Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Cancer Evolution w/ Kat Arney Jan 18, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science writer, broadcaster, and podcaster (Genetics Unzipped), Dr. Kat Arney. They talk about her newest book, "Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution, and the New Science of Life's Oldest Betrayal."

Evolution in the Anthropocene w/ Shane Campbell-Staton Jan 11, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA evolutionary biologist and co-host/co-creator of the Biology of Superheroes Podcast, Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton. They talk about the evolution of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the biology of superheroes, how the poaching of elephants during the Mozambiquan civil war has led to increased tusk loss, and the dark history of science that shapes modern experiences of Black researchers.

The End of Everything w/ Katie Mack Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Mack, theoretical astrophysicist and author of "The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)." They talk about the formation of the universe by the big bang, how we know its current trajectory, and possible scenarios for its final destruction. In reflecting on the ultimate eschatological question, Katie and Cara grapple with humanity's quest for meaning in the great beyond.

Anti-Vax Origins w/ Brian Deer Dec 14, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Brian Deer to talk about his new book, "The Doctor Who Fooled the World: Science, Deception, and the War on Vaccines." They discuss the incredible story of how Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research sparked an anti-vax movement that swept the globe.

Scientific Racism w/ Angela Saini Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science journalist Angela Saini to talk about her book "Superior: The Return of Race Science." They discuss the deep roots of scientific racism from taxonomy to eugenics and beyond, including its present-day incarnations. They also talk about emergent themes of her previous book, "Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong- and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story."

Bones w/ Roy A. Meals Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roy A. Meals to talk about his new book, "Bones: Inside and Out." They discuss the structure and function of bone, its iconographic role in art, music, and culture, and our own relationship with this dynamic, yet persistent substance.

Why Fish Don't Exist w/ Lulu Miller Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science reporter, producer, and Radiolab co-host Lulu Miller to talk about her new book, "Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life." Lulu shares the incredible story of taxonomist David Starr Jordan, and in doing so, opens up the conversation to the power and consequences of imposing order on the world around us in the form of labels, categories, and impossible constraints.

Alternative Facts w/ Asheley Landrum Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by her old high school pal, psychologist and science communication expert Dr. Asheley Landrum. They discuss why a large portion of the public doesn't believe the scientific consensus on topics like climate change, evolution, vaccines, and COVID-19. From pseudoscience to conspiracy theories to extreme denial of reality, Asheley dives deep into the distrust of authority, political propaganda, and psychosocial pressures that lead to belief in "alternative facts."

Tree Migration w/ Zach St. George Nov 09, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science reporter Zach St. George to talk about his book "The Journeys of Trees: A Story About Forests, People, and the Future." They discuss the phenomenon of forest migration as well as the sometimes misguided yet passionate and heartfelt efforts of environmental activists to secure a lusher, greener future for us all.

Phallacy w/ Emily Willingham Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Dr. Emily Willingham to talk about her newest book, "Phallacy: Life Lessons from the Animal Penis." Emily guides Cara through a demystification of the so-called male member, including its imposed relationship to dominance, masculinity, and the vagina (or other counterparts in nature).