Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Science of Friendship w/ Lydia Denworth Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Lydia Denworth to talk about her new book, "Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond." They discuss the science of friendship, from genetics to anthropology and beyond, as well as its extraordinary effects on our physical and mental health.

Cosmos: Possible Worlds w/ Ann Druyan Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

In this very special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara celebrates her 300th episode with award-winning science communicator Ann Druyan. They talk about her life and work with her late husband Carl Sagan as well as her role as the creator, writer, and director of Cosmos: Possible Worlds (the new book and television series). Finally, they discuss the dire consequences of a planet without compassion, empathy, and deep humanity--characteristics we need now more than ever.

Democratizing the Internet w/ Ramesh Srinivasan Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor in the UCLA Department of Information Studies and Director of the UC Digital Cultures Lab. They talk about his newest book, "Beyond the Valley: How Innovators around the World are Overcoming Inequality and Creating the Technologies of Tomorrow."

Mushrooms w/ Lawrence Millman Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lawrence Millman, world-renowned mycologist and author of "Fungipedia: A Brief Compendium of Mushroom Lore." They talk about his fascinating journey from Ph.D. in English Literature to explorer and ethnographer to global expert on fungi. And of course, there's a ton of mushroom talk.

Microglia w/ Donna Jackson Nakazawa Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Donna Jackson Nakazawa, award-winning author of the new book, "The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine." They talk about new discoveries in microglia research, revealing the role of these previously misunderstood cells in a wide range of neurological disorders.

Rocket Launch w/ Tony Gingiss Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

In this special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Tony Gingiss, the CEO of OneWeb Satellites, just before OneWeb's second rocket launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. They talk about OneWeb's mission to connect the world to the internet using a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. Then, listen as Cara captures the sounds of the Soyuz rocket when it blasts off, carrying 34 satellites into space!

Magic and Feminism w/ Kayla Drescher Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by magician and podcaster Kayla Drescher. They discuss the barriers women face in the world of magic, including how Kayla and her co-host Carisa are making waves through their podcast, Shezam! They also talk about Kayla's unique approach to performing, the science of magic, and why it is so fun to let go and enjoy a good trick.

Cemetery Conservation w/ Paul Kwaitkowski & Maria Aliberti-Lubertazzi Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Paul Kwaitkowski and Dr. Maria Aliberti-Lubertazzi. Paul is Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability Manager, and Maria is an adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island School of Design as well as an environmental scientist specializing in wetland and urban ecology. Together, we discuss the unique initiatives taking place at Mount Auburn in areas including environmental stewardship, wildlife management, and citizen science. Follow their work: @MountAuburnCem.

Mental Health in Grad School w/ Susanna Harris Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

In this week's episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Susanna Harris, a PhD candidate in microbiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the founder and CEO of PhD Balance, a collaborative community empowering graduate students to build their personal and professional resilience. They discuss the pressures of graduate school, including the entrenched institutional racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and othering that often occurs in academia, as well as the ways those struggling with mental health issues can find support. Follow Susanna: @SusannaLHarris.

Math with Bad Drawings w/ Ben Orlin Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ben Orlin, teacher and author of the "Math with Bad Drawings" blog. They talk about the importance of mathematical literacy in modern society as well as ways we can improve math education. They also discuss his two new books, "Math with Bad Drawings: Illuminating the Ideas That Shape Our Reality" and "Change Is the Only Constant: The Wisdom of Calculus in a Madcap World."