Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
Episodes
Space Cave w/ David Huntsberger
05 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by stand-up comedian David Huntsberger. They talk, among other random things, about the wonder...
Science and the City w/ Laurie Winkless
27 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara re-records her lost episode with scientist and author Laurie Winkless! They bemoan the loss of Cara's laptop whi...
Nature of the Universe w/ Clifford Johnson
19 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Clifford Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California. ...
Titan w/ Amanda Hendrix
13 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by planetary scientist Dr. Amanda Hendrix to talk about her book, “Beyond Earth: Our Path to a New Hom...
Skeptic Comedy w/ Ian Harris
05 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by comedian Ian Harris to talk about his new special, "ExtraOrdinary." They also discuss his work throug...
False Confessions w/ Kelly Loudenberg
30 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg to discuss her new Netflix docuseries, "The Confession Tapes." They talk ...
Orangutans w/ James Askew
21 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by James Askew, a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the University of Southern California’s Jan...
Science Moms w/ Natalie Newell
15 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara is joined by Natalie Newell, filmmaker and cohost of the Science Enthusiast Podcast. They discuss her new film “Science Moms” and ...
American Wolf w/ Nate Blakeslee
08 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cara is joined by Nate Blakeslee, author of “American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West.” They talk about ...
Human Behavior w/ Robert Sapolsky
12 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by famed neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of the new book "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." They d...
Gender Biology w/ Anne Fausto-Sterling
04 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara dives deep into gender biology with Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling, the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Departm...
Cosmic Machine w/ Scott Bembenek
27 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with computational chemist Dr. Scott Bembenek, author of "The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It." ...
Introversion w/ Morra Aarons-Mele
21 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara chats with Morra Aarons-Mele, the author of "Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert's Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You'd Rather St...
The Secret World of Animal Sleep w/ Aurelie Beatley
13 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with illustrator and animator Aurelie Beatley about the new Smithsonian Earth series they worked on together, “The Secret World of Animal...
Song of the Orphans w/ Daniel Price
06 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with science fiction author Daniel Price about his newest book, "The Song of the Orphans." They talk about the deep process of creating alt...
Parasites w/ Kelly Weinersmith
31 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything." They talk about her w...
Zoonotic Infections w/ Tara Smith
24 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Professor of Epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health, Dr. Tara Smith. They talk about her work on zoonotic in...
Women in Science w/ Rachel Ignotofsky
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by author and graphic designer Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her two books, “Women in Science” and “Women in Sports.” They di...
How to Read Nature w/ Tristan Gooley
11 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with Tristan Gooley, author of the new book, “How to Read Nature: Awaken Your Senses to the Outdoors You’ve Never Noticed.” They talk...
Good Death w/ Caitlin Doughty
02 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in-studio by mortician and death-acceptance advocate, Caitlin Doughty. They talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Travelin...
How to Tame a Fox w/ Lee Dugatkin
26 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with evolutionary biologist, behavioral ecologist, and science historian Dr. Lee Dugatkin about his new book "How to Tame a Fox (and Build ...
Orphaned Chimpanzees w/ Rebeca Atencia
18 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara connects across the globe with Dr. Rebeca Atencia, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo and the Manager and Head Vet...
Earthquakes w/ Kathryn Miles
13 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with journalist and author Dr. Kathryn Miles about her new book, "Quakeland: On the Road to America's Next Devastating Earthquake." They t...
Creativity w/ Agustin Fuentes
05 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Dr. Agustin Fuentes, author of “The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional.” They discuss the similarities we s...
Citizen Science w/ Mary Ellen Hannibal
29 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of "Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction." They talk about the power o...
Asteroid Hunting w/ Carrie Nugent
22 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara sits down with the author of "Asteroid Hunters," Dr. Carrie Nugent (professional asteroid hunter and Staff Scientist at Caltech/IPAC). They discu...
Curiosity w/ Mario Livio
14 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by renowned astrophysicist Dr. Mario Livio to talk about his new book, "Why?: What Makes Us Curious." They discuss the science behind c...
Microscopy w/ Joshua Rappoport
07 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Joshua Rappoport, the Director of the Center for Advanced Microscopy and Nikon Imaging Center at Northwestern Universi...
Retraction Watch w/ Ivan Oransky
01 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined Ivan Oransky, MD, cofounder of “Retraction Watch.” They discuss his path from medicine to science journalism and the important work...
Naturopathy w/ Britt Marie Hermes
25 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Recording from the 2017 NECSS conference in New York City, Cara is joined by former naturopath Britt Marie Hermes. They talk about her journey from pr...
Oil Sands w/ Jodi McNeill
18 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara has an in-studio chat with Jodi McNeill, Technical and Policy Analyst at the Pembina Institute. They talk about the massive environmental impact ...
Engineered Humans w/ Adam Piore
11 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara speaks with journalist and author Adam Piore about his new book, “The Body Builders: Inside the Science of the Engineered Human.” Adam shares...
Vacation Guide to the Solar System w/ Olivia Koski and Jana Grcevich
04 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by the dynamic duo Olivia Koski and Dr. Jana Grcevich. They work together at the Intergalactic Travel Bureau, where they help...
Scientology w/ Ron Miscavige
28 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara has a candid conversation with Ron Miscavige, author of “Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me,” about his life as a Scientol...
GMOs and Vaccines w/ Kavin Senapathy
19 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with skeptic, author, and science activist Kavin Senapathy about all of the things! They discuss health and food (with a special focus on G...
Science TV for Kids w/ Emily Calandrelli
13 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by the host of “Xploration Outer Space,” Emily Calandrelli (she also happens to be a correspondent on the new Netflix show, “Bill...
Orbital Perspective w/ Ron Garan
05 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is honored to be joined this week by former NASA astronaut and current Chief Pilot for World View Enterprises, Ron Garan. They talk about the won...
This Week in Science w/ Kiki Sanford
30 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara chats with the host of "This Week in Science," Dr. Kiki Sanford. They talk about her pioneering work in science communication, and she...
Sexual Selection w/ Richard Prum
22 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Richard Prum, Yale ornithologist and author of the new book, "The Evolution of Beauty." They discuss the idea that s...
Dinosaur Eggs w/ Shaena Montanari
16 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara is joined by paleontologist and science communicator Dr. Shaena Montanari. They discuss what geochemistry is and how it's used by pale...
Astronomy Reporting w/ Shannon Stirone
08 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by science writer Shannon Stirone (Motherboard, Popular Science, Discover Magazine, etc.) to talk about the highs and lows of the freel...
Science Hack w/ Ariel Waldman
01 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with "What's It Like in Space?" author Ariel Waldman about her incredible career improving accessibility of science and space exploration f...
Mathematics and Society w/ Steven Strogatz
25 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats with Dr. Steven Strogatz ("The Joy of X") about his work as an applied mathematician at Cornell University. They talk about nonlinear dynam...
Change Agent w/ Daniel Suarez
17 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by bestselling author Daniel Suarez to talk about his new book, "Change Agent." They talk about the incredible science that i...
The Great Unknown w/ Marcus Du Sautoy
11 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by the Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Oxford Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Marcus Du Sautoy, to ...
Family Drama w/ Annabelle Gurwitch
03 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by the ever charming, hilarious, and insightful Annabelle Gurwitch to talk about her new book, "Wherever You Go, There They A...
Amphibian Extinction w/ Jodi Rowley
28 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara connects across the globe with the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, Dr. Jodi Rowley (sh...
Smog Science w/ Kelvin Bates
21 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by Caltech PhD candidate Kelvin Bates. They talk about his work in atmospheric chemistry, including how isoprene contributes...
Venom w/ Christie Wilcox
13 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats remotely with Dr. Christie Wilcox, a conservation biologist and science writer. They focus on the topic of her new book, "Venomous," includ...
Sea Turtle Poachers w/ Jason Goldman
07 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined for the third time by her dear friend and colleague Dr. Jason Goldman. They talk about the relationship between ecology and cognitive s...
Online Echo Chambers w/ Ramesh Srinivasan
28 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by UCLA Professor of Information Studies and Design Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan. They talk about themes from his new book, "Whose G...
Ninja Sex Party w/ Brian Wecht
20 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
On a particularly rainy Los Angeles day, Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Brian Wecht, a theoretical physicist-turned YouTuber and musician (Ninja Sex ...
Storm in a Teacup w/ Helen Czerski
13 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by physicist, oceanographer, and BBC television presenter Helen Czerski. They talk about the science of bubbles, the current ...
Metamaterials w/ Dagny Fleischman
07 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by Dagny Fleischman, a PhD candidate studying plasmonics and metamaterials at Caltech. They talk about what the field of mate...
Jehovah's Witness and Race Relations w/ Val Harvey
31 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by celebrity makeup artist Val Harvey, who she's also lucky enough to call her friend. What begins as an intriguing conversat...
Bad PR w/ Michael Marshall
24 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara chats with Michael Marshall of the Merseyside Skeptics Society. They discuss his incredible work both as the Project Director of the G...
Plastic Ocean w/ Jo Ruxton
16 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Jo Ruxton, the co-founder and Director of Education of Plastic Oceans Foundation, a global network of charitable organizations focus...
Bad Astronomy w/ Phil Plait
10 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone's favorite astronomer Dr. Phil Plait (Death From the Skies!) is back on #TalkNerdy! He and Cara talk "Bad Astronomy," the movie "Arrival," an...
Polio Eradication w/ Jay Wenger
19 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara speaks with the Director of polio eradication efforts for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Jay Wenger. They discuss the history of wild...
String Theory w/ Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, & Jim Gates
12 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is a special live taping of the Paramount Science Summit, in which Cara moderates a panel of luminaries in theoretical physics: Dr...
Glass Universe w/ Dava Sobel
06 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Dava Sobel, author of "The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars." They discuss th...
Science Comedian w/ Brian Malow
28 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats remotely with the Science Comedian himself, Brian Malow! They talk about what exactly a "science comedian" is and does, Brian's epic Europe...
Parapsychology w/ Susan Blackmore
22 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Live from the QED Conference in Manchester, Cara chats with psychologist and author Dr. Sue Blackmore about her history as a parapsychologist studying...
President-Elect Donald Trump w/ Jennifer Briney
14 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Following an unexpected American election result, Cara is joined by the host of the Congressional Dish podcast, Jennifer Briney, to clarify the separa...
Antarctica w/ Christine Corbett Moran
07 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara connects with an astrophysicist who's working in the most remote place on Earth: Dr. Christine Corbett Moran talks nerdy from the Amundsen-Scott ...
Famous Fossils w/ Lydia Pyne
31 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time for Halloween, Cara is joined by Dr. Lydia Pyne, the author of "Seven Skeletons: The Evolution of the World's Most Famous Human Fossils."...
British Pseudoscience w/ Simon Singh
25 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
While visiting Manchester for the QED Conference, Cara sits down with journalist, author, and television producer Dr. Simon Singh about his rich and f...
Rejected Princesses w/ Jason Porath
18 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by the author (and illustrator) of "Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics," Jason Porath. Th...
Con Artists w/ Maria Konnikova
11 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara is joined by Maria Konnikova, the author of "The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It...Every Time." They discuss the art of the con ar...
Women Beyond Belief w/ Karen Garst
03 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara speaks to Karen Garst, the author of "Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion." They talk about some of the difficult experiences ...
Science Communication w/ Kishore Hari
27 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara has a chance to #TalkNerdy with the director of the Bay Area Science Festival, Kishore Hari. They dive deep into the dos and don'ts of...
Addiction Treatment w/ Maia Szalavitz
19 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Maia Szalavitz, author of Unbroken Brain, to talk about the way we treat addiction in this country, and why it is so very wrong. The...
Magic of Math w/ Arthur Benjamin
12 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined in studio by the "Mathemagician" himself, Dr. Arthur Benjamin! He demonstrates some of the amazing feats of mental math found in his ne...
James Webb Space Telescope w/ Amber Straughn
29 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by NASA Astrophysicist Dr. Amber Straughn, the Deputy Project Scientist for James Webb Space Telescope Science Communications. They div...
Mountain Lion P-22 w/ Beth Pratt-Bergstrom
22 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
California Director of the National Wildlife Federation, Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, tells Cara the story of P-22, Hollywood's famous mountain lion. They al...
Pterosaurs w/ Michael Habib
15 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Michael Habib (USC, NHMLA) joins Cara to talk about the flight biomechanics of pterosaurs, the relationship between human gross anatomy and paleon...
Patient H.M. w/ Luke Dittrich
08 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by author Luke Dittrich to discuss his new book "Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets." They dive deeply into t...
Interviewing Mom w/ Charlotte Salmon
02 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In a very special episode of #TalkNerdy, Cara's mom has come to town! They sit down to discuss what it was like to grow up during the Civil Rights mov...
Aesthetics w/ Landon Ross
26 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara sits down with artist Landon Ross to talk about his new gallery show, ARTIfACT. They discuss aesthetics, politics, atheism, and the power of meta...
Skeptical Rogue w/ Bob Novella
19 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara finally chats with Bob Novella of the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe! They talk physics, health, and of course, skepticism as she rounds out her...
NASA's Juno w/ Michelle Thaller
12 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cara and Dr. Michelle Thaller (Deputy Director of Science for Communication, NASA) #TalkNerdy about the Juno spacecraft's recent entry into...
Value of Human Life w/ Teagan Wall
05 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Science Communicator & Nerd Brigade cofounder Teagan Wall joins Cara to discuss the economics of decision making, including the different ways to calc...
Black Hole Blues w/ Janna Levin
28 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysicist and author of "Black Hole Blues" Janna Levin joins Cara to talk about why theoretical physics is so fascinating, how Einstein really go...
Neuroscience of Mental Illness w/ Heather Berlin
21 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Neuroscientist, professor, and television host Dr. Heather Berlin (Science Goes to the Movies) joins Cara on a recent visit to LA where they discuss t...
Secular Apocalypse w/ Phil Torres
13 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Author and philosopher Phil Torres (The End) joins Cara to talk about how eschatologies (end-of-the-world theologies), may be paving the way for a sec...
A Better Life w/ Chris Johnson
07 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Live from the Reason Rally, Cara sits down with Chris Johnson (A Better Life) to talk about his photography book and film, what it means to be an athe...
Reason Rally w/ Dave Rubin
31 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara talks nerdy with Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report) about their upcoming appearances at the Reason Rally 2016 and first amendment protections.
New York City Stargazing w/ Summer Ash
25 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara chats remotely with the Director of Outreach for Columbia University's Astronomy Department, Summer Ash. They talk about stargazing in New York C...
Fight Climate Denial w/ Ben Hauck
17 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Hauck, creator of FightClimateDenial.com, joins Cara to discuss common arguments denialists use against anthropogenic climate change, and how we c...
BrainCraft w/ Vanessa Hill
09 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
YouTuber Vanessa Hill (BrainCraft) joins Cara to talk about her journey from Australia to America and the brilliant work she does in science communica...
Evolutionary Ancestors w/ Neil Shubin
02 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her conversation with paleontologist, geneticist, anatomist, and popular science author Dr. Neil ...
Natural History Museum w/ Lila Higgins
25 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Lila Higgins, the Manager of Citizen Science for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Together, they geek out about bug...
Your Inner Fish w/ Neil Shubin
18 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara joins paleontologist, anatomist, evolutionary biologist, and popular science writer Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within) to talk ab...
Nickipedia w/ Nick Uhas
11 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by her FabLab cohost Nick Uhas, who also happens to host a fabulous YouTube series called Nickipedia. They talk extensively about Nick'...
Fighting God w/ David Silverman
04 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined once again by the President of American Atheists, David Silverman. They talk about David's new book, "Fighting God," including his fire...
Brains On! w/ Sanden Totten
14 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by KPCC Science Reporter Sanden Totten to talk about science storytelling through an auditory medium. They also talk about the differen...
Beatrice the Biologist w/ Katie McKissick
07 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Author and artist behind Beatrice the Biologist, Katie McKissick, joins Cara to talk about why the visual medium is so important in science communicat...
Ask Me Anything w/ Cara Santa Maria
01 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara celebrates the 100th episode of #TalkNerdy by letting YOU interview HER! She turns the tables in this special #AskMeAnything edition, ranging fro...
Quantum Chess w/ Chris Cantwell
22 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
USC PhD candidate Chris Cantwell joins Cara to talk about his recent labor of love, Quantum Chess. He tells the story of how the came was conceived an...
Gravitational Waves w/ Sarah Gossan
17 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Cara is joined by Caltech PhD candidate Sarah Gossan, a researcher in the LIGO Lab who contributed to the recent detection of gravitational waves. The...