Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Jerks at Work w/ Tessa West

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by NYU psychology professor Dr. Tessa West to talk about her new book, "Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers a...

Synthetic Biology w/ Amy Webb

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by futurist Amy Webb to talk about her new book, "The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the ...

Dream Science w/ Sidarta Ribeiro

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sidarta Ribeiro, professor of neuroscience and founder of the Brain Institute at the Federal Univ...

Heartbreak w/ Florence Williams

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Florence Williams to talk about her new book, “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.” Th...

Coronavirus Vaccine w/ Brendan Borrell

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Brendan Borrell, author of “The First Shots: The Epic Rivalries and Heroic Science Behind the R...

Healthcare and Covid w/ Anthony Harris

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Anthony Harris, owner of HFit Health and board-certified physician in occupational and environmen...

Olfaction (Smell) w/ Jude Stewart

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist Jude Stewart to talk about her new book, "Revelations in Air: A Guidebook to Smell." They ...

Sticky w/ Laurie Winkless

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by physicist and science writer Laurie Winkless to talk about her new book, "Sticky: The Secret Science ...

Biophysics w/ Raghuveer Parthasarathy

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Oregon Biophysicist Dr. Raghuveer Parthasarathy to talk about his new book, "So Simple ...

Variable Stars w/ Stella Kafka

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Stella Kafka, the Chief Executive Officer and Director of the American Association of Variable St...

Your Life Depends On It w/ Talya Miron-Shatz

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Talya Miron-Shatz, author of “Your Life Depends on It: What You Can Do to Make Better Choices A...

Conservation and Zoonosis w/ Sarah Olson

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Dr. Sarah Olson. They talk about th...

Pizzly Bears w/ Larisa DeSantis

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Larisa DeSantis, paleontologist and associate professor of biological sciences at Vanderbilt Univ...

How to Talk to a Science Denier w/ Lee McIntyre

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher Dr. Lee McIntyre to talk about his newest book, “How to Talk to a Science Denier: Conve...

Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy w/ Arik Kershenbaum

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Arik Kershenbaum to talk about his new book "The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy: What Animals on...

Science Vs. w/ Wendy Zukerman

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Wendy Zukerman, the host and executive producer of Gimlet Media's Science Vs, available on Spotify. T...

Genetic Lottery w/ Kathryn Paige Harden

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Texas psychologist and behavioral geneticist Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden to talk about her...

Hummingbirds w/ Jon Dunn

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by natural history writer, photographer, and wildlife tour guide Jon Dunn to talk about his newest book,...

Psychogenic Illness w/ Suzanne O'Sullivan

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neurologist and author Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan to talk about her new book, “The Sleeping Beauties:...

Mental Immunity w/ Andy Norman

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Andy Norman, director of the Humanism Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University and founder of the...

Brazilian Pseudoscience w/ Natalia Pasternak

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Natalia Pasternak, Brazilian microbiologist, skeptic, and popularizer of science. They talk about...

Fuzz, Stiff, Gulp, and More! w/ Mary Roach

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara has the opportunity to speak with her favorite living author, Mary Roach. They talk about her newest book, “Fuzz...

Social and Environmental Justice w/ adrienne maree brown

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer-in-residence at the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute, adrienne maree brown. They talk abou...

Physics, Activism, and Leadership w/ Walter E. Massey

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by physicist Dr. Walter E. Massey to talk about his long and distinguished career as the past head of th...

Claiming Space w/ Eliza VanCort

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Eliza VanCort, author of “A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space: Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Hea...

Quantum Life w/ Hakeem Oluseyi

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrophysicist Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi to talk about his new book, "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey fr...

Neurochemistry w/ Ginny Smith

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science communicator Ginny Smith to talk about her new book, “Overloaded: How Every Aspect of Your ...

Geometry w/ Jordan Ellenberg

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning mathematician Dr. Jordan Ellenberg to talk about his newest book, "Shape: The Hidden Ge...

Computational Neuroscience w/ Grace Lindsay

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by computational neuroscientist Dr. Grace Lindsay to talk about the new book, "Models of the Mind: How P...

Deep Sea Coral w/ Narissa Bax

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Narissa Bax, the Marine and Coastal Program Coordinator for the South Atlantic Environmental Rese...

Black in STEM w/ Deena Pierott

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by awardee of President Barack Obama's White House Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion, Deena Pi...

Forced Sterilization w/ Audrey Clare Farley

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and historian Dr. Audrey Clare Farley to talk about her new book, "The Unfit Heiress: The Trag...

How to Be Animal w/ Melanie Challenger

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer, researcher, and broadcaster Melanie Challenger to talk about her newest book, "How to Be Anim...

Fake Medicine w/ Brad McKay

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Australian GP and science communicator Dr. Brad McKay to talk about his new book, “Fake Medicine: E...

Best in Fair w/ Michelle Hua & Yunseo Choi

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by two brilliant teenagers who recently won top honors in science competitions. First, she speaks with M...

Uncertainty and Art in Medicine w/ Alexa Miller

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Alexa Miller, founder of the medical education consultancy Arts Practica. They discuss the use of vis...

Racism and Expertise w/ Eman Tadros

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Eman Tadros, Assistant Professor in the Division of Psychology and Counseling at Governor’s Sta...

Who Gives a Poop? w/ Heather Montgomery

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by environmental educator and children’s book author Heather L. Montgomery to talk about “Who Gives ...

Great Adaptations w/ Kenneth Catania

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Kenneth Catania to talk about his new book, "Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, ...

Blackwell Doctors w/ Janice Nimura

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian Janice Nimura to talk about her new book, "The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Women ...

Fire in Paradise w/ Dani Anguiano

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by The Guardian’s Dani Anguiano to talk about her new book, “Fire in Paradise: An American Tragedy.”...

Beloved Beasts w/ Michelle Nijhuis

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Michelle Nijhuis, author of "Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction." They discuss...

Four Lost Cities w/ Annalee Newitz

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Annalee Newitz to talk about their newest book, "Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of...

Fundamentals w/ Frank Wilczek

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics, Dr. Frank Wilczek, to talk about his newest book, "Fun...

Cyber Privacy w/ April Falcon Doss

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Technology, Law, and Policy, April Falcon Doss...

Is This Wifi Organic? w/ Dave Farina

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dave Farina (Professor Dave Explains) to talk about his new book, "Is this Wifi Organic? A Guide to S...

Cholera, Anthrax, & Sexism Too w/ Rita Colwell

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by infectious disease scientist Dr. Rita Colwell, who served as the first female director of the Nationa...

Trans and Dinos w/ Riley Black

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Riley Black ("Written in Stone," "My Beloved Brontosaurus," "Skeleton Keys"), who shar...

Democratizing Our Data w/ Julia Lane

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by economist, NYU Professor of Public Service, and cofounder of the Coleridge Initiative Dr. Julia Lane ...

Science and Cooking w/ Pia Sörensen

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Pia Sörensen, Senior Preceptor in Chemical Engineering and Applied Materials at Harvard Universi...

Feminist Philosophy w/ Carol Hay

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Carol Hay, philosopher and author of "Think Like a Feminist: the Philosophy Behind the Revolution...

Our Material World w/ Ainissa Ramirez

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by materials scientist, author, and science communicator Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. They talk about her new bo...

Childhood Vaccines w/ Perri Klass

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by NYU professor of journalism and pediatrics Dr. Perri Klass to talk about her new book, "A Good Time t...

Drug Use for Grown-Ups w/ Carl L. Hart

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the chair of Columbia University's psychology department, Dr. Carl L. Hart. They talk about his newes...

Morbid Anatomy w/ Joanna Ebenstein

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder and creative director of Morbid Anatomy, Joanna Ebenstein. They talk about her newest boo...

National Geographic Almanac 2021 w/ Susan Tyler Hitchcock

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Tyler Hitchcock, Senior Editor of Books at National Geographic Partners. They talk about th...

Cancer Evolution w/ Kat Arney

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science writer, broadcaster, and podcaster (Genetics Unzipped), Dr. Kat Arney. They tal...

Evolution in the Anthropocene w/ Shane Campbell-Staton

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA evolutionary biologist and co-host/co-creator of the Biology of Superheroes Podcast, Dr. Shane C...

The End of Everything w/ Katie Mack

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Mack, theoretical astrophysicist and author of "The End of Everything (Astrophysically Spea...

Anti-Vax Origins w/ Brian Deer

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Brian Deer to talk about his new book, "The Doctor Who Fooled ...

Scientific Racism w/ Angela Saini

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science journalist Angela Saini to talk about her book "Superior: The Return of Race Sc...

Bones w/ Roy A. Meals

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roy A. Meals to talk about his new book, "Bones: Inside and Out." They discuss...

Why Fish Don't Exist w/ Lulu Miller

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science reporter, producer, and Radiolab co-host Lulu Miller to talk about her new book, "Why Fish Do...

Alternative Facts w/ Asheley Landrum

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by her old high school pal, psychologist and science communication expert Dr. Asheley Landrum. They disc...

Tree Migration w/ Zach St. George

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science reporter Zach St. George to talk about his book "The Journeys of Trees: A Story About Forests...

Phallacy w/ Emily Willingham

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Dr. Emily Willingham to talk about her newest book, "Phallacy: Life Lessons from the A...

Books Bound in Human Flesh w/ Megan Rosenbloom

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by UCLA librarian and Death Salon director Megan Rosenbloom to talk about her new book, "Dark...

Cystic Fibrosis w/ Bijal Trivedi

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor at The Conversation, Bijal Trivedi, to talk about her newest book, "Bre...

Bubonic Plague w/ David K. Randall

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Reuters senior reporter David K. Randall to discuss his newest book, "Black Death at the Golden Gate:...

The Hot Hand w/ Ben Cohen

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ben Cohen, a sports reporter for the Wall Street Journal and author of "The Hot Hand: The Mystery and...

Death Denial w/ Caitlin Doughty

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Caitlin Doughty (mortician, death positive activist, and author of "Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And ...

Industrial Espionage w/ Mara Hvistendahl

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mara Hvistendahl, Pulitzer Prize finalist, investigative reporter for the Intercept, and author of “...

Science News w/ Maya Ajmera

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the President and CEO of the Society for Science and the Public, as well as the publisher of Science ...

Hacking Planet Earth w/ Thomas Kostigen

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “Hacking Planet Earth: How Geoengineering Can Help Us Reimagine the Future,” Thomas...

Electric Brain w/ R. Douglas Fields

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neurologist Dr. R. Douglas Fields to talk about his new book, "Electric Brain: How the New Science of...

Biggest Bluff w/ Maria Konnikova

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and psychologist Dr. Maria Konnikova to talk about her newest book, "The Biggest Bluff...

How to Argue with a Racist w/ Adam Rutherford

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, broadcaster, and scientist Dr. Adam Rutherford to talk about his newest book, "How to Argue W...

Life Changing w/ Helen Pilcher

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with comedian and author Dr. Helen Pilcher about her newest book, "Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Li...

Archaeology of Burning Man w/ Carolyn White

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Carolyn White, professor of anthropology and director of the Historic Preservation Program at the ...

Great Indoors w/ Emily Anthes

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Emily Anthes about her newest book, "The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of H...

Medieval Bodies w/ Jack Hartnell

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by art historian Dr. Jack Hartnell to talk about his new book, "Medieval Bodies: Life and Death in the M...

Campus Sexual Assault w/ Jennifer Hirsch & Shamus Khan

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Jennifer Hirsch (Professor of Sociomedical Sciences) and Shamus Khan (Chair of the Sociology Dep...

Aliens w/ Keith Cooper

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor Keith Cooper to talk about his new book, "The Contact Paradox: Challeng...

Social Evolution w/ Gaia Vince

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Gaia Vince to talk about her newest book, "Transcendence: How Humans Ev...

Tree Rings w/ Valerie Trouet

21 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Arizona dendrochronologist Dr. Valerie Trouet to talk about her new book, "Tree Story: ...

Photo Ark w/ Joel Sartore

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by world-renowned National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore. They talk about his impactful Photo Ar...

Insane Asylums w/ Anne Harrington

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University science historian Dr. Anne Harrington to talk about her newest book, "Mind Fixers:...

Fear w/ Eva Holland

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Eva Holland, the author of "Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear." They talk about her experience...

National Parks w/ Conor Knighton

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of "Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Z...

Science Denial w/ Mario Livio

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author of the new book "Galileo and the Science Deniers." They ta...

Pleading Insanity w/ Susan Vinocour

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Vinocour, the author of "Nobody's Child: a Tragedy, a Trial, and the History of the Insanit...

Modern Linguistics w/ David Shariatmadari

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by David Shariatmadari, editor at the Guardian and author of "Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth...

Bats w/ Merlin Tuttle

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by ecologist and author of "The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood ...

Panpsychism w/ Philip Goff

19 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher and author of "Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness," Dr. Phil...

Environmental Justice w/ Ayana Young

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder, executive director, and host of For the Wild, Ayana Young. They talk about her mission t...

Alien Oceans w/ Kevin Hand

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hand, planetary scientist and astrobiologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, director ...

Science of Friendship w/ Lydia Denworth

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Lydia Denworth to talk about her new book, "Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Ex...

Cosmos: Possible Worlds w/ Ann Druyan

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this very special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara celebrates her 300th episode with award-winning science communicator Ann Druyan. They talk about her ...

Democratizing the Internet w/ Ramesh Srinivasan

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor in the UCLA Department of Information Studies and Director of the UC...

Mushrooms w/ Lawrence Millman

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lawrence Millman, world-renowned mycologist and author of "Fungipedia: A Brief Compendium of Mush...