Talks on Tap.
Nerd out. Give back.
About.
Talks on Tap is a public lecture series designed to bring people together for accessible, thought-provoking conversations to benefit community. Hosted in partnership with Slow Body Beer Co., the series features speakers sharing ideas, stories, and expertise through a short talk followed by a facilitated discussion and informal mingling.
The goal is to create a space where community and learning intersect, making ideas more approachable. Through the talks, speakers connect attendees to causes and organizations that matter to them.
Inspired by broader "on tap" lecture models that bring knowledge into casual spaces like bars and breweries, Talks on Tap emphasizes community engagement, conversation, and real-world impact. In partnership with:
Upcoming Talks.
Upcoming Talks.
October 7th, 2026: Adiba Nelson
Beyond the Ramp: Rethinking Access, Ability, and Belonging
benefitting Lions Camp Tatiyee
Drawing from her memoir Ain't That a Mother: Postpartum, Palsy, and Everything in Between, author and disability rights advocate Adiba Nelson shares the story of raising her daughter — who is disabled and Black — in a world that too often decides, without asking, who gets to belong in a space. In this highly interactive conversation, Adiba moves beyond her own story to invite the room into an honest, often uncomfortable, and ultimately hopeful reckoning with everyday ableism: the assumptions we make, the "normal" we design around, and the small and large ways our outdoor spaces, recreation areas, and daily routines quietly exclude people who aren't able-bodied. Expect humor, honesty, and a real conversation about what it would actually take to build spaces — and a community — where everyone can participate.
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Adiba Nelson is a Tucson-based author, disability rights advocate, and freelance journalist. She is the author of the memoir Ain't That a Mother, hailed as a "must read" by Essence, Bustle, and Shondaland, and the subject of the Emmy-winning documentary The Full Nelson. In 2013, after being unable to find a children's book that represented her disabled Black daughter, she wrote and self-published Meet ClaraBelle Blue — the first of several children's books, including Oshún & Me and Hazel's Best Day. Since then, Adiba has led workshops and delivered keynotes across the country for parents, educators, and education professionals on disability, equity, and inclusion. She delivered the TEDx talk "Skating Downhill: The Art of Claiming Your Life," is a regular contributor to NPR affiliate Arizona Public Media, and has spoken at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. She was named the first Black Writer in Residence at Pima County Public Library.
Talks Past
Dr. Eric Plemons
A Borrowed Uterus: How Transplant Medicine is Changing Maternity
Curious to know what we raised and for whom? Reach out for more information.
Monet is a lifelong educator with a passion for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences. Known for a calm, encouraging teaching style, Monet believes that growth happens when learners feel both challenged and supported.
Dr. Lindsey Feldman
Forging Selfhood:Exploitation and Transformation on a Prison Wildland Firefighting Crew
Curious to know what we raised and for whom? Reach out for more information.
Eleanor Parks
Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time.