Podcasts by Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Planetary Magnetism w/ Sabine Stanley from 2023-12-12T05:37:24

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sabine Stanley, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Listen

Against Technoableism w/ Ashley Shew from 2023-12-04T08:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ashley Shew, an Associate Professor of Listen

Misophonia w/ Jane Gregory from 2023-11-27T08:00:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jane Gregory, clinical psychologist at the Listen

Things That Go Bump in the Universe w/ C. Renée James from 2023-11-20T08:00:04

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Listen

Covid Pseudoscience w/ Jonathan Howard from 2023-11-13T08:00:03

Live from QED w/ Anita Powell from 2023-11-06T08:00:03

Recorded live from the QED Conference in Manchester, UK, this episode of Talk Nerdy features community engagement advocat...

Mother Tongue w/ Jenni Nuttall from 2023-10-30T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Oxford professor and medeival literature researcher Dr. Jenni Nu...

Good Dogs w/ Jessica Pierce from 2023-10-23T07:27:50

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by bioethicist Dr. Jessica Pierc...

Eight Bears w/ Gloria Dickie from 2023-10-16T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Gloria Dickie, a global Listen

Women Soldiers w/ Lena Andrews from 2023-10-09T07:51:45

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lena Andrews, foreign policy expert and military analyst at...

Handmade Materials w/ Anna Ploszajski from 2023-10-02T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by materials scientist Dr. Anna Ploszajski to talk about h...

Recognizing Our Humanity w/ Michèle Lamont from 2023-09-25T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Michèle Lamont, Professor of Sociology and of African an...

Natality w/ Jennifer Banks from 2023-09-18T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Jennifer Banks, senior executive editor at <...

Junk Science w/ M. Chris Fabricant from 2023-09-11T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the Director of Strategic Litigation fo...

Is Math Real? w/ Eugenia Cheng from 2023-09-05T18:49:30

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathema...

Switch Craft w/ Elaine Fox from 2023-08-28T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the University of Adelaide's Head of the School of Psychology, Listen

Bluefin Tuna w/ Karen Pinchin from 2023-08-21T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by investigative journalist Karen Pinchin to talk about her new b...

Defiant Dreams w/ Sola Mahfouz&Malaina Kapoor from 2023-08-14T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by quantum computing researcher Listen

Gestures w/ Susan Goldin-Meadow from 2023-08-07T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Chicago psychologist Listen

Anxiety w/ Luana Marques from 2023-07-31T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Listen

Fragmented Healthcare w/ Ilana Yurkiewicz from 2023-07-24T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ilana Yurkiewicz, oncologist, internal medicine physici...

Microbiome Anthropology w/ Amber Benezra from 2023-07-10T07:21:15

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by sociocultural anthropologist Dr. Amber Benezra to ...

Fungal Pandemic w/ Emily Monosson from 2023-07-04T05:54:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by toxicologist Dr. Emily Monosson...

Investigative Genetic Genealogy w/ Barbara Rae-Venter from 2023-06-26T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Bar...

Forensic Anthropology at the Dozier School w/ Erin Kimmerle from 2023-06-19T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Erin Kimmerle, forensic anthropologist and author of Listen

Ecology of Abandoned Places w/ Cal Flyn from 2023-06-12T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Cal Flyn, author, investigative journalist, and MacDowell fell...

Egg w/ Lizzie Stark from 2023-06-05T07:01:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and participation designer Lizzie Stark t...

Gamification w/ Adrian Hon from 2023-05-22T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by game designer Adrian Hon to talk about this new book, Listen

Edison's Ghosts w/ Katie Spalding from 2023-05-15T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician and writer Dr. Katie Spalding to ...

Patriarchy w/ Angela Saini from 2023-05-08T20:00:48

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by science writer and television presenter Angela Saini. They talk about her new book, "The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality." Together...

Historical Abortion w/ Jennifer Wright from 2023-05-01T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by history writer Jennifer Wright to talk about her new book, " Listen

SciComm w/ Leah Elson from 2023-04-24T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by clinical development scientist Leah Elson to talk about her ...

Period w/ Kate Clancy from 2023-04-17T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kate Clancy, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the Universi...

Dog Cognition w/ Alexandra Horowitz from 2023-04-10T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, professor and head of the Listen

Cognitive Liberty w/ Nita Farahany from 2023-04-04T06:00:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Duke Law and Philosophy professor Dr. Nita Farahany to ta...

The Self w/ Brian Lowery from 2023-03-27T07:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Stanford University professor Dr. Brian Low...

Koalas w/ Danielle Clode from 2023-03-20T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Danielle Clode to talk about her new book, Listen

Slime w/ Susanne Wedlich from 2023-03-13T07:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Susanne Wedlich to talk about her new book, Listen

Bioelectricity w/ Sally Adee from 2023-02-27T08:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science and technology writer Sally Adee to talk about her new book...

Sweet in Tooth and Claw w/ Kristin Ohlson from 2023-02-20T08:10:31

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Kristin Ohlson to talk about her new book...

Neurology and Dementia w/ Sara Manning Peskin from 2023-02-13T08:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Pennsylvania Listen

Accelerator Physics w/ Suzie Sheehy from 2023-02-06T08:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by accelerator physicist Dr. Suzie Sheehy to talk about her new bo...

Attention and Technology w/ Gloria Mark from 2023-01-30T08:01:31

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Gloria Mark, Listen

Frozen Head Feed Drop from 2023-01-27T03:27:57

Hosted by Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart from the hit show Morbid. When 90-year-old Laurence Pilgeram drops dead on the sidewalk outside his condo, you might think that’s the end of his story. But,...

Mathematical Models w/ Erica Thompson from 2023-01-23T08:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Erica Thompson to talk about her new book, Listen

Amazonian Wildcats w/ Samantha Zwicker from 2023-01-16T08:00:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Samantha Zwicker, a tropical biologist and wildlife...

Legacy of P-22 w/ Beth Pratt from 2023-01-09T08:00:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the California Regional Executive D...

Black Hole Astrophysics w/ Feryal Özel from 2022-12-19T08:17:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Feryal Özel, c...

Indigenous Robotics w/ Danielle Boyer from 2022-12-12T13:45:17

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Indigenous (Ojibwe) queer robotics inventor Danielle Boyer. They talk about her work making technical education accessible and representative for he...

Star Trek Science w/ Erin Macdonald from 2022-12-05T01:32:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Erin Macdonald, astrophysicist and consultant for the Star Trek franchise. They talk about STEM, sci-fi, and her new board book, "Star Trek: My ...

Flight Safety w/ Kimberly Perkins from 2022-11-28T09:32:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Kimberly Perkins, pilot and PhD student at the University of Washington. They talk about her research on the impact of cognitive biases on flight sa...

Sounds of Nature w/ Karen Bakker from 2022-11-21T08:26:17

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Karen Bakker, Fellow of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies and multidisciplinary professor at the University of British Columb...

Urology w/ Fenwa Milhouse from 2022-11-14T20:05:51

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Fenwa Milhouse to talk about all things urology! They discuss common urological conditions, like erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections,...

History of the Computer w/ Rachel Ignotofsky from 2022-11-07T08:42:38

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her newest book, "The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology ...

Evolution w/ Joseph L. Graves Jr from 2022-10-31T07:07:50

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary biologist and geneticist Dr. Joseph L. Graves Jr. to talk about his new book, "A Voice in the Wilderness: A Pioneering Biologist Explai...

Structural Engineering w/ Roma Agrawal from 2022-10-24T07:14:06

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by structural engineer Roma Agrawal to talk about her new children's book, "How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures." They discuss he...

The Biggest Ideas w/ Sean Carroll from 2022-10-17T07:31:07

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined for the third time by Dr. Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist and professor of natural philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. They talk about his new ...

Music on the Brain w/ Susan Rogers from 2022-10-10T07:18:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Rogers, author of "This Is What it Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You." They talk about her illustrious career as an awar...

Pain w/ Haider Warraich from 2022-10-03T07:02:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Haider Warraich, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the VA Boston Healthcare System. They talk about hi...

The Sky Is for Everyone w/ Virginia Trimble&Sara Seager from 2022-09-26T07:00:54

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astronomers Dr. Virginia Trimble and Sara Seager to talk about the book "The Sky Is for Everyone: Women Astronomers in Their Own Words." Virginia di...

Intellectual Property Law w/ Jessica Silbey from 2022-09-19T07:07:40

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jessica Silbey, Professor of Law at Boston University and author of the new book "Against Progress: Intellectual Property and Fundamental Values...

Chemical Engineering w/ Jayshree Seth from 2022-09-12T07:23:18

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. They discuss the prevalence of chemical engineering in our everyday lives, ...

Dreams w/ Karen Cerulo&Janet Ruane from 2022-09-05T07:14:57

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Karen Cerulo and Janet Ruane, sociologists and authors of the new book "Dreams of a Lifetime: How Who We Are Shapes How We Imagine Our Future."...

Bitch w/ Lucy Cooke from 2022-08-22T09:04:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by National Geographic Explorer Lucy Cooke to talk about her new book, "Bitch: On the Female of the Species." They discuss gender in the animal kingdom...

Punk Rock Paleontology w/ Jingmai O'Connor from 2022-08-15T08:14:24

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Jingmai O'Connor, also known as the Punk Rock Paleontologist. They talk about her work as Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles at the Field Muse...

Museum Science w/ Olivia Castellini from 2022-08-01T07:59:32

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Olivia Castellini, Senior Exhibit Developer at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. They talk about her incredible science museum inst...

The Other Dark Matter w/ Lina Zeldovich from 2022-07-25T17:30:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist Lina Zeldovich to talk about her new book "The Other Dark Matter: The Science and Business of Turning Waste into Wealth and Health." They...

Art and Space w/ Jancy McPhee from 2022-07-18T07:26:21

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Jancy McPhee, the Founder and Executive Director of SciArt Exchange. They talk about SciArt Exchange's mission to engage people a...

Beauty Science w/ Rolanda Wilkerson from 2022-07-11T07:04:01

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Principle Beauty Scientist at Procter & Gamble. They talk about the chemistry of skin and hair products, including her role i...

Vagina Obscura w/ Rachel E. Gross from 2022-07-04T07:13:11

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science journalist Rachel E. Gross to talk about her new book, "Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage." They discuss the incredible ana...

GiveDirectly w/ Miriam Laker from 2022-06-27T07:15:56

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Miriam Laker-Oketta, Research Director at GiveDirectly. They talk about her work in tropical medicine, international health, and research method...

Pediatric Palliative Care w/ Natasha Datoo from 2022-06-20T21:25:51

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Natasha Datoo, a pediatric palliative care physician at Canuck Place Children's Hospice. They talk about the power of communication, the importa...

Egyptology w/ Kara Cooney from 2022-06-13T18:48:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA Egyptologist Dr. Kara Cooney to talk about her new book, "The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World." They discuss p...

Vermin w/ Lisa T. Sarasohn from 2022-06-06T07:05:38

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian Dr. Lisa T. Sarasohn to talk about her new book, "Getting Under Our Skin: The Cultural and Social History of Vermin." They discuss how our...

Empowering Young Women w/ Emma Asiedu-Akrofi from 2022-05-30T07:44:45

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Emma Asiedu-Akrofi, the Executive Director of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment. They talk about how society benefits when gir...

Beasts Before Us w/ Elsa Panciroli from 2022-05-23T07:36:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by paleontologist Dr. Elsa Panciroli to talk about her book, "Beasts Before Us: The Untold Story of Mammal Origins and Evolution." They discuss how man...

The Tailored Brain w/ Emily Willingham from 2022-05-16T07:38:37

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by science writer Dr. Emily Willingham to talk about her newest book, "The Tailored Brain: From Ketamine, to Keto, to Companionship, A User'...

Unconscious Bias w/ Jessica Nordell from 2022-05-09T08:22:34

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Jessica Nordell, the award-winning author of "The End of Bias: A Beginning: The Science and Practice of Overcoming Unconscious Bias." They discuss t...

Climate Miseducation w/ Katie Worth from 2022-05-02T07:03:45

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Katie Worth to talk about her new book, "Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America." Kate reveals...

The Social Lives of Animals w/ Ashley Ward from 2022-04-25T08:21:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Sydney Professor of Animal Behavior Dr. Ashley Ward to talk about his new book, "The Social Lives of Animals." From termites to fish t...

Climate Justice w/ Elizabeth Cripps from 2022-04-18T07:19:18

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by moral philosopher Dr. Elizabeth Cripps to talk about her new book, "What Climate Justice Means and Why We Should Care." They discuss the inextricabl...

Magnificent Makers w/ Theanne Griffith from 2022-04-11T07:10:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Theanne Griffith to talk about her STEM-themed chapter book series, "The Magnificent Makers." They discuss the importance of dive...

The Shame Machine w/ Cathy O'Neil from 2022-04-04T07:27:15

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician Dr. Cathy O’Neil to talk about her newest book, “The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation.” They highlight the per...

Back to Earth w/ Nicole Stott from 2022-03-28T07:06:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astronaut Nicole Stott to talk about her new book, "Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet--And Our Mission to Protect It...

Making Cool Stuff w/ Estefannie from 2022-03-21T07:26:10

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by computer scientist, engineer, maker, and content creator Estefannie. They talk about her fun and wacky builds, including a smart litterbox, Jurassic...

The Authority Gap w/ Mary Ann Sieghart from 2022-03-14T07:06:04

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist and broadcaster Mary Ann Sieghart to talk about her new book, “The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men, and ...

Jerks at Work w/ Tessa West from 2022-03-07T08:35:23

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by NYU psychology professor Dr. Tessa West to talk about her new book, "Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them." They talk about the ...

Synthetic Biology w/ Amy Webb from 2022-02-28T08:29:38

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by futurist Amy Webb to talk about her new book, "The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology." They discuss the pro...

Dream Science w/ Sidarta Ribeiro from 2022-02-22T04:13:04

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sidarta Ribeiro, professor of neuroscience and founder of the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal, Brazil....

Heartbreak w/ Florence Williams from 2022-02-14T08:31:11

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Florence Williams to talk about her new book, “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.” They discuss what happens to your brain and body when...

Coronavirus Vaccine w/ Brendan Borrell from 2022-02-07T08:46:50

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Brendan Borrell, author of “The First Shots: The Epic Rivalries and Heroic Science Behind the Race to the Coronavirus Vaccine.” They highlight t...

Healthcare and Covid w/ Anthony Harris from 2022-01-31T08:09:18

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Anthony Harris, owner of HFit Health and board-certified physician in occupational and environmental medicine. They talk about the American heal...

Olfaction (Smell) w/ Jude Stewart from 2022-01-24T08:37:32

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist Jude Stewart to talk about her new book, "Revelations in Air: A Guidebook to Smell." They talk about the biology, physics, chemistry, psy...

Sticky w/ Laurie Winkless from 2022-01-17T08:24:45

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by physicist and science writer Laurie Winkless to talk about her new book, "Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces." They discuss the role of friction...

Biophysics w/ Raghuveer Parthasarathy from 2022-01-10T08:47:53

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Oregon Biophysicist Dr. Raghuveer Parthasarathy to talk about his new book, "So Simple a Beginning: How Four Physical Principles Shape...

Variable Stars w/ Stella Kafka from 2021-12-20T09:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Stella Kafka, the Chief Executive Officer and Director of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). They talk about what vari...

Your Life Depends On It w/ Talya Miron-Shatz from 2021-12-13T08:47:34

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Talya Miron-Shatz, author of “Your Life Depends on It: What You Can Do to Make Better Choices About Your Health.” They discuss the power and pur...

Conservation and Zoonosis w/ Sarah Olson from 2021-12-06T08:01:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Dr. Sarah Olson. They talk about the link between human activity and emerging zoon...

Pizzly Bears w/ Larisa DeSantis from 2021-11-29T18:43:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Larisa DeSantis, paleontologist and associate professor of biological sciences at Vanderbilt University. They talk about the devastating effects...

How to Talk to a Science Denier w/ Lee McIntyre from 2021-11-22T09:14:56

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher Dr. Lee McIntyre to talk about his newest book, “How to Talk to a Science Denier: Conversations with Flat Earthers, Climate Deniers, and...

Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy w/ Arik Kershenbaum from 2021-11-15T08:58:48

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Arik Kershenbaum to talk about his new book "The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy: What Animals on Earth Reveal About Aliens--And Ourselves." The...

Science Vs. w/ Wendy Zukerman from 2021-11-08T08:11:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Wendy Zukerman, the host and executive producer of Gimlet Media's Science Vs, available on Spotify. They talk all things podcasting, science journal...

Genetic Lottery w/ Kathryn Paige Harden from 2021-11-01T07:28:18

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Texas psychologist and behavioral geneticist Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden to talk about her new book, “The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matter...

Hummingbirds w/ Jon Dunn from 2021-10-25T09:23:55

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by natural history writer, photographer, and wildlife tour guide Jon Dunn to talk about his newest book, "The Glitter in the Green: In Search of Hummin...

Psychogenic Illness w/ Suzanne O'Sullivan from 2021-10-18T07:36:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neurologist and author Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan to talk about her new book, “The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness.” They discus...

Mental Immunity w/ Andy Norman from 2021-10-11T16:47:23

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Andy Norman, director of the Humanism Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University and founder of the Cognitive Immunology Research Initiative (CIRC...

Brazilian Pseudoscience w/ Natalia Pasternak from 2021-10-04T07:03:33

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Natalia Pasternak, Brazilian microbiologist, skeptic, and popularizer of science. They talk about her work fighting back against the blatant ant...

Fuzz, Stiff, Gulp, and More! w/ Mary Roach from 2021-09-27T07:19:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara has the opportunity to speak with her favorite living author, Mary Roach. They talk about her newest book, “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,” as well as her ill...

Social and Environmental Justice w/ adrienne maree brown from 2021-09-20T07:05:13

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer-in-residence at the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute, adrienne maree brown. They talk about her two newest books, “Holding Change: The Wa...

Physics, Activism, and Leadership w/ Walter E. Massey from 2021-09-13T06:53:47

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by physicist Dr. Walter E. Massey to talk about his long and distinguished career as the past head of the National Science Foundation, president and ch...

Claiming Space w/ Eliza VanCort from 2021-09-07T00:13:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Eliza VanCort, author of “A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space: Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Heard.” They talk about her harrowing childhood and re...

Quantum Life w/ Hakeem Oluseyi from 2021-08-30T07:25:25

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrophysicist Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi to talk about his new book, "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars." They discuss his w...

Neurochemistry w/ Ginny Smith from 2021-08-16T08:29:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science communicator Ginny Smith to talk about her new book, “Overloaded: How Every Aspect of Your Life is Influenced by Your Brain Chemicals”. They...

Geometry w/ Jordan Ellenberg from 2021-08-09T07:51:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning mathematician Dr. Jordan Ellenberg to talk about his newest book, "Shape: The Hidden Geometry of Information, Biology, Strategy, Democ...

Computational Neuroscience w/ Grace Lindsay from 2021-08-02T07:02:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by computational neuroscientist Dr. Grace Lindsay to talk about the new book, "Models of the Mind: How Physics, Engineering, and Mathematics Have Shape...

Deep Sea Coral w/ Narissa Bax from 2021-07-26T07:01:17

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Narissa Bax, the Marine and Coastal Program Coordinator for the South Atlantic Environmental Research Group in the Falkland Islands. Narissa sha...

Black in STEM w/ Deena Pierott from 2021-07-19T07:48:07

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by awardee of President Barack Obama's White House Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion, Deena Pierott. Deena is the founder of iUrban Teen, a s...

Forced Sterilization w/ Audrey Clare Farley from 2021-07-12T07:15:57

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and historian Dr. Audrey Clare Farley to talk about her new book, "The Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Coo...

How to Be Animal w/ Melanie Challenger from 2021-07-05T08:02:01

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer, researcher, and broadcaster Melanie Challenger to talk about her newest book, "How to Be Animal: A New History of What It Means to Be Human....

Fake Medicine w/ Brad McKay from 2021-06-28T08:38:16

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Australian GP and science communicator Dr. Brad McKay to talk about his new book, “Fake Medicine: Exposing the Wellness Crazes, Cons and Quacks Cost...

Best in Fair w/ Michelle Hua&Yunseo Choi from 2021-06-21T08:08:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by two brilliant teenagers who recently won top honors in science competitions. First, she speaks with Michelle Hua, first-place winner of the Regenero...

Uncertainty and Art in Medicine w/ Alexa Miller from 2021-06-14T07:01:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Alexa Miller, founder of the medical education consultancy Arts Practica. They discuss the use of visual arts education to improve diagnostic outcom...

Racism and Expertise w/ Eman Tadros from 2021-06-07T07:01:25

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Eman Tadros, Assistant Professor in the Division of Psychology and Counseling at Governor’s State University. They talk about the profound effec...

Who Gives a Poop? w/ Heather Montgomery from 2021-05-31T07:57:19

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by environmental educator and children’s book author Heather L. Montgomery to talk about “Who Gives a Poop? Surprising Science from One End to the Othe...

Great Adaptations w/ Kenneth Catania from 2021-05-24T07:06:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Kenneth Catania to talk about his new book, "Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution's M...

Blackwell Doctors w/ Janice Nimura from 2021-05-17T07:47:07

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian Janice Nimura to talk about her new book, "The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Women Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine...

Fire in Paradise w/ Dani Anguiano from 2021-05-10T18:17:47

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by The Guardian’s Dani Anguiano to talk about her new book, “Fire in Paradise: An American Tragedy.” Dani tells the harrowing details of the November 8...

Beloved Beasts w/ Michelle Nijhuis from 2021-05-03T15:50:06

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Michelle Nijhuis, author of "Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction." They discuss the nuanced efforts of individuals and organiz...

Four Lost Cities w/ Annalee Newitz from 2021-04-26T17:24:59

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Annalee Newitz to talk about their newest book, "Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age." They discuss the fascinating h...

Fundamentals w/ Frank Wilczek from 2021-04-19T16:59:52

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics, Dr. Frank Wilczek, to talk about his newest book, "Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality." They discuss t...

Cyber Privacy w/ April Falcon Doss from 2021-04-12T07:00:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Technology, Law, and Policy, April Falcon Doss. They talk about her new book, "Cyber Privacy:...

Is This Wifi Organic? w/ Dave Farina from 2021-04-05T07:25:14

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dave Farina (Professor Dave Explains) to talk about his new book, "Is this Wifi Organic? A Guide to Spotting Misleading Science Online." They talk a...

Cholera, Anthrax,&Sexism Too w/ Rita Colwell from 2021-03-29T07:12:01

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by infectious disease scientist Dr. Rita Colwell, who served as the first female director of the National Science Foundation and continues to engage in...

Trans and Dinos w/ Riley Black from 2021-03-22T07:01:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Riley Black ("Written in Stone," "My Beloved Brontosaurus," "Skeleton Keys"), who shares her experience as a transgender woman in pal...

Democratizing Our Data w/ Julia Lane from 2021-03-15T19:25:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by economist, NYU Professor of Public Service, and cofounder of the Coleridge Initiative Dr. Julia Lane to talk about her newest book, "Democratizing O...

Science and Cooking w/ Pia Sörensen from 2021-03-08T08:06:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Pia Sörensen, Senior Preceptor in Chemical Engineering and Applied Materials at Harvard University. They talk about her new book, "Science and C...

Feminist Philosophy w/ Carol Hay from 2021-03-01T09:30:47

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Carol Hay, philosopher and author of "Think Like a Feminist: the Philosophy Behind the Revolution." They discuss the core philosophy of feminism...

Our Material World w/ Ainissa Ramirez from 2021-02-22T08:12:06

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by materials scientist, author, and science communicator Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. They talk about her new book (and winner of the 2021 AAAS/Subaru Prize fo...

Childhood Vaccines w/ Perri Klass from 2021-02-15T19:04

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by NYU professor of journalism and pediatrics Dr. Perri Klass to talk about her new book, "A Good Time to Be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave C...

Drug Use for Grown-Ups w/ Carl L. Hart from 2021-02-08T08:23:25

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the chair of Columbia University's psychology department, Dr. Carl L. Hart. They talk about his newest book, "Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Libert...

Morbid Anatomy w/ Joanna Ebenstein from 2021-02-01T20:00:25

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder and creative director of Morbid Anatomy, Joanna Ebenstein. They talk about her newest book, "Anatomica: The Exquisite and Unsettling Art...

Episode 139 - Jay Wenger from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 ...

Episode 138 - Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, & Jim Gates from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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. Bri...

Episode 137 - Dava Sobel from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 pionee...

Episode 136 - Brian Malow from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 Astr...

Episode 135 - Susan Blackmore from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 tran...

Episode 134 - Jennifer Briney 2 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 (execu...

Episode 133 - Christine Corbett Moran from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 Antarc...

Episode 132 - Lydia Pyne from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 paleoanth...

Episode 131 - Simon Singh from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

While visiting Manchester for the QED Conference, Cara sits down with journalist, author, and television producer Dr. Simon Singh about his rich and fascinating career in science media and skeptici...

Episode 130 - Jason Porath from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by the author (and illustrator) of "Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics," Jason Porath. They discuss what led him to complete this wonder...

Episode 129 - Maria Konnikova from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara is joined by Maria Konnikova, the author of "The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It...Every Time." They discuss the art of the con artist (including whether Donald Trump fits the b...

Episode 128 - Karen Garst from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara speaks to Karen Garst, the author of "Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion." They talk about some of the difficult experiences of the women featured in the book, as well as t...

Episode 127 - Kishore Hari from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara has a chance to #TalkNerdy with the director of the Bay Area Science Festival, Kishore Hari. They dive deep into the dos and don'ts of science communication, with a special focus on...

Episode 126 - Maia Szalavitz from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Maia Szalavitz, author of Unbroken Brain, to talk about the way we treat addiction in this country, and why it is so very wrong. They focus on evidence-based approaches that work ...

Episode 125 - Arthur Benjamin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in studio by the "Mathemagician" himself, Dr. Arthur Benjamin! He demonstrates some of the amazing feats of mental math found in his newest book, "The Magic of Math: Solving for x an...

Episode 124 - Amber Straughn from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by NASA Astrophysicist Dr. Amber Straughn, the Deputy Project Scientist for James Webb Space Telescope Science Communications. They dive into Amber's interests in deep sky objects li...

Episode 123 - Beth Pratt-Bergstrom from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

California Director of the National Wildlife Federation, Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, tells Cara the story of P-22, Hollywood's famous mountain lion. They also talk about ways we can all aid in conservati...

Episode 122 - Michael Habib from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Michael Habib (USC, NHMLA) joins Cara to talk about the flight biomechanics of pterosaurs, the relationship between human gross anatomy and paleontology, and why some people enjoy keeping repti...

Episode 121 - Luke Dittrich from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by author Luke Dittrich to discuss his new book "Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets." They dive deeply into the story of famed neurological patient Henry Mo...

Episode 120 - Charlotte Salmon from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In a very special episode of #TalkNerdy, Cara's mom has come to town! They sit down to discuss what it was like to grow up during the Civil Rights movement, protesting the Vietnam War, and her life...

Episode 119 - Landon Ross from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with artist Landon Ross to talk about his new gallery show, ARTIfACT. They discuss aesthetics, politics, atheism, and the power of metaphor both in art and science. Follow Landon: @L...

Episode 118 - Bob Novella from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara finally chats with Bob Novella of the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe! They talk physics, health, and of course, skepticism as she rounds out her final interview with each of the skeptical rog...

Episode 117 - Michelle Thaller from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara and Dr. Michelle Thaller (Deputy Director of Science for Communication, NASA) #TalkNerdy about the Juno spacecraft's recent entry into Jupiter's orbit and why it's so damn important...

Episode 116 - Teagan Wall 2 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Science Communicator & Nerd Brigade cofounder Teagan Wall joins Cara to discuss the economics of decision making, including the different ways to calculate the value of a human life. (Mostly, thoug...

Episode 115 - Janna Levin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Astrophysicist and author of "Black Hole Blues" Janna Levin joins Cara to talk about why theoretical physics is so fascinating, how Einstein really got it right, and what the incredible detections ...

Episode 114 - Heather Berlin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Neuroscientist, professor, and television host Dr. Heather Berlin (Science Goes to the Movies) joins Cara on a recent visit to LA where they discuss the origins of consciousness, scientific studies...

Episode 113 - Phil Torres from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Author and philosopher Phil Torres (The End) joins Cara to talk about how eschatologies (end-of-the-world theologies), may be paving the way for a secular apocalypse, and how we can mitigate existe...

Episode 112 - Chris Johnson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Live from the Reason Rally, Cara sits down with Chris Johnson (A Better Life) to talk about his photography book and film, what it means to be an atheist, and why it's imperative we talk about not ...

Episode 111 - Dave Rubin 2 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara talks nerdy with Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report) about their upcoming appearances at the Reason Rally 2016 and first amendment protections.

Episode 110 - Summer Ash from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats remotely with the Director of Outreach for Columbia University's Astronomy Department, Summer Ash. They talk about stargazing in New York City, Summer's heart surgery, and how biofeedbac...

Episode 109 - Ben Hauck from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Ben Hauck, creator of FightClimateDenial.com, joins Cara to discuss common arguments denialists use against anthropogenic climate change, and how we can be better armed to fight them. Also discusse...

Episode 108 - Vanessa Hill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

YouTuber Vanessa Hill (BrainCraft) joins Cara to talk about her journey from Australia to America and the brilliant work she does in science communication. Also discussed: the perils of being a wom...

Episode 107 - Neil Shubin 2 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her conversation with paleontologist, geneticist, anatomist, and popular science author Dr. Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within). ...

Episode 106 - Lila Higgins from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Lila Higgins, the Manager of Citizen Science for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Together, they geek out about bugs (ahem, hemiptera), urban wildlife, and how we...

Episode 105 - Neil Shubin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara joins paleontologist, anatomist, evolutionary biologist, and popular science writer Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within) to talk about his discovery of Tiktaalik roseae, a key sp...

Episode 104 - Nick Uhas from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by her FabLab cohost NIck Uhas, who also happens to host a fabulous YouTube series called Nickipedia. They talk extensively about Nick's past as a professional rollerblader, as well ...

Episode 103 - David Silverman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined once again by the President of American Atheists, David Silverman. They talk about David's new book, "Fighting God," including his firebrand approach to atheist activism. Follow Davi...

Episode 102 - Sanden Totten from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by KPCC Science Reporter Sanden Totten to talk about science storytelling through an auditory medium. They also talk about the difference between journalism and reality TV, their per...

Episode 101 - Katie McKissick from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 cra...

Episode 100 - Cara Santa Maria from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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,...

Episode 99 - Chris Cantwell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 98 - Sarah Gossan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 f...

Episode 97 - Stella Krone from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 coll...

Episode 96 - Yvette D'Entremont from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 w...

Episode 95 - Michael Matthews from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 guil...

Episode 94 - Kevin Roose from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 93 - Noemie Sportiche from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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, an...

Episode 92 - Evan Bernstein from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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. Follow Evan: @EvanSGU.

Episode 91 - Jason Goldman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with science writer Dr. Jason Goldman about urban wildlife in Southern California, including the pumas/mountain lions/panthers/cougars of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Catalina Isla...

Episode 90 - Zack Kopplin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by science education activist and reporter Zack Kopplin, to talk about his work to repeal Louisiana's "creationism law," as well as why we continue to fight to uphold the 1st Amendme...

Episode 89 - Mika McKinnon from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by the "Master of Disaster" herself, geophysicist and science writer Mika McKinnon. They discuss her work as the science consultant on Stargate, how life was a driving force behind a...

Episode 88 - Raquel Nuno from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by graduate student Raquel Nuno, from UCLA's Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences. They talk science communication, water in our solar system, and how a non-traditional...

Episode 86 - Varshana Gurusamy from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Doctors are people too, y'all! This week, Cara peers behind the proverbial surgical mask to demystify medical school and beyond with the help of Dr. Varshana Gurusamy. Follow Varshana: @DrVarshana.

Episode 85 - Ryan Bell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by ex-Seventh Day Adventist pastor Ryan Bell to talk about his "Year Without God" and how he's now spending his "Life After God." Also discussed: how secular individuals can be commu...

Episode 84 - Phil Ferguson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Financial planner Phil Ferguson (Polaris Financial Planning) joins Cara to talk about what you can do to protect yourself and invest your money in a wise, evidence-based way. (Hint: start with a fi...

Episode 83 - Chad Hanson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Chad Hanson, ecologist with the John Muir Project, informs Cara about current legislative efforts to deregulate logging in America's forests. Myths are also busted regarding forest fires (hint:...

Episode 82 - Leslie Rogers from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Astrophysicist Dr. Leslie Rogers joins Cara to talk about exoplanets, specifically those that are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. They offer an exciting opportunity to learn about plane...

Episode 81 - Brooke Borel from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 ...

Episode 80 - Steven Paul Leiva from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 t...

Episode 79 - Casey Handmer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 Mar...

Episode 78 - Megan Rosenbloom from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 c...

Episode 77 - Faisal Saeed Al-Mutar from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 secu...

Episode 76 - Jessica Taaffe from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 75 - Gad Saad from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 hu...

Episode 74 - Marga Gual Soler from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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. Follo...

Episode 73 - Asher Price from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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!...

Episode 72 - Steven Novella from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 impor...

Episode 71 - Desi Doyen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Desi Doyen of the Green News Report talks with Cara about the culture of climate denialism in America, including who's really pulling the strings and how we can be empowered to effect change. Follo...

Episode 70 - Chiara Mingarelli from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Chiara Mingarelli, Marie Curie Fellow in Theoretical Astrophysics at Caltech, gives Cara a primer on gravitational waves. She talks about using pulsar timing arrays to detect and analyze gravit...

Episode 69 - Seth Andrews from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Seth Andrews (The Thinking Atheist) tells Cara stories about his past as a fundamentalist Christian. Also discussed: how to be an example to atheists and religious people alike, and atheist activis...

Episode 324 - Thomas Kostigen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “Hacking Planet Earth: How Geoengineering Can Help Us Reimagine the Future,” Thomas Kostigen. They discuss the hype and the promise of...

Episode 68 - Jenny Churchill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Producer Jenny Churchill offers Cara a behind-the-scenes look at producing the news, including how we learn by making huge mistakes, what qualifies as news vs. opinion in our new media echo-chamber...

Episode 323 - R. Douglas Fields from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neurologist Dr. R. Douglas Fields to talk about his new book, "Electric Brain: How the New Science of Brainwaves Reads Minds, Tells Us How We Learn,...

Episode 67 - Michael Lee from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with USC graduate student Michael Lee to talk about all things astrobiology. What is it? What can it tell us about alien life? And how does studying our own ocean floor help us under...

Episode 322 - Maria Konnikova from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and psychologist Dr. Maria Konnikova to talk about her newest book, "The Biggest Bluff: How I learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself...

Episode 66 - Jennifer Briney from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara is joined in studio by one of #TalkNerdy's most requested guests, Jennifer Briney of the Congressional Dish Podcast. They discuss the dominant role corporate interests play in the A...

Episode 321 - Adam Rutherford from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, broadcaster, and scientist Dr. Adam Rutherford to talk about his newest book, "How to Argue With a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say...

Episode 65 - Kevin Folta (Part 2) from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with Dr. Kevin Folta (Professor and Chair of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida) to continue their conversation about genetically modified organisms. Especially poignant: ...

Episode 320 - Helen Pilcher from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with comedian and author Dr. Helen Pilcher about her newest book, "Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth." They talk about everything from d...

Episode 64 - Jaclyn Glenn from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with YouTuber Jaclyn Glenn about her departure from the Catholic Church and subsequent rise as an atheist advocate. Also discussed: hate comments on YouTube and how life would be differe...

Episode 319 - Carolyn White from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Carolyn White, professor of anthropology and director of the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. They talk about her...

Episode 63 - Shini Somara from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Shini Somara (TechKnow) sits down with Cara to talk about why computational fluid dynamics is so important. Also included: lots of airplane talk and Shini’s journey across the pond to communica...

Episode 318 - Emily Anthes from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Emily Anthes about her newest book, "The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape our Behavior, Health, and Ha...

Episode 62 - Dannielle Owens-Reid from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara and Dannielle Owens-Reid (Everyone Is Gay and The Parents Project) talk about issues facing LGBTQ youth, including the special struggles of bisexual and pansexual individuals. They also open u...

Episode 317 - Jack Hartnell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by art historian Dr. Jack Hartnell to talk about his new book, "Medieval Bodies: Life and Death in the Middle Ages." They discuss the fascinating histo...

Episode 61 - Rachael Porter from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara and photographer Rachael Porter nerd out about the history of photography, the weird and wonderful Burning Man community, and the role of art in demystifying the true lives of scientists and e...

Episode 316 - Jennifer Hirsch & Shamus Khan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Jennifer Hirsch (Professor of Sociomedical Sciences) and Shamus Khan (Chair of the Sociology Department) of Columbia University to talk about t...

Episode 60 - Aaron Pomerantz from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara talks nerdy with entomologist Aaron Pomerantz about his work at thenextgenscientist.com, exploring the Amazonian rainforest, and how researching bugs can have far-reaching implications--includ...

Episode 315 - Keith Cooper from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor Keith Cooper to talk about his new book, "The Contact Paradox: Challenging Our Assumptions in the Search for Extraterr...

Episode 59 - Taryn O'Neill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with actress, writer, and producer Taryn O'Neill (Granite Flats, After Judgment) to talk about her love of scifi and her STEM advocacy group SCIRENS. Also discussed: why we need more...

Episode 314 - Gaia Vince from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Gaia Vince to talk about her newest book, "Transcendence: How Humans Evolved Through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time....

Episode 58 - Natalie Panek from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Rocket scientist, explorer, and champion for women in engineering Natalie Panek connects with Cara across international borders to talk about how we can attract more women to STEM (science, technol...

Episode 313 - Valerie Trouet from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Arizona dendrochronologist Dr. Valerie Trouet to talk about her new book, "Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings." The...

Episode 57 - Chris Mooney from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara speaks with Chris Mooney, Energy And Environment Reporter for the Washington Post, about all things climate change. Topics discussed include: how personality and psychology play into the decis...

Episode 312 - Joel Sartore from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by world-renowned National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore. They talk about his impactful Photo Ark project, including his newest book on the ser...

Episode 56 - Hank Green from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara talks nerdy with master of teh interwebs Hank Green (SciShow, Crash Course, vlogbrothers, etc, etc, etc). He talks about his love affair with science, how crowd funding is changing the way we ...

Episode 311 - Anne Harrington from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University science historian Dr. Anne Harrington to talk about her newest book, "Mind Fixers: Psychiatry's Troubled Search for the Biology o...

Episode 55 - David Smalley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara meets up with David Smalley (Dogma Debate Radio) to talk about how he lost his religion, southern hospitality, and the best approaches to sharing atheism with others. Follow David: @davidcsmal...

Episode 310 - Eva Holland from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Eva Holland, the author of "Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear." They talk about her experience navigating the waters of cognitive-behavioral ...

Episode 54 - Shaun Maguire from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara gets a lesson in quantum information theory from Caltech graduate student and entrepreneur Shaun Maguire. Shaun schools her in the real definition of quantum, along with how new developments i...

Episode 309 - Conor Knighton from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of "Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park." They ...

Episode 53 - Matthew Facciani from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara speaks with Matthew Facciani, a PhD candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina. Topics include: his work as a gender-equality activist, concerns about the simplici...

Episode 308 - Mario Livio from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author of the new book "Galileo and the Science Deniers." They talk about the pernicious anti-science sentiment ...

Episode 52 - Tamara Krinsky from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by actress/journalist Tamara Krinsky to talk about the good and bad of labor unions, the #AskHerMore campaign, and how she's working with the "Scirens" to improve science literacy fr...

Episode 307 - Susan Vinocour from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Vinocour, the author of "Nobody's Child: a Tragedy, a Trial, and the History of the Insanity Defense." They talk about her history as both...

Episode 51 - Joe Palca from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is thrilled to chat with NPR science correspondent Dr. Joe Palca. They talk about advocacy vs. journalism, science literacy, and how new media can be a game-changer. He also details his journe...

Episode 306 - David Shariatmadari from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by David Shariatmadari, editor at the Guardian and author of "Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth About Language." They talk about the science o...

Episode 50 - Indre Viskontas from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Dr. Indre Viskontas (Inquiring Minds) about getting to know ourselves with the help of behavioral science, the interplay between science and music, and what it means to have a fixed...

Episode 305 - Merlin Tuttle from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by ecologist and author of "The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals," Dr. Merlin Tuttle. They talk about hi...

Episode 49 - Gia Mora from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Gia Mora (Einstein’s Girl) to talk about physics and love are intertwined, social mobility in America, and the benefits and perils of modern technology. Follow Gia: @miz_mora.

Episode 304 - Phillip Goff from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher and author of "Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness," Dr. Philip Goff. They talk about the role of consciousn...

Episode 48 - Alie Ward from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Finally! Cara sits down with the remaining member of the #NerdBrigade, Alie Ward (Unique Sweets, Innovation Nation). She learns of Alie's passion for biological illustration and entomology, includi...

Episode 303 - Ayana Young from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder, executive director, and host of For the Wild, Ayana Young. They talk about her mission to effect ecological change through conservation...

Episode 47 - Donald Johanson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is honored to sit down with paleoanthropologist Dr. Donald Johanson to talk about his discovery of "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis), America's climate of anti-intellectualism, and atheism i...

Episode 302 - Kevin Hand from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hand, planetary scientist and astrobiologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, director of the Ocean Worlds Lab, and pre-project scient...

Episode 46 - Jay Novella from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

After appearing on his podcast, Cara turns the tables on Jay Novella, co-host and producer of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe. They discuss the anti-intellectual movement that's taken hold in A...

Episode 301 - Lydia Denworth from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Lydia Denworth to talk about her new book, "Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond." ...

Episode 45 - Phil Plait from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The Bad Astronomer himself, Dr. Phil Plait, joins Cara to chat about chaos in weather, the recent QVC "is the moon a planet or a star?" debacle, and the politicization of anti-science views. Follow...

Episode 300 - Ann Druyan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this very special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara celebrates her 300th episode with award-winning science communicator Ann Druyan. They talk about her life and work with her late husband Carl Sagan ...

Episode 44 - Kosta Grammatis from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of A Human Right, Kosta Grammatis. They talk about his non-traditional path from developing a bionic eye, to working at SpaceX and MIT, to cr...

Episode 299 - Ramesh Srinivasan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor in the UCLA Department of Information Studies and Director of the UC Digital Cultures Lab. They talk about his newe...

Episode 43 - PZ Myers from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara catches up with biology professor Dr. PZ Myers at the Skepticon Conference in Springfield, MO. He shares how he balances research, teaching and public outreach. They also talk about the import...

Episode 298 - Lawrence Millman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lawrence Millman, world-renowned mycologist and author of "Fungipedia: A Brief Compendium of Mushroom Lore." They talk about his fascinating jou...

Episode 42 - Jeffrey Toney from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with the Vice President and Provost of Kean University, Dr. Jeffrey Toney, about science and human rights, including the great work being done by Linkin Park and Music for Relief. Follow...

Episode 297 - Donna Jackson Nakazawa from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Donna Jackson Nakazawa, award-winning author of the new book, "The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine."...

Episode 41 - Mark Jackson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Theoretical physicist and founder of Fiat Physica Dr. Mark G. Jackson gives Cara a lesson in Newtonian physics, general relativity, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and eventually, string the...

Episode 296 - Tony Gingiss from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Tony Gingiss, the CEO of OneWeb Satellites, just before OneWeb's second rocket launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. They talk ...

Episode 40 - Hemant Mehta from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Hemant Mehta (FriendlyAtheist.com; the Atheist Voice). They talk about how he sold his soul on Ebay (sort of), why common core isn’t all bad (at least in math), and what inspirati...

Episode 295 - Kayla Drescher from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by magician and podcaster Kayla Drescher. They discuss the barriers women face in the world of magic, including how Kayla and her co-host Carisa are ma...

Episode 39 - Brian Redban from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by comedian, creator of the Deathsquad Podcast Network, and occasional co-host of the Joe Rogan Experience, Brian Redban. They talk about lactose intolerance, education among millenn...

Episode 294 - Paul Kwaitkowski & Maria Aliberti-Lubertazzi from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Paul Kwaitkowski and Dr. Maria Aliberti-Lubertazzi. Paul is Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability Manager, and Maria is a...

Episode 38 - Jacob Soboroff from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara talks nerdy with her old co-host and pal, Jacob Soboroff. They reminisce about their time together on air, weigh the pros and cons of privacy vs. convenience, and Jacob makes a case for why vo...

Episode 293 - Susanna Harris from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this week's episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Susanna Harris, a PhD candidate in microbiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the founder and CEO of PhD Balance, a ...

Episode 37 - Teagan Wall from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Teagan Wall of the "Nerd Brigade" schools Cara on the real definition of economics as well as the ups and downs she faced on the road to graduate school and beyond. Follow Teagan: @TeagWall.

Episode 292 - Ben Orlin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ben Orlin, teacher and author of the "Math with Bad Drawings" blog. They talk about the importance of mathematical literacy in modern society as wel...

Episode 36 - Jill Morley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Boxer and filmmaker Jill Morley “Fight Like a Girl” talks to Cara about the culture of female fighters and how her own struggles inspire her to get into the ring. Follow Jill: @JillMorley.

Episode 291 - Hilary Scheppers & Daniel Couceiro from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Hilary Scheppers and Daniel Couceiro, both of whom previously worked at Rainforest Expeditions in the Tambopata National Reserve of the Peruvian Ama...

Episode 35 - Holly Bender from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Optical engineer Holly Bender speaks with Cara about making and using cool imaging spectrometers (for science!) at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, why it’s important for women to have strong role...

Episode 290: Thomas Seeley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this week's episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Thomas Seeley, professor of biology at Cornell University and international expert on bees. They talk about his new book, "The Lives of B...

Episode 34 - Adam Scorgie from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Adam Scorgie, producer of "The Culture High," about marijuana prohibition, how the failed drug war is shaping the US justice system, and the detrimental effects it has on the growin...

Episode 289 - Neil deGrasse Tyson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with American Museum of Natural History astrophysicist and science popularizer Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson about his new book, “Letters from an Astrophysicist...

Episode 33 - Paul Debevec from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Dr. Paul Debevec, Chief Visual Officer at the University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies. (His cutting-edge science made Avatar, Gravity, District 9, ...

Episode 288 - Lucinda Jackson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lucinda Jackson, author of "Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious." They discuss her personal experiences navigating the pernicious insti...

Episode 32 - Kim Horcher from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Kim Horcher, host of “Nerd Alert” on The Young Turks Network, about the difference between nerds and geeks, how the internet is evolving, and why she hates being called a “girl game...

Episode 287: Darcy Lockman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by clinical psychologist, journalist, and author of the new book, "All the Rage: Mothers, Fathers, and the Myth of Equal Partnership," Dr. Darcy Lockma...

Episode 31 - Lawrence Krauss from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with theoretical physicist Dr. Lawrence Krauss ("A Universe from Nothing") at Apostacon in Omaha, Nebraska to discuss his cover story in Scientific American magazine. Topics include ...

Episode 286 - Robert Crease from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Robert P. Crease, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Stony Brook University. They dive into the important topics covered in his newest book, ...

Episode 30 - David Silverman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

President of American Atheists, David Silverman, joins Cara at the Apostacon Convention in Omaha, Nebraska to talk about why atheist activism matters, what your voice can do for the movement, and s...

Episode 285 - Nick Haddad from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Nick Haddad, Senior Terrestrial Ecologist in the Department of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University and Kellogg Biological Station. ...

Episode 29 - Kevin Folta from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara digs deep into GMOs (genetically modified organisms) with Dr. Kevin Folta, a preeminent researcher and science communicator. They discuss the technique's risks and benefits, its top three uses...

Episode 284 - Marilyn Black from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by vice president and senior technical advisor of Underwriter Laboratories Inc. and founder of Air Quality Science Inc. as well as The GREENGUARD Envir...

Episode 28 - Katherine Freese from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Did you know that 95% of the known universe is made up of stuff that we can neither see nor measure directly? Cara sits down with theoretical physicist Dr. Katherine Freese to talk about her new bo...

Episode 283 - Lydia Pyne from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and historian Dr. Lydia Pyne to talk about her new book, “Genuine Fakes: How Phony Things Teach Us About Real Stuff.” Lydia describes the fuz...

Episode 27 - Sandra Daugherty from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Sex educator and podcaster Sandra Daugherty (Sex Nerd Sandra) joins Cara to discuss sexual health, struggles with motivation, and self-expression among millennials. Follow Sandra: @SexNerdSandra.

Episode 282 - Miriam Barlow from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by molecular cell biologist at the University of California Merced, Dr. Miriam Barlow. They talk about her research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria, i...

Episode 26 - Kyle Hill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Science Editor at Nerdist Industries Kyle Hill sits down with Cara to talk about being a geek-of-all-trades, how the media overhypes biomedical stories, and what it means to be a scientific thinker...

Episode 281 - Sora Kim from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sora Kim, Life and Environmental Sciences professor at UC Merced. They talk about the importance of diversity, mentorship, and collaboration in ...

Episode 25 - Paul Gilmartin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In light of the tragic news of Robin Williams's death, comedian Paul Gilmartin joins Cara to talk candidly about depression, suicide, and the important work he's doing to reduce stigma on his podca...

Episode 280 - Joanna Andrecka from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Joanna Andrecka, product marketing manager at Refeyn. They discuss an exciting new technology called mass photometry. This process uses light to...

Episode 24 - John Iadarola from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Producer and web host John Iadarola (TYT University) chats with Cara about The Young Turks news network, driving an electric vehicle, and how he deals with trolls on the internet. Follow John: @jia...

Episode 279 - Sarah E. Hill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary psychologist Dr. Sarah E. Hill to talk about her new book, "This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormo...

Episode 23 - Sara Benincasa from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Comedian and author Sara Benincasa ("Agorafabulous", "Great") opens up to Cara about her struggles with mental illness, including debilitating agoraphobia, and the importance of comedy in our lives...

Episode 278 - Daniel Lieberman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University. They talk about new book, “The Molecule of...

Episode 22 - Phil Torres from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Entomologist Phil Torres ("TechKnow") tells Cara about life in the Amazonian rainforest and a hilariously dangerous mishap with spitting cobra venom. Bonus! He performs a song about frogs that's su...

Episode 277 - Sean Carroll from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara once again sits down with Caltech physicist Dr. Sean Carroll, this time to talk about his new book, “Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of...

Episode 21 - Alex Lockwood from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Alex Lockwood joins Cara to discuss the novel approach she developed to study exoplanets, her role in the PhD Movie, and her soon-to-be new life in an Islamic country. Follow Alex: @AskAstroAlex.

Episode 276 - Laura Purcell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by novelist Laura Purcell to talk about her book, “The Poison Thread.” They discuss the science and psychology of Victorian England as well as the expe...

Episode 20 - Christina Ochoa from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara talks to actress and science communicator Christina Ochoa about her new "No Brainer Podcast," the benefits and missteps of living abroad, and how you can form your very own "Nerd Brigade." Fol...

Episode 275 - Craig Childs from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author Craig Childs to talk about his new book, “Atlas of a Lost World: Travels in Ice Age America.” They discuss his intersecting interests of jour...

Episode 19 - Crystal Dilworth from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Scientist, television host, and dancer Dr. Crystal Dilworth chats with Cara about the tribulations and triumphs of graduate school and the crossroads many post-grads face. Follow Crystal: @PolyCrys...

Episode 274 - Sabrina Stierwalt from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with extragalactic astrophysicist and host of the Everyday Einstein podcast, Dr. Sabrina Stierwalt about the nature of the cosmos. They discuss galaxy for...

Episode 18 - Joe Hanson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Joe Hanson ("It's Okay to Be Smart") joins Cara to talk about growing up in Texas, minorities in the sciences, and how important storytelling is to the human species. Follow Joe: @jtotheizzoe.

Episode 273 - Kit Chapman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist Kit Chapman to talk about his new book, "Superheavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table." They discuss all things chemistry, ...

Episode 17 - Dave Rubin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Comedian Dave Rubin ("The Rubin Report") chats with Cara about gay stereotypes, comedy before YouTube, and his love of the Golden Girls. Follow Dave: @RubinReport.

Episode 272 - Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with conservation biologist and author Dr. Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson about her new book, "Buzz, Sting, Bite: Why We Need Insects." They talk about the ecolog...

Episode 16 - Max Lugavere from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Media personality Max Lugavere ("Acting Disruptive") is optimistic yet skeptical about futurism and nutrition. Follow Max: @maxlugavere.

Episode 271 - John Urschel from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician and former NFL player, John Urschel. They talk about his passion for mathematics, including his current work as a doctoral candidate a...

Episode 15 - Michael Shermer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Michael Shermer ("Skeptic Magazine") answers the questions you submitted via Facebook and Twitter. He and Cara discuss skepticism (of course!), pseudoscience, and how he transitioned from born-...

Episode 14 - Meg Rosenburg from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara talks to science historian Dr. Meg Rosenburg ("True Anomalies") about the history of science, how the moon got its craters, and the struggles women face getting a PhD in STEM (science, technol...

Episode 269 - Michael Ruse from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher and historian of science, Dr. Michael Ruse, to discuss his new book, "A Meaning to Life." They talk about the interplay between existent...

Episode 13 - Derek Muller from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Derek Muller of Veritasium talks with Cara about YouTube celebrity status, being a global citizen, and what the future holds for net neutrality. Follow Derek: @veritasium.

Episode 268 - Annaka Harris from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Annaka Harris, science editor, consultant, and author of the new book, “Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind.” They talk ...

Episode 12 - Joanne Manaster from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with science educator Joanne Manaster in Ottawa, Canada to talk about her favorite science authors, Google+, and science education around the world. Follow Joanne: @sciencegoddess.

Episode 267 - Kevin Holden from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the Head of Science at Synthego, Dr. Kevin Holden. They talk about new advances in genetic engineering technology, such as the CRISPR-CasX system. A...

Episode 11 - Carin Bondar from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Science communicator Dr. Carin Bondar (Wild Sex, Stephen Hawking's Brave New World) joins Cara to talk about sex in the animal kingdom, human interpersonal relationships, and living in harmony with...

Episode 266 - Alexis Pedrick from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Alexis Pedrick, the manager of public programs at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They talk about all things rare earth...

Episode 10 - Josh Zepps from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Josh Zepps (HuffPost Live, Point of Inquiry) joins Cara in New York City to discuss skepticism, social mobility, and religion in American society. Follow Josh: @joshzepps.

Episode 265 - Lucy Jones from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Lucy Jones, founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society and author of the new book, “The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have...

Episode 9 - Brett Erlich from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara nerds it up with comedian Brett Erlich (Pop Trigger) in a brand new episode of "Talk Nerdy." They discuss their favorite 80s movies, Trivial Pursuit, interviewing actors on television, and Seg...

Episode 264 - Rob Ulrich from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA biogeochemistry PhD student Rob Ulrich. They talk about his work as the founding president of Queers in STEM, including the institutional barri...

Episode 263 - Ana Humphrey from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ana Humphrey, winner of the 2019 Regeneron Science Talent Search. They talk about her $250,000 winning research calculating potential exoplanets usi...

Episode 7 - Brian Switek from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Calling your inner five-year-old! Science writer Brian Switek ("My Beloved Brontosaurus") joins Cara to talk about one of her favorite topics--dinosaurs! Topics covered include evolution debates in...

Episode 262 - Sahana Srinivasan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with fellow Texan Sahana Srinivasan, host of Netflix’s “Brain Child.” They talk about what is was like to lead a show while finishing her college degree. ...

Episode 6 - Jennifer Ouellette from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Science writer Jennifer Ouellette ("Me, Myself, and Why") sits down with Cara to talk about her search for the science of self, including taking LSD for the very first time. Follow Jennifer: @JenLu...

Episode 261 - Katie McKissick from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is once again joined in-studio by Katie McKissick, author and illustrator of Beatrice the Biologist. They talk about their mutual love of all things science and ...

Episode 5 - Katie Mack from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara has a late-night chat with cosmologist Dr. Katie Mack about dark matter, black holes, the recent BICEP2 findings, and a bunch of other "holy shit" physics. Mind. Blown. Follow Katie: @AstroKatie

Episode 260 - Erin Clabough from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist and author, Dr. Erin Clabough. They talk about her new book, “Second Nature: How Parents Can Use Neuroscience to Help Kids Dev...

Episode 4 - Sean Carroll from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Are there parallel universes beyond our own? Is time a human construct, or does it exist outside of us? And what the hell is the Higgs Boson, anyway? Dr. Sean Carroll (Caltech theoretical physicist...

Episode 259 - Elaine Weiss from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote,” Elaine Weiss. They talk about the fascinating history of women’s suffrage, includ...

Episode 3 - David Seaman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

What the hell is Bitcoin, anyway? David Seaman (journalist, founder of "Credit Card Outlaw," and host of the "David Seaman Hour Podcast") answers all of Cara's questions about the cryptocurrency. F...

Episode 258 - Byron Pace from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with filmmaker, conservationist, hunter, and cohost of the “Into the Wilderness” podcast Byron Pace while attending a conference in Namibia. They discus...

Episode 2 - Ana Kasparian from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Ana Kasparian about "The Young Turks," internet trolls, and new vs traditional media. Follow Ana: @AnaKasparian.

Episode 257 - Maxi Louis from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, recorded in Windhoek, Namibia, Cara speaks with the Director of the Namibian Association of CBNRM (community-based natural resource management) Support Organisations,...

Episode 1 - Joe Rogan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Joe Rogan sits down with Cara to talk about brain damage in sports, social mobility, and his vision for a utopian future in the very first episode of Talk Nerdy! Follow Joe: @joerogan.

Episode 256 - Barry Sandrew from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard neuroscientist-turned-visual effects pioneer Dr. Barry Sandrew. They talk about his innovative work in digital imaging for motion pictures, ...

Episode 254 - Jeffrey Marlow from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Marlow, a science journalist, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and Geobiologist at Harvard University who studies deep sea microbes...

Episode 253 - Stacey Finley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara has an in-studio chat with Dr. Stacey Finley, head of the Computational Systems Biology Laboratory in the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of E...

Episode 252 - Randi Hutter Epstein from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Randi Hutter Epstein, author of “Aroused: The History of Hormones and How they Control Just About Everything.” They talk about her work as a sci...

Episode 251 - Justin Shaifer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mr. Fascinate himself, Justin Shaifer. They talk about the work he’s doing to bring culturally responsive STEM curriculum to students and educators ...

Episode 250 - Rose Eveleth from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by producer, writer, and designer Rose Eveleth. They discuss the futuristic scenarios explored on Rose’s popular podcast, Flash Forward. They also spe...

Episode 249 - Stacey Espinosa from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Stacey Espinosa, Global Product Development Senior Manager for Mints and New Benefits at Mars Wrigley Confectionary. They talk about her dream job as ...

Episode 248 - Burcin Becerik-Gerber from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in-studio by Dr. Burcin Becerik-Gerber, founding director of the Innovation in Integrated Informatics Lab and the Center for Intelligent Environments, ...

Episode 247 - Kristina Ropella from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kristina (Kris) Ropella, Dean of the College of Engineering and professor of biomedical engineering at Marquette University. They talk about her...

Episode 246 - Gary Paul Nabhan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan, founder of the Center for Regional Food Studies at the University of Arizona. They talk about sustainability, conservation, ind...

Episode 245 - Livia Eberlin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Livia Eberlin, an analytical chemist at the University of Texas. They talk about her recognition as a 2018 Sloan Research Fellow, Moore Inventor...

Episode 244 - Ross MacPhee from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Ross MacPhee, Curator of the Department of Mammalogy in the Division of Vertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. They talk a...

Episode 243 - Sonya Pemberton from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with award-winning documentarian and creative director of Genepool Productions, Sonya Pemberton. They talk about her newest film, Vitamania, as well as oth...

Episode 242 - William Irvine from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Wright State University professor of philosophy Dr. William Irvine about his new book, “You: A Natural History.” They discuss the various identities ...

Episode 241 - Shawn Sheehy from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and artist Shawn Sheehy to talk about his newest book, “Beyond the Sixth Extinction: A Post-Apocalyptic Pop-Up.” They discuss his journey int...

Episode 240 - David Quammen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara connects with science writer David Quammen to talk about his new book, “The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life.” They discuss the complexity of modern e...

Episode 239 - J.R. Becker from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by J.R. Becker, author of the “Annabelle and Aiden” children’s book series. They discuss how his transition into fatherhood inspired him to write book...

Episode 238 - Shah Selbe from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by National Geographic Explorer and conservation technologist, Shah Selbe. They talk about his work as the founder of Conservify, a non-profi...

Episode 237 - Martin Rees from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara joins Astronomer Royal and Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and Cosmology, Lord Martin Rees, in his office at Cambridge University. They talk about his new book, ...

Episode 236 - Anna Rothschild from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Anna Rothschild, the creator and host of the incredible Washington Post Youtube series “Anna’s Science Magic Show Hooray!” They talk about her lifel...

Episode 235 - Cristina Costantiti and Darren Foster from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by documentarians Christina Costantini and Darren Foster. They talk about their wonderful new film, Science Fair, which Cristina describes as...

Episode 234 - Chris Impey from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Chris Impey, astrophysicist and author of “Einstein’s Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes.” They discuss black holes’ rich history of di...

Episode 233 - David George Haskell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, the author of “Songs of Trees: Stories of Nature’s Great Connectors,” They juxtapose the joyous relationship humanity has l...

Episode 232 - Tammy Ben-Yedidia from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, connects with Israeli-based immunologist and Chief Scientific Officer of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Tammy Ben-Yedidia. They discuss her incredible work developing ...

Episode 231 - Hannah Fry from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with mathematician Dr. Hannah Fry about her new book, “Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms.” They talk about her work as a television presen...

Episode 230 - Kate Kenfield from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by speaker, writer, and empathy educator Kate Kenfield. They talk about her ingenious Tea & Empathy cards, which facilitate conversation in a non-confr...

Episode 229 - Vince Beiser from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in-studio by journalist Vince Beiser to talk about his new book, “The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization.” They di...

Episode 228 - Ryan North from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with the creator and author of “Dinosaur Comics,” computer programmer-turned-writer Ryan North. From his incredible new book “How to Invent Everything: A ...

Episode 227 - Alison Becker from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with actress Alison Becker (Parks and Recreation) about the ups and downs of the television industry with a special emphasis on the #MeToo era. They also ...

Episode 226 - Kevin Hainline from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hainline, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics at the Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona. They discuss the nature of black holes ...

Episode 225 - Mara Altman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down in studio with Mara Altman, author of the hilarious and enlightening new book, “Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back).” They talk about t...

Episode 224 - Sara MacSorley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Sara MacSorley, the author of "Super Cool Scientists: A Coloring Book Celebrating Women in Science." They talk about her work in science communicati...

Episode 223 - Adam Rutherford from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Adam Rutherford, author of "A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes." They dive deep into human gene...

Episode 222 - Breanna Cox from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Breanna Cox, the Quality Assurance Manager at MedCure, Inc., a whole-body donation program. They detail what happens when you donate your body for s...

Episode 221 - Ben Goldfarb from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist and author of the new book "Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter." Ben informs Car...

Episode 220 - Siva Kumari from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with the Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB), Dr. Siva Kumari. They discuss her role as the first-ever woman to lead the IB, a 50-yea...

Episode 219 - Adam Frank from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Dr. Adam Frank, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester. They talk about his new book, "Light of the Stars: Alien Worlds and...

Episode 218 - Helen Pates Jamet from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Helen Pates Jamet, a medical entomologist who specializes in malaria prevention, research, and vector control product development. She works as t...

Episode 217 - Eugenia Bone from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Eugenia Bone, author of the new book "Microbia: A Journey into the Unseen World Around You." They discuss Eugenia's journey back to school to learn ab...

Episode 216 - Heather Burdick from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by Heather Burdick, the Director of Marine Operations for the Bay Foundation.  They talk about her work supporting the Marine Team on various...

Episode 215 - Margot Mifflin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Lehman College/City University of New York and CUNY's Newmark Graduate School of Journalism Professor Margot Mifflin. They talk about her research in...

Episode 214 - Bertha Vazquez from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Bertha Vazquez, the Director of the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, a div...

Episode 213 - Michael Lemonick from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Michael Lemonick, the Opinion Editor at Scientific American.  They talk about his book, "The Perpetual Now: A story of amnesia, memory, and love."  ...

Episode 212 - Nick Pyenson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History paleobiologist and Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals Dr. Nick Pyenson about his new book, "Spying on Wh...

Episode 211 - Angela Garbes from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Angela Garbes, author of Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy. Angela tells Cara about her own experiences a...

Episode 210 - Carl Zimmer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by celebrated science writer Carl Zimmer, author of "She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potentials of Heredity." They discuss the...

Episode 209 - George Hrab from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by jack-of-all-trades and skeptic extraordinaire George Hrab. They talk about his work as the drummer of the Philadelphia Funk Authority and the produc...

Episode 208 - Kari Byron from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Kari Byron to talk about her new book, "Crash Test Girl: An Unlikely Experiment in Using the Scientific Method to Answer Life's Toughest Questions."...

Episode 207 - Samantha Yammine from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with science communicator and Ph.D. student Samantha Yammine, better known as Science Sam. They discuss the importance of the public dissemination of scien...

Episode 206 - Robert Kurson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Robert Kurson, the author of "Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon." He describes th...

Episode 205 - Sharon Weinberger from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Sharon Weinberger, the executive editor for news at Foreign Policy. They talk about her new book, "The Imagineers of War: The Untold Story of DARPA,...

Episode 204 - Lauren Ayton from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lauren Ayton, the Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Bionic Eye Technologies. They talk about all things vision, including how the e...

Episode 203 - Lone Frank from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by science journalist Dr. Lone Frank, author of "The Pleasure Shock: The Rise of Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Forgotten Inventor." They dis...

Episode 202 - Mark O'Connell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with author Mark O'Connell about his new book "To Be a Machine: Adventures Among Cyborgs, Utopians, Hackers, and the Futurists Solving the Modest Problem ...

Episode 201 - Melissa Dahl from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with journalist and editor Melissa Dahl about her new book, “Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness.” They talk about what makes us shudder, from the sound ...

Episode 200 - Cara Santa Maria AMA from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

It's the 200th episode of Talk Nerdy! To celebrate, Cara brings back the Ask Me Anything (AMA) format, with a twist! This week, Cara is joined in studio by friend of the show and host of the Ologie...

Episode 199 - Adam Becker from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by astrophysicist Dr. Adam Becker to talk about his new book, "What is Real? The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics." They t...

Episode 198 - Alanna Mitchell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Alanna Mitchell about her new book, “The Spinning Magnet.” They examine magnetismʼs long history of discovery, including the hundr...

Episode 197 - David Huntsberger from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by stand-up comedian David Huntsberger. They talk, among other random things, about the wonderful work he's doing on his science podcast, "Th...

Episode 196 - Laurie Winkless from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara re-records her lost episode with scientist and author Laurie Winkless!  They bemoan the loss of Cara's laptop while discussing Laurie's new book, "Science and th...

Episode 195 - Clifford Johnson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Clifford Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California. They talk about his new book, "The Dialogues: C...

Episode 194 - Amanda Hendrix from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by planetary scientist Dr. Amanda Hendrix to talk about her book, “Beyond Earth: Our Path to a New Home in the Planets” (coauthored by Charles Wohlfort...

Episode 193 - Ian Harris from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by comedian Ian Harris to talk about his new special, "ExtraOrdinary." They also discuss his work throughout the years as a so-called "skeptic comedian...

Episode 192 - Kelly Loudenberg from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg to discuss her new Netflix docuseries, "The Confession Tapes." They talk about the psychology of false or coerced confess...

Episode 191 - James Askew from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by James Askew, a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the University of Southern California’s Jane Goodall Research Center. They discuss his contr...

Episode 190 - Natalie Newell from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara is joined by Natalie Newell, filmmaker and cohost of the Science Enthusiast Podcast. They discuss her new film “Science Moms” and just why skepticism is so important within the pare...

Episode 189 - Nate Blakeslee from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode, Cara is joined by Nate Blakeslee, author of “American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West.” They talk about the trials of O-Six, a Yellowstone wolf who symboli...

Episode 188 - Robert Sapolsky from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by famed neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of the new book "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." They discuss the interplay between neurobiology, envi...

Episode 187 - Anne Fausto-Sterling from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara dives deep into gender biology with Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling, the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemis...

Episode 186 - Scott Bembenek from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with computational chemist Dr. Scott Bembenek, author of "The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It." They dig deep into the process of writing befor...

Episode 185 - Morra Aarons-Mele from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara chats with Morra Aarons-Mele, the author of "Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert's Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You'd Rather Stay Home)." They discuss her work as the founder...

Episode 184 - Aurelie Beatley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with illustrator and animator Aurelie Beatley about the new Smithsonian Earth series they worked on together, “The Secret World of Animal Sleep.” They discuss Aurelie’s background in sci...

Episode 183 - Daniel Price from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with science fiction author Daniel Price about his newest book, "The Song of the Orphans." They talk about the deep process of creating alternative worlds on the written page. They also ...

Episode 182 - Kelly Weinersmith from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything." They talk about her work as a biologist and ecologist, focusing on p...

Episode 181 - Tara Smith from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Professor of Epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health, Dr. Tara Smith. They talk about her work on zoonotic infectious (those that spillover from non-human a...

Episode 180 - Rachel Ignotofsky from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by author and graphic designer Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her two books, “Women in Science” and “Women in Sports.” They discuss the important contributions of the badass women f...

Episode 179 - Tristan Gooley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Tristan Gooley, author of the new book, “How to Read Nature: Awaken Your Senses to the Outdoors You’ve Never Noticed.” They talk about the lost art of natural navigation, including ...

Episode 178 - Caitlin Doughty from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in-studio by mortician and death-acceptance advocate, Caitlin Doughty. They talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death,” as well as h...

Episode 177 - Lee Dugatkin from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with evolutionary biologist, behavioral ecologist, and science historian Dr. Lee Dugatkin about his new book "How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)" (coauthored with Lyudmila Trut). They d...

Episode 176 - Rebeca Atencia from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara connects across the globe with Dr. Rebeca Atencia, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo and the Manager and Head Veterinarian at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabil...

Episode 175 - Kathryn Miles from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with journalist and author Dr. Kathryn Miles about her new book, "Quakeland: On the Road to America's Next Devastating Earthquake." They talk about the natural history of disasters like ...

Episode 174 - Agustin Fuentes from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined by Dr. Agustin Fuentes, author of “The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional.” They discuss the similarities we share with non-human animals, as well as what makes ...

Episode 173 - Mary Ellen Hannibal from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats with Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of "Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction." They talk about the power of citizen science in a world experiencing a stu...

Episode 172 - Carrie Nugent from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara sits down with the author of "Asteroid Hunters," Dr. Carrie Nugent (professional asteroid hunter and Staff Scientist at Caltech/IPAC). They discuss recent and historical asteroid impacts and m...

Episode 171 - Mario Livio from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 ...

Episode 170 - Joshua Rappoport from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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: Dis...

Episode 169 - Ivan Oransky from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 168 - Britt Marie Hermes from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 act...

Episode 167 - Jodi McNeill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 t...

Episode 166 - Adam Piore from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 165 - Olivia Koski And Jana Grcevich from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 ...

Episode 164 - Ron Miscavige from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 163 - Kavin Senapathy from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 “cont...

Episode 162 - Emily Calandrelli from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 telev...

Episode 161 - Ron Garan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 160 - Kiki Sanford from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 d...

Episode 159 - Richard Prum from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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, dr...

Episode 158 - Shaena Montanari from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 s...

Episode 157 - Shannon Stirone from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 wor...

Episode 156 - Ariel Waldman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 o...

Episode 155 - Steven Strogatz from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 154 - Daniel Suarez from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 ...

Episode 153 - Marcus Du Sautoy from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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: Sev...

Episode 152 - Annabelle Gurwitch from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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...

Episode 151 - Jodi Rowley from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara connects across the globe with the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, Dr. Jodi Rowley (she discovered "Helen's Flying Frog" among others...

Episode 150 - Kelvin Bates from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in studio by Caltech PhD candidate Kelvin Bates. They talk about his work in atmospheric chemistry, including how isoprene contributes to smog. They also talk about the importance of...

Episode 149 - Christie Wilcox from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara chats remotely with Dr. Christie Wilcox, a conservation biologist and science writer. They focus on the topic of her new book, "Venomous," including the difference between venom and poison, th...

Episode 148 - Jason Goldman 3 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined for the third time by her dear friend and colleague Dr. Jason Goldman. They talk about the relationship between ecology and cognitive science, including the massive influence human b...

Episode 147 - Ramesh Srinivasan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in studio by UCLA Professor of Information Studies and Design Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan. They talk about themes from his new book, "Whose Global Village? Rethinking How Technology Shapes...

Episode 146 - Brian Wecht from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On a particularly rainy Los Angeles day, Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Brian Wecht, a theoretical physicist-turned YouTuber and musician (Ninja Sex Party, Game Grumps). They talk about his work i...

Episode 145 - Helen Czerski from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in studio by physicist, oceanographer, and BBC television presenter Helen Czerski. They talk about the science of bubbles, the current science landscape in broadcast television, and ...

Episode 144 - Dagny Fleischman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in studio by Dagny Fleischman, a PhD candidate studying plasmonics and metamaterials at Caltech. They talk about what the field of materials science is and what exciting developments...

Episode 143 - Val Harvey from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Cara is joined in studio by celebrity makeup artist Val Harvey, who she's also lucky enough to call her friend. What begins as an intriguing conversation about Val's upbringing as a Jehovah's Witne...

Episode 142 - Michael Marshall from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Cara chats with Michael Marshall of the Merseyside Skeptics Society. They discuss his incredible work both as the Project Director of the Good Thinking Society and the host of the Be Rea...

Episode 141 - Jo Ruxton from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 plas...

Episode 140 - Phil Plait 2 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

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 again...

National Geographic Almanac 2021 w/ Susan Tyler Hitchcock from 2021-01-25T08:18:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Tyler Hitchcock, Senior Editor of Books at National Geographic Partners. They talk about the new National Geographic Almanac 2021, with a ...

Cancer Evolution w/ Kat Arney from 2021-01-18T08:02:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science writer, broadcaster, and podcaster (Genetics Unzipped), Dr. Kat Arney. They talk about her newest book, "Rebel Cell: Cancer, E...

Evolution in the Anthropocene w/ Shane Campbell-Staton from 2021-01-11T08:03:22

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA evolutionary biologist and co-host/co-creator of the Biology of Superheroes Podcast, Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton. They talk about the evolution o...

The End of Everything w/ Katie Mack from 2021-01-04T18:12:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Mack, theoretical astrophysicist and author of "The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)." They talk about the formation of the un...

Anti-Vax Origins w/ Brian Deer from 2020-12-14T08:09:16

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning investigative journalist Brian Deer to talk about his new book, "The Doctor Who Fooled the World: Science, Deception, and the War on V...

Scientific Racism w/ Angela Saini from 2020-12-07T08:06:58

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science journalist Angela Saini to talk about her book "Superior: The Return of Race Science." They discuss the deep roots of scientif...

Bones w/ Roy A. Meals from 2020-11-30T08:00:41

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roy A. Meals to talk about his new book, "Bones: Inside and Out." They discuss the structure and function of bone, its iconog...

Why Fish Don't Exist w/ Lulu Miller from 2020-11-23T08:22:31

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science reporter, producer, and Radiolab co-host Lulu Miller to talk about her new book, "Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidde...

Alternative Facts w/ Asheley Landrum from 2020-11-16T08:08:16

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by her old high school pal, psychologist and science communication expert Dr. Asheley Landrum. They discuss why a large portion of the public doesn't b...

Tree Migration w/ Zach St. George from 2020-11-09T08:44:40

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science reporter Zach St. George to talk about his book "The Journeys of Trees: A Story About Forests, People, and the Future." They discuss the phe...

Phallacy w/ Emily Willingham from 2020-11-02T01:56:55

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Dr. Emily Willingham to talk about her newest book, "Phallacy: Life Lessons from the Animal Penis." Emily guides Cara through a demys...

Books Bound in Human Flesh w/ Megan Rosenbloom from 2020-10-26T18:57:20

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined once again by UCLA librarian and Death Salon director Megan Rosenbloom to talk about her new book, "Dark Archives: A Librarian's Investigation into the...

Cystic Fibrosis w/ Bijal Trivedi from 2020-10-19T06:54:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor at The Conversation, Bijal Trivedi, to talk about her newest book, "Breath from Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New ...

Bubonic Plague w/ David K. Randall from 2020-10-12T06:34:57

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Reuters senior reporter David K. Randall to discuss his newest book, "Black Death at the Golden Gate: The Race to Save America from the Bubonic Plag...

The Hot Hand w/ Ben Cohen from 2020-10-05T07:02:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ben Cohen, a sports reporter for the Wall Street Journal and author of "The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks." They talk about whether a...

Death Denial w/ Caitlin Doughty from 2020-09-28T17:46:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Caitlin Doughty (mortician, death positive activist, and author of "Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And Other Questions About Dead Bodies." They talk a...

Industrial Espionage w/ Mara Hvistendahl from 2020-09-21T07:45:50

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mara Hvistendahl, Pulitzer Prize finalist, investigative reporter for the Intercept, and author of “The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China...

Science News w/ Maya Ajmera from 2020-09-14T07:32:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the President and CEO of the Society for Science and the Public, as well as the publisher of Science News, Maya Ajmera. They talk about the Society’...

Hacking Planet Earth w/ Thomas Kostigen from 2020-09-08T05:02:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “Hacking Planet Earth: How Geoengineering Can Help Us Reimagine the Future,” Thomas Kostigen. They discuss the hype and the promise of...

Electric Brain w/ R. Douglas Fields from 2020-08-31T08:25:22

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neurologist Dr. R. Douglas Fields to talk about his new book, "Electric Brain: How the New Science of Brainwaves Reads Minds, Tells Us How We Learn,...

Biggest Bluff w/ Maria Konnikova from 2020-08-24T18:11:09

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and psychologist Dr. Maria Konnikova to talk about her newest book, "The Biggest Bluff: How I learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself...

How to Argue with a Racist w/ Adam Rutherford from 2020-08-17T07:05:30

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, broadcaster, and scientist Dr. Adam Rutherford to talk about his newest book, "How to Argue With a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say...

Life Changing w/ Helen Pilcher from 2020-08-10T06:43:51

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with comedian and author Dr. Helen Pilcher about her newest book, "Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth." They talk about everything from d...

Archaeology of Burning Man w/ Carolyn White from 2020-08-03T21:57:49

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Carolyn White, professor of anthropology and director of the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. They talk about her...

Great Indoors w/ Emily Anthes from 2020-07-27T20:36:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Emily Anthes about her newest book, "The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape our Behavior, Health, and Ha...

Medieval Bodies w/ Jack Hartnell from 2020-07-20T19:35:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by art historian Dr. Jack Hartnell to talk about his new book, "Medieval Bodies: Life and Death in the Middle Ages." They discuss the fascinating histo...

Campus Sexual Assault w/ Jennifer Hirsch&Shamus Khan from 2020-07-13T03:50:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Drs. Jennifer Hirsch (Professor of Sociomedical Sciences) and Shamus Khan (Chair of the Sociology Department) of Columbia University to talk about t...

Aliens w/ Keith Cooper from 2020-07-06T19:38:10

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and editor Keith Cooper to talk about his new book, "The Contact Paradox: Challenging Our Assumptions in the Search for Extraterr...

Social Evolution w/ Gaia Vince from 2020-06-29T20:04:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author Gaia Vince to talk about her newest book, "Transcendence: How Humans Evolved Through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time....

Tree Rings w/ Valerie Trouet from 2020-06-21T20:23:53

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Arizona dendrochronologist Dr. Valerie Trouet to talk about her new book, "Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings." The...

Photo Ark w/ Joel Sartore from 2020-06-15T19:23:22

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by world-renowned National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore. They talk about his impactful Photo Ark project, including his newest book on the ser...

Insane Asylums w/ Anne Harrington from 2020-06-08T15:53:14

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University science historian Dr. Anne Harrington to talk about her newest book, "Mind Fixers: Psychiatry's Troubled Search for the Biology o...

Fear w/ Eva Holland from 2020-06-01T18:00:01

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Eva Holland, the author of "Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear." They talk about her experience navigating the waters of cognitive-behavioral ...

National Parks w/ Conor Knighton from 2020-05-26T06:07:40

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of "Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park." They ...

Science Denial w/ Mario Livio from 2020-05-18T20:54:09

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author of the new book "Galileo and the Science Deniers." They talk about the pernicious anti-science sentiment ...

Pleading Insanity w/ Susan Vinocour from 2020-05-11T23:18:30

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Susan Vinocour, the author of "Nobody's Child: a Tragedy, a Trial, and the History of the Insanity Defense." They talk about her history as both...

Modern Linguistics w/ David Shariatmadari from 2020-05-04T21:29:15

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by David Shariatmadari, editor at the Guardian and author of "Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth About Language." They talk about the science o...

Bats w/ Merlin Tuttle from 2020-04-27T18:45:20

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by ecologist and author of "The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals," Dr. Merlin Tuttle. They talk about hi...

Panpsychism w/ Philip Goff from 2020-04-19T21:13:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher and author of "Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness," Dr. Philip Goff. They talk about the role of consciousn...

Environmental Justice w/ Ayana Young from 2020-04-13T20:33:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the founder, executive director, and host of For the Wild, Ayana Young. They talk about her mission to effect ecological change through conservation...

Alien Oceans w/ Kevin Hand from 2020-04-06T20:07:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hand, planetary scientist and astrobiologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, director of the Ocean Worlds Lab, and pre-project scient...

Science of Friendship w/ Lydia Denworth from 2020-03-30T19:24:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Lydia Denworth to talk about her new book, "Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond." ...

Cosmos: Possible Worlds w/ Ann Druyan from 2020-03-24T01:34:42

In this very special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara celebrates her 300th episode with award-winning science communicator Ann Druyan. They talk about her life and work with her late husband Carl Sagan ...

Democratizing the Internet w/ Ramesh Srinivasan from 2020-03-16T23:42:19

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor in the UCLA Department of Information Studies and Director of the UC Digital Cultures Lab. They talk about his newe...

Mushrooms w/ Lawrence Millman from 2020-03-10T00:52:27

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lawrence Millman, world-renowned mycologist and author of "Fungipedia: A Brief Compendium of Mushroom Lore." They talk about his fascinating jou...

Microglia w/ Donna Jackson Nakazawa from 2020-03-02T18:37:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Donna Jackson Nakazawa, award-winning author of the new book, "The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine."...

Rocket Launch w/ Tony Gingiss from 2020-02-24T18:34:04

In this special episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Tony Gingiss, the CEO of OneWeb Satellites, just before OneWeb's second rocket launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. They talk ...

Magic and Feminism w/ Kayla Drescher from 2020-02-17T20:47:09

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by magician and podcaster Kayla Drescher. They discuss the barriers women face in the world of magic, including how Kayla and her co-host Carisa are ma...

Cemetery Conservation w/ Paul Kwaitkowski&Maria Aliberti-Lubertazzi from 2020-02-10T22:34

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Paul Kwaitkowski and Dr. Maria Aliberti-Lubertazzi. Paul is Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability Manager, and Maria is a...

Mental Health in Grad School w/ Susanna Harris from 2020-02-03T21:54:18

In this week's episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Susanna Harris, a PhD candidate in microbiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the founder and CEO of PhD Balance, a ...

Math with Bad Drawings w/ Ben Orlin from 2020-01-27T01:01:17

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ben Orlin, teacher and author of the "Math with Bad Drawings" blog. They talk about the importance of mathematical literacy in modern society as wel...

Amazon Rainforest w/ Hilary Scheppers&Daniel Couceiro from 2020-01-21T07:50:09

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Hilary Scheppers and Daniel Couceiro, both of whom previously worked at Rainforest Expeditions in the Tambopata National Reserve of the Peruvian Ama...

Honeybees w/ Thomas Seeley from 2020-01-13T21:44:30

In this week's episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Thomas Seeley, professor of biology at Cornell University and international expert on bees. They talk about his new book, "The Lives of B...

Letters from an Astrophysicist w/ Neil deGrasse Tyson from 2020-01-07T06:35:16

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with American Museum of Natural History astrophysicist and science popularizer Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson about his new book, “Letters from an Astrophysicist...

Just a Girl w/ Lucinda Jackson from 2019-12-16T09:21:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lucinda Jackson, author of "Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious." They discuss her personal experiences navigating the pernicious insti...

All the Rage w/ Darcy Lockman from 2019-12-09T22:07:28

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by clinical psychologist, journalist, and author of the new book, "All the Rage: Mothers, Fathers, and the Myth of Equal Partnership," Dr. Darcy Lockma...

Science and Authority w/ Robert Crease from 2019-12-03T05:42:07

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Robert P. Crease, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Stony Brook University. They dive into the important topics covered in his newest book, ...

The Last Butterflies w/ Nick Haddad from 2019-11-26T05:24:45

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Nick Haddad, Senior Terrestrial Ecologist in the Department of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University and Kellogg Biological Station. ...

Air Quality w/ Marilyn Black from 2019-11-18T23:29:13

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by vice president and senior technical advisor of Underwriter Laboratories Inc. and founder of Air Quality Science Inc. as well as The GREENGUARD Envir...

Genuine Fakes w/ Lydia Pyne from 2019-11-12T00:35:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and historian Dr. Lydia Pyne to talk about her new book, “Genuine Fakes: How Phony Things Teach Us About Real Stuff.” Lydia describes the fuz...

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria w/ Miriam Barlow from 2019-11-04T23:22:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by molecular cell biologist at the University of California Merced, Dr. Miriam Barlow. They talk about her research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria, i...

Shark Teeth w/ Sora Kim from 2019-10-28T21:15:23

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Sora Kim, Life and Environmental Sciences professor at UC Merced. They talk about the importance of diversity, mentorship, and collaboration in ...

Mass Photometry w/ Joanna Andrecka from 2019-10-22T05:38:37

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Joanna Andrecka, product marketing manager at Refeyn. They discuss an exciting new technology called mass photometry. This process uses light to...

Birth Control w/ Sarah E. Hill from 2019-10-14T22:27:47

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary psychologist Dr. Sarah E. Hill to talk about her new book, "This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormo...

Dopamine w/ Daniel Lieberman from 2019-10-08T05:14:23

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University. They talk about new book, “The Molecule of...

Quantum Worlds w/ Sean Carroll from 2019-10-01T02:07:04

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara once again sits down with Caltech physicist Dr. Sean Carroll, this time to talk about his new book, “Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of...

Poison Thread w/ Laura Purcell from 2019-09-23T21:34:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by novelist Laura Purcell to talk about her book, “The Poison Thread.” They discuss the science and psychology of Victorian England as well as the expe...

Ancient Migration w/ Craig Childs from 2019-09-16T22:19:13

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author Craig Childs to talk about his new book, “Atlas of a Lost World: Travels in Ice Age America.” They discuss his intersecting interests of jour...

Everyday Einstein w/ Sabrina Stierwalt from 2019-09-09T20:21:34

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with extragalactic astrophysicist and host of the Everyday Einstein podcast, Dr. Sabrina Stierwalt about the nature of the cosmos. They discuss galaxy for...

Periodic Table w/ Kit Chapman from 2019-09-02T07:41:52

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist Kit Chapman to talk about his new book, "Superheavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table." They discuss all things chemistry, ...

Why We Need Insects w/ Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson from 2019-08-26T04:09:18

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with conservation biologist and author Dr. Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson about her new book, "Buzz, Sting, Bite: Why We Need Insects." They talk about the ecolog...

Math and Football w/ John Urschel from 2019-08-19T17:30:59

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by mathematician and former NFL player, John Urschel. They talk about his passion for mathematics, including his current work as a doctoral candidate a...

Chemistry w/ Molly Strausbaugh from 2019-08-12T21:26:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Molly Strausbaugh, chemist and assistant director of the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). They talk about all things chemistry, including how the A...

Chemistry w/ Molly Strausbaugh from 2019-08-12T21:26:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Molly Strausbaugh, chemist and assistant director of the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). They talk about all things chemistry, including how the A...

Existential Philosophy w/ Michael Ruse from 2019-08-05T22:41

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by philosopher and historian of science, Dr. Michael Ruse, to discuss his new book, "A Meaning to Life." They talk about the interplay between existent...

Consciousness w/ Annaka Harris from 2019-07-30T06:46:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Annaka Harris, science editor, consultant, and author of the new book, “Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind.” They talk ...

CRISPR w/ Kevin Holden from 2019-07-23T18:38:45

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the Head of Science at Synthego, Dr. Kevin Holden. They talk about new advances in genetic engineering technology, such as the CRISPR-CasX system. A...

Rare Earths w/ Alexis Pedrick from 2019-07-15T14:16

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Alexis Pedrick, the manager of public programs at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They talk about all things rare earth...

The Big One w/ Lucy Jones from 2019-07-08T09:41:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Lucy Jones, founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society and author of the new book, “The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have...

Queers in STEM w/ Rob Ulrich from 2019-07-01T23:56:35

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UCLA biogeochemistry PhD student Rob Ulrich. They talk about his work as the founding president of Queers in STEM, including the institutional barri...

Top Prize w/ Ana Humphrey from 2019-06-24T07:41:07

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Ana Humphrey, winner of the 2019 Regeneron Science Talent Search. They talk about her $250,000 winning research calculating potential exoplanets usi...

Brain Child w/ Sahana Srinivasan from 2019-06-18T22:44:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with fellow Texan Sahana Srinivasan, host of Netflix’s “Brain Child.” They talk about what is was like to lead a show while finishing her college degree. ...

Everyday Amazing w/ Katie McKissick from 2019-06-10T23:16:31

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is once again joined in-studio by Katie McKissick, author and illustrator of Beatrice the Biologist. They talk about their mutual love of all things science and ...

Evidence-Based Parenting w/ Erin Clabough from 2019-06-03T18:43:40

In this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neuroscientist and author, Dr. Erin Clabough. They talk about her new book, “Second Nature: How Parents Can Use Neuroscience to Help Kids Dev...

Women's Suffrage w/ Elaine Weiss from 2019-05-27T08:09:38

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by the author of “The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote,” Elaine Weiss. They talk about the fascinating history of women’s suffrage, includ...

Conservation Hunting w/ Byron Pace from 2019-05-20T14:25:07

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with filmmaker, conservationist, hunter, and cohost of the “Into the Wilderness” podcast Byron Pace while attending a conference in Namibia. They discus...

Namibian Conservation w/ Maxi Louis from 2019-05-13T17:40:06

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, recorded in Windhoek, Namibia, Cara speaks with the Director of the Namibian Association of CBNRM (community-based natural resource management) Support Organisations,...

Digital Colorization w/ Barry Sandrew from 2019-05-05T19:37:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard neuroscientist-turned-visual effects pioneer Dr. Barry Sandrew. They talk about his innovative work in digital imaging for motion pictures, ...

Sports Recovery Pseudoscience w/ Christie Aschwanden from 2019-04-29T13:32:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Christie Aschwanden to talk about her new book, “Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Spor...

Sports Recovery Pseudoscience w/ Christie Aschwanden from 2019-04-29T13:32:36

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer Christie Aschwanden to talk about her new book, “Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Spor...

Deep-Sea Geobiology w/ Jeffrey Marlow from 2019-04-24T04:46:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Marlow, a science journalist, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and Geobiologist at Harvard University who studies deep-sea microbes...

Computational Systems Biology w/ Stacey Finley from 2019-04-15T21:52:15

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara has an in-studio chat with Dr. Stacey Finley, head of the Computational Systems Biology Laboratory at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of E...

Hormones w/ Randi Hutter Epstein from 2019-04-08T09:00:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Randi Hutter Epstein, author of “Aroused: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything.” They talk about her work as a sci...

Hood Science w/ Justin Shaifer from 2019-04-01T20:20:09

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mr. Fascinate himself, Justin Shaifer. They talk about the work he’s doing to bring culturally responsive STEM curriculum to students and educators ...

Flash Forward w/ Rose Eveleth from 2019-03-26T01:28:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by producer, writer, and designer Rose Eveleth. They discuss the futuristic scenarios explored on Rose’s popular podcast, Flash Forward. They also spe...

Candy Science w/ Stacey Espinosa from 2019-03-18T21:01:43

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Stacey Espinosa, Global Product Development Senior Manager for Mints and New Benefits at Mars Wrigley Confectionery. They talk about her dream job as ...

Intelligent Environments w/ Burcin Becerik-Gerber from 2019-03-11T18:48:53

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in-studio by Dr. Burcin Becerik-Gerber, founding director of the Innovation in Integrated Informatics Lab and the Center for Intelligent Environments, ...

Women in Engineering w/ Kristina Ropella from 2019-03-04T22:10:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kristina (Kris) Ropella, Dean of the College of Engineering and professor of biomedical engineering at Marquette University. They talk about her...

Indigenous Agriculture w/ Gary Paul Nabhan from 2019-02-25T22:39:14

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan, founder of the Center for Regional Food Studies at the University of Arizona. They talk about sustainability, conservation, ind...

Cancer Chemistry w/ Livia Eberlin from 2019-02-19T03:28:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Livia Eberlin, an analytical chemist at the University of Texas. They talk about her recognition as a 2018 Sloan Research Fellow, Moore Inventor...

Megafauna Extinction w/ Ross MacPhee from 2019-02-12T02:21:49

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Ross MacPhee, Curator of the Department of Mammalogy in the Division of Vertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. They talk a...

Vitamania w/ Sonya Pemberton from 2019-02-04T09:02:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with award-winning documentarian and creative director of Genepool Productions, Sonya Pemberton. They talk about her newest film, Vitamania, as well as oth...

Stoic Philosophy w/ William Irvine from 2019-01-28T09:15:17

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Wright State University professor of philosophy Dr. William Irvine about his new book, “You: A Natural History.” They discuss the various identities ...

Paper Arts w/ Shawn Sheehy from 2019-01-21T21:53:24

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and artist Shawn Sheehy to talk about his newest book, “Beyond the Sixth Extinction: A Post-Apocalyptic Pop-Up.” They discuss his journey int...

Molecular Phylogenetics w/ David Quammen from 2019-01-15T02:34:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara connects with science writer David Quammen to talk about his new book, “The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life.” They discuss the complexity of modern e...

Children's Books w/ J.R. Becker from 2019-01-08T01:29:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by J.R. Becker, author of the “Annabelle and Aiden” children’s book series. They discuss how his transition into fatherhood inspired him to write book...

Conservation Technology w/ Shah Selbe from 2018-12-18T04:39:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by National Geographic Explorer and conservation technologist, Shah Selbe. They talk about his work as the founder of Conservify, a non-profi...

Astronomer Royal w/ Lord Martin Rees from 2018-12-10T08:27:06

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara joins Astronomer Royal and Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and Cosmology, Lord Martin Rees, in his office at Cambridge University. They talk about his new book, ...

Gross Science w/ Anna Rothschild from 2018-12-03T08:01:26

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Anna Rothschild, the creator and host of the incredible Washington Post Youtube series “Anna’s Science Magic Show Hooray!” They talk about her lifel...

Science Fair w/ Cristina Costantiti&Darren Foster from 2018-11-27T06:38:14

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by documentarians Christina Costantini and Darren Foster. They talk about their wonderful new film, Science Fair, which Cristina describes as...

Black Holes w/ Chris Impey from 2018-11-19T08:17:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Chris Impey, astrophysicist and author of “Einstein’s Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes.” They discuss black holes’ rich history of di...

Songs of Trees w/ David George Haskell from 2018-11-13T03:50:03

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. David George Haskell, the author of “Songs of Trees: Stories of Nature’s Great Connectors,” They juxtapose the joyous relationship humanity has l...

Universal Flu Vaccine w/ Tammy Ben-Yedidia from 2018-11-06T07:41:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, connects with Israeli-based immunologist and Chief Scientific Officer of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Tammy Ben-Yedidia. They discuss her incredible work developing ...

Algorithms w/ Hannah Fry from 2018-10-30T02:02:34

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with mathematician Dr. Hannah Fry about her new book, “Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms.” They talk about her work as a television presen...

Tea&Empathy w/ Kate Kenfield from 2018-10-23T13:44:59

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by speaker, writer, and empathy educator Kate Kenfield. They talk about her ingenious Tea & Empathy cards, which facilitate conversation in a non-confr...

Sand w/ Vince Beiser from 2018-10-16T16:18:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in-studio by journalist Vince Beiser to talk about his new book, “The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization.” They di...

Dinosaur Comics w/ Ryan North from 2018-10-08T18:13:46

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with the creator and author of “Dinosaur Comics,” computer programmer-turned-writer Ryan North. From his incredible new book “How to Invent Everything: A ...

Improvisation w/ Alison Becker from 2018-10-01T07:20:09

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with actress Alison Becker (Parks and Recreation) about the ups and downs of the television industry with a special emphasis on the #MeToo era. They also ...

James Webb Space Telescope w/ Kevin Hainline from 2018-09-24T21:50:22

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Kevin Hainline, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics at the Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona. They discuss the nature of black holes ...

Gross Anatomy w/ Mara Altman from 2018-09-17T07:40:02

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down in studio with Mara Altman, author of the hilarious and enlightening new book, “Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back).” They talk about t...

Super Cool Scientists w/ Sara MacSorley from 2018-09-10T09:11:49

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Sara MacSorley, the author of "Super Cool Scientists: A Coloring Book Celebrating Women in Science." They talk about her work in science communicati...

Human Genetics w/ Adam Rutherford from 2018-09-03T06:30:27

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Adam Rutherford, author of "A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes." They dive deep into human gene...

Donating Your Body w/ Breanna Cox from 2018-08-27T06:31:53

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Breanna Cox, the Quality Assurance Manager at MedCure, Inc., a whole-body donation program. They detail what happens when you donate your body for s...

Beavers w/ Ben Goldfarb from 2018-08-20T08:13:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Ben Goldfarb, environmental journalist and author of the new book "Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter." Ben informs Car...

International Baccalaureate w/ Siva Kumari from 2018-08-13T23:13:30

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with the Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB), Dr. Siva Kumari. They discuss her role as the first-ever woman to lead the IB, a 50-yea...

Light of the Stars w/ Adam Frank from 2018-08-07T03:43:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Dr. Adam Frank, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester. They talk about his new book, "Light of the Stars: Alien Worlds and...

Malaria w/ Helen Pates Jamet from 2018-07-31T06:21:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Dr. Helen Pates Jamet, a medical entomologist who specializes in malaria prevention, research, and vector control product development. She works as t...

Microbiome w/ Eugenia Bone from 2018-07-24T18:00:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Eugenia Bone, author of the new book "Microbia: A Journey into the Unseen World Around You." They discuss Eugenia's journey back to school to learn ab...

Bay Foundation w/ Heather Burdick from 2018-07-16T07:38:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by Heather Burdick, the Director of Marine Operations for the Bay Foundation.  They talk about her work supporting the Marine Team on various...

Tattoos w/ Margot Mifflin from 2018-07-09T23:56:55

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Lehman College/City University of New York and CUNY's Newmark Graduate School of Journalism Professor Margot Mifflin. They talk about her research in...

Teaching Evolution w/ Bertha Vazquez from 2018-07-02T06:59:06

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Bertha Vazquez, the Director of the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, a div...

Memory w/ Michael Lemonick from 2018-06-27T02:38:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Michael Lemonick, the Opinion Editor at Scientific American.  They talk about his book, "The Perpetual Now: A story of amnesia, memory, and love."  ...

Spying on Whales w/ Nick Pyenson from 2018-06-18T23:28:44

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History paleobiologist and Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals Dr. Nick Pyenson about his new book, "Spying on Wh...

Motherhood w/ Angela Garbes from 2018-06-12T00:06:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Angela Garbes, author of Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy. Angela tells Cara about her own experiences a...

Heredity w/ Carl Zimmer from 2018-06-04T07:56:23

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by celebrated science writer Carl Zimmer, author of "She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potentials of Heredity." They discuss the...

Geologic w/ George Hrab from 2018-05-28T06:03:29

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by jack-of-all-trades and skeptic extraordinaire George Hrab. They talk about his work as the drummer of the Philadelphia Funk Authority and the produc...

Crash Test Girl w/ Kari Byron from 2018-05-21T07:18:33

On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Kari Byron to talk about her new book, "Crash Test Girl: An Unlikely Experiment in Using the Scientific Method to Answer Life's Toughest Questions."...

Science Sam w/ Samantha Yammine from 2018-05-15T00:51:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with science communicator and Ph.D. student Samantha Yammine, better known as Science Sam. They discuss the importance of the public dissemination of scien...

Apollo 8 w/ Robert Kurson from 2018-05-07T20:20:23

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with Robert Kurson, the author of "Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon." He describes th...

DARPA w/ Sharon Weinberger from 2018-05-01T08:58:05

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Sharon Weinberger, the executive editor for news at Foreign Policy. They talk about her new book, "The Imagineers of War: The Untold Story of DARPA,...

Bionic Eyes w/ Lauren Ayton from 2018-04-23T22:35:16

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Lauren Ayton, the Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Bionic Eye Technologies. They talk about all things vision, including how the e...

Deep Brain Stimulation w/ Lone Frank from 2018-04-16T07:27:38

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by science journalist Dr. Lone Frank, author of "The Pleasure Shock: The Rise of Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Forgotten Inventor." They dis...

Transhumanism w/ Mark O'Connell from 2018-04-10T04:02:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with author Mark O'Connell about his new book "To Be a Machine: Adventures Among Cyborgs, Utopians, Hackers, and the Futurists Solving the Modest Problem ...

Cringeworthy w/ Melissa Dahl from 2018-04-02T07:27:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with journalist and editor Melissa Dahl about her new book, “Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness.” They talk about what makes us shudder, from the sound ...

Ask Me Anything w/ Cara Santa Maria&Alie Ward from 2018-03-24T09:29:26

It's the 200th episode of Talk Nerdy! To celebrate, Cara brings back the Ask Me Anything (AMA) format, with a twist! This week, Cara is joined in studio by friend of the show and host of the Ologie...

What is Real w/ Adam Becker from 2018-03-19T20:48:08

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by astrophysicist Dr. Adam Becker to talk about his new book, "What is Real? The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics." They t...

Magnetism w/ Alanna Mitchell from 2018-03-12T07:04:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Alanna Mitchell about her new book, “The Spinning Magnet.” They examine magnetismʼs long history of discovery, including the hundr...

Space Cave w/ David Huntsberger from 2018-03-05T21:18:53

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by stand-up comedian David Huntsberger. They talk, among other random things, about the wonderful work he's doing on his science podcast, "Th...

Science and the City w/ Laurie Winkless from 2018-02-27T02:07:42

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara re-records her lost episode with scientist and author Laurie Winkless!  They bemoan the loss of Cara's laptop while discussing Laurie's new book, "Science and th...

Nature of the Universe w/ Clifford Johnson from 2018-02-19T21:18:13

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Clifford Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California. They talk about his new book, "The Dialogues: C...

Titan w/ Amanda Hendrix from 2018-02-13T07:09:04

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by planetary scientist Dr. Amanda Hendrix to talk about her book, “Beyond Earth: Our Path to a New Home in the Planets” (coauthored by Charles Wohlfort...

Skeptic Comedy w/ Ian Harris from 2018-02-05T22:53:12

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by comedian Ian Harris to talk about his new special, "ExtraOrdinary." They also discuss his work throughout the years as a so-called "skeptic comedian...

False Confessions w/ Kelly Loudenberg from 2018-01-30T06:10:39

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg to discuss her new Netflix docuseries, "The Confession Tapes." They talk about the psychology of false or coerced confess...

Orangutans w/ James Askew from 2018-01-21T07:18:52

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by James Askew, a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the University of Southern California’s Jane Goodall Research Center. They discuss his contr...

Science Moms w/ Natalie Newell from 2018-01-15T09:02:36

This week, Cara is joined by Natalie Newell, filmmaker and cohost of the Science Enthusiast Podcast. They discuss her new film “Science Moms” and just why skepticism is so important within the pare...

American Wolf w/ Nate Blakeslee from 2018-01-08T08:29:09

In this episode, Cara is joined by Nate Blakeslee, author of “American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West.” They talk about the trials of O-Six, a Yellowstone wolf who symboli...

Human Behavior w/ Robert Sapolsky from 2017-12-12T06:55

Cara is joined by famed neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of the new book "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." They discuss the interplay between neurobiology, envi...

Gender Biology w/ Anne Fausto-Sterling from 2017-12-04T16:55:59

Cara dives deep into gender biology with Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling, the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemis...

Cosmic Machine w/ Scott Bembenek from 2017-11-27T08:51:29

Cara chats with computational chemist Dr. Scott Bembenek, author of "The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It." They dig deep into the process of writing befor...

Introversion w/ Morra Aarons-Mele from 2017-11-21T02:15:35

This week, Cara chats with Morra Aarons-Mele, the author of "Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert's Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You'd Rather Stay Home)." They discuss her work as the founder...

The Secret World of Animal Sleep w/ Aurelie Beatley from 2017-11-13T02:19:55

Cara chats with illustrator and animator Aurelie Beatley about the new Smithsonian Earth series they worked on together, “The Secret World of Animal Sleep.” They discuss Aurelie’s background in sci...

Song of the Orphans w/ Daniel Price from 2017-11-06T21:56:15

Cara chats with science fiction author Daniel Price about his newest book, "The Song of the Orphans." They talk about the deep process of creating alternative worlds on the written page. They also ...

Parasites w/ Kelly Weinersmith from 2017-10-31T03:07:15

Cara chats with Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything." They talk about her work as a biologist and ecologist, focusing on p...

Zoonotic Infections w/ Tara Smith from 2017-10-24T05:51:15

Cara is joined by Professor of Epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health, Dr. Tara Smith. They talk about her work on zoonotic infectious (those that spillover from non-human a...

Women in Science w/ Rachel Ignotofsky from 2017-10-17T06:52:04

Cara is joined by author and graphic designer Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her two books, “Women in Science” and “Women in Sports.” They discuss the important contributions of the badass women f...

How to Read Nature w/ Tristan Gooley from 2017-10-11T19:30:18

Cara chats with Tristan Gooley, author of the new book, “How to Read Nature: Awaken Your Senses to the Outdoors You’ve Never Noticed.” They talk about the lost art of natural navigation, including ...

Good Death w/ Caitlin Doughty from 2017-10-02T11:25:16

Cara is joined in-studio by mortician and death-acceptance advocate, Caitlin Doughty. They talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death,” as well as h...

How to Tame a Fox w/ Lee Dugatkin from 2017-09-26T21:47:31

Cara chats with evolutionary biologist, behavioral ecologist, and science historian Dr. Lee Dugatkin about his new book "How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)" (coauthored with Lyudmila Trut). They d...

Orphaned Chimpanzees w/ Rebeca Atencia from 2017-09-18T08:14:03

Cara connects across the globe with Dr. Rebeca Atencia, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo and the Manager and Head Veterinarian at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabil...

Earthquakes w/ Kathryn Miles from 2017-09-13T01:36:16

Cara chats with journalist and author Dr. Kathryn Miles about her new book, "Quakeland: On the Road to America's Next Devastating Earthquake." They talk about the natural history of disasters like ...

Creativity w/ Agustin Fuentes from 2017-09-05T02:24:56

Cara is joined by Dr. Agustin Fuentes, author of “The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional.” They discuss the similarities we share with non-human animals, as well as what makes ...

Citizen Science w/ Mary Ellen Hannibal from 2017-08-29T07:26:38

Cara chats with Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of "Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction." They talk about the power of citizen science in a world experiencing a stu...

Asteroid Hunting w/ Carrie Nugent from 2017-08-22T06:49:08

Cara sits down with the author of "Asteroid Hunters," Dr. Carrie Nugent (professional asteroid hunter and Staff Scientist at Caltech/IPAC). They discuss recent and historical asteroid impacts and m...

Curiosity w/ Mario Livio from 2017-08-14T22:13:51

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 ...

Microscopy w/ Joshua Rappoport from 2017-08-07T22:32:59

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: Dis...

Retraction Watch w/ Ivan Oransky from 2017-08-01T23:45:25

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...

Naturopathy w/ Britt Marie Hermes from 2017-07-25T04:19:37

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 act...

Oil Sands w/ Jodi McNeill from 2017-07-18T03:57:07

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 t...

Engineered Humans w/ Adam Piore from 2017-07-11T02:52:43

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...

Vacation Guide to the Solar System w/ Olivia Koski and Jana Grcevich from 2017-07-04T04:54:55

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 ...

Scientology w/ Ron Miscavige from 2017-06-28T05:44:20

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...

GMOs and Vaccines w/ Kavin Senapathy from 2017-06-19T22:38:45

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 “cont...

Science TV for Kids w/ Emily Calandrelli from 2017-06-13T06:08:46

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 telev...

Orbital Perspective w/ Ron Garan from 2017-06-05T22:10:30

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...

This Week in Science w/ Kiki Sanford from 2017-05-30T06:38:51

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 d...

Sexual Selection w/ Richard Prum from 2017-05-22T22:44:08

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, dr...

Dinosaur Eggs w/ Shaena Montanari from 2017-05-16T08:39:12

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 s...

Astronomy Reporting w/ Shannon Stirone from 2017-05-08T19:12

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 wor...

Science Hack w/ Ariel Waldman from 2017-05-01T21:12:56

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 o...

Mathematics and Society w/ Steven Strogatz from 2017-04-25T00:08:44

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...

Change Agent w/ Daniel Suarez from 2017-04-17T23:55:11

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 ...

The Great Unknown w/ Marcus Du Sautoy from 2017-04-11T03:40:10

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: Sev...

Family Drama w/ Annabelle Gurwitch from 2017-04-03T22:45:46

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...

Amphibian Extinction w/ Jodi Rowley from 2017-03-28T07:06:15

This week, Cara connects across the globe with the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, Dr. Jodi Rowley (she discovered "Helen's Flying Frog" among others...

Smog Science w/ Kelvin Bates from 2017-03-21T05:08:41

Cara is joined in studio by Caltech PhD candidate Kelvin Bates. They talk about his work in atmospheric chemistry, including how isoprene contributes to smog. They also talk about the importance of...

Venom w/ Christie Wilcox from 2017-03-13T23:39:38

Cara chats remotely with Dr. Christie Wilcox, a conservation biologist and science writer. They focus on the topic of her new book, "Venomous," including the difference between venom and poison, th...

Sea Turtle Poachers w/ Jason Goldman from 2017-03-07T09:43:29

Cara is joined for the third time by her dear friend and colleague Dr. Jason Goldman. They talk about the relationship between ecology and cognitive science, including the massive influence human b...

Online Echo Chambers w/ Ramesh Srinivasan from 2017-02-28T05:34:42

Cara is joined in studio by UCLA Professor of Information Studies and Design Dr. Ramesh Srinivasan. They talk about themes from his new book, "Whose Global Village? Rethinking How Technology Shapes...

Ninja Sex Party w/ Brian Wecht from 2017-02-20T23:18:31

On a particularly rainy Los Angeles day, Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Brian Wecht, a theoretical physicist-turned YouTuber and musician (Ninja Sex Party, Game Grumps). They talk about his work i...

Storm in a Teacup w/ Helen Czerski from 2017-02-13T23:47:35

Cara is joined in studio by physicist, oceanographer, and BBC television presenter Helen Czerski. They talk about the science of bubbles, the current science landscape in broadcast television, and ...

Metamaterials w/ Dagny Fleischman from 2017-02-07T07:18:03

Cara is joined in studio by Dagny Fleischman, a PhD candidate studying plasmonics and metamaterials at Caltech. They talk about what the field of materials science is and what exciting developments...

Jehovah's Witness and Race Relations w/ Val Harvey from 2017-01-31T07:04:19

Cara is joined in studio by celebrity makeup artist Val Harvey, who she's also lucky enough to call her friend. What begins as an intriguing conversation about Val's upbringing as a Jehovah's Witne...

Bad PR w/ Michael Marshall from 2017-01-24T09:40:54

This week, Cara chats with Michael Marshall of the Merseyside Skeptics Society. They discuss his incredible work both as the Project Director of the Good Thinking Society and the host of the Be Rea...

Plastic Ocean w/ Jo Ruxton from 2017-01-16T22:41:38

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 plas...

Bad Astronomy w/ Phil Plait from 2017-01-10T05:42:07

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 again...

Polio Eradication w/ Jay Wenger from 2016-12-19T22:04:02

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 ...

String Theory w/ Michio Kaku, Brian Greene,&Jim Gates from 2016-12-12T09:14:55

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. Bri...

Glass Universe w/ Dava Sobel from 2016-12-06T12:50:23

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 pionee...

Science Comedian w/ Brian Malow from 2016-11-28T09:58:02

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 Astr...

Parapsychology w/ Susan Blackmore from 2016-11-22T05:12:21

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 tran...

President-Elect Donald Trump w/ Jennifer Briney from 2016-11-14T23:36:55

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 (execu...

Antarctica w/ Christine Corbett Moran from 2016-11-07T22:33:28

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 Antarc...

Famous Fossils w/ Lydia Pyne from 2016-10-31T11:30:53

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 paleoanth...

British Pseudoscience w/ Simon Singh from 2016-10-25T04:11:09

While visiting Manchester for the QED Conference, Cara sits down with journalist, author, and television producer Dr. Simon Singh about his rich and fascinating career in science media and skeptici...

Rejected Princesses w/ Jason Porath from 2016-10-18T16:10:07

Cara is joined by the author (and illustrator) of "Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics," Jason Porath. They discuss what led him to complete this wonder...

Con Artists w/ Maria Konnikova from 2016-10-11T05:24:25

This week, Cara is joined by Maria Konnikova, the author of "The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It...Every Time." They discuss the art of the con artist (including whether Donald Trump fits the b...

Women Beyond Belief w/ Karen Garst from 2016-10-03T06:18:39

Cara speaks to Karen Garst, the author of "Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion." They talk about some of the difficult experiences of the women featured in the book, as well as t...

Science Communication w/ Kishore Hari from 2016-09-27T23:50:21

This week, Cara has a chance to #TalkNerdy with the director of the Bay Area Science Festival, Kishore Hari. They dive deep into the dos and don'ts of science communication, with a special focus on...

Addiction Treatment w/ Maia Szalavitz from 2016-09-19T21:36:03

Cara is joined by Maia Szalavitz, author of Unbroken Brain, to talk about the way we treat addiction in this country, and why it is so very wrong. They focus on evidence-based approaches that work ...

Magic of Math w/ Arthur Benjamin from 2016-09-12T20:30:56

Cara is joined in studio by the "Mathemagician" himself, Dr. Arthur Benjamin! He demonstrates some of the amazing feats of mental math found in his newest book, "The Magic of Math: Solving for x an...

James Webb Space Telescope w/ Amber Straughn from 2016-08-29T23:25:36

Cara is joined by NASA Astrophysicist Dr. Amber Straughn, the Deputy Project Scientist for James Webb Space Telescope Science Communications. They dive into Amber's interests in deep sky objects li...

Mountain Lion P-22 w/ Beth Pratt-Bergstrom from 2016-08-22T07:55:08

California Director of the National Wildlife Federation, Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, tells Cara the story of P-22, Hollywood's famous mountain lion. They also talk about ways we can all aid in conservati...

Pterosaurs w/ Michael Habib from 2016-08-15T23:58:28

Dr. Michael Habib (USC, NHMLA) joins Cara to talk about the flight biomechanics of pterosaurs, the relationship between human gross anatomy and paleontology, and why some people enjoy keeping repti...

Patient H.M. w/ Luke Dittrich from 2016-08-08T08:37:59

Cara is joined by author Luke Dittrich to discuss his new book "Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets." They dive deeply into the story of famed neurological patient Henry Mo...

Interviewing Mom w/ Charlotte Salmon from 2016-08-02T06:42:18

In a very special episode of #TalkNerdy, Cara's mom has come to town! They sit down to discuss what it was like to grow up during the Civil Rights movement, protesting the Vietnam War, and her life...

Aesthetics w/ Landon Ross from 2016-07-26T06:29:31

Cara sits down with artist Landon Ross to talk about his new gallery show, ARTIfACT. They discuss aesthetics, politics, atheism, and the power of metaphor both in art and science.

This s...

Skeptical Rogue w/ Bob Novella from 2016-07-19T06:24:21

Cara finally chats with Bob Novella of the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe! They talk physics, health, and of course, skepticism as she rounds out her final interview with each of the skeptical rog...

NASA's Juno w/ Michelle Thaller from 2016-07-12T06:52:53

This week, Cara and Dr. Michelle Thaller (Deputy Director of Science for Communication, NASA) #TalkNerdy about the Juno spacecraft's recent entry into Jupiter's orbit and why it's so damn important...

Value of Human Life w/ Teagan Wall from 2016-07-05T10:27:29

Science Communicator & Nerd Brigade cofounder Teagan Wall joins Cara to discuss the economics of decision making, including the different ways to calculate the value of a human life. (Mostly, thoug...

Black Hole Blues w/ Janna Levin from 2016-06-28T03:32:06

Astrophysicist and author of "Black Hole Blues" Janna Levin joins Cara to talk about why theoretical physics is so fascinating, how Einstein really got it right, and what the incredible detections ...

Neuroscience of Mental Illness w/ Heather Berlin from 2016-06-21T02:38:36

Neuroscientist, professor, and television host Dr. Heather Berlin (Science Goes to the Movies) joins Cara on a recent visit to LA where they discuss the origins of consciousness, scientific studies...

Secular Apocalypse w/ Phil Torres from 2016-06-13T10:35:54

Author and philosopher Phil Torres (The End) joins Cara to talk about how eschatologies (end-of-the-world theologies), may be paving the way for a secular apocalypse, and how we can mitigate existe...

A Better Life w/ Chris Johnson from 2016-06-07T05:12:02

Live from the Reason Rally, Cara sits down with Chris Johnson (A Better Life) to talk about his photography book and film, what it means to be an atheist, and why it's imperative we talk about not ...

Reason Rally w/ Dave Rubin from 2016-05-31T07:47:07

Cara talks nerdy with Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report) about their upcoming appearances at the Reason Rally 2016 and first amendment protections.

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Net...

New York City Stargazing w/ Summer Ash from 2016-05-25T02:05:42

Cara chats remotely with the Director of Outreach for Columbia University's Astronomy Department, Summer Ash. They talk about stargazing in New York City, Summer's heart surgery, and how biofeedbac...

Fight Climate Denial w/ Ben Hauck from 2016-05-17T05:12:14

Ben Hauck, creator of FightClimateDenial.com, joins Cara to discuss common arguments denialists use against anthropogenic climate change, and how we can be better armed to fight them. Also discusse...

BrainCraft w/ Vanessa Hill from 2016-05-09T07:48:56

YouTuber Vanessa Hill (BrainCraft) joins Cara to talk about her journey from Australia to America and the brilliant work she does in science communication. Also discussed: the perils of being a wom...

Evolutionary Ancestors w/ Neil Shubin from 2016-05-02T19:46:10

Cara is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her conversation with paleontologist, geneticist, anatomist, and popular science author Dr. Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within). ...

Natural History Museum w/ Lila Higgins from 2016-04-25T09:03:48

Cara is joined by Lila Higgins, the Manager of Citizen Science for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Together, they geek out about bugs (ahem, hemiptera), urban wildlife, and how we...

Your Inner Fish w/ Neil Shubin from 2016-04-18T22:25:33

Cara joins paleontologist, anatomist, evolutionary biologist, and popular science writer Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within) to talk about his discovery of Tiktaalik roseae, a key sp...

Nickipedia w/ Nick Uhas from 2016-04-11T19:12:53

Cara is joined by her FabLab cohost Nick Uhas, who also happens to host a fabulous YouTube series called Nickipedia. They talk extensively about Nick's past as a professional rollerblader, as well ...

Fighting God w/ David Silverman from 2016-04-04T09:05:51

Cara is joined once again by the President of American Atheists, David Silverman. They talk about David's new book, "Fighting God," including his firebrand approach to atheist activism.

...

Brains On! w/ Sanden Totten from 2016-03-14T23:29:27

Cara is joined by KPCC Science Reporter Sanden Totten to talk about science storytelling through an auditory medium. They also talk about the difference between journalism and reality TV, their per...

Beatrice the Biologist w/ Katie McKissick from 2016-03-07T23:28:51

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 cra...

Ask Me Anything w/ Cara Santa Maria from 2016-03-01T07:46:10

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,...

Quantum Chess w/ Chris Cantwell from 2016-02-22T19:21:46

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...

Gravitational Waves w/ Sarah Gossan from 2016-02-17T09:54:43

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 f...

Gifted Kids w/ Stella Krone from 2016-02-08T19:38:43

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 coll...

SciBabe w/ Yvette D'Entremont from 2016-02-01T08:52:36

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 w...

Texas Memories w/ Michael Matthews from 2016-01-27T01:23:44

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 guil...

Real Future w/ Kevin Roose from 2016-01-18T08:47:31

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...

Public Health w/ Noemie Sportiche from 2016-01-11T08:24:33

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, an...

Skeptical Activism w/ Evan Bernstein from 2015-12-21T07:55:58

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.

This show is part of...

Urban Wildlife w/ Jason Goldman from 2015-12-14T08:11:32

Cara chats with science writer Dr. Jason Goldman about urban wildlife in Southern California, including the pumas/mountain lions/panthers/cougars of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Catalina Isla...

Creationism Laws w/ Zack Kopplin from 2015-12-08T08:32:17

Cara is joined by science education activist and reporter Zack Kopplin, to talk about his work to repeal Louisiana's "creationism law," as well as why we continue to fight to uphold the 1st Amendme...

Disaster Science w/ Mika McKinnon from 2015-12-01T05:00:03

Cara is joined by the "Master of Disaster" herself, geophysicist and science writer Mika McKinnon. They discuss her work as the science consultant on Stargate, how life was a driving force behind a...

Non-Traditional Academics w/ Raquel Nuno from 2015-11-23T08:13:33

Cara is joined by graduate student Raquel Nuno, from UCLA's Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences. They talk science communication, water in our solar system, and how a non-traditional...

Ecotourism w/ Jeff Cremer from 2015-11-17T01:32:08

Cara is joined by wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer to discuss life in the Amazon, including how ecotourism can support local communities.

Ecotourism w/ Jeff Cremer from 2015-11-17T01:32:08

Cara is joined by wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer to discuss life in the Amazon, including how ecotourism can support local communities.

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network...