Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Neuroscientist, professor, and television host Dr. Heather Berlin (Science Goes to the Movies) joins Cara on a recent visit to LA where they discuss the origins of consciousness, scientific studies of impulsive and compulsive psychiatric/neurological conditions, and of course, #SciComm!

Author and philosopher Phil Torres (The End) joins Cara to talk about how eschatologies (end-of-the-world theologies), may be paving the way for a secular apocalypse, and how we can mitigate existential risk by applying scientific rigor to these big-picture philosophical quandaries.

Live from the Reason Rally, Cara sits down with Chris Johnson (A Better Life) to talk about his photography book and film, what it means to be an atheist, and why it's imperative we talk about not just what we don't believe, but how we find meaning in a world without god.

Cara talks nerdy with Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report) about their upcoming appearances at the Reason Rally 2016 and first amendment protections.

Cara chats remotely with the Director of Outreach for Columbia University's Astronomy Department, Summer Ash. They talk about stargazing in New York City, Summer's heart surgery, and how biofeedback can help manage the anxiety and depression that accompany trauma. Oh, and @STARTORIALIST!!

Ben Hauck, creator of FightClimateDenial.com, joins Cara to discuss common arguments denialists use against anthropogenic climate change, and how we can be better armed to fight them. Also discussed: ocean acidification, alternative energy, and why it is so very important to engage in civic duty, like pressuring your representatives to speak up for the climate and going to the polls!

YouTuber Vanessa Hill (BrainCraft) joins Cara to talk about her journey from Australia to America and the brilliant work she does in science communication. Also discussed: the perils of being a woman on the internet, and how the USA could learn a thing or two from the land down under, specifically about elections and healthcare.

Cara is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her conversation with paleontologist, geneticist, anatomist, and popular science author Dr. Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within). They discuss Tiktaalik's place in our evolutionary past, along with new technologies and techniques that continue to unify Darwin's prescient theory and provide new clues to the great tree of life here on Earth. Also included: answers to brilliant questions asked by previous Talk Nerdy guest, young Stella Krone.

Cara is joined by Lila Higgins, the Manager of Citizen Science for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Together, they geek out about bugs (ahem, hemiptera), urban wildlife, and how we can all participate in the scientific process through citizen science initiatives, like those at the NHMLA.

Cara joins paleontologist, anatomist, evolutionary biologist, and popular science writer Neil Shubin (Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within) to talk about his discovery of Tiktaalik roseae, a key species linking all living tetrapods to our aquatic ancestors.