Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Curiosity w/ Mario Livio Aug 14, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined by renowned astrophysicist Dr. Mario Livio to talk about his new book, "Why?: What Makes Us Curious." They discuss the science behind curiosity, its uniquely human elements, and the fresh perspective a lifelong learner in astrophysics has to offer on the subject.

Microscopy w/ Joshua Rappoport Aug 07, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Joshua Rappoport, the Director of the Center for Advanced Microscopy and Nikon Imaging Center at Northwestern University. They dive into his new book, “The Cell: Discovering the Microscopic World that Determines Our Health, Our Consciousness, and Our Future.”

Retraction Watch w/ Ivan Oransky Aug 01, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined Ivan Oransky, MD, cofounder of “Retraction Watch.” They discuss his path from medicine to science journalism and the important work he’s doing shedding light on falsified, fabricated, fraudulent, and plagiarized articles in the scientific literature.

Naturopathy w/ Britt Marie Hermes Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

Recording from the 2017 NECSS conference in New York City, Cara is joined by former naturopath Britt Marie Hermes. They talk about her journey from practicing naturopathic “doctor” to skeptical activist, including the dangers of alternative medicine practices like homeopathy, alternative cancer treatment, and other forms of pseudoscience.

Oil Sands w/ Jodi McNeill Jul 18, 2017

Show notes

Cara has an in-studio chat with Jodi McNeill, Technical and Policy Analyst at the Pembina Institute. They talk about the massive environmental impact of the Alberta oil sands and their associated tailings ponds. Jodi shares her insight as a climate and energy policy professional, working to mediate between fossil fuel industries, environmental activists, and the public at large.

Engineered Humans w/ Adam Piore Jul 11, 2017

Show notes

Cara speaks with journalist and author Adam Piore about his new book, “The Body Builders: Inside the Science of the Engineered Human.” Adam shares some his favorite stories from the book, including a “bionic man” and a blind woman who can “see” with her ears.

Vacation Guide to the Solar System w/ Olivia Koski and Jana Grcevich Jul 04, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined in studio by the dynamic duo Olivia Koski and Dr. Jana Grcevich. They work together at the Intergalactic Travel Bureau, where they help you plan your dream space vacation! They also co-wrote a beautiful new book, "Vacation Guide to the Solar System," so you can travel to distant planets from the safety of your home.

Scientology w/ Ron Miscavige Jun 28, 2017

Show notes

Cara has a candid conversation with Ron Miscavige, author of “Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me,” about his life as a Scientologist and the difficulty he faced (and continues to face) after escaping the cult. They also talk about the messages and motivations of L Ron Hubbard and the ascendancy of his son, David, the leader of Scientology.

GMOs and Vaccines w/ Kavin Senapathy Jun 19, 2017

Show notes

Cara chats with skeptic, author, and science activist Kavin Senapathy about all of the things! They discuss health and food (with a special focus on GMOs), parenting, vaccines, and many other “contentious” topics every good skeptic should know.

Science TV for Kids w/ Emily Calandrelli Jun 13, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined by the host of “Xploration Outer Space,” Emily Calandrelli (she also happens to be a correspondent on the new Netflix show, “Bill Nye Saves the World”)! They talk about science television as well as Emily’s newest project, the “Ada Lace” book series.