Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
847 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 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
Science and Cooking w/ Pia Sörensen
March 08, 2021 08:06 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Pia Sörensen, Senior Preceptor in Chemical Engineering and Applied Materials at Harvard University. They talk about her new book, "Science and Cooking: Physics Meets Food, From Homemade to Haute Cuisine." From diffusion to pH, fermentation to viscosity, they discuss the physical, chemical, and biological processes underlying our favorite culinary creations. Follow Pia's work: @hseas.
Feminist Philosophy w/ Carol Hay
March 01, 2021 09:30 - 1 hour - 68.4 MBIn 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." They discuss the core philosophy of feminism, diving deep into topics like historical oppression of women, the importance of trans inclusion, and why intersectionality matters.
Our Material World w/ Ainissa Ramirez
February 22, 2021 08:12 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by materials scientist, author, and science communicator Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. They talk about her new book (and winner of the 2021 AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books), The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another. From clocks to light bulbs to silicon chips, they dig into the myriad ways such groundbreaking inventions have profoundly changed the way we exist in the world, with a special emphasis on the under-appr...
Childhood Vaccines w/ Perri Klass
February 15, 2021 19:04 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBIn 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 to Be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future." They examine the profound impact that medical advancements like vaccines have had on infant mortality and public health. Also discussed: the often-overlooked women and minority practitioners who changed the course of human history.
Drug Use for Grown-Ups w/ Carl L. Hart
February 08, 2021 08:23 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBIn 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 newest book, "Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear." Discussed topics include: public misunderstanding about responsible drug use versus addiction, the racist underpinnings of the war on drugs, and how evidence-based policy could improve countless lives.
Morbid Anatomy w/ Joanna Ebenstein
February 01, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder and creative director of Morbid Anatomy, Joanna Ebenstein. They talk about her newest book, "Anatomica: The Exquisite and Unsettling Art of Human Anatomy." Together, they dig into the art, history, and science behind visual representations of the human body, including how anatomical representations remind us of our own mortality.
National Geographic Almanac 2021 w/ Susan Tyler Hitchcock
January 25, 2021 08:18 - 54 minutes - 50.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Tyler Hitchcock, Senior Editor of Books at National Geographic Partners. They talk about the new National Geographic Almanac 2021, with a special focus on the art, photography, science, history, culture, and travel packed within its stunning pages.
Cancer Evolution w/ Kat Arney
January 18, 2021 08:02 - 1 hour - 66 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science writer, broadcaster, and podcaster (Genetics Unzipped), Dr. Kat Arney. They talk about her newest book, "Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution, and the New Science of Life's Oldest Betrayal."
Evolution in the Anthropocene w/ Shane Campbell-Staton
January 11, 2021 08:03 - 1 hour - 87.3 MBIn 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 Campbell-Staton. They talk about the evolution of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the biology of superheroes, how the poaching of elephants during the Mozambiquan civil war has led to increased tusk loss, and the dark history of science that shapes modern experiences of Black researchers.
The End of Everything w/ Katie Mack
January 04, 2021 18:12 - 1 hour - 76.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Mack, theoretical astrophysicist and author of "The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)." They talk about the formation of the universe by the big bang, how we know its current trajectory, and possible scenarios for its final destruction. In reflecting on the ultimate eschatological question, Katie and Cara grapple with humanity's quest for meaning in the great beyond.
Anti-Vax Origins w/ Brian Deer
December 14, 2020 08:09 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBIn 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 the World: Science, Deception, and the War on Vaccines." They discuss the incredible story of how Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research sparked an anti-vax movement that swept the globe.
Scientific Racism w/ Angela Saini
December 07, 2020 08:06 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBIn 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 Science." They discuss the deep roots of scientific racism from taxonomy to eugenics and beyond, including its present-day incarnations. They also talk about emergent themes of her previous book, "Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong- and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story."
Bones w/ Roy A. Meals
November 30, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBIn 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 the structure and function of bone, its iconographic role in art, music, and culture, and our own relationship with this dynamic, yet persistent substance.
Why Fish Don't Exist w/ Lulu Miller
November 23, 2020 08:22 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBIn 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 Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life." Lulu shares the incredible story of taxonomist David Starr Jordan, and in doing so, opens up the conversation to the power and consequences of imposing order on the world around us in the form of labels, categories, and impossible constraints.
Alternative Facts w/ Asheley Landrum
November 16, 2020 08:08 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by her old high school pal, psychologist and science communication expert Dr. Asheley Landrum. They discuss why a large portion of the public doesn't believe the scientific consensus on topics like climate change, evolution, vaccines, and COVID-19. From pseudoscience to conspiracy theories to extreme denial of reality, Asheley dives deep into the distrust of authority, political propaganda, and psychosocial pressures that lead to belief in "altern...
Tree Migration w/ Zach St. George
November 09, 2020 08:44 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBIn 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, People, and the Future." They discuss the phenomenon of forest migration as well as the sometimes misguided yet passionate and heartfelt efforts of environmental activists to secure a lusher, greener future for us all.
Phallacy w/ Emily Willingham
November 02, 2020 01:56 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBIn 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 Animal Penis." Emily guides Cara through a demystification of the so-called male member, including its imposed relationship to dominance, masculinity, and the vagina (or other counterparts in nature).
Books Bound in Human Flesh w/ Megan Rosenbloom
October 26, 2020 18:57 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBIn 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 Archives: A Librarian's Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin." They discuss the rare practice known as anthropodermic bibliopegy, in which published works are covered with the tanned flesh of deceased people. They bust myths, address medical ethics, and get downright spooky just in time for Halloween!
Cystic Fibrosis w/ Bijal Trivedi
October 19, 2020 06:54 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor at The Conversation, Bijal Trivedi, to talk about her newest book, "Breath from Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever." They discuss the history of cystic fibrosis as well as the incredible advancements in its treatment that may one day provide a path to curing a host of rare genetic diseases.
Bubonic Plague w/ David K. Randall
October 12, 2020 06:34 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBIn 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 Race to Save America from the Bubonic Plague." In telling of the similarities between the 1900 plague and today's coronavirus pandemic, he shares stories about racism, science, and the individual personalities who shaped public policy for better or worse.
The Hot Hand w/ Ben Cohen
October 05, 2020 07:02 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBIn 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 Science of Streaks." They talk about whether and when the "hot hand" is a cognitive bias or an actual phenomenon, including its effect on the player who thinks they are on a streak.
Death Denial w/ Caitlin Doughty
September 28, 2020 17:46 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBIn 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 Other Questions About Dead Bodies." They talk about the denial of death in modern western culture, ways to improve mortality salience, and of course, whether or not your cat will actually eat your eyeballs when you die.
Industrial Espionage w/ Mara Hvistendahl
September 21, 2020 07:45 - 1 hour - 117 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mara Hvistendahl, Pulitzer Prize finalist, investigative reporter for the Intercept, and author of “The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage.” Mara tells the thrilling story of a Chinese company’s conspiracy to steal trade secrets from Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer as well as the ethical dangers of America’s counterintelligence efforts.
Science News w/ Maya Ajmera
September 14, 2020 07:32 - 1 hour - 120 MBIn 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 News, Maya Ajmera. They talk about the Society’s mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of science. They also discuss the challenges of such a mission in America’s current landscape of fake news, distrust in scientific institutions, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and politicization of scientific principles.
Episode 324 - Thomas Kostigen
September 08, 2020 05:02 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “Hacking Planet Earth: How Geoengineering Can Help Us Reimagine the Future,” Thomas Kostigen. They discuss the hype and the promise of technological advancements leading the fight against anthropogenic climate change. Follow Thomas: @kostigen.
Hacking Planet Earth w/ Thomas Kostigen
September 08, 2020 05:02 - 55 minutes - 102 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “Hacking Planet Earth: How Geoengineering Can Help Us Reimagine the Future,” Thomas Kostigen. They discuss the hype and the promise of technological advancements leading the fight against anthropogenic climate change.
Episode 323 - R. Douglas Fields
August 31, 2020 08:35 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBIn 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 Brainwaves Reads Minds, Tells Us How We Learn, and Helps Us Change for the Better." They discuss the discovery of brain waves in the 1920s and how this incredible science has more recently led to innovation in understanding human behavior, treating disease, and beyond. Follow Douglas: @rdouglasfields1.
Episode 323 - R. Douglas Fields
August 31, 2020 08:25 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBIn 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 Brainwaves Reads Minds, Tells Us How We Learn, and Helps Us Change for the Better." They discuss the discovery of brain waves in the 1920s and how this incredible science has more recently led to innovation in understanding human behavior, treating disease, and beyond. Follow Douglas: @rdouglasfields1.
Electric Brain w/ R. Douglas Fields
August 31, 2020 08:25 - 1 hour - 122 MBIn 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 Brainwaves Reads Minds, Tells Us How We Learn, and Helps Us Change for the Better." They discuss the discovery of brain waves in the 1920s and how this incredible science has more recently led to innovation in understanding human behavior, treating disease, and beyond.
Biggest Bluff w/ Maria Konnikova
August 24, 2020 18:11 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBIn 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 I learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win." They discuss her journalistic interest in game theory which ultimately led her to learn to Texas Hold 'Em, resulting in an incredible transformation to a professional poker player with over a quarter of a million dollars in winnings.
Episode 322 - Maria Konnikova
August 24, 2020 18:11 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBIn 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 I learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win." They discuss her journalistic interest in game theory which ultimately led her to learn to Texas Hold 'Em, resulting in an incredible transformation to a professional poker player with over a quarter of a million dollars in winnings. Follow Maria: @mkonnikova.
How to Argue with a Racist w/ Adam Rutherford
August 17, 2020 07:05 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBIn 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 With a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say About Human Difference." They discuss the racist history of academic science and psychology, what ancestry DNA tests can and can't tell you about your past, and of course, how to argue with a racist.
Episode 321 - Adam Rutherford
August 17, 2020 07:05 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBIn 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 With a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say About Human Difference." They discuss the racist history of academic science and psychology, what ancestry DNA tests can and can't tell you about your past, and of course, how to argue with a racist. Follow Adam: @AdamRutherford.
Episode 320 - Helen Pilcher
August 10, 2020 06:43 - 1 hour - 76 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with comedian and author Dr. Helen Pilcher about her newest book, "Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth." They talk about everything from de-extinction to fascinating animal adaptations to the fate of the planet if we as a species don't act quickly to right some of our most egregious wrongs. Follow Helen: @helenpilcher1
Life Changing w/ Helen Pilcher
August 10, 2020 06:43 - 1 hour - 76 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with comedian and author Dr. Helen Pilcher about her newest book, "Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth." They talk about everything from de-extinction to fascinating animal adaptations to the fate of the planet if we as a species don't act quickly to right some of our most egregious wrongs.
Archaeology of Burning Man w/ Carolyn White
August 03, 2020 21:57 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Carolyn White, professor of anthropology and director of the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. They talk about her newest book, "The Archaeology of Burning Man: The Rise and Fall of Black Rock City."
Episode 319 - Carolyn White
August 03, 2020 21:57 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Carolyn White, professor of anthropology and director of the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. They talk about her newest book, "The Archaeology of Burning Man: The Rise and Fall of Black Rock City."
Episode 318 - Emily Anthes
July 27, 2020 20:36 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Emily Anthes about her newest book, "The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape our Behavior, Health, and Happiness." They talk about the newest research in architectural and design science, including how we can make this strange time we're all spending indoors a little more happy and healthful. Follow Emily: @EmilyAnthes.
Great Indoors w/ Emily Anthes
July 27, 2020 20:36 - 1 hour - 116 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Emily Anthes about her newest book, "The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape our Behavior, Health, and Happiness." They talk about the newest research in architectural and design science, including how we can make this strange time we're all spending indoors a little more happy and healthful.
Episode 317 - Jack Hartnell
July 20, 2020 19:35 - 1 hour - 75.9 MBIn 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 Middle Ages." They discuss the fascinating history of medicine as expressed through medieval works of art. Follow Jack: @j_hartnell.
Medieval Bodies w/ Jack Hartnell
July 20, 2020 19:35 - 1 hour - 148 MBIn 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 Middle Ages." They discuss the fascinating history of medicine as expressed through medieval works of art.
Episode 316 - Jennifer Hirsch & Shamus Khan
July 13, 2020 03:50 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Jennifer Hirsch (Professor of Sociomedical Sciences) and Shamus Khan (Chair of the Sociology Department) of Columbia University to talk about their new book, "Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus." They discuss the findings of the ongoing SHIFT (Sexual Health Initiative to Foster Transformation) project, including themes of power, education, and consent. Follow Jennifer: @JenniferSHirsch and Shamus: @Shamu...
Campus Sexual Assault w/ Jennifer Hirsch & Shamus Khan
July 13, 2020 03:50 - 1 hour - 120 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Jennifer Hirsch (Professor of Sociomedical Sciences) and Shamus Khan (Chair of the Sociology Department) of Columbia University to talk about their new book, "Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus." They discuss the findings of the ongoing SHIFT (Sexual Health Initiative to Foster Transformation) project, including themes of power, education, and consent.
Episode 315 - Keith Cooper
July 06, 2020 19:38 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor Keith Cooper to talk about his new book, "The Contact Paradox: Challenging Our Assumptions in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence." They talk about the history of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and how attempts at understanding potential alien civilizations may help us better know ourselves. Follow Keith: @21stCenturySETI.
Aliens w/ Keith Cooper
July 06, 2020 19:38 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor Keith Cooper to talk about his new book, "The Contact Paradox: Challenging Our Assumptions in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence." They talk about the history of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and how attempts at understanding potential alien civilizations may help us better know ourselves.
Episode 314 - Gaia Vince
June 29, 2020 20:07 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Gaia Vince to talk about her newest book, "Transcendence: How Humans Evolved Through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time." They discuss the importance of viewing the human evolutionary story as one that is inextricably linked with culture and kinship, and so much more. Follow Gaia: @WanderingGaia.
Episode 314 - Gaia Vince
June 29, 2020 20:04 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Gaia Vince to talk about her newest book, "Transcendence: How Humans Evolved Through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time." They discuss the importance of viewing the human evolutionary story as one that is inextricably linked with culture and kinship, and so much more. Follow Gaia: @WanderingGaia.
Social Evolution w/ Gaia Vince
June 29, 2020 20:04 - 1 hour - 170 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Gaia Vince to talk about her newest book, "Transcendence: How Humans Evolved Through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time." They discuss the importance of viewing the human evolutionary story as one that is inextricably linked with culture and kinship, and so much more.
Episode 313 - Valerie Trouet
June 21, 2020 20:23 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Arizona dendrochronologist Dr. Valerie Trouet to talk about her new book, "Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings." They talk about the mysteries of planet Earth lying deep within the rings of trees, revealing evidence of climate change, wildfires, hurricanes, and even human activity. Follow Valerie: @epispheric.
Tree Rings w/ Valerie Trouet
June 21, 2020 20:23 - 1 hour - 112 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Arizona dendrochronologist Dr. Valerie Trouet to talk about her new book, "Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings." They talk about the mysteries of planet Earth lying deep within the rings of trees, revealing evidence of climate change, wildfires, hurricanes, and even human activity.