Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Paper Arts w/ Shawn Sheehy Jan 21, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and artist Shawn Sheehy to talk about his newest book, “Beyond the Sixth Extinction: A Post-Apocalyptic Pop-Up.” They discuss his journey into the paper arts as well as the ecological and evolutionary science that goes into his work.

Molecular Phylogenetics w/ David Quammen Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara connects with science writer David Quammen to talk about his new book, “The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life.” They discuss the complexity of modern evolutionary theory, from classical Darwinian natural selection to recent discoveries in the field of molecular phylogenetics.

Children's Books w/ J.R. Becker Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by J.R. Becker, author of the “Annabelle and Aiden” children’s book series. They discuss how his transition into fatherhood inspired him to write books for kids that emphasize science, skepticism, and awe.

Conservation Technology w/ Shah Selbe Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by National Geographic Explorer and conservation technologist, Shah Selbe. They talk about his work as the founder of Conservify, a non-profit organization dedicated to the democratization of data and technology to aid in global conservation.

Astronomer Royal w/ Lord Martin Rees Dec 10, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara joins Astronomer Royal and Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and Cosmology, Lord Martin Rees, in his office at Cambridge University. They talk about his new book, “On the Future: Prospects of Humanity,” as well as his work as the co-founder of the Center for the Study of Existential Risk. They discuss the hazards of short-term decision-making and the great potential modern science and technology offers us to secure the future of planet Earth for generations to come.

Gross Science w/ Anna Rothschild Dec 03, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Anna Rothschild, the creator and host of the incredible Washington Post Youtube series “Anna’s Science Magic Show Hooray!” They talk about her lifelong interest in how stuff works (including the gross stuff that never ceases to amaze and fascinate), as well as the ins and outs of creating, writing, animating, and starring in your own science Youtube series.

Science Fair w/ Cristina Costantiti & Darren Foster Nov 27, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by documentarians Christina Costantini and Darren Foster. They talk about their wonderful new film, Science Fair, which Cristina describes as a “love letter to the subculture that saved” her and critics agree will restore your faith in humanity.

Black Holes w/ Chris Impey Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Chris Impey, astrophysicist and author of “Einstein’s Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes.” They discuss black holes’ rich history of discovery, from Galilean telescopes to spectroscopy to gravitational wave detection.

Songs of Trees w/ David George Haskell Nov 13, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, the author of “Songs of Trees: Stories of Nature’s Great Connectors,” They juxtapose the joyous relationship humanity has long had with nature against modern abuses, such as consumption, destruction, and shortsightedness. David’s verbal expression is as eloquent as his writing—this poetic conversation will have you thinking about your place in the great ecosystem we call Earth.

Universal Flu Vaccine w/ Tammy Ben-Yedidia Nov 06, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, connects with Israeli-based immunologist and Chief Scientific Officer of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Tammy Ben-Yedidia. They discuss her incredible work developing and testing a multi-season, multi-strain “universal” flu vaccine.