Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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.