Happy VD, my nerds! Whatever your stance on Valentine’s day, isn’t it nice to know you always have the love of Nerd Nite? đŸ©· :D. Our next show is coming up fast- check out these topics + speakers:

Neurodiversity: Challenging the Myth of Normal

We will dive into autism diagnostic criteria through a disability justice lens and challenge the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)’s role in pathologizing deficits and differences. Centering autistic voices and experiences, we will explore concepts including the “double-empathy problem,” masking/camouflaging, and the Medical vs. the Social models of disability.

Melissa Niemi is a mother, artist, writer, educator, speech-language pathologist, and PhD student at NDSU. She is passionate about teaching and learning, especially through the lens of neurodiversity. She has developed and lead trainings for parents and teachers with a focus on recognizing and celebrating diverse ways of learning and thinking, while challenging harmful assumptions and biases.

Physical in the Digital: Starting a Bookstore Amidst the Rise of the eBook

In an age where eBooks dominate, why would anyone start a physical bookstore—let alone six? Join Dane Ferguson as he shares his unconventional journey of building thriving indie bookstores against the odds. From navigating industry shifts to redefining the modern bookshop experience, “Physical in the Digital” explores the resilience, strategy, and passion behind making print books matter in a digital world.

Dane Ferguson is a serial bookstore entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience creating and growing independent bookstores across North Dakota. As the founder of Ferguson Books & More, he has successfully built a business that defies the digital trend, proving that physical books—and bookstores—still have a place in our evolving world. Beyond books, he’s a strategist, business leader, and advocate for community-driven retail.

Cooking the Funky Bits: Using Scraps and “Lesser cuts” is Ethical and Delicious

A follow-up from his October Nerd Nite talk about eating adventurously, we dive deep into lesser-practiced cooking methods that afford access to the delicious meals of meats that pose a bit of a challenge compared to more readily available/acceptable fare. A continued story of cooking and eating the whole animal as well as the funky bits (scraps, bones, etc.) that are often discarded.

Warren Christensen is dad, Physics Professor, home cook, musician and certified nerd. He loves Dungeons and Dragons, singing musicals, making food for people he loves and sitting on his porch. He embraces the funkier foods available in the world and he now cooks, travels and eats with adventure on the mind.

Plus door prizes, drinks, laughs, and all the discount Valentine’s chocolate you can stuff in your face. See you Thursday, February 20th at 7PM (doors at 6:30) at The Cellar below Front Street Taproom. Tickets available at Eventbrite, or you can bring $10 to the door (same price to you either way- we eat the fees to wash down the chocolate). See your gorgeous faces there.

🙂 T