Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
850 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 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
Cancer Chemistry w/ Livia Eberlin
February 19, 2019 03:28 - 1 hour - 35.5 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Livia Eberlin, an analytical chemist at the University of Texas. They talk about her recognition as a 2018 Sloan Research Fellow, Moore Inventor Fellow, and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient. They also discuss her incredible work at the intersection of chemistry and medicine, including the invention of the MasSpec Pen, a handheld device allowing for rapid, nondestructive analysis of cancerous tissue during surgery.
Megafauna Extinction w/ Ross MacPhee
February 12, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Ross MacPhee, Curator of the Department of Mammalogy in the Division of Vertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. They talk about his newest book, “End of the Megafauna: The Fate of the World’s Hugest, Fiercest, and Strangest, Animals.” In it, Ross discusses new and exciting theories underlying the multiple extinction events of Earth’s largest prehistoric mammals.
Episode 244 - Ross MacPhee
February 12, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Ross MacPhee, Curator of the Department of Mammalogy in the Division of Vertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. They talk about his newest book, “End of the Megafauna: The Fate of the World’s Hugest, Fiercest, and Strangest, Animals.” In it, Ross discusses new and exciting theories underlying the multiple extinction events of Earth’s largest prehistoric mammals.
Episode 243 - Sonya Pemberton
February 04, 2019 09:02 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with award-winning documentarian and creative director of Genepool Productions, Sonya Pemberton. They talk about her newest film, Vitamania, as well as other projects she’s produced and aired across the globe. They also discuss the challenges bringing Australian-made films to an American audience in the current science media landscape. Follow Sonya: @pembertonfilms.
Vitamania w/ Sonya Pemberton
February 04, 2019 09:02 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with award-winning documentarian and creative director of Genepool Productions, Sonya Pemberton. They talk about her newest film, Vitamania, as well as other projects she’s produced and aired across the globe. They also discuss the challenges of bringing Australian-made films to an American audience in the current science media landscape.
Episode 242 - William Irvine
January 28, 2019 09:15 - 1 hour - 38.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Wright State University professor of philosophy Dr. William Irvine about his new book, “You: A Natural History.” They discuss the various identities that make you, well, you, including perspectives from evolutionary biology, genetics, and physics. Then the conversation turns to classical philosophy and the perspective of the stoics.
Stoic Philosophy w/ William Irvine
January 28, 2019 09:15 - 1 hour - 38.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Wright State University professor of philosophy Dr. William Irvine about his new book, “You: A Natural History.” They discuss the various identities that make you, well, you, including perspectives from evolutionary biology, genetics, and physics. Then the conversation turns to classical philosophy and the perspective of the stoics.
Paper Arts w/ Shawn Sheehy
January 21, 2019 21:53 - 1 hour - 39.4 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and artist Shawn Sheehy to talk about his newest book, “Beyond the Sixth Extinction: A Post-Apocalyptic Pop-Up.” They discuss his journey into the paper arts as well as the ecological and evolutionary science that goes into his work.
Episode 241 - Shawn Sheehy
January 21, 2019 21:53 - 1 hour - 39.4 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and artist Shawn Sheehy to talk about his newest book, “Beyond the Sixth Extinction: A Post-Apocalyptic Pop-Up.” They discuss his journey into the paper arts as well as the ecological and evolutionary science that goes into his work. Follow Shawn on Facebook here.
Molecular Phylogenetics w/ David Quammen
January 15, 2019 02:34 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara connects with science writer David Quammen to talk about his new book, “The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life.” They discuss the complexity of modern evolutionary theory, from classical Darwinian natural selection to recent discoveries in the field of molecular phylogenetics.
Episode 240 - David Quammen
January 15, 2019 02:34 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara connects with science writer David Quammen to talk about his new book, “The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life.” They discuss the complexity of modern evolutionary theory, from classical Darwinian natural selection to recent discoveries in the field of molecular phylogenetics. Follow David: @DavidQuammen.
Children's Books w/ J.R. Becker
January 08, 2019 01:29 - 55 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by J.R. Becker, author of the “Annabelle and Aiden” children’s book series. They discuss how his transition into fatherhood inspired him to write books for kids that emphasize science, skepticism, and awe.
Episode 239 - J.R. Becker
January 08, 2019 01:29 - 55 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by J.R. Becker, author of the “Annabelle and Aiden” children’s book series. They discuss how his transition into fatherhood inspired him to write books for kids that emphasize science, skepticism, and awe. Follow J.R.: @AnnabelleNAiden.
Conservation Technology w/ Shah Selbe
December 18, 2018 04:39 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by National Geographic Explorer and conservation technologist, Shah Selbe. They talk about his work as the founder of Conservify, a non-profit organization dedicated to the democratization of data and technology to aid in global conservation.
Episode 238 - Shah Selbe
December 18, 2018 04:39 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by National Geographic Explorer and conservation technologist, Shah Selbe. They talk about his work as the founder of Conservify, a non-profit organization dedicated to the democratization of data and technology to aid in global conservation. Follow Shah: @ShahSelbe.
Episode 237 - Martin Rees
December 10, 2018 08:27 - 47 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara joins Astronomer Royal and Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and Cosmology, Lord Martin Rees, in his office at Cambridge University. They talk about his new book, “On the Future: Prospects of Humanity,” as well as his work as the co-founder of the Center for the Study of Existential Risk. They discuss the hazards of short-term decision-making and the great potential modern science and technology offers us to secure the future of planet Earth for generations t...
Astronomer Royal w/ Lord Martin Rees
December 10, 2018 08:27 - 47 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara joins Astronomer Royal and Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and Cosmology, Lord Martin Rees, in his office at Cambridge University. They talk about his new book, “On the Future: Prospects of Humanity,” as well as his work as the co-founder of the Center for the Study of Existential Risk. They discuss the hazards of short-term decision-making and the great potential modern science and technology offers us to secure the future of planet Earth for generations t...
Episode 236 - Anna Rothschild
December 03, 2018 08:01 - 1 hour - 40.5 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Anna Rothschild, the creator and host of the incredible Washington Post Youtube series “Anna’s Science Magic Show Hooray!” They talk about her lifelong interest in how stuff works (including the gross stuff that never ceases to amaze and fascinate), as well as the ins and outs of creating, writing, animating, and starring in your own science Youtube series. Follow Anna: @Anna_Rothschild.
Gross Science w/ Anna Rothschild
December 03, 2018 08:01 - 1 hour - 40.5 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Anna Rothschild, the creator and host of the incredible Washington Post Youtube series “Anna’s Science Magic Show Hooray!” They talk about her lifelong interest in how stuff works (including the gross stuff that never ceases to amaze and fascinate), as well as the ins and outs of creating, writing, animating, and starring in your own science Youtube series.
Episode 235 - Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster
November 27, 2018 06:41 - 1 hour - 39.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by documentarians Christina Costantini and Darren Foster. They talk about their wonderful new film, Science Fair, which Cristina describes as a “love letter to the subculture that saved” her and critics agree will restore your faith in humanity. Follow the film: @ScienceFairFilm.
Science Fair w/ Cristina Costantiti & Darren Foster
November 27, 2018 06:38 - 1 hour - 39.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by documentarians Christina Costantini and Darren Foster. They talk about their wonderful new film, Science Fair, which Cristina describes as a “love letter to the subculture that saved” her and critics agree will restore your faith in humanity.
Episode 235 - Cristina Costantiti and Darren Foster
November 27, 2018 06:38 - 1 hour - 39.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by documentarians Christina Costantini and Darren Foster. They talk about their wonderful new film, Science Fair, which Cristina describes as a “love letter to the subculture that saved” her and critics agree will restore your faith in humanity. Follow the film: @ScienceFairFilm.
Black Holes w/ Chris Impey
November 19, 2018 08:17 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Chris Impey, astrophysicist and author of “Einstein’s Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes.” They discuss black holes’ rich history of discovery, from Galilean telescopes to spectroscopy to gravitational wave detection.
Episode 234 - Chris Impey
November 19, 2018 08:17 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Chris Impey, astrophysicist and author of “Einstein’s Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes.” They discuss black holes’ rich history of discovery, from Galilean telescopes to spectroscopy to gravitational wave detection. Follow Chris: @ImpeyChris.
Episode 233 - David George Haskell
November 13, 2018 03:50 - 1 hour - 38.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, the author of “Songs of Trees: Stories of Nature’s Great Connectors,” They juxtapose the joyous relationship humanity has long had with nature against modern abuses, such as consumption, destruction, and shortsightedness. David’s verbal expression is as eloquent as his writing—this poetic conversation will have you thinking about your place in the great ecosystem we call Earth. Follow David: @DGHaskell.
Songs of Trees w/ David George Haskell
November 13, 2018 03:50 - 1 hour - 38.8 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, the author of “Songs of Trees: Stories of Nature’s Great Connectors,” They juxtapose the joyous relationship humanity has long had with nature against modern abuses, such as consumption, destruction, and shortsightedness. David’s verbal expression is as eloquent as his writing—this poetic conversation will have you thinking about your place in the great ecosystem we call Earth.
Universal Flu Vaccine w/ Tammy Ben-Yedidia
November 06, 2018 07:41 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, connects with Israeli-based immunologist and Chief Scientific Officer of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Tammy Ben-Yedidia. They discuss her incredible work developing and testing a multi-season, multi-strain “universal” flu vaccine.
Episode 232 - Tammy Ben-Yedidia
November 06, 2018 07:41 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, connects with Israeli-based immunologist and Chief Scientific Officer of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Tammy Ben-Yedidia. They discuss her incredible work developing and testing a multi-season, multi-strain “universal” flu vaccine. Follow Tammy’s work: @BiondVax.
Algorithms w/ Hannah Fry
October 30, 2018 02:02 - 1 hour - 40.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with mathematician Dr. Hannah Fry about her new book, “Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms.” They talk about her work as a television presenter for the BBC and a radio presenter for “The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry.” They also discuss the use on algorithms in modern society, including her own research into the mathematics of human behavior.
Episode 231 - Hannah Fry
October 30, 2018 02:02 - 1 hour - 40.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with mathematician Dr. Hannah Fry about her new book, “Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms.” They talk about her work as a television presenter for the BBC and a radio presenter for “The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry.” They also discuss the use on algorithms in modern society, including her own research into the mathematics of human behavior. Follow Hannah: @FryRsquared.
Tea & Empathy w/ Kate Kenfield
October 23, 2018 13:44 - 1 hour - 37.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by speaker, writer, and empathy educator Kate Kenfield. They talk about her ingenious Tea & Empathy cards, which facilitate conversation in a non-confrontational and practical manner. They also discuss the necessity of empathy for effective interpersonal communication, with a special focus on social and emotional learning, consent, and gender differences.
Episode 230 - Kate Kenfield
October 23, 2018 13:44 - 1 hour - 37.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by speaker, writer, and empathy educator Kate Kenfield. They talk about her ingenious Tea & Empathy cards, which facilitate conversation in a non-confrontational and practical manner. They also discuss the necessity of empathy for effective interpersonal communication, with a special focus on social and emotional learning, consent, and gender differences. Follow Kate: @katekenfield.
Sand w/ Vince Beiser
October 16, 2018 16:18 - 1 hour - 38.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in-studio by journalist Vince Beiser to talk about his new book, “The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization.” They discuss the surprising and fascinating history of sand, from its foundational role in society to its dealings as a black market commodity.
Episode 229 - Vince Beiser
October 16, 2018 16:18 - 1 hour - 38.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in-studio by journalist Vince Beiser to talk about his new book, “The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization.” They discuss the surprising and fascinating history of sand, from its foundational role in society to its dealings as a black market commodity. Follow Vince: @vincelb.
Episode 228 - Ryan North
October 08, 2018 18:13 - 1 hour - 39.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with the creator and author of “Dinosaur Comics,” computer programmer-turned-writer Ryan North. From his incredible new book “How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler,” they discuss how one might build a civilization from scratch (if, you know, it comes to that). Follow Ryan: @ryanqnorth.
Dinosaur Comics w/ Ryan North
October 08, 2018 18:13 - 1 hour - 39.9 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with the creator and author of “Dinosaur Comics,” computer programmer-turned-writer Ryan North. From his incredible new book “How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler,” they discuss how one might build a civilization from scratch (if, you know, it comes to that).
Improvisation w/ Alison Becker
October 01, 2018 07:20 - 1 hour - 60 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with actress Alison Becker (Parks and Recreation) about the ups and downs of the television industry with a special emphasis on the #MeToo era. They also discuss her work in sketch comedy, as well as her super cool side gig teaching improv to help people improve their communication skills.
Episode 227 - Alison Becker
October 01, 2018 07:20 - 1 hour - 60 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with actress Alison Becker (Parks and Recreation) about the ups and downs of the television industry with a special emphasis on the #MeToo era. They also discuss her work in sketch comedy, as well as her super cool side gig teaching improv to help people improve their communication skills. Follow Alison: @thealisonbecker.
James Webb Space Telescope w/ Kevin Hainline
September 24, 2018 21:50 - 1 hour - 49 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hainline, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics at the Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona. They discuss the nature of black holes and galaxies, the value of science communication, and his work on the upcoming JWST NIRCam (the imager for the James Webb Space Telescope).
Episode 226 - Kevin Hainline
September 24, 2018 21:50 - 1 hour - 49 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hainline, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics at the Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona. They discuss the nature of black holes and galaxies, the value of science communication, and his work on the upcoming JWST NIRCam (the imager for the James Webb Space Telescope). Follow Kevin: @Kevin_Hainline.
Gross Anatomy w/ Mara Altman
September 17, 2018 07:40 - 1 hour - 39.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down in studio with Mara Altman, author of the hilarious and enlightening new book, “Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back).” They talk about the writing that originally inspired the book (her Kindle single “Bearded Lady”) as well as Mara’s journey to understand the origins of embarrassment and shame that often accompany our relationships with our bodies.
Episode 225 - Mara Altman
September 17, 2018 07:40 - 1 hour - 39.6 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down in studio with Mara Altman, author of the hilarious and enlightening new book, “Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back).” They talk about the writing that originally inspired the book (her Kindle single “Bearded Lady”) as well as Mara’s journey to understand the origins of embarrassment and shame that often accompany our relationships with our bodies. Watch the trailer for her book here! Follow Mara: @maraaltman.
Super Cool Scientists w/ Sara MacSorley
September 10, 2018 09:11 - 1 hour - 37.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Sara MacSorley, the author of "Super Cool Scientists: A Coloring Book Celebrating Women in Science." They talk about her work in science communication, with a specific focus on what Sara is doing to promote inclusion and representation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Episode 224 - Sara MacSorley
September 10, 2018 09:11 - 1 hour - 37.2 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Sara MacSorley, the author of "Super Cool Scientists: A Coloring Book Celebrating Women in Science." They talk about her work in science communication, with a specific focus on what Sara is doing to promote inclusion and representation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Follow Sara: @SMacSorley.
Human Genetics w/ Adam Rutherford
September 03, 2018 06:30 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Adam Rutherford, author of "A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes." They dive deep into human genetics, including what consumer DNA tests can and can't tell you about your genetic history. They also discuss the sordid history of eugenics as a scientific discipline.
Episode 223 - Adam Rutherford
September 03, 2018 06:30 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Adam Rutherford, author of "A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes." They dive deep into human genetics, including what consumer DNA tests can and can't tell you about your genetic history. They also discuss the sordid history of eugenics as a scientific discipline. Follow Adam: @AdamRutherford.
Episode 222 - Breanna Cox
August 27, 2018 06:31 - 59 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Breanna Cox, the Quality Assurance Manager at MedCure, Inc., a whole-body donation program. They detail what happens when you donate your body for science (education and research), including the care that is taken to maintain compassion and respect for your remains after you die. Follow Breanna's work: @MedCure_
Donating Your Body w/ Breanna Cox
August 27, 2018 06:31 - 59 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Breanna Cox, the Quality Assurance Manager at MedCure, Inc., a whole-body donation program. They detail what happens when you donate your body for science (education and research), including the care that is taken to maintain compassion and respect for your remains after you die.
Beavers w/ Ben Goldfarb
August 20, 2018 08:13 - 1 hour - 39.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist and author of the new book "Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter." Ben informs Cara of little-known beaver facts and she admits to having never seen one in the wild! They also talk about the ecological importance of this strange, magnificent creature.
Episode 221 - Ben Goldfarb
August 20, 2018 08:13 - 1 hour - 39.1 MBIn this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist and author of the new book "Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter." Ben informs Cara of little-known beaver facts and she admits to having never seen one in the wild! They also talk about the ecological importance of this strange, magnificent creature. Follow Ben: @ben_a_goldfarb.