Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
Episodes
Black Evidence w/ Candis Watts Smith
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Duke University professor of political science, and author, Candis Watts Smith. They discuss her late...
Outsider Animals w/ Marlene Zuk
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, and Regents Professor of ecology, evolution, and behavior at the University of Minnesota, Pro...
Disagreement w/ Julia Minson
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by behavioral scientist, and Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Jul...
Salt Lakes w/ Caroline Tracey
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist and writer, Dr. Caroline Tracey. They discuss Tracey’s debut book, Salt Lakes: An Unna...
Societal Change and Criminology w/ Robert J. Sampson
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Professor of Social Sciences at Harvard University, Affiliated Research Professor at the American Bar...
Social Genomics w/ Daphne O. Martschenko
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Bioethicist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University, Dr. Daphne O. Martschenko. ...
Strata and Deep Time w/ Laura Poppick
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science and environmental journalist, Laura Poppick. They discuss her book, Strata: Stories from Deep...
Zombie Bugs w/ Mindy Weisberger
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and media producer, Mindy Weisberger. They discuss her 2025 book, Rise of the Zombie B...
Women Weaving Stories w/ Nicole Nehrig
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by clinical and research psychologist, passionate knitter, and writer -- Dr. Nicole Nehrig. They discuss...
Racist Economy w/ Mehrsa Baradaran
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UC Irvine Law Professor, and acclaimed author, Mehrsa Baradaran. They talk about her latest book, The...
Every Last Fish w/ Rose George
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist and author of four previous books, Rose George. They discuss her newest book, Every Last F...
Corporate Sex Cult w/ Ellen Huet
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Bloomberg investigative journalist, and author, Ellen Huet. They discuss her 2025 book about OneTaste...
White People Are Crazy w/ Jonathan Mathias Lassiter
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and educator, Dr. Jonathan Mathias Lassiter. They di...
Disembodied World w/ Christine Rosen
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by American historian, writer, and author, Dr. Christine Rosen. They discuss her newest book, The Extinc...
Pods Fight Poverty w/ Miriam Laker
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy, we revisit a 2022 episode with former Research Director at GiveDirectly, Dr. Miriam Laker-Oketta. Talk Nerdy ...
Science Photography w/ Felice Frankel
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by MIT research scientist, and science photographer, Felice Frankel. They discuss her book, Phenomenal M...
Extraction w/ Thea Riofrancos
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by climate change researcher, and Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, Dr. T...
Lab Dog w/ Melanie D. G. Kaplan
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and longtime independent journalist, Melanie D. G. Kaplan. They discuss Melanie’s n...
Science Under Siege w/ Michael Mann
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by acclaimed climatologist, geophysicist, and University of Pennsylvania distinguished Professor, Dr. ...
Rivers w/ Ellen Wohl
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by prolific author and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Colorado S...
Play w/ Cas Holman
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by founder and chief designer of the toy company Heroes Will Rise and a former Professor of Industrial D...
Immigrant Physicians w/ Eram Alam
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by associate professor in the Department of the History of Science at Harvard University, Dr. Eram Alam....
Whispers of Rock w/ Anjana Khatwa
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning earth scientist, TV presenter, writer, and advocate for diversity in the geosciences an...
Influence of Jim West w/ Ainissa Ramirez
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined award-winning scientist and science communicator, Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. They discuss her newest book, Spa...
Dinosaurs and Deep Time w/ Rachel Ignotofsky
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times Best Selling author, illustrator, and science communicator Rachel Ignotofsky. They dis...
Sea Monsters w/ Prema Arasu
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Western Australia research fellow, and creative writer, Dr. Prema Arasu. They discuss P...
Better Public Health w/ Tom Frieden
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by former CDC director, physician, and author, Dr. Tom Frieden. They discuss his newly released book, Th...
Period Brain w/ Sarah E. Hill
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary social psychologist and author who studies women and health, Dr. Sarah E. Hill. They dis...
Replaceable You w/ Mary Roach
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by prolific science writer, and author of eight New York Times bestsellers, Mary Roach. They discuss her...
Baboons and Humans w/ Shirley C. Strum
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by renowned anthropologist, and Director of the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project in Kenya, Dr. Shirley Strum. T...
Arrogant Ape w/ Christine E. Webb
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Primatologist and Assistant Professor at NYU Dept of Environmental Studies, Dr. Christine E. Webb. Th...
Social Brain w/ Virginia Sturm
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC San Franc...
Infodemiology w/ Pauline W. Hoffmann
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by scholar practitioner dedicated to truth-telling through research and education, Pauline W. Hoffmann P...
Politics of Adoption w/ Gretchen Sisson
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by qualitative sociologist, Dr. Gretchen Sisson. Gretchen’s researches pregnancy, abortion and adoptio...
Writing Science w/ Anne E. Greene
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by biologist and Professor of science writing, Anne E. Greene. They discuss Anne’s book, “Writing Sc...
The Stronger Sex w/ Starre Vartan
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Science & Environment Writer, Starre Vartan. They discuss Starre’s newest book, “...
More Than Words w/ Maryellen MacDonald
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by psycholinguist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Language Sciences at the University of Wiscon...
Forever Chemicals w/ Rachel Frazin
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Energy and Environment Reporter for The Hill, Rachel Frazin. They talk about her book, “...
History of Photography w/ Anika Burgess
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by photo editor and writer Anika Burgess to discuss her new book, “Flashes of Brilliance: The Genius ...
Meltdown w/ Sarah Boon
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by environmental scientist turned freelance writer and editor, Sarah Boon. They discuss her new book, “...
Weird Universe w/ Erika Hamden
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrophysicist, University of Arizona Associate Professor, and Director of the Arizona Space Institut...
Silly Science w/ Carly Anne York
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science communicator, author and associate professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Dr. Carly Anne York....
Reefs of Time w/ Lisa S. Gardiner
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer, author, and geoscientist, Dr. Lisa S. Gardiner. They discuss her newly released book,...
Animal Illness w/ Liz Kalaugher
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author, Liz Kalaugher. They discuss Liz’s newly released book, “The Elepha...
Proteins & SciComm w/ Maggie Fink
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by microbiologist, science communicator, Adjunct Professor at Indiana University South Bend and postdoct...
The Intermediaries w/ Brandy Schillace
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, historian, journalist and mystery novelist, Brandy Schillace, PHD. They discuss Brandy’s ne...
Intraterrestrials w/ Karen G. Lloyd
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by microbial biogeochemist, Professor of Earth Science and Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies at th...
Historical Abortion w/ Mary Fissell
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Inaugural J. Mario Molina Professor of the History of Medicine in the Department of the History of ...
Education w/ John B. King, Jr.
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by educator, civil servant, and the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), John B...
Wild Kingdom w/ Rae Wynn-Grant
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by wildlife ecologist, TV presenter, author, and science communicator, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. They discuss ...
Wild By Design w/ Laura J. Martin
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian, ecologist, and environmental studies professor at Williams College, Dr. Laura J. Martin. T...
History of the Female Body w/ Helen King
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Helen King. Helen is a Professor Emerita of Classical Studies at The Open University, and an elec...
Autism Spectrum w/ Gina Rippon
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by cognitive neuroscientist and neuroimaging expert, Gina Rippon. They discuss her forthcoming book (Apr...
Brainwashing w/ Rebecca Lemov
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University Professor of the History of Science and author, Rebecca Lemov. They discuss her ne...
Night Magic w/ Leigh Ann Henion
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times bestselling nature writer, Leigh Ann Henion. They talk about Leigh’s newest book, “...
Treekeepers w/ Lauren E. Oakes
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by conservation scientist and award-winning science writer, Lauren E. Oakes. They talk about her latest ...
Animal Medicine w/ Jaap De Roode
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Emory University professor of biology and director of the Infectious Diseases across Scales Training ...
Trans Technologies w/ Oliver Haimson
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Assistant Professor at University of Michigan School of Information, Oliver L. Haimson. They talk abo...
Revolutionary Self w/ Lynn Hunt
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian and Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA, Dr. Lynn Hunt. They discuss Lynn’s newest b...
What's Real About Race w/ Rina Bliss
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning author and associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University, Dr. Rina Bliss. They...
Monstrous w/ Surekha Davies
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by British writer, speaker, historian, and monster consultant, Dr. Surekha Davies. They discuss Surekha’...
Hidden Viking History w/ Eleanor Barraclough
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian, BBC broadcaster and writer, Eleanor Barraclough. They discuss Eleanor’s new book, Ember...
Science Impact w/ Anne Toomey
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University, Anne Toomey. ...
Trauma & Social Justice w/ Judith Herman
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and professor of psychiatry at Harv...
Battle for Birth Control w/ Stephanie Gorton
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Lebanese-American writer, Stephanie Gorton. They discuss Stephanie’s new book, “The Icon and the ...
Key to the City w/ Sara Bronin
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mexican-American architect, attorney, Cornell University professor and National Zoning Atlas founder,...
Intersectional Mental Health w/ Sahaj Kaur Kohli
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by practicing therapist, writer, speaker on mental health inclusion, and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, ...
Vanishing Treasures w/ Katherine Rundell
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by bestselling writer and Fellow of St Catherine's College, Katherine Rundell. They discuss her newest b...
Breaking Bias w/ Anu Gupta
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by human rights lawyer, scientist, scholar of bias, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, Anu Gu...
Queer Natural History w/ Josh L. Davis
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by natural history writer and author, Josh Davis. They discuss his new book, “A Little Queer Natural H...
Fierce Desires w/ Rebecca L. Davis
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and professor of history at the University of Delaware, Rebecca L. Davis. They talk about her ...
Rural Cancer Care w/ Fazlur Rahman
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by San Angelo-based oncologist, author and Advocate for Medical Humanities & Ethics, Dr. Fazlur Rahm...
Animals' Understanding of Death w/ Susana Monsó
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and assistant professor at the Dept. of Logic, History, and Philosophy of Science at the Natio...
Linguaphile w/ Julie Sedivy
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and language scientist, Julie Sedivy. They discuss her newest book, “Linguaphile: A Life of ...
Burning Earth w/ Sunil Amrith
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History at Yale University and professor at the Yale School of the...
Metaracism w/ Tricia Rose Part 2
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara finishes her conversation with Brown University Chancellor’s Professor of Africana Studies, Dr. Tricia Rose. The...
Metaracism w/ Tricia Rose Part 1
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Climate Possibilities w/ Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by marine biologist, climate policy expert, and co-founder of the non-profit think tank Urban Ocean Lab,...
Rogue Shark Science w/ Jasmin Graham
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by marine biologist, shark scientist, and co-founder and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), Jas...
Body Image w/ Charlotte Markey
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by body image expert, professor of psychology and director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers Univ...
Assembly Theory w/ Sara Imari Walker
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrobiologist, theoretical physicist, and Arizona State University professor, Sara Imari Walker. The...
The Port of LA w/ James Tejani
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Historian of the United States, American West & Civil War, James Tejani. They discuss his new boo...
Vector w/ Robyn Arianrhod
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician and science writer, Robyn Arianrhod. They discuss Robyn’s newest book, “Vector: A S...
Classical Women w/ Daisy Dunn
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning classicist and author of seven books, Dr. Daisy Dunn. We discuss her newest book, “Th...
You Bet Your Life w/ Paul Offit
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Paul A. Offit, MD. He is the director of the Vaccine Education Center, an attending physician in ...
Community Science w/ Krystle Hickman
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Los Angeles based nature conservation photographer, native bee educator and community scientist, Krys...
Meet the Neighbors w/ Brandon Keim
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author, Brandon Keim. They discuss his forthcoming book about our relationship...
Sharing Space w/ Cady Coleman
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by former NASA astronaut, retired United States Air Force colonel, scientist, and pilot Cady Coleman. Th...
Becoming Earth w/ Ferris Jabr
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and author Ferris Jabr to discuss his forthcoming book, “Becoming Earth: How Our Pla...
Refrigeration w/ Nicola Twilley
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and podcaster Nicola Twilley to talk about her new book,”Frostbite: How Refrigeration Chang...
Humans & Robots w/ Leila Takayama
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by cognitive and social scientist, Dr. Leila Takayama. They talk about Leila's work exploring human-robo...
We Can Reason w/ Janalee Morris
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by educator and learning specialist, Janalee Morris. They discuss Cara’s recent trip to speak at the W...
Magical Overthinking w/ Amanda Montell
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Talk Nerdy is a live recording from Toronto Public Library’s virtual event, The Age of Magical Overthinking | Amanda Montell & C...
Crosswords w/ Anna Shechtman
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer, crossword writer and Cornell University assistant professor in the Department of Literatures...
Tits Up w/ Sarah Thornton
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by sociologist and author, Sarah Thornton. They talk about her newly released book, “Tits Up: What Se...
The Price of Oil w/ Alex Stapleton
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker and documentarian, Alex Stapleton. Stapleton directed one part of the HBO documentary tri...
500th Episode AMA w/ Eli Bosnick
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara celebrates the show’s 500th episode with the help of her friend and fellow podcaster Eli Bosnick (God...
Solitude w/ Netta Weinstein
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by psychologist Netta Weinstein. She is the director of the European Research Council's 'Solitude: Alone...
Unrooted w/ Erin Zimmerman
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary biologist turned science writer, Erin Zimmerman. We talk about her new book, “Unrooted...
Coral Reefs w/ Juli Berwald
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by ocean scientist and science writer, Juli Berwald. They discuss her book; “LIFE ON THE ROCKS: Buildi...