Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
852 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 923 ratingsCara Santa Maria is a science communicator, television host, producer, and journalist. She is excited to present "Talk Nerdy," a place for conversations with interesting people about interesting topics.
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Episodes
Space Cave w/ David Huntsberger
March 05, 2018 21:18 - 1 hour - 134 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by stand-up comedian David Huntsberger. They talk, among other random things, about the wonderful work he's doing on his science podcast, "The Space Cave." Also discussed: the frustrating and fantastic world of freelance content creation.
Episode 196 - Laurie Winkless
February 27, 2018 02:07 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBIn 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 while discussing Laurie's new book, "Science and the City: The Mechanics Behind the Metropolis." Topics include how cities manage increasing water demand, Laurie's favorite feats of engineering, and a disgusting byproduct of human refuse, the "fatberg." Follow Laurie: @laurie_winkless.
Science and the City w/ Laurie Winkless
February 27, 2018 02:07 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBIn 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 while discussing Laurie's new book, "Science and the City: The Mechanics Behind the Metropolis." Topics include how cities manage increasing water demand, Laurie's favorite feats of engineering, and a disgusting byproduct of human refuse, the "fatberg."
Episode 195 - Clifford Johnson
February 19, 2018 21:18 - 1 hour - 32 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Clifford Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California. They talk about his new book, "The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe," a graphic novel that explains physics for everyday people. Follow Clifford: @asymptotia.
Nature of the Universe w/ Clifford Johnson
February 19, 2018 21:18 - 1 hour - 32 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Clifford Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California. They talk about his new book, "The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe," a graphic novel that explains physics for everyday people.
Episode 194 - Amanda Hendrix
February 13, 2018 07:09 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBIn 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 Home in the Planets” (coauthored by Charles Wohlforth). They dive deep into the fascinating moons of Saturn and all of the scientific (and potentially life-supporting!) information they have to offer. Follow Amanda: @arh_moons.
Titan w/ Amanda Hendrix
February 13, 2018 07:09 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBIn 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 Home in the Planets” (coauthored by Charles Wohlforth). They dive deep into the fascinating moons of Saturn and all of the scientific (and potentially life-supporting!) information they have to offer.
Episode 193 - Ian Harris
February 05, 2018 22:53 - 1 hour - 112 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by comedian Ian Harris to talk about his new special, "ExtraOrdinary." They also discuss his work throughout the years as a so-called "skeptic comedian" and his work in the world of mixed martial arts. Follow Ian: @comediocre.
Skeptic Comedy w/ Ian Harris
February 05, 2018 22:53 - 1 hour - 112 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by comedian Ian Harris to talk about his new special, "ExtraOrdinary." They also discuss his work throughout the years as a so-called "skeptic comedian" and his work in the world of mixed martial arts.
False Confessions w/ Kelly Loudenberg
January 30, 2018 06:10 - 48 minutes - 68 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg to discuss her new Netflix docuseries, "The Confession Tapes." They talk about the psychology of false or coerced confessions, including unethical police practices like the "Reid technique."
Episode 192 - Kelly Loudenberg
January 30, 2018 06:10 - 48 minutes - 68 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg to discuss her new Netflix docuseries, "The Confession Tapes." They talk about the psychology of false or coerced confessions, including unethical police practices like the "Reid technique."
Orangutans w/ James Askew
January 21, 2018 07:18 - 1 hour - 108 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by James Askew, a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the University of Southern California’s Jane Goodall Research Center. They discuss his contributory work toward the recognition of a newly described species of Sumatran orangutan, the Tapanuli. They also talk about conservation of this critically endangered species, whose population numbers an estimated 800 individuals, making it the rarest great ape on the planet.
Episode 191 - James Askew
January 21, 2018 07:18 - 1 hour - 108 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by James Askew, a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the University of Southern California’s Jane Goodall Research Center. They discuss his contributory work toward the recognition of a newly described species of Sumatran orangutan, the Tapanuli. They also talk about conservation of this critically endangered species, whose population numbers an estimated 800 individuals, making it the rarest great ape on the planet. Follow James: @jamesaaskew.
Episode 190 - Natalie Newell
January 15, 2018 09:02 - 1 hour - 38.3 MBThis week, Cara is joined by Natalie Newell, filmmaker and cohost of the Science Enthusiast Podcast. They discuss her new film “Science Moms” and just why skepticism is so important within the parenting community. Topics include GMOs, vaccines, and evidence-based thinking. Follow Natalie: @ncnewell.
Science Moms w/ Natalie Newell
January 15, 2018 09:02 - 1 hour - 38.3 MBThis week, Cara is joined by Natalie Newell, filmmaker and cohost of the Science Enthusiast Podcast. They discuss her new film “Science Moms” and just why skepticism is so important within the parenting community. Topics include GMOs, vaccines, and evidence-based thinking.
American Wolf w/ Nate Blakeslee
January 08, 2018 08:29 - 55 minutes - 32.6 MBIn 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 the trials of O-Six, a Yellowstone wolf who symbolizes the modern struggle between hunters, ranchers, politicians, conservationists, and the wildlife that existed long before human beings came on the scene.
Episode 189 - Nate Blakeslee
January 08, 2018 08:29 - 55 minutes - 32.6 MBIn 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 the trials of O-Six, a Yellowstone wolf who symbolizes the modern struggle between hunters, ranchers, politicians, conservationists, and the wildlife that existed long before human beings came on the scene. Follow Nate: @Nate_Blakeslee.
Episode 188 - Robert Sapolsky
December 12, 2017 06:55 - 46 minutes - 27.2 MBCara is joined by famed neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of the new book "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." They discuss the interplay between neurobiology, environment, development, and evolution in our decision-making processes, for better or worse. In seeking to understand why we do what we do, Dr. Sapolsky describes the very essence of what it means to be human.
Human Behavior w/ Robert Sapolsky
December 12, 2017 06:55 - 42 minutes - 78.6 MBCara is joined by famed neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of the new book "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." They discuss the interplay between neurobiology, environment, development, and evolution in our decision-making processes, for better or worse. In seeking to understand why we do what we do, Dr. Sapolsky describes the very essence of what it means to be human.
Episode 187 - Anne Fausto-Sterling
December 04, 2017 16:55 - 1 hour - 37.4 MBCara dives deep into gender biology with Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling, the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Brown University. They talk frankly about gender and sexuality, including a discussion of its scientific, political, and social influences. Follow Anne: @Fausto_Sterling.
Gender Biology w/ Anne Fausto-Sterling
December 04, 2017 16:55 - 59 minutes - 108 MBCara dives deep into gender biology with Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling, the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Brown University. They talk frankly about gender and sexuality, including a discussion of its scientific, political, and social influences.
Episode 186 - Scott Bembenek
November 27, 2017 08:51 - 1 hour - 38.9 MBCara chats with computational chemist Dr. Scott Bembenek, author of "The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It." They dig deep into the process of writing before exploring the history and systems of physics, from Galileo to Newton to Einstein and beyond. Follow Scott: @sbembenek18.
Cosmic Machine w/ Scott Bembenek
November 27, 2017 08:51 - 1 hour - 116 MBCara chats with computational chemist Dr. Scott Bembenek, author of "The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It." They dig deep into the process of writing before exploring the history and systems of physics, from Galileo to Newton to Einstein and beyond.
Introversion w/ Morra Aarons-Mele
November 21, 2017 02:15 - 56 minutes - 104 MBThis 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 Stay Home)." They discuss her work as the founder of "Women Online," a digital marketing agency that brings brands to a powerful audience: women. They also talk about the problems of the conference culture, and what women and introverts alike can do to overcome them.
Episode 185 - Morra Aarons-Mele
November 21, 2017 02:15 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBThis 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 Stay Home)." They discuss her work as the founder of "Women Online," a digital marketing agency that brings brands to a powerful audience: women. They also talk about the problems of the conference culture, and what women and introverts alike can do to overcome them. Follow Morra: @morraam.
The Secret World of Animal Sleep w/ Aurelie Beatley
November 13, 2017 02:19 - 1 hour - 122 MBCara chats with illustrator and animator Aurelie Beatley about the new Smithsonian Earth series they worked on together, “The Secret World of Animal Sleep.” They discuss Aurelie’s background in science illustration as well as the fascinating process of animating this breathtaking science series. Bonus: lots of cool tidbits about animal slumber!
Episode 184 - Aurelie Beatley
November 13, 2017 02:19 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBCara chats with illustrator and animator Aurelie Beatley about the new Smithsonian Earth series they worked on together, “The Secret World of Animal Sleep.” They discuss Aurelie’s background in science illustration as well as the fascinating process of animating this breathtaking science series. Bonus: lots of cool tidbits about animal slumber! Follow Smithsonian Earth: @SmithsonianErth.
Song of the Orphans w/ Daniel Price
November 06, 2017 21:56 - 1 hour - 129 MBCara chats with science fiction author Daniel Price about his newest book, "The Song of the Orphans." They talk about the deep process of creating alternative worlds on the written page. They also discuss themes of time and mortality, including very personal struggles Daniel has had with both.
Episode 183 - Daniel Price
November 06, 2017 21:56 - 1 hour - 132 MBCara chats with science fiction author Daniel Price about his newest book, "The Song of the Orphans." They talk about the deep process of creating alternative worlds on the written page. They also discuss themes of time and mortality, including very personal struggles Daniel has had with both. Follow Daniel: @SilversGuy.
Parasites w/ Kelly Weinersmith
October 31, 2017 03:07 - 1 hour - 156 MBCara chats with Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything." They talk about her work as a biologist and ecologist, focusing on parasitic agents that manipulate host behavior. Then the conversation shifts to her new book (co-written with her husband, Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal comic creator Zach Weinersmith). You should read it. It's really good.
Episode 182 - Kelly Weinersmith
October 31, 2017 03:07 - 1 hour - 164 MBCara chats with Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything." They talk about her work as a biologist and ecologist, focusing on parasitic agents that manipulate host behavior. Then the conversation shifts to her new book (co-written with her husband, Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal comic creator Zach Weinersmith). You should read it. It's really good. Follow Kelly: @FuSchmu.
Episode 181 - Tara Smith
October 24, 2017 05:51 - 1 hour - 115 MBCara is joined by Professor of Epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health, Dr. Tara Smith. They talk about her work on zoonotic infectious (those that spillover from non-human animals to humans), with a specific focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) arising in livestock. Cara also shares her own tale of MRSA infection. Follow Tara: @aetiology.
Zoonotic Infections w/ Tara Smith
October 24, 2017 05:51 - 1 hour - 111 MBCara is joined by Professor of Epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health, Dr. Tara Smith. They talk about her work on zoonotic infectious (those that spillover from non-human animals to humans), with a specific focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) arising in livestock. Cara also shares her own tale of MRSA infection.
Episode 180 - Rachel Ignotofsky
October 17, 2017 06:52 - 1 hour - 134 MBCara is joined by author and graphic designer Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her two books, “Women in Science” and “Women in Sports.” They discuss the important contributions of the badass women featured in her work, as well as the importance of role modeling in modern society. Follow Rachel: @RachelIgnotofsky.
Women in Science w/ Rachel Ignotofsky
October 17, 2017 06:52 - 1 hour - 128 MBCara is joined by author and graphic designer Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her two books, “Women in Science” and “Women in Sports.” They discuss the important contributions of the badass women featured in her work, as well as the importance of role modeling in modern society.
Episode 179 - Tristan Gooley
October 11, 2017 19:30 - 1 hour - 118 MBCara 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 about the lost art of natural navigation, including the worldview that opens up when you begin to “intuit” your course. Follow Tristan: @NaturalNav.
How to Read Nature w/ Tristan Gooley
October 11, 2017 19:30 - 1 hour - 113 MBCara 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 about the lost art of natural navigation, including the worldview that opens up when you begin to “intuit” your course.
Episode 178 - Caitlin Doughty
October 02, 2017 11:25 - 1 hour - 137 MBCara is joined in-studio by mortician and death-acceptance advocate, Caitlin Doughty. They talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death,” as well as her work revolutionizing the funeral industry with her non-profit mortuary “Undertaking LA.” Follow Caitlin: @TheGoodDeath.
Good Death w/ Caitlin Doughty
October 02, 2017 11:25 - 1 hour - 127 MBCara is joined in-studio by mortician and death-acceptance advocate, Caitlin Doughty. They talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death,” as well as her work revolutionizing the funeral industry with her non-profit mortuary “Undertaking LA.”
Episode 177 - Lee Dugatkin
September 26, 2017 21:47 - 1 hour - 144 MBCara chats with evolutionary biologist, behavioral ecologist, and science historian Dr. Lee Dugatkin about his new book "How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)" (coauthored with Lyudmila Trut). They discuss the famed Siberian silver fox experiment, learning a lot about evolution along the way. Follow Lee: @LeeDugatkin.
How to Tame a Fox w/ Lee Dugatkin
September 26, 2017 21:47 - 1 hour - 138 MBCara chats with evolutionary biologist, behavioral ecologist, and science historian Dr. Lee Dugatkin about his new book "How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)" (coauthored with Lyudmila Trut). They discuss the famed Siberian silver fox experiment, learning a lot about evolution along the way.
Episode 176 - Rebeca Atencia
September 18, 2017 08:14 - 1 hour - 131 MBCara connects across the globe with Dr. Rebeca Atencia, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo and the Manager and Head Veterinarian at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center. They talk about the joys and sorrows of working with orphaned chimpanzees, including our minor differences and profound similarities as species.
Orphaned Chimpanzees w/ Rebeca Atencia
September 18, 2017 08:14 - 1 hour - 125 MBCara connects across the globe with Dr. Rebeca Atencia, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo and the Manager and Head Veterinarian at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center. They talk about the joys and sorrows of working with orphaned chimpanzees, including our minor differences and profound similarities as species.
Episode 175 - Kathryn Miles
September 13, 2017 01:36 - 1 hour - 114 MBCara chats with journalist and author Dr. Kathryn Miles about her new book, "Quakeland: On the Road to America's Next Devastating Earthquake." They talk about the natural history of disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, how human activity is increasing their numbers and ferocity, and what we can do to be better prepared when disaster inevitably strikes. Follow Kathryn: @Kathryn_Miles.
Earthquakes w/ Kathryn Miles
September 13, 2017 01:36 - 59 minutes - 109 MBCara chats with journalist and author Dr. Kathryn Miles about her new book, "Quakeland: On the Road to America's Next Devastating Earthquake." They talk about the natural history of disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, how human activity is increasing their numbers and ferocity, and what we can do to be better prepared when disaster inevitably strikes.
Creativity w/ Agustin Fuentes
September 05, 2017 02:24 - 1 hour - 124 MBCara is joined by Dr. Agustin Fuentes, author of “The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional.” They discuss the similarities we share with non-human animals, as well as what makes us special, including the great responsibility we hold as shepherds of planet Earth.
Episode 174 - Agustin Fuentes
September 05, 2017 02:24 - 1 hour - 133 MBCara is joined by Dr. Agustin Fuentes, author of “The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional.” They discuss the similarities we share with non-human animals, as well as what makes us special, including the great responsibility we hold as shepherds of planet Earth. Follow Agustin: @AnthroFuentes.
Citizen Science w/ Mary Ellen Hannibal
August 29, 2017 07:26 - 1 hour - 113 MBCara chats with Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of "Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction." They talk about the power of citizen science in a world experiencing a stunning loss of biodiversity, as well as Mary Ellen's personal journey as a writer, a daughter, and a citizen scientist.
Episode 173 - Mary Ellen Hannibal
August 29, 2017 07:26 - 1 hour - 114 MBCara chats with Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of "Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction." They talk about the power of citizen science in a world experiencing a stunning loss of biodiversity, as well as Mary Ellen's personal journey as a writer, a daughter, and a citizen scientist. Follow Mary Ellen: @mehannibal.
Episode 172 - Carrie Nugent
August 22, 2017 06:49 - 1 hour - 122 MBCara sits down with the author of "Asteroid Hunters," Dr. Carrie Nugent (professional asteroid hunter and Staff Scientist at Caltech/IPAC). They discuss recent and historical asteroid impacts and misses, as well as future plans for preventing an asteroid collision with Earth. Follow Carrie: @listen2spacepod.