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Making Nerd Culture Open-Source: Bob Beard at TEDxPhoenixChange 2013

624 views · Published 29 April 2013 · 14:24 · Indexed 27 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2013 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Bob Beard is a cultural explorer, community connector and fan of fandom. From Sherlockians to gamers, Steampunks to Bronies, Bob is passionate about understanding the performance, consumption and identity practices within various fandoms and emerging subcultures as well as the creation of spaces and experiences where members of these groups can publicly advocate for themselves. Born in Nebraska, raised in Arizona and well-travelled after a stint in the United States Marine Corps, Bob has worked in the media industry for more than 14 years. He currently works at Arizona PBS where he creates engagement strategies and manages the station's shared interest communities. Most recently, Bob founded the local Arizona PBS Nerd Walk which has captured the attention of other PBS stations nationwide. A life-long geek himself, Bob is writing his graduate thesis on nerds and nerd culture for the Communications Studies program at Arizona State University. He's married to the most patient woman in the Universe, is Dad to two adventuresome preschoolers and can beat you at Ghostbusters trivia, so don't even try.

Personal Website: http://about.me/bob_beard
Nerd Walk Website: http://www.azpbs.org/nerd
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/bob_beard

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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