Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Orbital Perspective w/ Ron Garan Jun 05, 2017

Show notes

Cara is honored to be joined this week by former NASA astronaut and current Chief Pilot for World View Enterprises, Ron Garan. They talk about the wonder and awe of seeing Earth from space, and how that translates to what Ron calls the "Orbital Perspective" -- something we can all maintain in our relationship with humanity and our home planet.

This Week in Science w/ Kiki Sanford May 30, 2017

Show notes

This week, Cara chats with the host of "This Week in Science," Dr. Kiki Sanford. They talk about her pioneering work in science communication, and she reveals the methods and insights she uses to deliver fascinating science news week after week.

Sexual Selection w/ Richard Prum May 22, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Richard Prum, Yale ornithologist and author of the new book, "The Evolution of Beauty." They discuss the idea that sexual selection, as well as natural selection, drives evolution, and how this feminist choice gives autonomy back to the female of the species.

Dinosaur Eggs w/ Shaena Montanari May 16, 2017

Show notes

This week, Cara is joined by paleontologist and science communicator Dr. Shaena Montanari. They discuss what geochemistry is and how it's used by paleontologists, as well as why dinosaur eggs are so damn interesting! Shaena's journey from geology to paleontology to science communication to science policy is also explored.

Astronomy Reporting w/ Shannon Stirone May 08, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined by science writer Shannon Stirone (Motherboard, Popular Science, Discover Magazine, etc.) to talk about the highs and lows of the freelance life. They also discuss her incredible work reporting on astronomy, including a recent piece about what happens to your body when you die in space.

Science Hack w/ Ariel Waldman May 01, 2017

Show notes

Cara chats with "What's It Like in Space?" author Ariel Waldman about her incredible career improving accessibility of science and space exploration for anyone and everyone. They discuss her work on the council for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts and her previous work at NASA's Colab program, along with her two flagship initiatives, Spacehack.org and Science Hack Day.

Mathematics and Society w/ Steven Strogatz Apr 25, 2017

Show notes

Cara chats with Dr. Steven Strogatz ("The Joy of X") about his work as an applied mathematician at Cornell University. They talk about nonlinear dynamics and complex systems, mathematics in popular media, and just how important math is to a functional society.

Change Agent w/ Daniel Suarez Apr 17, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined in studio by bestselling author Daniel Suarez to talk about his new book, "Change Agent." They talk about the incredible science that informs his writing, including CRISPR and other approaches to genetic engineering. Also discussed: genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their utility, as well as humankind's relationship with technology.

The Great Unknown w/ Marcus Du Sautoy Apr 11, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined by the Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Oxford Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Marcus Du Sautoy, to talk about his new book "The Great Unknown: Seven Journeys to the Frontiers of Science." They discuss his role as a professional science communicator, as well as his take on the very edges of modern science understanding, from chaos to consciousness to infinity.

Family Drama w/ Annabelle Gurwitch Apr 03, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined in studio by the ever charming, hilarious, and insightful Annabelle Gurwitch to talk about her new book, "Wherever You Go, There They Are: Stories About My Family You Might Relate To." They discuss how to find joy and humor in all of our families, biological and chosen, including our parents and siblings, friends, coworkers, and even our social and religious communities. Sprinkled in are conversations about the marginalization of science and scientists in Trump's America, and why it's important to poke fun at even the most sensitive of topics.