

Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria
Cara Santa Maria
Cara Santa Maria is a science communicator, television host, producer, and journalist. She is excited to present "Talk Nerdy," a place for conversations with interesting people about interesting topics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 48min
Sea Monsters w/ Prema Arasu
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Western Australia research fellow, and creative writer, Dr. Prema Arasu. They discuss Prema’s new book, The Book of Sea Monsters. Follow Prema: @prema_arasu

Sep 29, 2025 • 59min
Better Public Health w/ Tom Frieden
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by former CDC director, physician, and author, Dr. Tom Frieden. They discuss his newly released book, The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives—Including Your Own. Follow Tom: @drtomfrieden

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
Period Brain w/ Sarah E. Hill
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary social psychologist and author who studies women and health, Dr. Sarah E. Hill. They discuss her newest book, The Period Brain: The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It: A Manifesto for Women. Follow Sarah: @sarahehillphd

Sep 15, 2025 • 60min
Replaceable You w/ Mary Roach
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by prolific science writer, and author of eight New York Times bestsellers, Mary Roach. They discuss her newest book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy. Follow Mary: @authormaryroach

Sep 8, 2025 • 49min
Baboons and Humans w/ Shirley C. Strum
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by renowned anthropologist, and Director of the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project in Kenya, Dr. Shirley Strum. They talk about her new book, ECHOES OF OUR ORIGINS: Baboons, Humans and Nature.

Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
Arrogant Ape w/ Christine E. Webb
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Primatologist and Assistant Professor at NYU Dept of Environmental Studies, Dr. Christine E. Webb. They discuss her new book, The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why It Matters.

Aug 25, 2025 • 56min
Social Brain w/ Virginia Sturm
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

Aug 18, 2025 • 56min
Infodemiology w/ Pauline W. Hoffmann
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

Aug 11, 2025 • 58min
Politics of Adoption w/ Gretchen Sisson
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

9 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Writing Science w/ Anne E. Greene
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.