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Where to Meet Nerds

How to Make Nerd Friends

by Alex

with Pete “Belmont”

😭 Meeting your Player 2 organically can be a challenging quest. It involves balancing making friends while keeping an eye out for potential connections. Sometimes, people in a certain group don’t share your same passions. Or perhaps not as much as you’d hope. So, how do you move forward? 🤔

In this episode, Pete and I talk about how we socialize, whether the others share our same interests or not 💬 Because sometimes what can seem like a rejection, may in fact turn into an engaging conversation for everyone. You just need a little imagination! 💭

🙈 Pete also shared how he went from being a shy, quiet, serious kid to being comfortable talking to everyone. Just like Attachment Theory teaches, it often involves the support of other people. In his case, with the help of other kids who invited him to hang out 🥳

💪 This validation of Pete’s hobbies gave him the security that he had nothing to be ashamed of as a nerd. Even more so nowadays, with Marvel, Fantasy, and Anime being so popular! 🧙‍♂️

🎧 Are you ready to become a social nerd? Press Start!

❤️ FREE GUIDE: 🎮
Where do nerds REALLY meet their Player 2?

I asked hundreds of nerds and made a guide based on those results.
Are you going to keep grinding without finding out the truth?

FREE DOWNLOAD

Pete’s Links:

  • https://linktr.ee/be1mont
  • https://www.instagram.com/be1mont_lotr/
  • https://www.youtube.com/@be1mont_lotr
  • https://bsky.app/profile/be1mont.bsky.social
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@be1mont_lotr
  • https://www.youtube.com/@voicesofarda

Related Episodes:

  • The High School Reunion: the Nerd Love Story of Pete and Ariana
  • Hobbit Hike
  • Find Love Through Online Games, with Kaylee Lopez
  • Dating In The Tolkien Association
  • Animé Los Angeles
  • Find Your Nerd Community: Where to Meet Nerds, with Jose
  • The Tolkien Association: Where to Meet Nerds, with Vir

Timestamps for lazy nerds:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:00:41 Where to Meet Your Player 2
  • 00:02:26 Being a Creep
  • 00:04:32 Talking About Your Hobbies
  • 00:07:11 Dealing With Rejection
  • 00:10:56 Not Being Too Serious
  • 00:16:07 Gaining Confidence
  • 00:21:14 Closing

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Charisma, Where to Meet Nerds

Dating In The Tolkien Association

by Alex

with Jose

👯 What does dating within a nerd community look like? Finding a group you’re comfortable with can help you “just be yourself” and find your Player 2. 🙌 It also means you’ll be enjoying yourself until that happens, which makes you more attractive!

🧙‍♂️ In this episode, Jose and I discuss what it was like to date within the Argentine Tolkien Association, where we met. Just like a Skill Tree, each friend you make can introduce you to others who are similar. From within those people, you may end up finding your Player 2.

😌 Being within a group of people who accept who you are, you can feel more relaxed and “just be yourself.” That environment is much more likely to present you with someone you can date… as long as you focus on expanding your network with like-minded friends.

👀 And that’s exactly what we saw. Almost everyone there found someone to date (or have “something” with). Almost. Because some people were trying too hard, and that was what kept everyone away. Both as friends and as benefits 😔

🎧 If you want someone to give The One Ring to, listen to this episode! 💍

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❤️ FREE GUIDE: 🎮
Where do nerds REALLY meet their Player 2?

I asked hundreds of nerds, and made a guide based on those results. Are you going to keep grinding without finding out the truth?

FREE DOWNLOAD

Related Episodes:

  • The Tolkien Association: Where to Meet Nerds, with Vir
  • Find Your Nerd Community: Where to Meet Nerds, with Jose
  • Tolkien meets Star Wars: The Nerd Love Story of Kaia and Celania
  • Physical Escalation from Friends to Lovers: The Nerd Love Story of Jose and Julian

Timestamps for lazy nerds:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:54:09 What to Do and NOT to Do
  • 00:06:06 “Just Be Yourself”
  • 00:08:44 Choosing Who You Want to Be and Date
  • 00:11:53 Go Slow With Your Nerdom
  • 00:15:40 Conversation Tips for Info-Dumping Nerds
  • 00:19:07 Find Your Community First

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Dating, Where to Meet Nerds

Hobbit Hike

by Alex

Where to Meet Nerds, with Sompi Harmetz

🧝‍♀️ Wish you could find your Fellowship without having to roll a Nat 20 on charisma? Many shy, introverted nerds want to touch grass and be more sociable… without having to join extrovert quests! If that’s you, Hobbit Hike could be the perfect solution! 🙌

In this episode, Sompi invites us to join “Hobbit Hike”, a magical, costume-friendly adventure where nerds, geeks, and gamers gather to touch grass, twirl swords, and unlock their social tree ⚔️ Whether you’re a veteran cosplayer, a D&D dice goblin, or just someone who’d rather sit on a rock in the forest than shout over a hentai lounge, this episode will show you a new way to build your party.

🤯 Hobbit Hike exploded from a handful of cosplay friends to a 70+ member stronghold, all while keeping things introvert-friendly and low-pressure. Sompi’s “assigned extroverts” and buddy systems make sure even the quietest newcomers find their people. With a mix of easy hikes and whimsical costumes, you’ll find that the best connections happen when you’re not racing to the finish line 🏁

Ever worried you’ll feel awkward or make others feel awkward? 😬 Sompi shares her OP-level tips for reading social cues, handling awkwardness, and keeping everyone safe (even if someone shows up with a functional axe!). You’ll learn how to find your niche, when to give space, and how to ask for help if you ever feel uncomfortable. Because every good party has an S-tier healer ⛑️

🖥️ Plus, find out how the community keeps bonding all month long with online movie nights, crafty side quests, and a Discord server that spans the globe. If you’ve ever wished you could just “whimsymax” with people who get your references, this is your invitation to join the campaign 🪧

🎧 Ready to level up your social life and unlock the Tolkien branch of your social tree? Press start and let’s go on an adventure! 🧙‍♂️

❤️ FREE GUIDE: 🎮
Where (and How) to Meet Your Player 2 Organically

FREE DOWNLOAD

About Sompi

Sompi is the founder of Healthbar Fitness, where she helps nerds, geeks, and gamers level up their health without abandoning the hobbies they love. Her journey began with personal struggles with negative body image and extreme dieting, including a stint in competitive bodybuilding that left her trapped in unhealthy cycles.

Discovering cosplay reconnected Sompi to her geek roots, but the real transformation came when she developed sustainable fitness habits that prioritized well-being over restriction. This approach changed everything—she felt healthier, more energized, and could fully enjoy her hobbies again.

Now, Sompi is on a mission to help other nerds achieve similar transformations. Beyond online coaching, she organizes Hobbit Hike in Las Vegas, where people hike in Renaissance festival outfits, and runs a vibrant Discord community with book clubs, movie nights, and craft sessions.
At Healthbar Fitness, Sompi understands that true health includes community and personal growth—it’s about building a balanced character sheet for real life while still having fun with the things you love.

Sompi’s Links:

  • https://discord.gg/8jtQZR2YeF
  • https://www.youtube.com/@sompiharmetz
  • https://www.instagram.com/sompiharmetz/

Related Episodes:

  • The Tolkien Association
  • Find Your Nerd Community
  • Animé Los Angeles
  • Tolkien meets Star Wars
  • Find Love Through Online Games

Timestamps for lazy nerds:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:01:22 What’s Hobbit Hike
  • 00:02:47 Who Joins Hobbit Hike
  • 00:04:10 Fitness Level Required
  • 00:06:34 A Different Hike
  • 00:07:46 Helping Introverts Fit In
  • 00:14:56 Checkin In On Attendees
  • 00:17:08 Reading Signs of Interest
  • 00:19:21 Keeping Everyone Safe
  • 00:24:08 Connecting Outside Hobbit Hike
  • 00:27:06 Start Your Own!
  • 00:27:48 Contact Info

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Where to Meet Nerds

Animé Los Angeles

by Alex

Where to Meet Nerds, with Matthew Lewis

🍜 Looking for a waifu, husbando, or just a partner who enjoys anime? Animé Los Angeles could be the perfect place for you to unlock the weeb branch of your Social Tree. Whether you like to cosplay, read manga, or even build miniatures, there are many ways for you to meet people over this 4-day event!

🍣 In this episode, Matthew Lewis shares how otakus can socialize at Animé Los Angeles. Every day, you’ll have opportunities to make friends who share your passion for all things anime-related. Some of these are built-in, and others you can initiate yourself 🥷

🎙️ One option is designed as a speed-dating type of event (to make friends): you’ll have a few minutes to talk 1-on-1 or in small groups. However, unlike regular speed dating, you’ll get to cross paths with these people for the rest of the event!

🤖 Another option is activities where talking is not the focus, such as assembling model kits. In this case, you can take it slow and simply focus on what you’re doing until you feel comfortable enough to start a conversation. 🦾 We also share with you some tips to start conversations this way.

And speaking of starting conversations, cosplayers are often open to interacting with people who share a passion for their character or show they’re cosplaying. 👺 As a cosplayer himself, Matt shared how (and when) he likes to be approached, what kind of interactions he likes to have, and what is generally expected and accepted by the cosplay community 🧛

🎧 Want to meet other weebs? Listen to this episode to get some inspiration! 💡

❤️ FREE GUIDE: 🎮
Where (and How) to Meet Your Player 2 Organically

FREE DOWNLOAD

Animé Los Angeles:

Get your badge! https://animelosangeles.org/registration/attendee-registration/

https://animelosangeles.org

https://www.instagram.com/anime_los_angeles

https://www.facebook.com/AnimeLosAngelesCon

https://discord.com/invite/Axu3BDnc

Matthew Lewis:

https://maguma.carrd.co

https://www.instagram.com/maguma.usagi

Related Episodes:

  • Find Your Nerd Community: Where to Meet Nerds, with Jose https://www.datelikeanerd.com/podcast/nerd-community/
  • Cosplayers and Conventions: the Nerd Love Story of Elyse and Matt https://www.datelikeanerd.com/podcast/cosplayers-and-conventions/

Timestamps for lazy nerds:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:00:40 What is Animé Los Angeles
  • 00:01:36 Icebreaker Activities
  • 00:04:47 Connecting Through Activities
  • 00:05:41 NOT Speed Dating
  • 00:07:26 Interactive Socializing
  • 00:08:42 How To Make Friends
  • 00:11:36 Approaching Strangers
  • 00:19:41 Non-Harassment Policy
  • 00:25:34 Discord and Tickets

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Where to Meet Nerds

Find Your Nerd Community

by Alex

Where to Meet Nerds, with Jose

🔎 Finding your community can sometimes be challenging. Even within the same hobby, different groups may be polar opposites. Even within the Argentine Tolkien Association, the online forum didn’t always fit with the association 🧩

In this episode, I bring Jose back to talk about how we found a place where each of us felt we belonged 😌 Not feeling like we fit in with most people around us growing up, in the Argentine Tolkien Association we found those who made us feel appreciated and welcomed. Even if we didn’t “fit the popular norm.” 🥰

🧪 Sometimes, finding your people may take trial and error. Some communities have a demographic younger or older than what you’d like, or the people might have values that don’t match yours, or they may simply not be a good match. Whatever the case may be, it’s worth it to keep looking until you find your group. Even if that’s just a subgroup within a larger community 👯

❓ So here’s a question for you: If you happened to go to the Argentine Tolkien Association, who do you think you’d like to hang out with? The official members, or the forum? 🧐

❤️ Where to meet your Player 2 organically 🎮

200+ ideas and a walkthrough to help you on your Quest!

FREE DOWNLOAD

Timestamps for lazy nerds:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:03:14 How Jose Found the Association
  • 00:07:26 Fitting In
  • 00:12:32 Different Personalities, Same Interest
  • 00:15:43 Feeling Appreciated

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Charisma, Relationships, Where to Meet Nerds

The Tolkien Association

by Alex

Where to Meet Nerds, with Vir

🧝‍♂️ If you’re into Lord of the Rings and want a partner who shares your passion, start by making friends who are also into fantasy! Vir and I found long-term relationships at our local Tolkien Association, as did most of our friends there… except for very specific people who got rejected by everyone 🙄

🧓 In this episode, we reminisce about our experience meeting and dating fellow nerds with similar interests. Because while reading can be a solitary activity, it doesn’t have to be a lonely hobby. It’s just a matter of finding the right group of people with whom you can connect and build deep and meaningful relationships 📚

And that’s what you should focus on ☝️ Yes, you want to find a partner, but your main priority should be to expand your network. This way, you’ll be able to find a Player 2 without needing to go to bars, clubs, or approach random people on the street that you know nothing about 🍻

✋ However, if you focus solely on finding someone to date, you won’t fit in with this group. While people may be open to dating, it’s not a meat market. So hold your horses, have patience, and avoid the common mistakes we describe in this episode 🙅‍♂️

🎧 What’re you waiting for to give it a listen? Forth Eorlingas!

💬 Want to practice your Conversation Skills with me every month for FREE?

Sign up here!

Argentine Tolkien Association: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AsociacionTolkienArgentina/

Timestamps for lazy nerds:

  • Timestamps for lazy nerds:
  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:00:34 The Argentine Tolkien Association
  • 00:04:58 Meeting New People
  • 00:07:58 Building Deep Relationships
  • 00:11:13 Common Interests and Dating
  • 00:13:24 Not Being a Creep
  • 00:18:40 Expanding Your Network
  • 00:21:58 The Friend Zone
  • 00:25:19 How Long Does It Take?

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Dating, Podcast, Where to Meet Nerds

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