Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Beatrice the Biologist w/ Katie McKissick Mar 07, 2016

Show notes

Author and artist behind Beatrice the Biologist, Katie McKissick, joins Cara to talk about why the visual medium is so important in science communication, as well as how teaching influenced her craft.

Ask Me Anything w/ Cara Santa Maria Mar 01, 2016

Show notes

Cara celebrates the 100th episode of #TalkNerdy by letting YOU interview HER! She turns the tables in this special #AskMeAnything edition, ranging from topics like depression to science fiction to, of course, her famous two questions that end the show. THANK YOU for an incredible 100 episodes! Talk Nerdy wouldn't be possible without the support of listeners like you.

Quantum Chess w/ Chris Cantwell Feb 22, 2016

Show notes

USC PhD candidate Chris Cantwell joins Cara to talk about his recent labor of love, Quantum Chess. He tells the story of how the came was conceived and some of the challenges he's faced on his road through academia, including a spinal cord injury in high school that left him with limited mobility.

Gravitational Waves w/ Sarah Gossan Feb 17, 2016

Show notes

Cara is joined by Caltech PhD candidate Sarah Gossan, a researcher in the LIGO Lab who contributed to the recent detection of gravitational waves. They discuss what this discovery means--not just for physics, but for humanity--and just how they were able to detect two black holes merging 1.3 billion light years away.

Gifted Kids w/ Stella Krone Feb 08, 2016

Show notes

Cara chats with "mini-nerd" Stella Krone about what it's like being a ten year-old who loves to learn! They discuss her interest in genetics, the perks and challenges of taking high school and college courses, and why she isn't terribly fond of the label "gifted."

SciBabe w/ Yvette D'Entremont Feb 01, 2016

Show notes

Cara is joined by the SciBabe herself, Yvette D'Entremont, to talk about science and skepticism. They dive into Yvette's turn from forensics and chemistry to science communication, as well as her work debunking health gurus and charlatans, like the Food Babe.

Texas Memories w/ Michael Matthews Jan 27, 2016

Show notes

Cara reminisces with her old roommate and labmate, Michael Matthews, while she's visiting her home state of Texas. They talk about the good old days at the Center for Network Neuroscience, the guilt associated with using non-renewable resources, like and oil and gas, and the American culture of perpetual debt. Also included: SHIPLEY'S DONUTS!!!

Real Future w/ Kevin Roose Jan 18, 2016

Show notes

Kevin Roose (News Director, Fusion) chats with Cara about their new television show, "Real Future." They offer an inside look at the production process, sharing stories of how technology is shaping our future in ways we never imagined.

Public Health w/ Noemie Sportiche Jan 11, 2016

Show notes

Cara is joined by Noemie Sportiche, a public health planner and research analyst for the Boston metropolitan area. She shares the story of her windy path from cognitive science to public health, and they discuss evidence-based strategies for encouraging community wellness.

Skeptical Activism w/ Evan Bernstein Dec 21, 2015

Show notes

Cara is joined by fellow "The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe" rogue Evan Bernstein! They talk exorcisms, politics, and how Evan came to become a skeptical activist.