

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

Dec 16, 2024 • 51min
Battle for Birth Control w/ Stephanie Gorton
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Lebanese-American writer, Stephanie Gorton. They discuss Stephanie’s new book, “The Icon and the Idealist: Margaret Sanger, Mary Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry that Brought Birth Control to America.” Follow Stephanie: @sdgorton

Dec 9, 2024 • 43min
Key to the City w/ Sara Bronin
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Mexican-American architect, attorney, Cornell University professor and National Zoning Atlas founder, Sara Bronin. They discuss Sara’s new book: “Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World.” Follow Sara: @sarabronin

Dec 2, 2024 • 55min
Intersectional Mental Health w/ Sahaj Kaur Kohli
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by practicing therapist, writer, speaker on mental health inclusion, and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, Sahaj Kaur Kohli (MaEd, LGPC). They discuss her debut book: “But What Will People Say? Navigating Mental Health, Identity, Love, and Family Between Cultures.” Follow Sahaj: sahajkohli

Nov 25, 2024 • 56min
Vanishing Treasures w/ Katherine Rundell
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by bestselling writer and Fellow of St Catherine's College, Katherine Rundell. They discuss her newest book, “Vanishing Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures.” Follow Kate: Katherine.rundell

Nov 18, 2024 • 58min
Breaking Bias w/ Anu Gupta
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by human rights lawyer, scientist, scholar of bias, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, Anu Gupta. They discuss his new book: “Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From--and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel” Follow Anu: @anuguptany

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 6min
Queer Natural History w/ Josh L. Davis
Josh L. Davis, a natural history writer and author of "A Little Queer Natural History," shares intriguing insights into the queer behaviors found in the animal kingdom. He discusses how species challenge traditional gender norms and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in natural history. The conversation also critiques societal perceptions of normalcy in relationships and highlights biases present in scientific research. Davis emphasizes how understanding these dynamics can reshape our perspectives on sexuality and kinship in nature.

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 8min
Fierce Desires w/ Rebecca L. Davis
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and professor of history at the University of Delaware, Rebecca L. Davis. They talk about her new book, “Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America.”

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h
Rural Cancer Care w/ Fazlur Rahman
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by San Angelo-based oncologist, author and Advocate for Medical Humanities & Ethics, Dr. Fazlur Rahman MD. They discuss his just released book, Our Connected Lives: Caring for Cancer Patients in Rural Texas.

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
Animals' Understanding of Death w/ Susana Monsó
Susana Monsó, an expert in animal minds and ethics from UNED in Madrid, shares insights from her new book on how animals understand death. They explore the philosophical implications of animal mortality, discussing research on Goffin's cockatoos. Monsó unpacks the emotional responses animals have to death, challenging anthropocentric views. The conversation touches on the ethics of consumption and our complicated relationship with nature. Using humor, she reflects on her personal journey with grief while advocating for accessible philosophy.

Oct 14, 2024 • 56min
Linguaphile w/ Julie Sedivy
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and language scientist, Julie Sedivy. They discuss her newest book, “Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love.” Follow Julie: @JulieSedivy


