3 presenters share a topic they are NERDY about while the audience shares a drink. 2025 is the year of the Nerd! NerdNite Melbourne is back with more shows, more nerds, and our first show of the year is just around the corner! We’ll hear about the business of record breaking and self- (or mis?) guided attempts at breaking records, and sexual desire! What is it, what are we getting wrong, and how can we make it right? Be there. Be Square Dr Julian O’Shea The Weird and Wonderful World of Record Breaking Description: The Guinness Book of Records has been awarded (by itself) as the best selling copyrighted book of all time. Why are people so interested in world record breaking? Why is a beer company the official arbiter of records? What does it take to actually break a world record? Do they matter, or is the whole thing a scam? In this talk Julian O’Shea shares the history, quirky stories and his own misadventures in attempting to become a world record holder. Bio: Dr Julian O’Shea is a designer, academic and Montague Street Bridge enthusiast. He explores interesting places and tells stories about them on the internet - things like why Melbourne trams carry sand; and why the streets in the city don’t run exactly north and south. He loves live comedy (and is doing a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival), and exploring the city, he once ran every tram route in the city. Instagram: @julianoshea Laura Lee Forget everything you know about sexual desire Description: Issues of sexual desire are the most common reasons people seek sex therapy. But desire is about wanting. So if you don't want the sex available to you maybe the problem isn't about desire at all, maybe it's... the sex? Bio: Laura is a psychologist & sexologist living and working on glorious Wadawurrung country. She is passionate about helping people to confidently enjoy their sexuality and she knows the key to removing the shame from sex is by NEVER SHUTTING UP ABOUT IT. When she's not doing that you can find her roller skating, painting & swimming. She's never met a spicy marg she didn't like. Instagram: @lauraleesexology Dilendra Wijesekara Silk: Because Even Your Ears Deserve a Soft Touch! Description: Chronic ear infections cause hearing loss, and current treatments don’t work well and cause more damage. I’m creating a special packing material made from silk that helps support ear surgery, prevent damage, and release medicine to help heal. This could help people hear better and make treatments safer and more effective for ear problems, with potential for use in other medical areas too. Bio: I’m a third-year PhD candidate at Deakin University, developing silk-based biomaterials. My journey started in Sri Lanka, where I discovered the untapped potential of cinnamon wood— a byproduct of the world’s best cinnamon, grown and harvested there. I turned this waste into a low-cost adsorbent for toxins from industrial waste. Two years ago, I earned a scholarship to work at Australia’s largest materials science research institute. Now, I’m developing silk-based materials to treat chronic middle ear disease and sharing my passion for science communication. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilendra-wijesekara-93a377167/ 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.