Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

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 More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity—and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race.” Their conversation centers around the important role of dopamine in human behavior, relationships, and addiction.

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 Spacetime.” They discuss what quantum mechanics is (and isn’t), its relation to psychology and philosophy, and how the many-worlds interpretation may just be the key to understanding the cosmos.

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 experiences of female characters living during the era.

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 journalism, desert studies, adventure, and exploration. As an expert in ancient migration on foot, Craig also shares what it is like to retrace the steps of ancient people in the Americas.

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 formation, black holes, and the fact that we are not, as we often like to believe, the center of the universe.

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, including the fascinating history of its discoveries.

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 ecological importance of insects as well as the steps we can take to conserve their habitat the world over.

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 at MIT and his new book, "Mind and Matter: A Life in Math and Football." They also discuss his love of football, motivations for retiring from the sport, and the painful reality of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

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 American Chemical Society's CAS serves scientists by providing a wealth of knowledge about the properties of every chemical you can imagine.

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 existential philosophy and Darwinian evolution, including his approach to atheism.