Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Cara chats with illustrator and animator Aurelie Beatley about the new Smithsonian Earth series they worked on together, “The Secret World of Animal Sleep.” They discuss Aurelie’s background in science illustration as well as the fascinating process of animating this breathtaking science series. Bonus: lots of cool tidbits about animal slumber!

Cara chats with science fiction author Daniel Price about his newest book, "The Song of the Orphans." They talk about the deep process of creating alternative worlds on the written page. They also discuss themes of time and mortality, including very personal struggles Daniel has had with both.

Cara chats with Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of "Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything." They talk about her work as a biologist and ecologist, focusing on parasitic agents that manipulate host behavior. Then the conversation shifts to her new book (co-written with her husband, Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal comic creator Zach Weinersmith). You should rea...

Cara is joined by Professor of Epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health, Dr. Tara Smith. They talk about her work on zoonotic infectious (those that spillover from non-human animals to humans), with a specific focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) arising in livestock. Cara also shares her own tale of MRSA infection.

Cara is joined by author and graphic designer Rachel Ignotofsky to talk about her two books, “Women in Science” and “Women in Sports.” They discuss the important contributions of the badass women featured in her work, as well as the importance of role modeling in modern society.

Cara chats with Tristan Gooley, author of the new book, “How to Read Nature: Awaken Your Senses to the Outdoors You’ve Never Noticed.” They talk about the lost art of natural navigation, including the worldview that opens up when you begin to “intuit” your course.

Cara is joined in-studio by mortician and death-acceptance advocate, Caitlin Doughty. They talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death,” as well as her work revolutionizing the funeral industry with her non-profit mortuary “Undertaking LA.”

Cara chats with evolutionary biologist, behavioral ecologist, and science historian Dr. Lee Dugatkin about his new book "How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)" (coauthored with Lyudmila Trut). They discuss the famed Siberian silver fox experiment, learning a lot about evolution along the way.

Cara connects across the globe with Dr. Rebeca Atencia, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo and the Manager and Head Veterinarian at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center. They talk about the joys and sorrows of working with orphaned chimpanzees, including our minor differences and profound similarities as species.

Cara chats with journalist and author Dr. Kathryn Miles about her new book, "Quakeland: On the Road to America's Next Devastating Earthquake." They talk about the natural history of disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, how human activity is increasing their numbers and ferocity, and what we can do to be better prepared when disaster inevitably strikes.

Cara is joined by Dr. Agustin Fuentes, author of “The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional.” They discuss the similarities we share with non-human animals, as well as what makes us special, including the great responsibility we hold as shepherds of planet Earth.

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.

Cara chats with skeptic, author, and science activist Kavin Senapathy about all of the things! They discuss health and food (with a special focus on GMOs), parenting, vaccines, and many other “contentious” topics every good skeptic should know.

Cara is joined by the host of “Xploration Outer Space,” Emily Calandrelli (she also happens to be a correspondent on the new Netflix show, “Bill Nye Saves the World”)! They talk about science television as well as Emily’s newest project, the “Ada Lace” book series.

Cara is honored to be joined this week by former NASA astronaut and current Chief Pilot for World View Enterprises, Ron Garan. They talk about the wonder and awe of seeing Earth from space, and how that translates to what Ron calls the "Orbital Perspective" -- something we can all maintain in our relationship with humanity and our home planet.

This week, Cara chats with the host of "This Week in Science," Dr. Kiki Sanford. They talk about her pioneering work in science communication, and she reveals the methods and insights she uses to deliver fascinating science news week after week.