that the math is based upon. It’s going to be bolt loads of fun!
George Avery has been a mechanical engineer for the Department of the Navy since 2016. He originally started his career at the Philadelphia Navy Yard before changing to a remote position and moving to Asheville. His job has given him an in-depth understanding how mechanical engineering, material science, process engineering, and specification writing all come together to make sure people use the right fasteners, in the right places, and tightened down the right way. A consequence of this knowledge is how he constantly tinkers with his bikes to use “better” screws.
Ashley Allen
Exploiting Logical Fallacies to Make Anyone Believe Anything
Organizations, corporations, and mass media make a habit of using linguistics and common flaws in reasoning to sway public belief one way or the other. We’re going to look at a few such examples–some you may have even fallen for yourself! Taking a closer look at why some people seem to believe things that seem obviously false to others, we’ll look at how current events are reported and the long-term societal implications if humanity can’t begin to think more critically about the information presented.
Ashley Allen (she/her) is an advocate for literacy, both personally as an avid reader and professionally as the Co-Executive Director of local nonprofit Read 2 Succeed. When not nerding out on all things literary, Ashley enjoys rollerblading, diamond art, learning about reptile husbandry, and a good D&D Campaign. IG: @r2sasheville www.r2sasheville.org
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: The Legendary Edits of Andrew Hussie
Last month, Z Hawkwood presented about Andrew Hussie’s one million word creation, Homestuck. But to Von, Andrew Hussie was always that guy who made the infamous Star Trek: TNG edits like 17 years ago. We saw a couple of those hilarious edits in the August show, but they deserve their own dedicated mini-feature.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
It has been TWO YEARS since our first Nerd Nite Asheville! Two years of incredible presentations full of knowledge and creativity, two years of incredible nerds coming together to share the joy of learning, and two years of Von never shutting up about Star Trek. It’s time to Allamaraine harder than you’ve ever Allamarained before!
August 14th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
There are more worms that parasitize humans than humans in the world. This time David will talk about a few worm infections that can sometimes be acquired right here in the US. Examples include the nature of RFK’s supposed brain worm, the sushi worm, creeping eruption (acquired from dog poop), and angiostrongylus (vegetarians not safe from this one). The reality of these worms will be demonstrated with real life clinical photos, x-rays, and live parasites themselves. NC House Bill 618 will make ivermectin, a wonder drug for many worms but not so much for other things, available over-the-counter without prescription and is about to pass the legislature-find out more.
David O. Freedman, MD, originally from Montreal, Canada, birthplace of William Shatner, is a retired Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama (UAB). He has spent his career traveling around the world in search of new infectious diseases organisms and how travelers spread them. He has always been fascinated by parasitic worms and cared for many infected patients in the US and abroad. In 1988, he published the first ever paper on the use of ivermectin to treat human intestinal worms.
Douglas Yuhan Rao
Be a Scientist Without a Fancy Diploma
Science is always better when we can bring more people into the process of science discovery. For decades, citizen science has provided opportunities for community members to collect data and contribute to important scientific discoveries in astronomy, biodiversity, meteorology, and computer science. We will explore the history of citizen science and its contribution to biodiversity and climate research. Douglas will also share three ways that you can be part of the citizen science movement in our daily lives.
Douglas (he/him) is a nerd who had dreamed to be a scientist since he was eight years old according to his diary. In his daily job as a climate researcher, he uses satellite data and computer models to study the impact of climate for ecosystems and society. Outside of his own research, he is also a citizen scientist helping fellow scientists out who are desperate for data.
Z Hawkwood
What the Hell is Homestuck??
In 2009, Andrew Hussie uploaded a single gif onto his website: mspaintAdventures. 17 years later, it would become one of the longest works of English literature in history. Homestuck thrived online, using irony, trolling, and comedy to tell an epic story involving over 34 main characters and spanning millions of years. It spawned art communities, created friendships, and changed internet culture forever. But what exactly is it? A joke? A work of multimedia art? A subversive deconstruction of point-and-click adventure games? Whatever it was, its legacy lives on, and there will never be anything else like it.
Hawkwood is a novelist, Youtuber, and game designer. He’s the creator of the Hawkwood Youtube Channel, where he focuses on detailed retrospectives of older media. You might like his videos on the French anime Wakfu, the history of Dropout.TV, or the wild origin of the 1993 Super Mario Bros movie. http://youtube.com/@Hawkwood
With your host, Von
Allamaraine, it’s our anniversary! This month, we’ll recap the past year and pay tribute to all of the presenters of Nerd Nite Asheville season two.
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
What do you do for fun when it’s hot outside? You learn about birds, library classification systems, and AI security fails, of course. This month at Nerd Nite Asheville, we’ve got a line up of mega-nerds, bringing some of the nerdiest facts you’ve ever heard. Bring a fan to cool your steaming hot brain.
July 10th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Adapting New Technologies for Tracking Bird Migration
For millennia, humanity has marveled at the ebb and flow of the seasons while pondering why certain bird species leave before winter and return at the advent of spring. We will explore wild hypotheses concerning their whereabouts, the clues that led to improved understanding, and review the tools and techniques that have offered humans a broader view of bird migration into modern times. Danny will share personal experiences with various species and show what professionals have been conducting for modern, scientific research.
Danny is a nerd who has been fascinated with birds from a young age. As an adult, he has tracked and monitored avian fauna around the country for various organizations and agencies, adventuring from Alaska to Texas and Nova Scotia to Hawaii. His journey has led him this year to Asheville, and he has been exploring the Blue Ridge hoping to find any bird that will sit still for a photograph.
Leah Worster
The Pitfalls of Dewey Decimal
Every library, from school libraries to special research libraries, uses a classification system to organize their collection. There’s often an assumption that whatever organizational system the library uses, it must be the most appropriate way to organize their collection. Join Leah for a quick journey through the history of Dewey Decimal Classification, the most widely used library classification system, and then delve into the traps and pitfalls of its use.
Leah (she/her) is a third generation librarian, after a detour through software engineering. She is passionate about information access and digital divide issues. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cuddling her cats, going on adventures with her husband, and knitting.
Sarah Kent
Epic AI Security Fails in the Early Days of Skynet
Hollywood warned us about an AI that would become self-aware, launch nuclear missiles, and terminate humanity. Instead, we got a drunk intern with great grammar who is easily tricked into misbehaving. The #1 threat against AI is prompt injection, an exploit that tricks large language models (LLMs) into breaking rules if you just ask nicely enough. Discover why the real threat isn’t robots taking over the world. It’s humans realizing how embarrassingly easy it is to make multi-billion-dollar AIs do exactly what they’re not supposed to. We’re probably safe from the robot apocalypse, but maybe not from watching our most advanced technology get hoodwinked by anyone with too much time and questionable life choices.
Sarah Kent is a Senior Application Security Consultant at GuidePoint Security. When she isn’t hacking the planet and learning about emerging technologies, Sarah is hiking in the Pisgah Forest and attending concerts with friends. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-e-kent/
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: Worf Low-key Sucks (aka That Time Worf Joined A Terrorist Group To Ruin Dax’s Vacation)
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
Ever wondered why your voice sounds like you? Or how your favorite cartoon characters get their voices? Anna of Diemer Voice Studio will take you through a crash course in the science of voices and how to explore all of the types of voices you can make. Come prepared to make some silly sounds!
Anna Diemer (they/them) is a voice teacher, Singing Voice Specialist, PAVA-Recognized Vocologist, and professional soprano based in Asheville, NC. Their private studio consists primarily of avocational adult singers, many of whom present with a vocal pathology, and members of the LGBTQ+ community training their voices in times of transition. When they’re not in the voice studio, Anna enjoys cooking, reading fantasy novels, and gaming on their Switch. Insta and Facebook: @diemervoicestudio Website: diemervoicestudio.com
Jessica McLean
Reading and the Brain
Reading feels passive, but your brain is actually working hard! This talk will break down the science of reading, revealing how four brain processors work together to turn squiggles on a page into meaning. We’ll also explore the BIG 5 areas of reading – phonics, phonological awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension – and celebrate the amazing hard work are brains do when we learn!
Jess is an Asheville native and Nerd Nite superfan. As Co-Executive Director of Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S), Jess has spent years studying the science of reading and applying that knowledge as a reading instructor and education advocate. When not at the office, you can probably find Jess watching Star Trek with her husband, gardening, cooking a delicious vegetarian meal, or texting everyone she knows about getting tickets for the next Nerd Nite!
TJ Johnson
Fun Adventures in Prototyping
Get ready for a fun-filled exploration into the world of prototyping, where wild ideas become awesome inventions! You’ll meet two hilarious and interactive creations:
The Fart Detector: An invention that’s sure to get giggles! Learn how sensors and circuits can sniff out something funny in the air.
The Interactive Instrument: Make music just by waving your hands! Discover how simple electronics and clever coding turn everyday objects into magical musical instruments.
Come ready to laugh, learn, and get inspired to create your own wacky and wonderful inventions!
TJ is a hacker, musician, malware researcher, and a robotics and iot developer working as a lead threat researcher in the cybersecurity industry. His interests are transhumanism, futurism, biohacking, ai, tech, malware, philosplophy, physics, sci-fi mythology, music, art, and the ineffable spirit of the hacker mindset.
With your host, Von
Von is thrilled to bring back Nerd Nite Asheville’s family friendly event!
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
As a kid, Von had a pass to the Museum of Science in Boston, and would hang out among the exhibits for hours every week. Von hopes to help the next generation of kids fall in love with learning.
This Pride month is bittersweet, with attacks on LGBTQ+ people coming from the highest levels of government. But we are bringing some shine to this month’s show with opera singer Anna Diemer sharing the magic behind the classic opera voice. Plus pleasure coach Whitni Miller teaches us about why lesbians don’t experience the “pleasure gap”, and photographer Russ Watkins demonstrates live photography physics so you can create your own beautiful portraits.
June 12th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Have you ever wondered how opera singers perform without microphones and can still be heard, sometimes in a massive hall over the sound of an orchestra? Vocologist Anna Diemer gets nerdy about the voice science behind opera’s signature sound and how singers train for and create it. Be prepared to sing along!
Anna Diemer (they/them) is a voice teacher, Singing Voice Specialist, PAVA-Recognized Vocologist, and professional soprano based in Asheville, NC. They primarily work with singers who are in times of vocal transition, whether that’s maintaining singing throughout the lifespan or guiding a voice through a gender journey. When they aren’t in the studio, they’re singing opera in drag as Drag Dad of Asheville Milo Mawile. @diemervoicestudio on instagram Website: http://voicelessons.gay
Russ Watkins
The Physics of Portrait Photography
Let’s make photos, rather than take them, shall we? Russ will explain the foundational principles of modern portrait photography and demonstrate how the inverse square law can completely transform a portrait environment. We’ll travel back to the Dutch golden age of the 17th century and briefly visit 1930s Hollywood to reveal the origins of lighting patterns still used in modern portrait photography that help us create images that evoke emotion, drama and aesthetic appeal. Then the audience will use flashlights (provided for you) to recreate all of the lighting patterns in a hands-on, live demonstration using your phone to make your own outstanding portraits.
Russ is an Asheville-based Creative and Marketing Director that constantly tests the limits of his work in photography—learning, developing and defining a style that is truly unique. Although his role in the creative profession has changed much in the past 20 years, Russ admits that the greatest level of inspiration and drive come from his passion for photography. Last year, Russ challenged himself further by creating the 50/24 project where he photographed 50 people in 2024, each in their own unique way. This year, he’s focused on creating dark, bold and inquisitive images that tell a story. Website: rwphotographics.com IG: @rwphotographics
Whitni Miller
Lesbians Do It Better
Turns out the rumors are true—lesbians are having better sex. This talk breaks down the research on why queer women report higher sexual satisfaction and what all orientations can learn from their pleasure-positive, communication-forward approach. Get ready for a mix of sass, stats, and strategies you can take home to your own sex life.
Whitni Miller is a queer couples intimacy coach, sex educator, and founder of BDEmoves, LLC. She helps queer couples deepen connection and explore all facets of intimacy through pleasure-focused coaching and group programs. Whether she’s leading a workshop or posting spicy education on Instagram (@bdemoves), Whitni is on a mission to make authentic pleasure more accessible for everyone. www.bde-moves.com
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini feature: LGBTQ+ representation in Star Trek
By now it should come as no surprise that Star Trek made bold statements about LGBTQ+ topics for a set of primetime network series. While queer and trans representation wasn’t fully normalized in the main casts until recently, older series like The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine had groundbreaking episodes that explicitly denounced conversion therapy and other forms of anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry, plus gave us our first openly queer (and trans-coded) character in Jadzia Dax.
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
Spring is here, the blossoms are blooming, and so is your brain! This month you will learn everything you never knew you wanted to know about male mice. Plus badass Black librarians who fought censorship and improved libraries forever, and what actually happens in your brain when you read. And Von will explain that “Allamaraine!” thing everyone is always yelling.
April 10th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Male mice have a tough life. They have to travel extensively to find food, patrol their territory, find mates, and avoid predators. In addition, they have to fight other males to control territories and gain opportunities to reproduce. However, many of the anatomical traits that make a mouse good at running or fighting directly conflict with each other, leading to trade-offs between these important behaviors. In this talk, you’ll learn about these trade-offs and how they interact with ever-changing environmental factors, leading to an evolutionary scenario for which there is no ideal solution.
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. Dr. Morris is also very interested in public engagement in science and has brought science and conservation projects to public audiences in prisons, museums, and other venues. Dr. Morris is an avid traveler and has spent several years traveling abroad and spends much of his free time trail running, rock climbing, skiing, and pursuing other adventures.
Zoe Bergmire-Sweat
How Black Librarians Fought Censorship (and Improved Your Life)
Librarians have been subverting censorship efforts for centuries! And yet, over the span of 50 years, librarians’ efforts and the effects of their work rippled beyond library walls into American society. Their names and identities did not. 5 female black librarians of the 20th century decolonized library shelves, preserved black history, spoke truth to power, set the standards for library collections, and created a brand new library service. How they managed to do all of that is instrumental in standing up to censorship efforts today!
Zoe is a current Youth Services librarian at Buncombe County Public Libraries. She has been paid for working in libraries for 8 years, but she has been in libraries for over two decades! She has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies, and an undergraduate in creative writing. When she’s not surrounded by literature, or attending Nerd Nites she can be found with a crafting group which meets at Purl’s Yarn Emporium to work on their creations while watching nerdy shows. IG: @pistachio_poet BlueSky: @zoeelizab-s.bsky.social
Jess McLean
Reading and the Brain
Ever wonder what your brain actually does when you read? This talk will break down the science of reading, revealing how four brain processors work together to turn squiggles on a page into meaning. We’ll explore why learning letter sounds (phonics!) is essential for cracking the alphabetic code—and why the literacy crisis in the U.S. is a problem we can’t afford to ignore.
Jess is an Asheville native and Nerd Nite superfan. As Co-Executive Director of Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S), Jess has spent years studying the science of reading and applying that knowledge as a reading instructor and education advocate. When not at the office, you can probably find Jess watching Star Trek with her husband, gardening, cooking a delicious vegetarian meal, or texting everyone she knows about getting tickets for the next Nerd Nite! https://www.r2sasheville.org/
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: Allamaraine!?
You’ve heard it at every show. You’ve maybe even yelled it yourself. Now you will get to see the origin… the legend… the iconic episode of Deep Space Nine that gave us our rallying cry, Move Along Home. An episode so infamous that it has Star Trek fans debating whether it is one of the best or worst episodes of all time. (Spoiler: it’s both.) Allamaraine!
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
Have you felt lately as though we’re living the plot of some absurdist novel? Well, you’re not alone, and this month, our presenters will take you from preserving history to analyzing the absurdity of it, to protecting yourself from the all-seeing eyes of dystopian surveillance. Buckle up, because this month’s show is a trip!
March 13th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Archives are how we create and preserve the events that unfold around us every day, but the work that goes into archiving what will be referred to as historical events in the future is largely invisible. In this talk you’ll learn about how 21st century archivists work alongside community members to ensure that we build a robust and diverse archive of materials that will help us understand the past and plan for a better future, and how archivists are documenting and preserving the events around Helene.
Katherine is an aggressively enthusiastic public historian and Asheville native (Yes! We exist!) currently managing the Buncombe County Special Collections library in Downtown Asheville. Almost nothing brings her more joy than engaging folks with the past and helping them to realize that history is more than dates and “important people” – it’s the foundation of our collective memory and a roadmap for our future. @yunz.are.sumthinelse ; @AVLHistory Website: Specialcollections.buncombecounty.org
Ashley Allen
Our Current Reality is Multimodal Post-Modernist Literature
Join Ashley as she draws parallels between our current lived experiences and the literary subgenre of multimodal Postmodernist Literature. Is it the next big Literary Theory? A social commentary? Or the next iteration of simulation conspiracy theories? Who knows, but buckle up! Taking a closer look at the genre tenets of Postmodernist literature and its representation through multiple modalities, this presentation will hopefully entertain and inform in equal measure.
Ashley Allen (she/her) is an advocate for literacy, both personally as an avid reader and professionally as the Co-Executive Director of local nonprofit Read 2 Succeed. When not nerding out on all things literary, Ashley enjoys rollerblading, diamond art, learning about reptile husbandry, and a good D&D Campaign. Check out R2S’ website here- https://www.r2sasheville.org/
Nicole Lopez
Surveillance Self-Defense for the Current Panopticon
We live in a constant state of surveillance. We carry tiny computers with cameras and microphones around in our pockets that ping cell towers and join wifi networks while the apps we use track and sell our personal data. We trade in our privacy for convenience, personalized advertisements, and perceived wins in public safety. This talk will provide an overview of the current state of surveillance from creepy adtech to law enforcement surveillance to more advanced threats of spyware. Surveillance can be scary, especially in this moment of political upheaval, but fear not! We’ll cover the tools at our disposal to take back our privacy, so that everybody leaves feeling more informed and less powerless to the panopticon!
Nicole Lopez (she/her) is Director of Technology at Midwest Access Coalition, a practical support abortion fund supporting people traveling to, from, and within the Midwest to access abortion care, where she straddles software development, IT management, and digital security. A seasoned digital security trainer, she previously worked at Digital Defense Fund, which specializes in digital security and tech support for the abortion access movement. Nicole is also a co-organizer for two communities of techies, Code with Asheville and Techies for Reproductive Justice. When not nerding out about tech, you can find her petting one of her cats, salsa dancing, or playing classical piano works by women and people of color ignored by the classical music canon.
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: Captain Kathryn F*king Janeway
What makes Captain Janeway an incredible Starfleet captain? Her bravery, self-sacrifice, diplomacy, love for science and ability to keep her crew united while isolated in the Delta Quadrant?
Think again.
Coffee, murder, and triggering the self destruct on her ship like it’s a fetish. This month you’ll see why Janeway is a not just a brilliant leader, but a goddamned menace. Janeway pi one one zero, motherf*ckers!
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
It’s time to fall in love… with learning! Join us this month to learn about Asheville’s tuberculosis sanitarium boom era, everything you’ve ever wanted to know about signs, and the rich cultural background of Hip Hop.
February 13th, 2025 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Asheville’s rapid growth and wealth prior to the Great Depression was based on its reputation as a wellness destination that began in 1870. The very lucrative Tuberculosis Sanitarium Era was followed by vigorous efforts to promote Asheville as a healthy place for healthy people that were led by the Vanderbilts and Grove. Many current buildings, such as BPR, sit on the locations of former TB sanitaria. Efforts to control spitting in the early 1900’s were comical.
David O. Freedman, MD, originally from Montreal, Canada, birthplace of William Shatner, is a recently retired Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama (UAB). He has spent his career traveling around the world in search of new infectious diseases organisms and how travelers spread them. He remains as an Editor of CDC’s Health Information for International Travel (the Yellow Book). He is thrilled to have moved to Asheville in 2023 after vacationing frequently here for over 25 years.
Super Rob
The Super Signguy Presents the Science of Signs
This engaging presentation dives into how shapes, colors, and fonts influence our decisions and behavior, from navigating traffic to choosing a product. With fun anecdotes, interactive elements, and surprising insights, you’ll discover the power of signs in shaping our daily lives and the future of branding and design.
With over 30 years in the sign industry, I’ve learned signage isn’t just about trends—it’s a science. My career started in Chicago, took me to Florida, and eventually landed me in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where the scenery hooked me, and the people made me stay. I jokingly call what I do “advanced kindergarten” because signage is a basic business need that’s often overlooked, but my superpower is making it simple, effective, and affordable. When I’m not creating super solutions, you’ll find me and my superhero crew in parades, hosting 12V rallies, or out in the community helping local businesses shine. FB/IG: @thesupersignguy http://thesupersignguy.com/
Nex Millen
The Elements and Principles of Hip Hop Culture
Hip Hop is a distinctly American art form birthed from the ingenuity of Black youth in the 1970s. Today, the cultural roots of Hip Hop have been obscured by stereotypes, corporate greed, and a preoccupation with image. In this presentation, we will learn the eight elements of Hip Hop and seven principles of the culture, how they worked in harmony together in the golden era, and the disconnect created by corporate control today.
Nex Millen is a Hip Hop Scholar and Cultural Curator from Philadelphia. He is also a music producer whose career spans three decades. In Asheville, Nex is on the board of directors for the YMI Cultural Center, the oldest operating Black Cultural Center in the country. He also leads a successful lifestyle and cultural arts brand called OG Synergy. OG Synergy, along with music business consulting, nightlife curating, creates middle school to collegiate level lectures, workshops and activities to bring awareness to the culture of Hip Hop. IG: @nexmillen
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: Far Beyond the Stars
Deep Space Nine, the second series of the 80s-90s Star Trek revival era, gave us many fun, campy episodes (including the episode that gave Nerd Nite Asheville its rallying cry–Allamaraine!). But in its sixth season, it delivered possibly the most moving episode in Star Trek history, Far Beyond the Stars, which turns Captain Benjamin Sisko, Star Trek’s first Black captain, into a segregation-era science fiction writer who dreams up the story of Deep Space Nine.
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
Pushing the Limits of Creativity with Rapid Prototyping
The exponential growth and complexity of technology has been a defining force in our modern societal landscape. The increasing accessibility and lessening cost of small electronic devices and microcontrollers has made tech development and prototyping accessible for the hobbyist! No longer do we creators rely on a university, corporation, or defense agency to fund our endeavors. In this way, the creation of new tech is becoming democratized. Join me as we learn about how ANYONE can develop IoT (Internet of Things) devices and robotics technology in their free time with minimal code knowledge and how this bolsters the burgeoning tech landscape with fresh ideas and creations.
Colonel Panic is a hacker, musician, malware researcher, and a robotics and iot developer working as a lead threat researcher in the cybersecurity industry. His interests are transhumanism, futurism, biohacking, ai, tech, malware, philosophy, physics, sci-fi mythology, music, art, and the ineffable spirit of the hacker mindset.
Russell Pirkle
Investigating Common Word Crimes
Is talking good important to you? In this presentation Russell will explore some common grammar and language pet peeves, how they came about, and other things we say which are equally “wrong” but don’t bother us for some reason. From literally to aks to fewer vs. less, Russell will explore all the greatest hits of grammar school teachers.
Russell is an English second language teacher and speech language pathologist currently teaching at AB Tech Community College and completing SLP clinical rotations. Russell also hosts a podcast about music and language called Getting Down & Wordy and just generally spends a lot of time obsessing over words. IG/tiktok: @gettingdownandwordy podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-down-wordy/id1581316249
Tavi
The Kingdom of Hawaii
In 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th American State. But before Western contact, Hawaii was a thriving society with its own culture, governance, and traditions. Its history transitioned from warring tribes to an independent kingdom, followed by American occupation, designation as a U.S. territory, and eventually statehood. Despite its significance, this history is often overlooked or ignored. Tavi will share Hawaii’s incredible history, along with some live cultural demonstrations you won’t want to miss!
Raised in Western North Carolina, Tavi didn’t learn of his Māori Heritage until he was 17. This discovery led him to the decision to move to Hawaii to go to school and learn of his culture. In 2015, Tavi started training, dancing and performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center. His extensive training included multiple Pacific Cultures ans the Siva Afi (Samoan Fire Dance.) While performing at the PCC at night, Tavi attended Brigham Young University – Hawaii where he received a Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Pacific Island Studies. He now lives in Asheville, NC and continues to perform and train all over this area of thr country. Tavi is now a Math & Science Teacher at Odyssey School located right here in Asheville. On top of a first year of teaching, he runs a small 3D Printing Business, and just had a newborn in September. IG: @tavi.does.stuff
With your host, Von
This month’s Star Trek mini-feature: New Year, Strange New Worlds
The very first episode of Star Trek was a pilot called The Cage, which featured a different crew from the crew you know from the original series. Instead of Captain Kirk, there was Captain Pike and his first officer, the original “Number One”, Una Chin-Riley. While the world wasn’t ready for that story in the 1960s, we’re now getting to know Pike and Number One–along with a younger Uhura and Spock, and a motley crew of other talented oddballs–through Strange New Worlds. This month, Von will give you an introduction to SNW, a show that is currently airing, and which is currently the best place to start on a Star Trek journey for the first time.
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)
Be there and be square!
Want to present at Nerd Nite Asheville? Check out our presenter info page, or email !
Asheville was chosen to be the destination of the 2024 Nerd Nite Boss retreat, and so we will be hosting 20 bosses from other Nerd Nite cities! Our September show will be a Boss-stravaganza on a Saturday night, instead of our usual Thursday show.
Saturday, September 28th, 2024. Doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a stark reality: we cannot solely rely on the government to come to our rescue in times of crisis, especially when it comes to food. This realization has sparked a growing need for self-sufficiency. In urban environments, it may be challenging to envision agricultural possibilities, especially when we’re far removed from traditional food production. However, there is hope. This presentation will explore various ways you can become a farmer, even without access to a conventional farm.
Von Barnes (@FarmerVonSaid) is the founder of Kentuckiana Backyard Farms (@KentuckianaBF), a micro urban demonstration farm in the Louisville metro area. On that farm he has managed goat, chicken, duck, quail, rabbit, and BSF (black soldier flies). He serves on the steering committee for Food In Neighborhoods, a city network that has been doing food justice work. He is one of the co-leads for Louisville Urban League Project Kilimo. Most notably was the Ted Talk that was presented in early 2023 on solving food insecurity in Kentucky with micro gardens.
He earned his B.S. in Mass Communication from the University of South Florida., and plans to enroll in a master program in agriculture.
Cat Aboudara
The Rabble Rousing Mary Dyer
Cat was gobsmacked when she came across Winona Ryder portraying her ancestor Mary Dyer on Drunk History. But of course, there were creative licenses taken in the portrayal. Let’s untangle fact from fiction while enjoying the poetic comedy that is Drunk History. Hopefully, you’ll understand after this talk why Mary Dyer has statues erected in her honor at the Boston Commons and downtown Philly: because she is a beloved, bad-ass boss bitch.
Cat Aboudara has overseen adult programs that posit learning through play for over two decades in museums and science centers across the country and has had such fun working with scientists, astronauts, inventors, octopi, jungle cats, comedians, and robots. She also moonlighted as the Nerd Nite DC Boss even though she had to trek down from Philly for over a year to do it! She has retired from bossing in DC (and the commute) and is now full-time at an Arts + Culture CoWorking Hub in Philly.
Matt Wasowski
Weird and Potentially Breakable World Records
While none of you can grow the world’s longest fingernails in the next few days or become the shortest living adult, there are actually a few recent world records that are potentially within reach. And also plenty of weirdo ones as well. Enjoy a quick overview of some of the strangest world records set over the last couple of years and take a crack at breaking two of them. Note: your butt may be needed.
Matt is the Big Boss of Nerd Nite and is genuinely surprised, albeit pleasantly, that it has remained a thing for 21 years.
With very special guest Extra Lives
Extra Lives is the world’s first Audience RPG: a fully narrated, inclusive choose-your-own-adventure game where you are the main character. Plunge into an exciting story with visuals, music, sound effects and footage drawn from the legendary console games of the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s… and a live score provided by the lovable nerds of Extra Lives. At key junctures you’ll get to vote on how the character proceeds, leading to special story branches. With multiple endings and 60+ possible variations depending on the audience’s in-game choices, this immersive feast for the imagination will transport you back to your childhood. To the next level!
Michael Kohl is a touring musician, root beer enthusiast and bonafide Nerd Nite fanboy from Milwaukee. Last week he gave his first-ever Nerd Nite talk–a highly researched defense of the common street pigeon–in Los Angeles, CA. Tonight Michael will run a solo version of Extra Lives, an interactive video game concert experience that collaborates with Nerd Nite chapters around the world. IG: @michaelmaxkohl @extralivesmusic extralives.bandhttps://vimeo.com/826516705
And your host, Von
Von (they/them) is a local performer known for their radioactive style, political commentary, and inability to shut up about Star Trek. A lifelong nerd of both science and theater, they were an avid lover of Nerd Nite in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville and starting the local Nerd Nite Chapter.
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @von.infinity)
