Nerd Nite #62 at Howler - Tuesday, Apr 8 2025 | Discotech

Three presenters share a topic they are NERDY about while the audience shares a drink. Nerd Nite’s next show is on April 8th, and boy do we have a treat for you!! From the nostalgia of VHS, to the future of computing and the power of public speaking—this Nerd Nite has it all! Dr. Shane will take us inside the VCR, exploring why VHS was more than just a format—it was a cultural phenomenon. Dr. Mitko will dive into the (sort of) success of his quantum research, where smashing light and matter together could help keep our devices cool. And if public speaking makes you sweat more than your overheating laptop, Trang is here to show you how to own the stage with confidence and charisma! Grab a beer, grab some friends and join us at HOWLER! ! Be there. Be Square Shane Huntington The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of VHS Description: VHS was a technological marvel that gave us the choice to watch what we wanted, when we wanted, in the comfort of our homes, for the first time in history. Video libraries – yes libraries, not stores – were places of connection and dreams. The video store employee (that’s me!) dished out desires on an overnight basis. I remain obsessed with VHS – and I’m going to show you all why! We are going inside the video cassette recorder together….so prepare to cancel your streaming services. Bio: Dr Shane is a giant nerd. A nerd's nerd. This will be his third Nerd Nite talk and they are getting nerdier. He has a PhD in physics but more importantly for this talk is the fact that he worked for a decade in a video library. He also does some 3RRR radio program - but that's not relevant. Bluesky: drshanerrr.bsky.social X: @DrShaneRRR Mitko Oldfield Feeling Moore-ish? We're going light & byte-sized Description: Moore's Law (An Eponymous Law that you'll become upsettingly familiar with) is failing, or dead, or not dead, depending on who you ask. My research at my Centre of Excellence, FLEET (rip 2024) aimed to tackle this problem. I'll be talking about how I gave it a crack by smacking light and matter together, and why that could lead to your phones and laptop no longer heating up. Bio: Mitko is a Doctor of Quantum Physics, an avid and peppy communicator, and, unfortunately, British. His PhD focused on creating new technology that doesn't heat up when used by combining light and matter. It worked, sort of. After receiving his doctorate, he moved away from research to pursue his true passion: making coffee for near-minimum wage (something something terrible job market, something something the economy is in shambles). Trang Nova Glossophobia Who? Making public speaking fun & fab Description: Did you know that up to 93% of your influence comes from HOW you speak, not WHAT you say? (Especially when what we say doesn’t match how we say it) This means you could be the most brilliant or well-intentioned person, but you’ll only ever be perceived at the level of your ability to speak confidently and clearly. And if you struggle to communicate your ideas to the world, your creations will remain only in your imagination and your influence will fall short. Your voice is where it begins! Bio: Trang Nova is a speaker and speaking coach helping you to speak with confident authority so you can fulfil your potential and be recognised as a visible leader in and out of your work. Through her journey from being a withdrawn introvert to still being one - just one who now speaks for a living - Trang wants to show you that speaking is a skill anyone can master, not just those to whom it comes naturally. And when she’s not on stage or coaching others, you’ll probably find her stuffing her face with ice cream, giving her dogs forced cuddles, or on her motorbike flying down a road somewhere! Instagram: @Trang_Nova Website: https://trangnova.com/ [https://trangnova.com/] VENUE INFO Howler Bar & Grill The kitchen will be serving a full menu from 5pm till late including vegan and vegetarian options. You can view the delicious offerings available by clicking here. Booking are not essential but recommended here. Accessibility Howler is Accessible. Both Garden and Theatre are 100% accessible for patrons including a central restroom and easy curbside access for car services. This venue accepts companion cards. Simply purchase your ticket and contact Moshtix to arrange access for your Companion. Parking A park and ride, council operated carpark is located immediately outside of Howler's doors. Public Transport Howler is conveniently located just a two minute walk from both the Route 19 Coburg tram (stop 21), and Jewel train station on the Upfield line. Bicycle We adjoin the Upfield Bike Path and have many designated bike parks on site.