Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Urology w/ Fenwa Milhouse Nov 14, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Fenwa Milhouse to talk about all things urology! They discuss common urological conditions, like erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections, urogynecoloigical issues, and even the dreaded broken penis!

History of the Computer w/ Rachel Ignotofsky Nov 07, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her newest book, "The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World." They discuss how learning about history changes our relationship with the present and the future, with a special emphasis on the empowerment that comes from using technology to create.

Evolution w/ Joseph L. Graves Jr Oct 31, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary biologist and geneticist Dr. Joseph L. Graves Jr. to talk about his new book, "A Voice in the Wilderness: A Pioneering Biologist Explains How Evolution Can Help Us Solve Our Biggest Problems." They discuss his incredible career, beginning as the first African American to earn a PhD in evolutionary biology, and continuing in the fight against racial and gender inequity in the sciences and society at large.

Structural Engineering w/ Roma Agrawal Oct 24, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by structural engineer Roma Agrawal to talk about her new children's book, "How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures." They discuss her incredible career designing bridges, skyscrapers, and structures, as well as the quintessentially human tendency to build things, take them apart, and build them up again. Follow Roma: @RomaTheEngineer.

The Biggest Ideas w/ Sean Carroll Oct 17, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined for the third time by Dr. Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist and professor of natural philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. They talk about his new book, "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time, and Motion" as well as the fascinating relationship between physics, philosophy, politics, psychology, and so much more. Follow Sean: @seanmcarroll

Music on the Brain w/ Susan Rogers Oct 10, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Rogers, author of "This Is What it Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You." They talk about her illustrious career as an award-winning music producer turned cognitive neuroscientist at Berklee College of Music. They also discuss the relationship between our musical tastes and our own psychology.

Pain w/ Haider Warraich Oct 03, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Haider Warraich, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the VA Boston Healthcare System. They talk about his new book, "The Song of Our Scars: The Untold Story of Pain," including the multidimensionality of chronic pain and how the healthcare profession can better serve those who suffer from it.

The Sky Is for Everyone w/ Virginia Trimble & Sara Seager Sep 26, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astronomers Dr. Virginia Trimble and Sara Seager to talk about the book "The Sky Is for Everyone: Women Astronomers in Their Own Words." Virginia discusses her work as a trailblazing astrophysicist and one of the first women to earn a doctorate in the field from Caltech. Sara shares how she and her team are learning about the possibility of life on exoplanets (and even Venus!) by studying the properties of their atmospheres. Follow Sara: @ProfSaraSeager

Intellectual Property Law w/ Jessica Silbey Sep 19, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jessica Silbey, Professor of Law at Boston University and author of the new book "Against Progress: Intellectual Property and Fundamental Values in the Internet Age." They talk about the complex interplay between social justice, ownership, and innovation against a legal framework that purports to promote the "progress" of science and art. Follow Jessica: @JSilbey.

Chemical Engineering w/ Jayshree Seth Sep 12, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. They discuss the prevalence of chemical engineering in our everyday lives, as well as the importance of science appreciation and representation.