Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria (Cara Santa Maria)

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 millennials, and podcasting at Olive Garden.

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.

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.” They venture behind Neil’s public persona to discuss the deeply personal correspondence that makes up the book, focusing on themes like faith, philosophy, and skepticism.

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’s mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of science. They also discuss the challenges of such a mission in America’s current landscape of fake news, distrust in scientific institutions, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and politicization of scientific principles.

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, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage.” Mara tells the thrilling story of a Chinese company’s conspiracy to steal trade secrets from Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer as well as the ethical dangers of America’s counterintelligence efforts.

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 about the denial of death in modern western culture, ways to improve mortality salience, and of course, whether or not your cat will actually eat your eyeballs when you die.

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 and when the "hot hand" is a cognitive bias or an actual phenomenon, including its effect on the player who thinks they are on a streak.

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 Plague." In telling of the similarities between the 1900 plague and today's coronavirus pandemic, he shares stories about racism, science, and the individual personalities who shaped public policy for better or worse.

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 Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever." They discuss the history of cystic fibrosis as well as the incredible advancements in its treatment that may one day provide a path to curing a host of rare genetic diseases.

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 Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin." They discuss the rare practice known as anthropodermic bibliopegy, in which published works are covered with the tanned flesh of deceased people. They bust myths, address medical ethics, and get downright spooky just in time for Halloween!

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 demystification of the so-called male member, including its imposed relationship to dominance, masculinity, and the vagina (or other counterparts in nature).

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 phenomenon of forest migration as well as the sometimes misguided yet passionate and heartfelt efforts of environmental activists to secure a lusher, greener future for us all.

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 believe the scientific consensus on topics like climate change, evolution, vaccines, and COVID-19. From pseudoscience to conspiracy theories to extreme denial of reality, Asheley dives deep into the distrust of authority, political propaganda, and psychosocial pressures that lead to belief in "alternative facts."

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 Hidden Order of Life." Lulu shares the incredible story of taxonomist David Starr Jordan, and in doing so, opens up the conversation to the power and consequences of imposing order on the world around us in the form of labels, categories, and impossible constraints.

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 iconographic role in art, music, and culture, and our own relationship with this dynamic, yet persistent substance.

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 scientific racism from taxonomy to eugenics and beyond, including its present-day incarnations. They also talk about emergent themes of her previous book, "Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong- and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story."

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 Vaccines." They discuss the incredible story of how Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research sparked an anti-vax movement that swept the globe.

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 universe by the big bang, how we know its current trajectory, and possible scenarios for its final destruction. In reflecting on the ultimate eschatological question, Katie and Cara grapple with humanity's quest for meaning in the great beyond.

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 of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the biology of superheroes, how the poaching of elephants during the Mozambiquan civil war has led to increased tusk loss, and the dark history of science that shapes modern experiences of Black researchers.

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, Evolution, and the New Science of Life's Oldest Betrayal."

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 special focus on the art, photography, science, history, culture, and travel packed within its stunning pages.

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 of Human Anatomy." Together, they dig into the art, history, and science behind visual representations of the human body, including how anatomical representations remind us of our own mortality.

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 Liberty in the Land of Fear." Discussed topics include: public misunderstanding about responsible drug use versus addiction, the racist underpinnings of the war on drugs, and how evidence-based policy could improve countless lives.

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 Children a Future." They examine the profound impact that medical advancements like vaccines have had on infant mortality and public health. Also discussed: the often-overlooked women and minority practitioners who changed the course of human history.

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 for Excellence in Science Books), The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another. From clocks to light bulbs to silicon chips, they dig into the myriad ways such groundbreaking inventions have profoundly changed the way we exist in the world, with a special emphasis on the under-appreciated figures who paved the way.

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, diving deep into topics like historical oppression of women, the importance of trans inclusion, and why intersectionality matters.

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 Cooking: Physics Meets Food, From Homemade to Haute Cuisine." From diffusion to pH, fermentation to viscosity, they discuss the physical, chemical, and biological processes underlying our favorite culinary creations. Follow Pia's work: @hseas.

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 Our Data: A Manifesto." They discuss how big data can be used safely and transparently as a powerful governmental tool for social justice, representation, and equity.

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 paleontology. She also talks about cool new fossil discoveries that will blow your mind.

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 academic research at the age of 86. They talk about her newest book, "A Lab of One's Own: One Woman's Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science." In addition to describing the incredible barriers faced throughout her career, Rita shares stories of her groundbreaking discoveries in microbiology, including uncovering the nature of cholera and anthrax.

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 about the business of YouTube, the importance of basic science education, and how we can protect ourselves from pseudoscience.

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: Who Has Your Data and Why You Should Care." Informed by her time spent both at the NSA and serving as counsel for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, April explains what happens to our data online and why we should care.

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 the fundamental physics underlying the known universe, science's most burning unanswered questions, and the essential search for meaning that lies at the heart of humankind.

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 history of once-thriving metropolises, how/why they were abandoned, and the important contributions of those who were far too often erased from our collective memories.

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 organizations dedicated to global conservation, including the good, the bad, and the colonialist.

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, 2018 Camp Fire that claimed the lives of 85 people and destroyed virtually every home in Paradise, California. They also discussed the reality of wildfires and the necessity of prescribed burns, how climate change is affecting their frequency and severity, and how we can address the societal ills that contribute to inequality in the face of natural disasters.

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." She shares the story of Elizabeth Blackwell and her younger sister Emily, the first and second women in America to receive an M.D. (medical degree).

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 Mysteries Solved." They discuss Ken's groundbreaking research into some of planet Earth's most bizarre and incredible creatures, including star-nosed moles, electric eels, and more.

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 Other.” They discuss the joys of gross science, why kids rule, and some of the strange and wonderful promises of, you guessed it, poop.

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 effects racism has on the perception of expertise as well as her research into incarceration and family systems. Follow Eman: @EmanTadros.

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 outcomes, as well as physician and patient comfort in times of uncertainty.

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 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award. Michelle tells how she designed and implemented a novel deep-learning framework using human silhouettes. Next, Yunseo Choi, first-place winner of the Regeneron Science Talent Search, shares her work in matching theory.

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 Costing Us Our Health.” They dive into the world of snake oil and pseudoscience, and Brad shares his own journey into science, skepticism, and LGBTQIA+-affirmative practice.

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." They reflect on the existential and moral roots of the human experience, as well as our deep evolutionary nature as creatures living on Planet Earth.

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 Cooper Hewitt." Audrey tells a story steeped in white supremacy and greed, against a backdrop of the growing eugenics movement in 1930s America.

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 science, technology, engineering, manufacturing (STEM), and arts program for youth of color, and co-founder of Black Women in STEM 2.0, an organization advocates for equitable and inclusive workspaces while supporting black women in high-tech careers. They talk about the issues facing historically excluded individuals in STEM spaces, and how we can all work to effect change.

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 shares her love for all things conservation and ecology, especially the work she is doing to better understand and preserve deep-sea corals in the Antarctic region.

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 Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain." They talk about efforts to quantify mental processes like sensation, perception, and memory, as well as new frontiers in machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, using systems inspired by neurobiology.

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, Democracy, and Everything Else." They discuss the importance of mathematics education, as well as the geometry that lies beneath the scientific, political, and philosophical problems we encounter as human beings.

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 discuss the importance of neurotransmission, the role different neurochemicals play in brain function, and when we shouldn’t believe the hype.

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 work in both theoretical cosmology and applied astrophysics as well as the absolute necessity of representation in the sciences.

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 recovery from a traumatic brain injury, which influenced her work in women’s empowerment and anti-racism.

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 chairman of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, director of Argonne National Laboratory, and president of Morehouse College, among countless other titles. They also talk about his new book, "In the Eye of the Storm: My Time as Chairman of Bank of America During the Country's Worst Financial Crisis."

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 Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and Mediation” and “We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice.” Topics discussed include: racial, gender, and environmental justice; cancel culture; and the power of intersubjectivity.

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 illustrious career reporting on and writing about the quirky, profound, and bitingly funny vicissitudes of human experience.

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 anti-science rhetoric of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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 (CIRCE). They talk about his new book, “Mental Immunity: Infectious Ideas, Mind Parasites, and the Search for a Better Way to Think.”

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 discuss the fascinating and complex phenomenon of psychogenic disease, including how changes to the culture of medicine could improve biopsychosocial wellness.

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 Hummingbirds." They talk about his journey across the globe to witness the beauty and splendor of different hummingbird species, as well as the lessons he learned about human greed and hubris along the way.

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 Matters for Social Equality.” They discuss the dark history of the eugenics movement, and how a better understanding of genetic science could lead to improved social justice.

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 journalism, and America's obsession with the cult of personality.

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." They discuss some of the defining features of life and how we might recognize them elsewhere in the universe.

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 Others Who Defy Reason.” They discuss methods for communicating with folks victimized by post-truth propaganda, including conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine rhetoric.

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 of climate change on both living and extinct species, as well as the remote possibility for a warming arctic full of "pizzly bears."

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 zoonotic pathogens, including her work on Ebola in hammer-headed fruit bats and coronaviruses in rodents.

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 purpose of medical decision-making, with a focus on improving our choices through increased comprehension, compassion, and self-efficacy.

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 variable stars are, why they matter, and how you can be involved in global citizen science efforts!

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 Our Living World." They discuss how the principles of self-assembly, regulatory circuits, predictable randomness, and scaling underpin all of life on Earth.

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 in stickiness, why different surfaces stick differently, and how scientists and engineers use this information to create innovative materials.

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, psychology, and even the art of olfaction, a sense about which we have so much more to learn.

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 healthcare system with a special focus on COVID-19 and wellness disparities.

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 the incredible global achievement of developing multiple mRNA vaccines effective against a deadly new virus. Also discussed: how America’s audacious goals were accomplished against a political backdrop of utter ineptitude and failed leadership.

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 grieving the loss of love, with a special focus on healing after loneliness.

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. They talk about his new book, "The Oracle of Night: The History and Science of Dreams." Topics include what dreaming is (and isn't), why we dream, and what contemporary neuroscience, biochemistry, and genetics can tell us about this ancient evolutionary experience.

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 promises of a future shaped by synthetic biology, as well as the risks and unintended consequences such a future may hold.

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 types of conflicts you're likely to encounter in the workplace and evidence-based approaches for dealing with toxic bosses, annoying coworkers, and all-around jerks at work.

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 What We Can Do About It.” They discuss gender bias in work, school, media, politics, and larger society, with an emphasis on power, class, and privilege.

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 goggles, and Daft Punk helmet.

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." Nicole shares about her time in space and how it continues to influence her work here on Earth, including the inspirational Space Art Foundation.

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 pernicious influence of America’s “shame-industrial complex” as well as shame’s role in effecting social change.

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 diversity and inclusive representation in children's storytelling as well as her work investigating sensations like pain and temperature.

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 inextricable link between racism, social justice, and climate policy in addition to the importance of accountability and action.

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 to chimpanzees, they discuss the ways animals form societies, communicate with one another, and engage in culture.

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 how the fossil fuel industry, libertarian think-tanks, legislators, and textbook publishers across the country are sowing doubt and distrust about the climate crisis, resulting in a young populace suffused with denialism.

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 the evidence behind unconscious (also known as implicit) bias, including what we can do to work toward a more egalitarian society.

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's Guide to Feeling Better and Thinking Stronger." They discuss how our cognitive needs are not one-size-fits-all while applying much-needed skepticism to the gimmicks and tricks often offered by the self-help industry.

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 many of us have our timelines all wrong, as mammals have been evolving since far before the asteroid impact that rendered the dinosaurs extinct.

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 girls have access to opportunities, including a reduction in poverty and increased social justice overall. Follow Emma's work: @JACentre4Girls

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 view of lice, fleas, bedbugs, and rats evolved with the advent of modern science, as well as the tendency to dehumanize, ostracize, and perpetrate violence against those deemed to be "other."

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 power, privilege, and patriarchy in ancient Egypt, with a special focus on how they relate to modern authoritarianism.

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 importance of a whole-person approach to care, as well as common misunderstandings about palliative medicine.

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 methods, as well as the evidence-based model used by the non-profit, GiveDirectly: putting cash directly in the hands of people living in poverty.

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 anatomy and physiology of women (and trans men, nonbinary, and intersex folx!), with an emphasis on biomedical science's minimizations and misunderstandings. Cara also opens up about her upcoming hysterectomy.

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 in developing and testing them for safety and efficacy. They also discuss the importance of representation and product diversity, especially for varied skin colors and hair textures.

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 around the intersection of science and art, as well as her work as the Multidisciplinary Program Scientist in the NASA Human Research Program's Chief Scientist's Office.

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 discuss the value of human excerement, including ways we can better care for our planet and make smarter economic decisions while doing so.

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 installations, including a 40-foot interactive tornado!

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 Museum of Natural History in Chicago, including the transition from dinosaurs to birds, flying dinosaurs, and the importance of science communication.

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, how science has long gotten it wrong, and how studying female animals can teach us about ourselves.

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." They discuss how our gender, race, age, and social positions deeply influence the nature of our dreams, which, in turn, affects the futures we pursue.