Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Insane Asylums w/ Anne Harrington Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University science historian Dr. Anne Harrington to talk about her newest book, "Mind Fixers: Psychiatry's Troubled Search for the Biology of Mental Illness." They take a fresh look at the history of mental illness, including the early asylum system, psychiatry's current relationship with neurobiology, and what the future of assessment, diagnostics, and treatment may hold.

Fear w/ Eva Holland Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Eva Holland, the author of "Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear." They talk about her experience navigating the waters of cognitive-behavioral therapy to face her crippling fear of heights, all while exposing some of her deepest vulnerabilities.

National Parks w/ Conor Knighton May 26, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of "Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park." They talk about the beauty, humanity, and hilarity of the most epic road trip across the US, from glaciers to the high desert, and most of the Hampton Inns between.

Science Denial w/ Mario Livio May 18, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author of the new book "Galileo and the Science Deniers." They talk about the pernicious anti-science sentiment that has persisted from Galileo Galilei's time all the way to the present, including its effect on the planet and on human lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pleading Insanity w/ Susan Vinocour May 11, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Vinocour, the author of "Nobody's Child: a Tragedy, a Trial, and the History of the Insanity Defense." They talk about her history as both a lawyer specializing in child abuse and victims' rights as well as a clinical and forensic psychologist. In addition, they dive into the nebulous waters of insanity as a legal term and how it relates to mental illness.

Modern Linguistics w/ David Shariatmadari May 04, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by David Shariatmadari, editor at the Guardian and author of "Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth About Language." They talk about the science of modern linguistics, including a lengthy discussion of how language may be changing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Bats w/ Merlin Tuttle Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by ecologist and author of "The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals," Dr. Merlin Tuttle. They talk about his lifelong work in bat conservation, including ways you can contribute to the preservation of bat species worldwide. They also discuss how fear has strained our relationships with bats and how this relates to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Panpsychism w/ Philip Goff Apr 19, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher and author of "Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness," Dr. Philip Goff. They talk about the role of consciousness in modern science, including the philosophy of panpsychism, a view that consciousness is ubiquitous within the natural world.

Environmental Justice w/ Ayana Young Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder, executive director, and host of For the Wild, Ayana Young. They talk about her mission to effect ecological change through conservation efforts, advocacy, and storytelling, all through the lens of intersectional social and environmental justice.

Alien Oceans w/ Kevin Hand Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hand, planetary scientist and astrobiologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, director of the Ocean Worlds Lab, and pre-project scientist for NASA's Europa Lander mission concept. They talk about his new book, "Alien Oceans: the Search for Life in the Depths of Space."