Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Plastic Ocean w/ Jo Ruxton Jan 16, 2017

Show notes

Cara is joined by Jo Ruxton, the co-founder and Director of Education of Plastic Oceans Foundation, a global network of charitable organizations focused on changing attitudes toward the use of plastics. They discuss the upcoming film, "A Plastic Ocean," which highlights the detrimental effect plastic refuse is having on our marine habitats, and because of that, on our own health and safety. They also talk about ways we can make a difference.

Bad Astronomy w/ Phil Plait Jan 10, 2017

Show notes

Everyone's favorite astronomer Dr. Phil Plait (Death From the Skies!) is back on #TalkNerdy! He and Cara talk "Bad Astronomy," the movie "Arrival," and what lovers-of-science may have to work against during the new Trump administration.

Polio Eradication w/ Jay Wenger Dec 19, 2016

Show notes

Cara speaks with the Director of polio eradication efforts for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Jay Wenger. They discuss the history of wild poliovirus, including its devastating medical effects, as well as the incredible success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. (Oral polio vaccination has reduced cases across the globe by 99.9% since 1988.) In addition, they focus on new cases in Nigeria, and why it is more important than ever to focus on final eradication efforts. To support the effort, visit www.endpolio.org.

String Theory w/ Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, & Jim Gates Dec 12, 2016

Show notes

This week's episode is a special live taping of the Paramount Science Summit, in which Cara moderates a panel of luminaries in theoretical physics: Dr. Michio Kaku (The Future of the Mind), Dr. Brian Greene, (The Hidden Reality), and Dr. Jim Gates. They discuss the role string theory may one day play in elucidating a theory of everything, along with other cosmic quandaries, like black holes, the multiverse, the big bang, and more.

Glass Universe w/ Dava Sobel Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

Cara is joined by Dava Sobel, author of "The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars." They discuss the scientific contributions made by these pioneering women at the turn of the 20th century, and how their methods and discoveries continue to benefit astronomers today. Also discussed: Dava's inspiration for writing this story, and the lasting lessons its pages hold.

Science Comedian w/ Brian Malow Nov 28, 2016

Show notes

Cara chats remotely with the Science Comedian himself, Brian Malow! They talk about what exactly a "science comedian" is and does, Brian's epic Europe trip where he spent time with the Vatican Astronomer, and how much fun they had at the second annual #SciCommCamp.

Parapsychology w/ Susan Blackmore Nov 22, 2016

Show notes

Live from the QED Conference in Manchester, Cara chats with psychologist and author Dr. Sue Blackmore about her history as a parapsychologist studying out-of-body experiences. They discuss her transition from credulity to skeptical thinking, and how it has shaped her research and writing in the psychology of consciousness and more.

President-Elect Donald Trump w/ Jennifer Briney Nov 14, 2016

Show notes

Following an unexpected American election result, Cara is joined by the host of the Congressional Dish podcast, Jennifer Briney, to clarify the separation of powers in the federal government (executive, legislative, and judicial), and the realistic extent to which each branch can successfully effect change. Also discussed: what President-elect Donald Trump could mean for the future of America, and how to prevent cynicism and disillusionment by putting pressure on our elected officials and being an active voter and citizen.

Antarctica w/ Christine Corbett Moran Nov 07, 2016

Show notes

Cara connects with an astrophysicist who's working in the most remote place on Earth: Dr. Christine Corbett Moran talks nerdy from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, deep in the heart of Antarctica. They discuss the challenges and privileges of spending a cold, dark winter at the geographic South Pole, including stunning auroras and joining the 300 club.

Famous Fossils w/ Lydia Pyne Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

Just in time for Halloween, Cara is joined by Dr. Lydia Pyne, the author of "Seven Skeletons: The Evolution of the World's Most Famous Human Fossils." A science historian with training in paleoanthropology, Lydia has special insight into the fossilized hominin ancestors many of us have grown to love, like Lucy, the Old Man of La Chapelle, and the Taung Child, to name a few.