Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Dreams w/ Karen Cerulo & Janet Ruane Sep 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Karen Cerulo and Janet Ruane, sociologists and authors of the new book "Dreams of a Lifetime: How Who We Are Shapes How We Imagine Our Future." They discuss how our gender, race, age, and social positions deeply influence the nature of our dreams, which, in turn, affects the futures we pursue.

Bitch w/ Lucy Cooke Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by National Geographic Explorer Lucy Cooke to talk about her new book, "Bitch: On the Female of the Species." They discuss gender in the animal kingdom, how science has long gotten it wrong, and how studying female animals can teach us about ourselves.

Punk Rock Paleontology w/ Jingmai O'Connor Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jingmai O'Connor, also known as the Punk Rock Paleontologist. They talk about her work as Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, including the transition from dinosaurs to birds, flying dinosaurs, and the importance of science communication.

Museum Science w/ Olivia Castellini Aug 01, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Olivia Castellini, Senior Exhibit Developer at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. They talk about her incredible science museum installations, including a 40-foot interactive tornado!

The Other Dark Matter w/ Lina Zeldovich Jul 25, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist Lina Zeldovich to talk about her new book "The Other Dark Matter: The Science and Business of Turning Waste into Wealth and Health." They discuss the value of human excerement, including ways we can better care for our planet and make smarter economic decisions while doing so.

Art and Space w/ Jancy McPhee Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Jancy McPhee, the Founder and Executive Director of SciArt Exchange. They talk about SciArt Exchange's mission to engage people around the intersection of science and art, as well as her work as the Multidisciplinary Program Scientist in the NASA Human Research Program's Chief Scientist's Office.

Beauty Science w/ Rolanda Wilkerson Jul 11, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Principle Beauty Scientist at Procter & Gamble. They talk about the chemistry of skin and hair products, including her role in developing and testing them for safety and efficacy. They also discuss the importance of representation and product diversity, especially for varied skin colors and hair textures.

Vagina Obscura w/ Rachel E. Gross Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science journalist Rachel E. Gross to talk about her new book, "Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage." They discuss the incredible anatomy and physiology of women (and trans men, nonbinary, and intersex folx!), with an emphasis on biomedical science's minimizations and misunderstandings. Cara also opens up about her upcoming hysterectomy.

GiveDirectly w/ Miriam Laker Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Miriam Laker-Oketta, Research Director at GiveDirectly. They talk about her work in tropical medicine, international health, and research methods, as well as the evidence-based model used by the non-profit, GiveDirectly: putting cash directly in the hands of people living in poverty.

Pediatric Palliative Care w/ Natasha Datoo Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Natasha Datoo, a pediatric palliative care physician at Canuck Place Children's Hospice. They talk about the power of communication, the importance of a whole-person approach to care, as well as common misunderstandings about palliative medicine.