We’re cleared for take-off for the last Nerd Nite Melbourne show of 2026! There’ll be sky-high stories from Aussie air traffic control, a little treat for your brain (and a tiny existential crisis), and a trip through geology and history. Three nerdy talks, one final night out, and absolutely no guarantee of a smooth landing.
Jacob Steel
Sky Highways: Inside the High-Stakes World of Aussie ATC
Description:
You're flying home from a bender weekend interstate. The hangover is in full swing, and you're getting closer and closer to your destination before the dreaded announcement rings over the loudspeaker: "We've been delayed by air traffic control." Who actually are these people, and why are they getting in the way of the pilot landing the plane—and you getting to your couch? The truth is, despite over 60 million passengers cruising through Australian skies every year, how we get from A to B is genuinely a mystery to most. Come along to grab a pint, clear your schedule for arrival, and learn the ins and outs of Australian Air Traffic Control from someone who, five years ago, didn't even know the job existed. It's going to be a high-flying 15 minutes. We promise a smooth landing, but no guarantees on your hangover.
Bio:
Jacob is a late-in-life aviation nerd, a long-time Nerd Nite regular, and a man with zero public speaking experience. After over three years training and working as an Air Traffic Controller, he's quickly realised that absolutely no one has any idea what he actually does for a living. Unlike most speakers who bring awards, public profiles, or university degrees to the stage, Jacob secured his slot through the time-honoured traditions of pure nepotism and aggressive bullying by his partner, Nerd Nite Boss, Ebony!
Rohan Venkatraman
I Deserve a Little Treat (and Capitalism Knows It)
Description:
Bad day? Little treat. Finished a difficult email? Little treat. Survived another Tuesday? You know what to do... From coffees to Amazon hauls to tattoos (guilty!), little treats have become our favourite way to reward ourselves for getting through the slog of everyday life (or for simply existing). But why do they feel so good? And why does that feeling never really last? In a world where everything seems to be getting faster, little treats do something magical: they give us tiny moments when time feels like it stands still. But there's a catch. What if the same little treats that help us cope with our exhausting lives are also helping to keep the whole exhausting system running? Come for the sociology of tiny indulgences, stay for the existential crisis!
Bio:
Rohan is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Deakin University, which means he spends a lot of time thinking about why and how capitalism is a problem. When he's not doing that, he's usually buying more books despite having nowhere to put them, contemplating his 26th tattoo, or convincing himself that both are perfectly reasonable financial decisions. His current research on little treats is doing very little to discourage this behaviour.
Socials:
@wanderingdancerboy
Be there. Be Square
Doors 7pm for 7:30pm Show
VENUE INFO
Shows are Standing unless clearly stated. Check Ticket Type when purchasing.
Howler Bar & Grill
The kitchen will be serving a full menu from
5pm (Tues - Fri) and 2pm (Sat - Sun)
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.