Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Latest Episodes:

Bed Bugs w/ Brooke Borel Sep 28, 2015

Show notes

Science writer Brooke Borel joins Cara to discuss the differences between science journalism and science communication, as well as the ethical quandaries journalists sometimes face. They then turn the conversation to bed bugs, the topic of Brooke's new book, "Infested."

Science Fiction - Steven Paul Leiva Sep 21, 2015

Show notes

Cara is joined by independent author Steven Paul Leiva ("Traveling In Space") to talk about the power of storytelling, the difference between genre fiction and literary fiction, and why it's okay to be a nerd, even if you aren't all that into sci-fi.

Hyperloop w/ Casey Handmer Sep 14, 2015

Show notes

Dr. Casey Handmer braves the broken A/C at Cara's apartment to inform her of the wonders of black holes, gravitational wave simulations, space robots, and the HYPERLOOP! "Interstellar" and "The Martian" thrown in for good measure.

Death Salon w/ Megan Rosenbloom Sep 08, 2015

Show notes

Cara is joined by Megan Rosenbloom (Associate Director for Collection Resources, Norris Medical Library) to talk about the importance of library science in medical school and how she's working to change our perceptions of death through initiatives like the Death Salon.

Human Rights w/ Faisal Saeed Al-Mutar Aug 31, 2015

Show notes

Human rights activist Faisal Saeed Al-Mutar speaks out about growing up in Iraq under Sadam Hussein's oppressive regime, the global effects of extremism in the Middle East, and how we can help secular progressives in closed societies achieve freedom of expression and religion.
Faisal is the founder of the Global Secular Humanist Movement and actively works with the civil rights crowd-sourcing platform Movements.org.

HIV Prevention and Treatment w/ Jessica Taaffe Aug 24, 2015

Show notes

Global health scientist and science communicator Dr. Jessica Taaffe joins Cara to discuss the importance of health initiatives aimed at the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases worldwide, including HIV.

Evolutionary Psychology w/ Gad Saad Aug 17, 2015

Show notes

Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Gad Saad, an evolutionary psychologist who specializes in consumer behavior. They discuss what evolutionary psychology is and isn't, and what makes us universally human, regardless of culture or geography.

Science Diplomacy w/ Marga Gual Soler Aug 10, 2015

Show notes

Cara is pleased to welcome science diplomat Dr. Marga Gual Soler to the podcast to discuss how evidence-based diplomacy can be used to achieve peace through the universal language of science.

Sports Science w/ Asher Price Aug 03, 2015

Show notes

Cara welcomes reporter Asher Price (the Austin American-Statesman) to the podcast to talk about his new book, "Year of the Dunk." It's Talk Nerdy's first foray into the science of sports! Exciting!

Science-Based Medicine w/ Steven Novella Jul 27, 2015

Show notes

Dr. Steven Novella (The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, NeuroLogica) joins Cara to talk about the history of the SGU and his 20+ year involvement in the skeptic movement. Also discussed: the importance of science-based medicine and the impact universal healthcare would have on the US.