Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC San Francisco, Dr. Virginia Sturm. They discuss her book: Mysteries of the Social Brain: Understanding Human Behavior Through Science. Follow Virginia: @brainsturming

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by scholar practitioner dedicated to truth-telling through research and education, Pauline W. Hoffmann Ph.D. We discuss Pauline’s book, Fake News, Witch Hunts, & Conspiracy Theories. Follow Pauline: @pwHoffmann

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by qualitative sociologist, Dr. Gretchen Sisson. Gretchen’s researches pregnancy, abortion and adoption at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) department at UC San Francisco. Her 2024 book is: “Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood “ Follow Gretchen: @GretchenSisson

Anne E. Greene, a biologist and expert in science writing, delves into the importance of clear communication in the scientific community. She shares insights from her book, emphasizing the transition from complex jargon to accessible language. The discussion highlights the evolution of English and its impact on storytelling in science. Greene illustrates how diverse backgrounds shape writing styles and the need to engage readers through compelling narratives. Practical tips for overcoming writing challenges are also explored, showcasing the art of transforming complex ideas into relatable stories.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Science & Environment Writer, Starre Vartan. They discuss Starre’s newest book, “The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us about the Power of the Female Body.” Follow: @StarreVartan

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by psycholinguist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Language Sciences at the University of Wisconsin−Madison, Dr. Maryellen MacDonald. They discuss her book, More Than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes Our World. Follow Maryellen: @maryellenmacdonald

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Energy and Environment Reporter for The Hill, Rachel Frazin. They talk about her book, “Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America” Follow Rachel: @RachelFrazin

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by photo editor and writer Anika Burgess to discuss her new book, “Flashes of Brilliance: The Genius of Early Photography and How It Transformed Art, Science, and History.” Follow Anika: @aburgessphoto

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by environmental scientist turned freelance writer and editor, Sarah Boon. They discuss her new book, “Meltdown: The Making and Breaking of a Field Scientist” Follow Sarah: @snowhydro.bsky.social

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrophysicist, University of Arizona Associate Professor, and Director of the Arizona Space Institute, Erika Hamden. We discuss her new book, “Weird Universe: Everything We Don’t Know About Space (and Why It’s Important).” Follow Erika: @erika.hamden