

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

Mar 17, 2025 • 43min
Night Magic w/ Leigh Ann Henion
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times bestselling nature writer, Leigh Ann Henion. They talk about Leigh’s newest book, “Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark.” Follow Leigh: @leighannhenion

Mar 10, 2025 • 57min
Treekeepers w/ Lauren E. Oakes
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by conservation scientist and award-winning science writer, Lauren E. Oakes. They talk about her latest book on the global reforestation movement, “Treekeepers: The Race for a Forested Future.” Follow Lauren: @OakesLE

Mar 3, 2025 • 55min
Animal Medicine w/ Jaap De Roode
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Emory University professor of biology and director of the Infectious Diseases across Scales Training Program, Dr. Jaap De Roode. They discuss his new book, “Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves.”

Feb 24, 2025 • 48min
Trans Technologies w/ Oliver Haimson
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Assistant Professor at University of Michigan School of Information, Oliver L. Haimson. They talk about his forthcoming book, Trans Technologies. Follow Oliver: @haimson

Feb 17, 2025 • 57min
Revolutionary Self w/ Lynn Hunt
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian and Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA, Dr. Lynn Hunt. They discuss Lynn’s newest book, The Revolutionary Self: Social Change and the Emergence of the Modern Individual, 1770-1800.

Feb 10, 2025 • 57min
What's Real About Race w/ Rina Bliss
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning author and associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University, Dr. Rina Bliss. They discuss Rina’s new book, "What's Real about Race? Untangling Science, Genetics, and Society". Follow Rina: Dr.rinabliss

Feb 3, 2025 • 54min
Monstrous w/ Surekha Davies
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by British writer, speaker, historian, and monster consultant, Dr. Surekha Davies. They discuss Surekha’s new book, Humans: A Monstrous History. Follow Surekha: @surekhadavies

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Hidden Viking History w/ Eleanor Barraclough
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian, BBC broadcaster and writer, Eleanor Barraclough. They discuss Eleanor’s new book, Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age .

Jan 13, 2025 • 55min
Science Impact w/ Anne Toomey
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University, Anne Toomey. They discuss Anne’s new book, “Science with Impact: How to Engage People, Change Practice, and Influence Policy.”

Jan 6, 2025 • 34min
Trauma & Social Justice w/ Judith Herman
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Judith Herman MD. They discuss her new book, “Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice."


