Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Neurochemistry w/ Ginny Smith Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science communicator Ginny Smith to talk about her new book, “Overloaded: How Every Aspect of Your Life is Influenced by Your Brain Chemicals”. They discuss the importance of neurotransmission, the role different neurochemicals play in brain function, and when we shouldn’t believe the hype.

Geometry w/ Jordan Ellenberg Aug 09, 2021

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In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning mathematician Dr. Jordan Ellenberg to talk about his newest book, "Shape: The Hidden Geometry of Information, Biology, Strategy, Democracy, and Everything Else." They discuss the importance of mathematics education, as well as the geometry that lies beneath the scientific, political, and philosophical problems we encounter as human beings.

Computational Neuroscience w/ Grace Lindsay Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by computational neuroscientist Dr. Grace Lindsay to talk about the new book, "Models of the Mind: How Physics, Engineering, and Mathematics Have Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain." They talk about efforts to quantify mental processes like sensation, perception, and memory, as well as new frontiers in machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, using systems inspired by neurobiology.

Deep Sea Coral w/ Narissa Bax Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Narissa Bax, the Marine and Coastal Program Coordinator for the South Atlantic Environmental Research Group in the Falkland Islands. Narissa shares her love for all things conservation and ecology, especially the work she is doing to better understand and preserve deep-sea corals in the Antarctic region.

Black in STEM w/ Deena Pierott Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by awardee of President Barack Obama's White House Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion, Deena Pierott. Deena is the founder of iUrban Teen, a science, technology, engineering, manufacturing (STEM), and arts program for youth of color, and co-founder of Black Women in STEM 2.0, an organization advocates for equitable and inclusive workspaces while supporting black women in high-tech careers. They talk about the issues facing historically excluded individuals in STEM spaces, and how we can all work to effect change.

Forced Sterilization w/ Audrey Clare Farley Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and historian Dr. Audrey Clare Farley to talk about her new book, "The Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt." Audrey tells a story steeped in white supremacy and greed, against a backdrop of the growing eugenics movement in 1930s America.

How to Be Animal w/ Melanie Challenger Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer, researcher, and broadcaster Melanie Challenger to talk about her newest book, "How to Be Animal: A New History of What It Means to Be Human." They reflect on the existential and moral roots of the human experience, as well as our deep evolutionary nature as creatures living on Planet Earth.

Fake Medicine w/ Brad McKay Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Australian GP and science communicator Dr. Brad McKay to talk about his new book, “Fake Medicine: Exposing the Wellness Crazes, Cons and Quacks Costing Us Our Health.” They dive into the world of snake oil and pseudoscience, and Brad shares his own journey into science, skepticism, and LGBTQIA+-affirmative practice.

Best in Fair w/ Michelle Hua & Yunseo Choi Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by two brilliant teenagers who recently won top honors in science competitions. First, she speaks with Michelle Hua, first-place winner of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award. Michelle tells how she designed and implemented a novel deep-learning framework using human silhouettes. Next, Yunseo Choi, first-place winner of the Regeneron Science Talent Search, shares her work in matching theory.

Uncertainty and Art in Medicine w/ Alexa Miller Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Alexa Miller, founder of the medical education consultancy Arts Practica. They discuss the use of visual arts education to improve diagnostic outcomes, as well as physician and patient comfort in times of uncertainty.

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