Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

The Shame Machine w/ Cathy O'Neil Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician Dr. Cathy O’Neil to talk about her newest book, “The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation.” They highlight the pernicious influence of America’s “shame-industrial complex” as well as shame’s role in effecting social change.

Back to Earth w/ Nicole Stott Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astronaut Nicole Stott to talk about her new book, "Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet--And Our Mission to Protect It." Nicole shares about her time in space and how it continues to influence her work here on Earth, including the inspirational Space Art Foundation.

Making Cool Stuff w/ Estefannie Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by computer scientist, engineer, maker, and content creator Estefannie. They talk about her fun and wacky builds, including a smart litterbox, Jurassic goggles, and Daft Punk helmet.

The Authority Gap w/ Mary Ann Sieghart Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist and broadcaster Mary Ann Sieghart to talk about her new book, “The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men, and What We Can Do About It.” They discuss gender bias in work, school, media, politics, and larger society, with an emphasis on power, class, and privilege.

Jerks at Work w/ Tessa West Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by NYU psychology professor Dr. Tessa West to talk about her new book, "Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them." They talk about the types of conflicts you're likely to encounter in the workplace and evidence-based approaches for dealing with toxic bosses, annoying coworkers, and all-around jerks at work.

Synthetic Biology w/ Amy Webb Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by futurist Amy Webb to talk about her new book, "The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology." They discuss the promises of a future shaped by synthetic biology, as well as the risks and unintended consequences such a future may hold.

Dream Science w/ Sidarta Ribeiro Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sidarta Ribeiro, professor of neuroscience and founder of the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal, Brazil. They talk about his new book, "The Oracle of Night: The History and Science of Dreams." Topics include what dreaming is (and isn't), why we dream, and what contemporary neuroscience, biochemistry, and genetics can tell us about this ancient evolutionary experience.

Heartbreak w/ Florence Williams Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Florence Williams to talk about her new book, “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.” They discuss what happens to your brain and body when grieving the loss of love, with a special focus on healing after loneliness.

Coronavirus Vaccine w/ Brendan Borrell Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Brendan Borrell, author of “The First Shots: The Epic Rivalries and Heroic Science Behind the Race to the Coronavirus Vaccine.” They highlight the incredible global achievement of developing multiple mRNA vaccines effective against a deadly new virus. Also discussed: how America’s audacious goals were accomplished against a political backdrop of utter ineptitude and failed leadership.

Healthcare and Covid w/ Anthony Harris Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Anthony Harris, owner of HFit Health and board-certified physician in occupational and environmental medicine. They talk about the American healthcare system with a special focus on COVID-19 and wellness disparities.