Tauren Think Tank #217 - PAX South 2017 Panel Audio

We're happy to present the audio from our two panels at PAX South 2017. (Please note, this audio was taken from the video we recorded at each of two panels, so this episode will be a lot more "roomy" than a normal podcast recording. You'll get what we mean when you listen.) If you wish to jump to Panel #2, it's located at 1:02 in the recording. Panel #1 - Finding Your Tribe - The Psychology of Online Communities Online communities are a powerful and influential force in many of our lives. We build strong and lasting relationships with people before ever meeting them face-to-face. How do communities form and what are the challenges of maintaining an online “family?" We talk about community connection, finding a place you call home, and when it’s okay to say goodbye. Our speakers are gamers and self-proclaimed nerds who are experts in psychology, research, advice, community-building, and content creation. Dr. Anthony Bean [Owner/Psychologist, Bean Professional Psychological Services/Framingham State University], Jules Scott [Podcast Host, Tauren Think Tank Podcast], Corey Spencer [Podcast Host, Tauren Think Tank Podcast] Panel #2 - Embracing The Chaos Emeralds: Understanding Your Nerd Power Being a nerd is finally cool! So many of us remember being considered awkward, unpopular, and feeling like an outcast for loving sci-fi, video games, anime, comic books, etc. We explore the psychology of feeling like you don’t fit in, and the negative effects of not accepting who you are. We talk about embracing, loving, and accepting your geek fortitude/fandom. You’ll hear from gamers and self-proclaimed nerds who are experts in psychology, research, advice and community-building. Dr. Anthony Bean [Owner/Psychologist, Bean Professional Psychological Services/Framingham State University], Jules Scott [Podcast Host, Tauren Think Tank Podcast], Corey Spencer [Podcast Host, Tauren Think Tank Podcast], Joel Christiansen [Indie Developer, Dog Theory Games]