Podcasting

Let's spend a Friday evening exploring one of the universe's greatest mysteries — black holes — with astrophysicist Matt O'Dowd. Matt is the host of PBS Space Time, and he'll unpack the science behind these extraordinary cosmic objects: how they form, how they warp space and time, and what they can reveal about the origins and future of our universe. Expect cutting-edge research told through engaging storytelling. This talk is part of the University of Melbourne's 2026 July Lectures in Physics — a free public lecture series that has brought world-leading physicists to Melbourne every Friday in July since 1968. This will be a relaxed, low-pressure meetup for anyone curious about space, physics, or just a fascinating night out. You're very welcome to come solo. We'll meet outside first, say hello, then head in together. After the lecture there's a reception in the foyer of the Sidney Myer Asia Centre — free refreshments and a chance to chat about what we just heard. It's in the same building as the theatre, so we'll just step out into the foyer and hang out as a group before wrapping up around 8:00pm. **Who this is for** This event may suit you if you enjoy: * Astronomy, astrophysics, and space science * Big questions about the origins and future of the universe * PBS Space Time / science communication * Free, brain-tickling Friday night events * A relaxed, solo-friendly social meetup No physics background needed — just curiosity. **Links** * Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/dq1ipx5mVQNawPtb9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/dq1ipx5mVQNawPtb9) * Free tickets / event page: [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/black-holes-with-matt-odowd-tickets-1989800667360](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/black-holes-with-matt-odowd-tickets-1989800667360) **Timeline** * 5:45pm — Meet outside the Carrillo Gantner Theatre entrance and say hi * 6:00pm — Lecture starts * 7:00pm — Lecture ends * 7:00pm – 8:00pm — Reception in the foyer (refreshments + a chat) * 8:00pm — Meetup ends **Tickets / cost** * This event is free, but you still need to book your own free ticket through Eventbrite. * A Meetup RSVP does not include entry to the lecture. Please book a separate free ticket. * Free tickets for these lectures are popular and can run out, so it's worth booking early if you're sure you want to come. **Bring** * Your ticket / booking confirmation * Warm clothes — it's a July evening * Curiosity about space and black holes **What to expect** * Vibe: relaxed, low-pressure, solo-friendly * Group style: we meet before the lecture, watch the talk together, then stay for the reception * Session style: an engaging, accessible public lecture — no physics background required **Important notes** * Please book your own free ticket on Eventbrite — a Meetup RSVP alone won't get you in. * Doors open at 5:40pm and the lecture starts at 6:00pm, so please arrive by 5:45pm so we can head in together. * If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.

Join us for a Saturday morning social bike ride from Fairway Reserve Car Park towards Melbourne CBD and back, using shared trails and connecting bike paths where possible. This ride is suited to confident riders who are comfortable with a longer return ride, shared paths, road crossings, and a steady social pace. We’ll meet at Fairway Reserve Car Park and aim to leave at 9:00 AM sharp, so please arrive a little earlier to get ready. Route: Fairway Reserve Car Park to Melbourne CBD and return, using the Scotchmans Creek Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail & Main Yarra Trail. For more details, please refer to https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55725268 Stop at Kanteen @ 25km: 154 Alexandra Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141 (more info, please see photo) Please bring: \- Roadworthy bike \- Helmet \- Water \- Snacks \- Spare tube or repair kit \- Weather\-appropriate clothing This is not a race. We’ll ride at a steady social pace and regroup at key points, but please join only if you are comfortable riding for a few hours. We may stop for coffee or a short break along the way or near the CBD, depending on the group. Meetup point: Fairway Reserve Car Park. Please check the exact map pin before leaving home.

**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed - Dinner)** This event is a free guided session for new attendees of our beginner D&D program in Southbank, with dinner afterwards. Come along, meet others, play and learn, and see whether Dungeons & Dragons is something you'd enjoy. If you decide it's a good fit, you'll have the opportunity to continue. There's no obligation to continue—you're welcome to simply enjoy your first session and decide afterwards. Your Game Host teaches everything, so no experience or preparation is needed. see you guys soon :) **What is this Event** This is a beginner-friendly D&D game You don’t need to know anything Most people are new We teach as we play Cooperative game **Small groups (limited spots)** Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this to maintain a high quality of participants 12–18 total spots in total If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive Most people come alone You will not be the only one **What you’ll do** Play a character in a fantasy story Make choices with your group Talk, explore, and solve problem Roll dice to determine your success and see what happens (usually shenanigans) Expect to share funny and memorable moments with the people in our network **What you don’t need to worry about** You don't need to know rule new people won't slow the group down Don't need to bring anything We guide you the whole way **Who this is for** You work a 9–5 or shift work, and want to meet new people after work or on weekends You enjoy fantasy stories, books or game You want to try dungeons and dragon You want a cooperative story game night that will be the highlight of your week **Frequently Asked Questions... 🕵️‍♂** **Won't everyone else already know each other?** The only people who know each other are the Dungeon Masters leading each table. We don't allow groups to attend these nights, so at most there is a duo coming who already know each other. Everyone and you are super new to this **Will I be the only girl at the event?** No, our events are generally 3:1 ratio, most tables I have seen are 2 girls and 4 guys. no promises on any individual night, but you'll find it doesn't impact your enjoyment **I'm worried I might slow everyone else down?** Not true, pre-filled character sheets take much of the guess work out of learning the game, and the GMs have all taught tens to hundreds of people this game *The only thing you'll want to remember is the "D20", a twenty sided dice is always used to resolve actions, whether it's picking a pocket, striking a wicked goblin or recalling history on a forgotten ruin* *Ok, your basically ready now. seriously* Don't believe me? Come and find out for yourself **I'm worried I might be too old/too young for this?** so here's what you'll want to know. we usually see attendees anywhere from 19-49 years of age normally it's 25-35ish as we often curate out events for young professionals and established professionals working locally But I'll say this: if you get along with a mature audience of respectful people who can collaborate together - you're in for a good time **Session information** 3-hour(ish) game- first sessions is a free trial Run by experienced Dungeon Maste 2–3 tables each night **Before the event** You may get a message from the organise Please reply to keep your spo **Attendance policy** Cancel early if you can’t make No-shows or late cancels may lose future spo **Dinner** join us for a meal at the Vietnamese restaurant hosting us. We like to hang out after the game for a bit, usually for eats and chat amongst new friends :)

== A note on our cheap tickets == Yes we have discounted tickets, but they are limited. We have always tried to provide lower prices (and yes, these are normal return ticket) as many of our customers are students & foreigners. However if you want discounted tickets, they are on a first-come, first-served basis - so planning ahead really helps. === 100% REFUND GUARANTEE IF THERE IS NO SNOW! === If there is not enough snow on the mountain for skiing / snowboarding then we will cancel the trip and refund customers. We regularly watch the snow reports for snowfall reports. === Mount Buller snow season bus trip === Note: despite our name (New To Melbourne!) we get a lot of locals and non-foreigners - especially for this service (our snow transport). The Mount Buller snow field / resort is a must see during winter and is incredible for Instagram photos - but it’s for a very limited part of the year. === What’s included === This is a 1 day bus transfer to Mount Buller (with return back to Melbourne). We are travelling in a comfortable 57 seat coach (bus) with air-conditioning / heating. Included in your ticket is also the “gate entry” (which is normally $50 or so). We are probably the most affordable transport option to the snow (as we are with our other trips). It’s great for families, couples, kids and for all kinds of activities like: take photos (for instagram / facebook), tobogganing, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, build snowmen/snow figures, sightseeing or have a snow fight with friends. ► Return coach transport to (and from) Mount Buller ► We stop at snowboarding / ski equipment store (their staff can advise and fit you on the day if you want to ski/snowboard etc.) ► 10% discount on snowboarding/skiing equipment and clothes (exclusive to New To Melbourne!) ► Mount Buller resort Entry Fee / “Gate fee” (please note: lift pass not included) (Important: this is normally $50 for those that drive themselves but is included in the New To Melbourne ticket price). === BUY TICKETS HERE === [https://www.newtomelbourne.org/shorty/cspx74](https://www.newtomelbourne.org/shorty/cspx74) IMPORTANT: most of our bus services to Mount Buller sell out. Attendees must have purchased a ticket ahead of time in order to board in the morning. If you attend the pickup location looking to pay in cash, you will be turned away. === EQUIPMENT NOT INCLUDED === \- tickets do not include ski equipment\. \- Snow equipment hire prices are approx\. $100 for snowboard / skis \(and poles\)\, boots\, pants\, jacket and helmet\. However there’s plenty to do apart from snowboarding / skiing if you’re on a budget\. === BUS DEPARTURE === Bus departs from: Old Melbourne Gaol (377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000). Closest station is Melbourne Central Station (5 minutes walk away) From Melbourne: 5.30am From Mount Buller: 5.00pm (please confirm with your driver on the day) - be on time to ensure you do not miss the bus. Return to Melbourne: 9.00pm === Activities for families === Many families like to goto the taboggan park or arrange ski/snowboarding lessons for their kids. You can get a taboggan park pass at the equipment store we are visiting on the way. Just speak to the staff (at the equipment store) on the day. === Learn to Ski or Snowboard === If you don't know how to ski or snowboard, there are lessons that are available on the days that we visit. You can google and find these fairly quickly. Lessons are available for adults and children. ===== Early Start? ===== All pickups are an early start for Mount Buller - to ensure you get the most time on the slopes possible. How to get to the meeting location (in the morning): Transport options may be limited at this time in the morning, so: \- some people stay with a friend in the city\, a hostel \(overnight\) or an AirBnb \- then walk to the meeting location\. \- plan your journey in advance to make sure you can get to the meeting point \(comfortably\) prior to 5\.30am\. If you have trouble with public transport to the Melbourne departure point\. ===== New To Melbourne! Our background ===== We have been running transport services and tours since 2016. We are mainly a a group of expats, travellers, uni students and even locals (and natives born in other Australian cities / states. We organise cheap events and bus tours with a focus on making new friends, seeing amazing places and doing quality events and trips on a budget. All our events, bus trips, times, dates and ticket links can be found in the Event section (at the link below). All our upcoming events & sightseeing tours are posted here: [www.NewToMelbourne.org?scd=cspx74](www.NewToMelbourne.org?scd=cspx74) ===== important: Refund policy & related ===== \* Our bus transfers must leave on time to ensure that attendees arrive to their destination on time. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time. Traffic delays (road works, public transport issues) can result in you missing the bus. Please plan accordingly. \* No refunds will be given if you miss the bus, please ensure you allow time for unexpected travel delays (cancelled trains, closed roads etc) \* Refunds or date transfers made 14 days out from an event / tour date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. Refunds or date-transfers made 7 days out will incur a 100% cancellation fee. \* For refunds or date-transfer please use Eventbrite's Refund feature. \* Transfer/resell of tickets to another person are not permitted. \* There are occasionally road delays due to things like traffic / road conditions etc. Delays or changes made to the itinerary in these cases are not subject to refunds/ reimbursements. \* Ticket dates can be transferred once, we cannot provide additional date transfers. Once tickets are transferred to another date (or person) they cannot be refunded. \* Vehicle breakdown refund policy: Please see the slide-deck below for information on our breakdowns and our refund policy: [https://bit.ly/2Pa8xA7](https://bit.ly/2Pa8xA7) === Snow issues === \* Expect patchy mobile phone reception (calls & data) \* If you would like to stay at Mount Buller, please let the driver know - so the entire group is not waiting on you (in order to lead) or trying to call you. \* We suggest looking at the conditions for Mountain before renting equipment as conditions may not be ideal for snowboarding / skiing and there’s also a possibility of lift closure (e.g. due to extreme wind conditions) although it’s uncommon and they normally just close the higher lifts). === Customer testimonials === Our customers have a lot to say about our products. Click on the link below to find out what people think: [https://bit.ly/2YF5Tpr](https://bit.ly/2YF5Tpr) === Ticket Sell Outs === If you are buying close to the event date, please expect that tickets may not be available as our transport service almost always sellout due to a combination of our lower price and high seasonal demand. If tickets become available, we'll post to the event page that they're available. Unfortunately we cannot reserve tickets and we're unable to individually let people know when tickets come out - please keep an eye on the event page if you miss out. Transfer service only: Unlike other New To Melbourne tours, this service is a Mount Buller return transfer service only (with included stops) and not a tour. As such, there is not a tour guide - only a driver. === Ticket fee === Please note: Eventbrite adds a 6% (or so) “ticket processing fee” to our ticket price. === Safety & personal risk === Please also be aware that this is a transfer service only and that customers snow board, ski and visit Mount Buller at their own risk. Snow boarding and skiing can be dangerous sports and there are particular risks with cold weather / snow and these sports that you are responsible for researching & preparing prior to visiting. Please approach the snow season with safety as your first priority. === Group discount, Concessions and children’s passes === -Groups above 20 people, please contact us. -For children / concession prices: Our standard adult price is already below most of our competitors concession price, so prices cannot be further discounted. www.NewtoMelbourne.org

📢 Founders Running Club :: Melbourne — the first Australian chapter of a global community bringing together founders, investors, operators, and creators. Whether startups are your whole career or just a curiosity, that’s our common ground. Come run, grab a coffee, make some friends. When? 8am every Saturday. We start gathering around 7:50am (some of us are there from 7:45). Where? Parkville parkrun: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WcaekGkh6S1DVK9Q7 🏃 First time? We run alongside parkrun, a larger event with 500+ participants, so there’s a first timer’s briefing. No sign-up needed, but you can grab a free barcode at parkrun.com.au to track your time and stats. It’s a 5K, but run your own lap of 3K or whatever you like. We don’t all run as a group (some do), and we meet after. We hang in the park until \~8:45, then grab ☕🥐 at a nearby café. 🤝 How do I find you? We gather in the park after the run. Join our WhatsApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KJRG8JnP1OF5Fw6Psfa72m](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KJRG8JnP1OF5Fw6Psfa72m) 👯 Bring a friend? Always. +1s very welcome! 📸 instagram.com/frcmelbourne

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

**The Gals Monthly Walk** Replacing our women's only monthly brunch, we bring you our *Monthly Gals Walk*. As the months get cooler, and cost of living goes up, we need a place to be held accountable to getting out of bed, getting in our exercise and not spending a tonne of money we don't need to. Our monthly women's brunches have always been a space where we can be surrounded by like-minded women in a super welcoming setting, discuss important topics related to bettering ourselves and get below the surface level small talk - all whilst making some great new friends! You can still expect all of this at our monthly walks. Our *July* topic will be announced closer to the date. Bring all of your go-to tips, bring your questions you need answered and let's connect through movement and coffee. If the weather turns, we will still go ahead, just indoors at a local cafe. Make sure you follow our IG page for latest updates on events: https://www.instagram.com/findyourtribemelb/ This event is aimed at women who identify with being young spirited - typically women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s will attend, however we have also had women in their 60s and 70s. We are open to all ages 18+ as long as you identify with being female, young spirited and open minded. We can learn so much from different women at different stages of life. **Meeting Location: Baker Bleu, 183 Domain Road South Yarra.** Meet by 9am to order coffee. Walking by 9:20am.

🎟️ **Registration is essential. Tickets must be purchased in advance via** [TryBooking](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546728). Registration through Meetup alone does not secure your place. **Ever walked out of an interview wishing you'd explained yourself better?** Or found yourself struggling to organise your thoughts when speaking in a meeting, presentation, or important conversation? Speechcraft is a practical, hands-on program designed to help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Across three interactive sessions, you'll learn how to structure your ideas, speak with purpose, and deliver messages that people remember. Hosted by Southbank Toastmasters, this supportive workshop series combines expert guidance, real speaking practice, and constructive feedback in a friendly environment. Whether you're preparing for interviews, presentations, leadership roles, or simply want to become a more confident communicator, Speechcraft will give you skills you can use immediately. **Important:** This is a complete three-session program. When you purchase a ticket, you'll automatically be enrolled in all sessions.

**Get ready to taste and make new friends in this sommelier-led event where you can learn about and taste 7 old wines - includes $40 dining credit making your tasting just $5!** THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT: [GET YOUR TICKET HERE](https://oldandrare.eventbrite.com.au) **Your wine night just got a whole lot finer!** \- Includes $40 dining credit \- Small group setting \- Sommelier run Join us for **Old & Rare Wines Tastings** and get ready to make some new friends. Led by qualified Sommelier Antony Anderson (WSET3, WSET4 pending), this evening involves a free tasting of seven back-vintage (old) wines and some wine education, followed by your choice of dinner items and additional drinks from our extensive menus. We'll be gathering at **Life's Too Short Bar**, located in the vibrant **Tribeca Arcade** on **Victoria Parade**, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, where you can meet like-minded wine lovers and discuss all things wine, food, and common connections and interests. **Your ticket includes a $40 dining credit** towards food and drinks purchased on the evening, making your ticket (almost) free. Reserve your spot now - Then bring your appetite and sense of humour, and join us for a night of conversation, cuisine and, of course, wine! **GETTING THERE:** We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. **UNABLE TO ATTEND?** Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another night or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473\*\*.\*\* **TERMS AND CONDITIONS:** * See the ticket link for further conditions * This is a preferred pre-booked event, but walk-ins may be possible. * RSVPs on Meetup do not constitute a booking. * Minimum spend for F&B following the event is $40 * Minimum Event Sales 2. If the minimum number of seats is not sold, the event may be rescheduled later or cancelled and tickets refunded. * If you have booked a ticket and an event is amended, we will contact you before the event to advise and make new arrangements. * Please note: By Public Health Directives, all attendees must be fully COVID-vaccinated, and proof of vaccination may be required. #meetingpeople #makingfriends #winetasting #blindtasting #winegames #singles #lonely #winelovers #winebuffs #winophiles #melbournewine #winemelbourne #melbournewinetasting #socialwines #makenewfriends #wine #lovers #tasting #event #meetup

Ease into your Sunday with a calm walk, meaningful conversation, and brunch with new people. This event is all about slowing down, getting out of the house, and connecting with others in a relaxed setting. We’ll start with a casual walk at the Fitzroy Markets so conversations can happen naturally, then continue the morning over brunch. It’s perfect if you want to meet new friends without the pressure of a big social event. You can come by yourself, bring an open mind, and let the conversation unfold. We’ll include a few simple BeSocial prompts to help break the ice and make it easier to get to know each other. Whether you’ve had a busy week, recently moved, or just want to build more real-life connection, this is a gentle way to reset and start the week feeling more connected. **Perfect for:** brunch lovers, Sunday walkers, people who prefer small groups, and anyone looking for genuine conversation. To help you get the most out of the event, we ask that you download our app before you arrive (or upon arrival). The app will be used throughout the event for prompts, activities, and other interactive content so having it ready will ensure you can fully participate. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/besocial/id6759604739 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appetiser.besocial&hl=en **Event photography and videography may take place at this event. Images and footage captured may be used in future BeSocial promotional materials.** **If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify Nexaro Group Pty Ltd before the event by emailing support@besocialapp.co, or let the event hosts know on the day.**

Join us for “Real Talk Night” a deeper, more meaningful kind of meetup built around prompt-based conversations. Each session features thoughtful questions designed to spark honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and genuine connection. This is a space to go beyond small talk, share experiences, and be heard in a supportive, respectful environment. You can participate as much or as little as you like — whether you’re opening up or simply listening, you’re welcome here. To help you get the most out of the event, we ask that you download our app before you arrive (or upon arrival). The app will be used throughout the event for prompts, activities, and other interactive content so having it ready will ensure you can fully participate. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/besocial/id6759604739 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appetiser.besocial&hl=en **Event photography and videography may take place at this event. Images and footage captured may be used in future BeSocial promotional materials.** **If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify Nexaro Group Pty Ltd before the event by emailing support@besocialapp.co or let the event hosts know on the day.**

Come for a coffee and settle in for a meaningful conversation on the "Mountains of Life". We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Community members of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we grow together and learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

Welcome to Respawn’s Gamers Citadel! 🛡️ Come hang out, meet fellow gamers, and enjoy a chill vibe with great food and drinks. 🥤 Entry is $3 or buy yourself a drink or food. 🍲 At the “Gamers Citadel”, we provide the consoles for you and have two multiplayer (2-4 player) game stations (A, B, C and D). For our board games area you are allowed to BYO! 😯 ♟️ Currently available are: Switch, PS1, PS2, SNES, N64, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more! If you’re bringing anything, please DM us so we can accommodate. ❤️ Conditions of entry are to either purchase any food or drink of your choice and we will provide you a reusable badge to show that you’re one of us! ✌️ Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the fun! 🤩 Our games list is below! 👇 Game Station A - PS2: 1st Game: ??? 2nd Game: ??? Game Station B - ??? - Dean: 1st Game: ??? 2nd Game: ??? Game Station C - ??? - Michael 1st Game: ??? 2nd Game: ??? Game Station D - TCG + Board Games: Pokémon TCG YU-Gi-OH! TCG UNO JENGA BYO available! You can bring your own board games, controllers, equipment etc. 👍 Follow us on Instagram: @respawn.social 📱 Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/phscMtBqpW 🎧 Find Respawn on Facebook: https://facebook.com/events/s/respawn-gaming-social-club-lau/940165205164472/ 🔗 Visit our website for all info: https://intermingle.au/respawn/ 👩‍💻

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability.

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

**Practical Curiosity: Learning from Everyday Data** How do we actually get better at utilizing our day-to-day data? Fancy dashboards and complex models might look nice and draw attention, but that’s not where most of us spend our time. In fact those shiny outputs frequently sit unused, while the real insights are drawn from the analyst’s daily practice. Sometimes it’s as simple and as powerful as noticing that a segment is shrinking, a channel is underused, or certain links keep getting all the clicks. There’s many different places that the spark of insight can come from, but you have to keep your head in the data and know where to look. In this session, we’ll explore real-world examples of how segmentation, testing, and click behavior can uncover practical digital marketing opportunities. You’ll leave with inspiration for your own use cases, along with a few simple ways to ask better questions, spot meaningful patterns, and make smarter decisions without overcomplicating it. **About Our Speaker:** [Elaine Armbruster](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainearmbruster/) is a Director of Digital Experience at the [American Diabetes Association](https://diabetes.org/), where she focuses on using data and insights to create smarter, more effective digital experiences. A lifelong Columbus resident, she has built her career in email marketing and the broader digital user journey, and is finding she most enjoys working in the messy middle where systems, data, and big ideas don’t quite line up yet. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

The topic for July is "Shoes" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!