Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Cara chats with Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of "Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction." They talk about the power of citizen science in a world experiencing a stunning loss of biodiversity, as well as Mary Ellen's personal journey as a writer, a daughter, and a citizen scientist.

Cara sits down with the author of "Asteroid Hunters," Dr. Carrie Nugent (professional asteroid hunter and Staff Scientist at Caltech/IPAC). They discuss recent and historical asteroid impacts and misses, as well as future plans for preventing an asteroid collision with Earth.

Cara is joined by renowned astrophysicist Dr. Mario Livio to talk about his new book, "Why?: What Makes Us Curious." They discuss the science behind curiosity, its uniquely human elements, and the fresh perspective a lifelong learner in astrophysics has to offer on the subject.

Cara is joined in studio by Dr. Joshua Rappoport, the Director of the Center for Advanced Microscopy and Nikon Imaging Center at Northwestern University. They dive into his new book, “The Cell: Discovering the Microscopic World that Determines Our Health, Our Consciousness, and Our Future.”

Cara is joined Ivan Oransky, MD, cofounder of “Retraction Watch.” They discuss his path from medicine to science journalism and the important work he’s doing shedding light on falsified, fabricated, fraudulent, and plagiarized articles in the scientific literature.

Recording from the 2017 NECSS conference in New York City, Cara is joined by former naturopath Britt Marie Hermes. They talk about her journey from practicing naturopathic “doctor” to skeptical activist, including the dangers of alternative medicine practices like homeopathy, alternative cancer treatment, and other forms of pseudoscience.

Cara has an in-studio chat with Jodi McNeill, Technical and Policy Analyst at the Pembina Institute. They talk about the massive environmental impact of the Alberta oil sands and their associated tailings ponds. Jodi shares her insight as a climate and energy policy professional, working to mediate between fossil fuel industries, environmental activists, and the public at large.

Cara speaks with journalist and author Adam Piore about his new book, “The Body Builders: Inside the Science of the Engineered Human.” Adam shares some his favorite stories from the book, including a “bionic man” and a blind woman who can “see” with her ears.

Cara is joined in studio by the dynamic duo Olivia Koski and Dr. Jana Grcevich. They work together at the Intergalactic Travel Bureau, where they help you plan your dream space vacation! They also co-wrote a beautiful new book, "Vacation Guide to the Solar System," so you can travel to distant planets from the safety of your home.

Cara has a candid conversation with Ron Miscavige, author of “Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me,” about his life as a Scientologist and the difficulty he faced (and continues to face) after escaping the cult. They also talk about the messages and motivations of L Ron Hubbard and the ascendancy of his son, David, the leader of Scientology.