Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

By: Cara Santa Maria

Language: en

Categories: Science, Natural, Society, Culture

Cara 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.

Episodes

Whispers of Rock w/ Anjana Khatwa
Oct 27, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning earth scientist, TV presenter, writer, and advocate for diversity in the geosciences and nature, Dr. Anjana Khatwa. They discuss Anjana’s new book, The Whispers of Rock: The Stories That Stone Tells About Our World and Our Lives.  Follow Anjana: @anjanakhatwa

Duration: 00:49:37
Influence of Jim West w/ Ainissa Ramirez
Oct 20, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined award-winning scientist and science communicator, Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. They discuss her newest book, Spark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone. Follow Ainissa: @ainissaramirez

Duration: 00:54:20
Dinosaurs and Deep Time w/ Rachel Ignotofsky
Oct 13, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times Best Selling author, illustrator, and science communicator Rachel Ignotofsky. They discuss her forthcoming book, Dinosaurs: Exploring Prehistoric Life and Geological Time . Follow Rachel: @rachelignotofsky

Duration: 00:49:42
Sea Monsters w/ Prema Arasu
Oct 06, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Western Australia research fellow, and creative writer, Dr. Prema Arasu. They discuss Prema’s new book, The Book of Sea Monsters. Follow Prema: @prema_arasu

Duration: 00:48:02
Better Public Health w/ Tom Frieden
Sep 29, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by former CDC director, physician, and author, Dr. Tom Frieden. They discuss his newly released book, The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives—Including Your Own. Follow Tom: @drtomfrieden

Duration: 00:59:06
Period Brain w/ Sarah E. Hill
Sep 22, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary social psychologist and author who studies women and health, Dr. Sarah E. Hill. They discuss her newest book, The Period Brain: The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It: A Manifesto for Women. Follow Sarah: @sarahehillphd

Duration: 01:01:11
Replaceable You w/ Mary Roach
Sep 15, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by prolific science writer, and author of eight New York Times bestsellers, Mary Roach. They discuss her newest book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy. Follow Mary: @authormaryroach

Duration: 00:59:54
Baboons and Humans w/ Shirley C. Strum
Sep 08, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by renowned anthropologist, and Director of the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project in Kenya, Dr. Shirley Strum. They talk about her new book, ECHOES OF OUR ORIGINS: Baboons, Humans and Nature.

Duration: 00:48:40
Arrogant Ape w/ Christine E. Webb
Sep 01, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Primatologist and Assistant Professor at NYU Dept of Environmental Studies, Dr. Christine E. Webb. They discuss her new book, The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why It Matters.

Duration: 01:06:35
Social Brain w/ Virginia Sturm
Aug 25, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC San Francisco, Dr. Virginia Sturm. They discuss her book: Mysteries of the Social Brain: Understanding Human Behavior Through Science. Follow Virginia: @brainsturming

Duration: 00:56:29
Infodemiology w/ Pauline W. Hoffmann
Aug 18, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by scholar practitioner dedicated to truth-telling through research and education, Pauline W. Hoffmann Ph.D. We discuss Pauline’s book, Fake News, Witch Hunts, & Conspiracy Theories. Follow Pauline: @pwHoffmann

Duration: 00:55:41
Politics of Adoption w/ Gretchen Sisson
Aug 11, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by qualitative sociologist, Dr. Gretchen Sisson. Gretchen’s researches pregnancy, abortion and adoption at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) department at UC San Francisco. Her 2024 book is: “Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood “ Follow Gretchen: @GretchenSisson

Duration: 00:57:54
Writing Science w/ Anne E. Greene
Aug 04, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by biologist and Professor of science writing, Anne E. Greene. They discuss Anne’s book, “Writing Science in Plain English, Second Edition.”

Duration: 01:03:24
The Stronger Sex w/ Starre Vartan
Jul 28, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Science & Environment Writer, Starre Vartan. They discuss Starre’s newest book, “The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us about the Power of the Female Body.” Follow: @StarreVartan

Duration: 01:00:26
More Than Words w/ Maryellen MacDonald
Jul 21, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by psycholinguist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Language Sciences at the University of Wisconsin−Madison, Dr. Maryellen MacDonald. They discuss her book, More Than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes Our World. Follow Maryellen: @maryellenmacdonald

Duration: 01:05:45
Forever Chemicals w/ Rachel Frazin
Jul 14, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Energy and Environment Reporter for The Hill, Rachel Frazin. They talk about her book, “Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America” Follow Rachel: @RachelFrazin

Duration: 00:49:27
History of Photography w/ Anika Burgess
Jul 07, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by photo editor and writer Anika Burgess to discuss her new book, “Flashes of Brilliance: The Genius of Early Photography and How It Transformed Art, Science, and History.” Follow Anika: @aburgessphoto

Duration: 01:08:27
Meltdown w/ Sarah Boon
Jun 30, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by environmental scientist turned freelance writer and editor, Sarah Boon. They discuss her new book, “Meltdown: The Making and Breaking of a Field Scientist” Follow Sarah: @snowhydro.bsky.social

Duration: 00:43:15
Weird Universe w/ Erika Hamden
Jun 23, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrophysicist, University of Arizona Associate Professor, and Director of the Arizona Space Institute, Erika Hamden. We discuss her new book, “Weird Universe: Everything We Don’t Know About Space (and Why It’s Important).” Follow Erika: @erika.hamden

Duration: 01:04:47
Silly Science w/ Carly Anne York
Jun 16, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science communicator, author and associate professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Dr. Carly Anne York. They discuss her new book, “ The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog: And Other Serious Discoveries of Silly Science.” Follow Carly: @CarlyAnneYork

Duration: 00:54:00
Reefs of Time w/ Lisa S. Gardiner
Jun 09, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer, author, and geoscientist, Dr. Lisa S. Gardiner. They discuss her newly released book, Reefs of Time: What Fossils Reveal about Coral Survival . Follow Lisa: @Lisasgardiner

Duration: 01:01:27
Animal Illness w/ Liz Kalaugher
Jun 03, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author, Liz Kalaugher. They discuss Liz’s newly released book, “The Elephant in the Room: How to Stop Making Ourselves and Other Animals Sick.” Follow Liz: @LizKalaugher

Duration: 00:54:22
Proteins & SciComm w/ Maggie Fink
May 26, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by microbiologist, science communicator, Adjunct Professor at Indiana University South Bend and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Maggie M. Fink. They discuss her newest co-authored book, “The Color of North: The Molecular Language of Proteins and the Future of Life.” Follow Maggie: @MaggieMFink

Duration: 00:56:30
The Intermediaries w/ Brandy Schillace
May 19, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, historian, journalist and mystery novelist, Brandy Schillace, PHD. They discuss Brandy’s newest book, “The Intermediaries: A Weimar Story.” Follow Brandy: ‪@bschillace.brandyschillace.com

Duration: 00:58:37
Intraterrestrials w/ Karen G. Lloyd
May 12, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by microbial biogeochemist, Professor of Earth Science and Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California, Dr. Karen G. Lloyd. They discuss Karen’s new book, “Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth.” Follow Karen: @KarenLloyd

Duration: 00:59:13
Historical Abortion w/ Mary Fissell
May 05, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Inaugural J. Mario Molina Professor of the History of Medicine in the Department of the History of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Mary Fissell. They talk about her book, “Pushback: The 2,500-Year Fight to Thwart Women by Restricting Abortion.”

Duration: 01:05:53
Education w/ John B. King, Jr.
Apr 28, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by educator,  civil servant, and the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), John B. King, Jr. We discuss his new book, “Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.” Follow John: @John.B.King

Duration: 01:04:52
Wild Kingdom w/ Rae Wynn-Grant
Apr 21, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by wildlife ecologist, TV presenter, author, and science communicator, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. They discuss Rae’s newest project co-hosting NBC’s original series Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.  This new series showcases wildlife success stories across the United States and inspires the next generation of conservationists. Follow Rae: @raewynngrant

Duration: 01:13:43
Wild By Design w/ Laura J. Martin
Apr 14, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian, ecologist, and environmental studies professor at Williams College, Dr. Laura J. Martin. They discuss her book, “Wild by Design: The Rise of Ecological Restoration.” Follow Laura: @Laura_J_Martin

Duration: 01:00:46
History of the Female Body w/ Helen King
Apr 07, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Helen King. Helen is a Professor Emerita of Classical Studies at The Open University, and an elected member of the General Synod of the Church of England, where she is vice chair of Together. They discuss her newest book: “Immaculate Forms: A History of the Female Body in Four Parts.” Follow Helen: @helenking

Duration: 01:11:30
Autism Spectrum w/ Gina Rippon
Mar 31, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by cognitive neuroscientist and neuroimaging expert, Gina Rippon. They discuss her forthcoming book (April 1 2025), “Off the Spectrum: Why the Science of Autism Has Failed Women and Girls”, which is a call to recognize the full spectrum of the autistic experience. Follow Gina: @ginarippon1

Duration: 01:08:35
Brainwashing w/ Rebecca Lemov
Mar 24, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University Professor of the History of Science and author, Rebecca Lemov. They discuss her newest book, “THE INSTABILITY OF TRUTH: Brainwashing, Mind Control and Hyper-Persuasian.” Follow Rebecca: @rebeccalemov

Duration: 01:02:25
Night Magic w/ Leigh Ann Henion
Mar 17, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times bestselling nature writer, Leigh Ann Henion. They talk about Leigh’s newest book, “Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark.” Follow Leigh: @leighannhenion

Duration: 00:43:07
Treekeepers w/ Lauren E. Oakes
Mar 10, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by conservation scientist and award-winning science writer, Lauren E. Oakes. They talk about her latest book on the global reforestation movement, “Treekeepers: The Race for a Forested Future.” Follow Lauren: @OakesLE

Duration: 00:57:18
Animal Medicine w/ Jaap De Roode
Mar 03, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Emory University professor of biology and director of the Infectious Diseases across Scales Training Program, Dr. Jaap De Roode. They discuss his new book, “Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves.”

Duration: 00:55:11
Trans Technologies w/ Oliver Haimson
Feb 24, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Assistant Professor at University of Michigan School of Information, Oliver L. Haimson. They talk about his forthcoming book, Trans Technologies. Follow Oliver: @haimson

Duration: 00:48:11
Revolutionary Self w/ Lynn Hunt
Feb 17, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian and Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA, Dr. Lynn Hunt. They discuss Lynn’s newest book, The Revolutionary Self: Social Change and the Emergence of the Modern Individual, 1770-1800.

Duration: 00:56:38
What's Real About Race w/ Rina Bliss
Feb 10, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning author and associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University, Dr. Rina Bliss. They discuss Rina’s new book, "What's Real about Race? Untangling Science, Genetics, and Society". Follow Rina: Dr.rinabliss

Duration: 00:56:48
Monstrous w/ Surekha Davies
Feb 03, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by British writer, speaker, historian, and monster consultant, Dr. Surekha Davies. They discuss Surekha’s new book, Humans: A Monstrous History. Follow Surekha: @surekhadavies

Duration: 00:53:56
Hidden Viking History w/ Eleanor Barraclough
Jan 27, 2025

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian, BBC broadcaster and writer, Eleanor Barraclough. They discuss Eleanor’s new book, Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age .

Duration: 01:06:42
Science Impact w/ Anne Toomey
Jan 13, 2025

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University, Anne Toomey. They discuss Anne’s new book, “Science with Impact: How to Engage People, Change Practice, and Influence Policy.”

Duration: 00:55:03
Trauma & Social Justice w/ Judith Herman
Jan 06, 2025

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Judith Herman MD. They discuss her new book, “Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice."

Duration: 00:33:59
Battle for Birth Control w/ Stephanie Gorton
Dec 16, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Lebanese-American writer, Stephanie Gorton. They discuss Stephanie’s new book, “The Icon and the Idealist: Margaret Sanger, Mary Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry that Brought Birth Control to America.” Follow Stephanie: @sdgorton

Duration: 00:51:29
Key to the City w/ Sara Bronin
Dec 09, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mexican-American architect, attorney, Cornell University professor and National Zoning Atlas founder, Sara Bronin. They discuss Sara’s new book: “Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World.” Follow Sara: @sarabronin

Duration: 00:42:43
Intersectional Mental Health w/ Sahaj Kaur Kohli
Dec 02, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by practicing therapist, writer, speaker on mental health inclusion, and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, Sahaj Kaur Kohli (MaEd, LGPC). They discuss her debut book: “But What Will People Say? Navigating Mental Health, Identity, Love, and Family Between Cultures.” Follow Sahaj: sahajkohli

Duration: 00:54:56
Vanishing Treasures w/ Katherine Rundell
Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by bestselling writer and Fellow of St Catherine's College, Katherine Rundell. They discuss her newest book, “Vanishing Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures.” Follow Kate: Katherine.rundell

Duration: 00:56:18
Breaking Bias w/ Anu Gupta
Nov 18, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by human rights lawyer, scientist, scholar of bias, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, Anu Gupta. They discuss his new book: “Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From--and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel” Follow Anu: @anuguptany

Duration: 00:57:55
Queer Natural History w/ Josh L. Davis
Nov 11, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by natural history writer and author, Josh Davis. They discuss his new book, “A Little Queer Natural History”. Follow Josh: @joshlukedavis.bsky.social

Duration: 01:06:10
Fierce Desires w/ Rebecca L. Davis
Nov 04, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and professor of history at the University of Delaware, Rebecca L. Davis. They talk about her new book, “Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America.”

Duration: 01:07:36
Rural Cancer Care w/ Fazlur Rahman
Oct 28, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by San Angelo-based oncologist, author and Advocate for Medical Humanities & Ethics, Dr. Fazlur Rahman MD. They discuss his just released book, Our Connected Lives: Caring for Cancer Patients in Rural Texas.

Duration: 01:00:21
Animals' Understanding of Death w/ Susana Monsó
Oct 21, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and assistant professor at the Dept. of Logic, History, and Philosophy of Science at the National Distance Education University (UNED) in Madrid, Susana Monsó. They discuss her new book, “Playing Possum: How Animals Understand Death” which grapples with how animals conceive death—and what it can teach us about our own relationship with mortality. Follow Susana: @SusanaMonso

Duration: 01:06:59
Linguaphile w/ Julie Sedivy
Oct 14, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and language scientist, Julie Sedivy. They discuss her newest book, “Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love.” Follow Julie: @JulieSedivy

Duration: 00:55:36
Burning Earth w/ Sunil Amrith
Oct 07, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History at Yale University and professor at the Yale School of the Environment, Dr. Sunil Amrith. Sunil is the author of five books, and we discuss his newest one, “The Burning Earth: A History.” Follow Sunil: @sunilamrith

Duration: 00:54:33
Metaracism w/ Tricia Rose Part 2
Sep 30, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara finishes her conversation with Brown University Chancellor’s Professor of Africana Studies, Dr. Tricia Rose. They dive deeper into her book, “Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Black Lives—and How We Break Free.” Follow Tricia: @ProfTriciaRose

Duration: 01:02:19
Metaracism w/ Tricia Rose Part 1
Sep 23, 2024

Duration: 00:55:29
Climate Possibilities w/ Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Sep 16, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by marine biologist, climate policy expert, and co-founder of the non-profit think tank Urban Ocean Lab, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. They discuss her forthcoming book, “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures.” Follow Ayana: @ayanaeliza

Duration: 00:47:43
Rogue Shark Science w/ Jasmin Graham
Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by marine biologist, shark scientist, and co-founder and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), Jasmin Graham. They discuss diversity in marine science and Jasmin’s new book, “Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist.” Follow Jasmin: @Elasmo_Gal

Duration: 00:57:56
Body Image w/ Charlotte Markey
Aug 26, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by body image expert, professor of psychology and director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers University-Camden, Dr. Charlotte Markey. They discuss her new book, “Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life.” Follow Charlotte: @Char_Markey

Duration: 01:00:00
Assembly Theory w/ Sara Imari Walker
Aug 19, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrobiologist, theoretical physicist, and Arizona State University professor, Sara Imari Walker. They discuss her new book, “Life as No One Knows It: THE PHYSICS OF LIFE'S EMERGENCE” Follow Sara: @Sara_Imari

Duration: 01:04:53
The Port of LA w/ James Tejani
Aug 12, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Historian of the United States, American West & Civil War, James Tejani. They discuss his new book, “A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth: The Making of the Port of Los Angeles and America.” Follow James’ work.

Duration: 01:01:33
Vector w/ Robyn Arianrhod
Aug 05, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician and science writer, Robyn Arianrhod. They discuss Robyn’s newest book, “Vector: A Surprising Story of Space, Time, and Mathematical Transformation.” Published by: @UChicagoPress

Duration: 01:03:29
Classical Women w/ Daisy Dunn
Jul 29, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning classicist and author of seven books, Dr. Daisy Dunn. We discuss her newest book, “The Missing Thread: A New History of the Ancient World through the Women Who Shaped It.” Follow Daisy: @DaisyfDunn

Duration: 01:00:40
You Bet Your Life w/ Paul Offit
Jul 22, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Paul A. Offit, MD. He is the director of the Vaccine Education Center, an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and a professor of pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. We discuss his 2021 book, “You Bet Your Life: From Blood Transfusions to Mass Vaccinations—The Long and Risky History of Medical Innovations.” Follow Paul: @DrPaulOffit

Duration: 00:55:56
Community Science w/ Krystle Hickman
Jul 15, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Los Angeles based nature conservation photographer, native bee educator and community scientist, Krystle Hickman. Her endeavors elevate awareness of the decline of native bee species while shedding light on their intricate and biodiverse ecosystems. Follow Krystle: @BeeSipOnline Krystle’s photography: BeeSip

Duration: 00:58:43
Meet the Neighbors w/ Brandon Keim
Jul 08, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author, Brandon Keim. They discuss his forthcoming book about our relationships to wild animals and to nature, “Meet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-than-Human World.” Releasing July 16 2024. Follow Brandon: @9brandon

Duration: 01:04:15
Sharing Space w/ Cady Coleman
Jul 01, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by former NASA astronaut, retired United States Air Force colonel, scientist, and pilot Cady Coleman. They discuss Cady’s forthcoming book, “Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change.” Releasing July 2, 2024. Follow Cady: @Astro_Cady

Duration: 00:55:56
Becoming Earth w/ Ferris Jabr
Jun 24, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and author Ferris Jabr to discuss his forthcoming book, “Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life.” Follow Ferris: @ferrisjabr

Duration: 01:12:32
Refrigeration w/ Nicola Twilley
Jun 18, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and podcaster Nicola Twilley to talk about her new book,”Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves.” Follow Nicola: @nicolatwilley

Duration: 00:59:15
Humans & Robots w/ Leila Takayama
Jun 10, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by cognitive and social scientist, Dr. Leila Takayama. They talk about Leila's work exploring human-robot interaction. Follow Leila: @leilatakayama

Duration: 01:03:23
We Can Reason w/ Janalee Morris
Jun 04, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by educator and learning specialist, Janalee Morris. They discuss Cara’s recent trip to speak at the Western Canadian Reason Conference, as well as Janalee’s work with protected groups in Canada to provide equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility to education and programming to faculty, staff, and students.

Duration: 01:04:42
Magical Overthinking w/ Amanda Montell
May 27, 2024

This episode of Talk Nerdy is a live recording from Toronto Public Library’s virtual event, The Age of Magical Overthinking | Amanda Montell & Cara Santa Maria. Amanda is a podcaster and the author of “The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality.” We discuss what’s at stake when the psychological tools that once served us short-circuit. Follow Amanda: @amanda_montell

Duration: 00:55:41
Crosswords w/ Anna Shechtman
May 20, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer, crossword writer and Cornell University assistant professor in the Department of Literatures in English, Anna Schechtman. They discuss her newly released book, The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle. Follow Anna: @annashechtman

Duration: 01:20:30
Tits Up w/ Sarah Thornton
May 13, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by sociologist and author, Sarah Thornton. They talk about her newly released book, “Tits Up: What Sex Workers, Bra Designers, Milk Bankers, Plastic Surgeons and Witches Tell Us About Breasts.” Follow Sarah: @eyesthornton

Duration: 01:09:17
The Price of Oil w/ Alex Stapleton
May 06, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker and documentarian, Alex Stapleton. Stapleton directed one part of the HBO documentary trilogy GOD SAVE TEXAS. We discuss her installment, GOD SAVE TEXAS: THE PRICE OF OIL which chronicles the energy industry’s impact on the African American community told through her own personal lens. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is released on HBO and Max. Follow Alex: @hellostapleton

Duration: 01:01:18
500th Episode AMA w/ Eli Bosnick
Apr 29, 2024

In this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara celebrates the show’s 500th episode with the help of her friend and fellow podcaster Eli Bosnick (God Awful Movies, The Scathing Atheist, The Skepticrat, Citation Needed, Dear Old Dads, D&D Minus). Sourced from listener questions, Eli turns the tables on Cara to "Ask Me Anything" and celebrate this milestone. Follow Eli: @elibosnick.

Duration: 01:17:38
Solitude w/ Netta Weinstein
Apr 22, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by psychologist Netta Weinstein. She is the director of the European Research Council's 'Solitude: Alone but Resilient’ project and co-author of the book, “Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone.” Follow her work: @SOARinSolitude

Duration: 01:02:14
Unrooted w/ Erin Zimmerman
Apr 15, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary biologist turned science writer, Erin Zimmerman. We talk about her new book, “Unrooted: Botany, Motherhood, & the Fight to Save an Old Science” Follow Erin: @DoctorZedd

Duration: 00:56:41
Coral Reefs w/ Juli Berwald
Apr 08, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by ocean scientist and science writer, Juli Berwald. They discuss her book; “LIFE ON THE ROCKS: Building a Future for Coral Reefs.” Follow Juli: @juliberwald

Duration: 01:06:20
Transgender Activism w/ Julia Serano
Apr 01, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by California-based writer, performer, and trans-activist Julia Serano. Julia is the author of four books, including a new edition of “Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity.” Follow Julia: @JuliaSerano

Duration: 01:21:03
Our Future with Robots w/ Daniela Rus
Mar 25, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by roboticist and the first female director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Daniela Rus. We talk about her new book, “THE HEART AND THE CHIP: Our Bright Future with Robots.” Follow Daniela’s work: @MIT_CSAIL

Duration: 00:59:56
Unclaimed w/ Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans
Mar 18, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by sociologists Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans to talk about their book, “THE UNCLAIMED: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angel.” The book sheds light on the 150,000 Americans that go unclaimed each year with a special focus on the lost citizens of Los Angeles County. Follow their work: @pamelajprickett @StefanTimmerma6

Duration: 01:09:06
Our Moon w/ Rebecca Boyle
Mar 11, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Rebecca Boyle to talk about her debut book, "OUR MOON: How Earth’s Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are”. Follow Rebecca: @rboyle31

Duration: 00:52:13
Merze Tate w/ Barbara Savage
Mar 04, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian and the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania, Barbara D. Savage. We talk about her new book, “Merze Tate: The Global Odyssey of a Black Woman Scholar.” Follow Barbara: @bdsavage1

Duration: 01:04:30
How We Age w/ Coleen Murphy
Feb 26, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Princeton University Professor and leading scholar in aging, Dr. Coleen T. Murphy. Coleen is the Director of the Lewis Sigler Institute of Genomics and professor of genomics and molecular biology at Princeton University. She is also director of Princeton’s Glenn Foundation for Research on Aging and the director of the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity in the Aging Brain. They discuss her new book, “How We Age: The Science of Longevity.” Follow Coleen: @ctmurphy1

Duration: 00:54:39
Why We Remember w/ Charan Ranganath
Feb 19, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at the University of California at Davis, Dr. Charan Ranganath. We discuss his work studying the mechanisms in the brain that allow us to remember past events and his new book, “Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters.” Follow Charan: @CharanRanganath

Duration: 00:54:59
Motivation Science w/ Ayelet Fishbach
Feb 12, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, Dr. Ayelet Fishbach. She is the author of, "GET IT DONE: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation." Follow Ayelet: @ayeletfishbach

Duration: 00:57:15
Learning to Think w/ Tracy King
Feb 05, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by England based writer, producer, and science communicator, Tracy King. We talk about her upcoming memoir, “Learning to Think: A Memoir of Faith, Superstition, and the Courage to Ask Questions.” Publishing April 2024 by @PenguinUKBooks

Duration: 01:09:52
Legacy w/ Uché Blackstock
Jan 29, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by physician and founder of Advancing Health Equity, Dr. Uché Blackstock. We talk about her new book, “Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine.” Follow Uché: @uche_blackstock

Duration: 00:52:51
Fire Season w/ Manjula Martin
Jan 23, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and editor Manjula Martin to talk about her new book, "The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History." Follow Manjula: @manjulatm.

Duration: 01:05:35
Transient and Strange w/ Nell Greenfieldboyce
Jan 15, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce. They talk about her new book, "Transient and Strange: Notes on the Science of Life." Follow Nell: @nellgreenfieldboyce.

Duration: 00:52:24
Free Will w/ Robert Sapolsky
Jan 08, 2024

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky to talk about his new book, "Determined: The Science of Life Without Free Will."

Duration: 01:12:16
Brave the Wild River w/ Melissa Sevigny
Dec 18, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by KNAU (Arizona Public Radio) science journalist Melissa L. Sevigny. They talk about her new book, winner of the 2023 National Outdoor Book Award for History/Biography, "Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon." Follow Melissa: @MelissaSevigny.

Duration: 00:54:28
Planetary Magnetism w/ Sabine Stanley
Dec 12, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sabine Stanley, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Space Exploration Sector of the Applied Physics Lab. They talk about her newest book, "What's Hidden Inside Planets?" with a special emphasis on planetary magnetism.

Duration: 00:51:38
Against Technoableism w/ Ashley Shew
Dec 04, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ashley Shew, an Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech, who has a special interest in technology and disability studies. They talk about her new book, "Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement."

Duration: 01:00:22
Misophonia w/ Jane Gregory
Nov 27, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jane Gregory, clinical psychologist at the University of Oxford. They discuss her new book, "Sounds Like Misophonia: How to Stop Small Noises from Causing Extreme Reactions." Follow Jane: @drjanegregory.

Duration: 00:53:45
Things That Go Bump in the Universe w/ C. Renée James
Nov 20, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. C. Renée James, professor of physics and astronomy at Sam Houston State University. They talk about her new book, "Things That Go Bump in the Universe: How Astronomers Decode Cosmic Chaos." Follow Renée: @drcrj.

Duration: 00:58:43
Covid Pseudoscience w/ Jonathan Howard
Nov 13, 2023

Duration: 01:04:59
Live from QED w/ Anita Powell
Nov 06, 2023

Recorded live from the QED Conference in Manchester, UK, this episode of Talk Nerdy features community engagement advocate and menopause activist Anita Powell. She tells Cara about her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially for women of color experiencing menopause. Follow Anita: @IamAnitaPowell.

Duration: 00:52:29
Mother Tongue w/ Jenni Nuttall
Oct 30, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Oxford professor and medeival literature researcher Dr. Jenni Nuttall to talk about her new book, "Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words." They discuss the history of feminist language from the Middle Ages to the present.

Duration: 01:09:49
Good Dogs w/ Jessica Pierce
Oct 23, 2023

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by bioethicist Dr. Jessica Pierce to talk about her new book, "Who's a Good Dog?: And How to Be a Better Human." They discuss the complex ethics of dog-human relationships, including topics like animal welfare, canine enrichment, and end-of-life care.

Duration: 01:11:09