Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Egyptology w/ Kara Cooney Jun 13, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA Egyptologist Dr. Kara Cooney to talk about her new book, "The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World." They discuss power, privilege, and patriarchy in ancient Egypt, with a special focus on how they relate to modern authoritarianism.

Vermin w/ Lisa T. Sarasohn Jun 06, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian Dr. Lisa T. Sarasohn to talk about her new book, "Getting Under Our Skin: The Cultural and Social History of Vermin." They discuss how our view of lice, fleas, bedbugs, and rats evolved with the advent of modern science, as well as the tendency to dehumanize, ostracize, and perpetrate violence against those deemed to be "other."

Empowering Young Women w/ Emma Asiedu-Akrofi May 30, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Emma Asiedu-Akrofi, the Executive Director of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment. They talk about how society benefits when girls have access to opportunities, including a reduction in poverty and increased social justice overall. Follow Emma's work: @JACentre4Girls

Beasts Before Us w/ Elsa Panciroli May 23, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by paleontologist Dr. Elsa Panciroli to talk about her book, "Beasts Before Us: The Untold Story of Mammal Origins and Evolution." They discuss how many of us have our timelines all wrong, as mammals have been evolving since far before the asteroid impact that rendered the dinosaurs extinct.

The Tailored Brain w/ Emily Willingham May 16, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by science writer Dr. Emily Willingham to talk about her newest book, "The Tailored Brain: From Ketamine, to Keto, to Companionship, A User's Guide to Feeling Better and Thinking Stronger." They discuss how our cognitive needs are not one-size-fits-all while applying much-needed skepticism to the gimmicks and tricks often offered by the self-help industry.

Unconscious Bias w/ Jessica Nordell May 09, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Jessica Nordell, the award-winning author of "The End of Bias: A Beginning: The Science and Practice of Overcoming Unconscious Bias." They discuss the evidence behind unconscious (also known as implicit) bias, including what we can do to work toward a more egalitarian society.

Climate Miseducation w/ Katie Worth May 02, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Katie Worth to talk about her new book, "Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America." Kate reveals how the fossil fuel industry, libertarian think-tanks, legislators, and textbook publishers across the country are sowing doubt and distrust about the climate crisis, resulting in a young populace suffused with denialism.

The Social Lives of Animals w/ Ashley Ward Apr 25, 2022

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Sydney Professor of Animal Behavior Dr. Ashley Ward to talk about his new book, "The Social Lives of Animals." From termites to fish to chimpanzees, they discuss the ways animals form societies, communicate with one another, and engage in culture.

Climate Justice w/ Elizabeth Cripps Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by moral philosopher Dr. Elizabeth Cripps to talk about her new book, "What Climate Justice Means and Why We Should Care." They discuss the inextricable link between racism, social justice, and climate policy in addition to the importance of accountability and action.

Magnificent Makers w/ Theanne Griffith Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Theanne Griffith to talk about her STEM-themed chapter book series, "The Magnificent Makers." They discuss the importance of diversity and inclusive representation in children's storytelling as well as her work investigating sensations like pain and temperature.

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