Name: Apocalypse Pants: Mastering Public Speaking with Laughter and Survival
Start: 2025-02-20T19:00:00-06:00
Location: Monday Night Brewing - Social Club (Monday Night Brewing Social Club)

Apocalypse Pants: Mastering Public Speaking with Laughter and Survival

We're Discourse BHAM, a pop-up public lecture series bringing the most interesting academic talks to Birmingham's bars & breweries. It's like a college class, but there's drinking.
Tickets are $15. Seating is limited.
What’s scarier than an apocalypse? For many, it’s public speaking. But what if learning to present wasn’t so terrifying—and actually, a little absurdly fun? Enter Apocalypse Pants: a hilariously interactive crash course in crafting compelling presentations.
Led by presentation coach Rebecca Dobrinski, this talk starts with key insights from her experience with TEDxBirmingham, FuckUp Nights, and The Big Pitch. You’ll pick up the essentials of storytelling, how audiences process information, and why feedback matters.
Then, it’s game time! In a high-energy, side-splitting group exercise, you’ll team up to pitch how your apocalypse-proof pants can save humanity. (Spoiler: it’s as ridiculous and fun as it sounds, and laughter is guaranteed.) Whether you’re prepping for your next big presentation or just looking for a good time, this talk will leave you more confident, creative, and maybe even a little apocalypse-ready.
Rebecca Dobrinski is a writer, editor, trainer, and process manager with extensive experience in publishing, education, and communication. She is the founder of FuckUp Nights Birmingham, a speaking coach for entrepreneurs, and a passionate advocate for helping people share their ideas effectively. She is Managing Editor of The Journal of Optometric Education and contributes to publications like Auburn University’s Urban Studio, al.com’s The Lede, and Design Alabama. Rebecca has edited numerous exhibition catalogs and urban history textbooks, including Thornton Dial: I, Too, Am Alabama and Interstate: Express Highway Politics. Passionate about clear communication, Rebecca has developed seminars and workshops on public speaking, time management, Agile practices, and business writing. A seasoned presentation coach, she has worked with TEDxBirmingham and private clients to refine their storytelling and presentation skills.
A serial volunteer and lifelong learner, Rebecca holds multiple degrees and certifications, including MAs in History and Historic Preservation, DE&I credentials, and Agile project management expertise. She is a member of Leadership Birmingham (2017) and serves on the boards of Innovate Birmingham and the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development.