TALK NERDY

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with author Mark O'Connell about his new book "To Be a Machine: Adventures Among Cyborgs, Utopians, Hackers, and the Futurists Solving the Modest Problem of Death." They talk about the process of writing a book, a well as the things he learned during his investigation of the fascinating and sometimes troubling transhumanist movement. Follow Mark: @mrkocnnll.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara chats with journalist and editor Melissa Dahl about her new book, “Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness.” They talk about what makes us shudder, from the sound of our own voices to the prospect of starting a conversation with strangers on the New York City subway. Follow Melissa: @melissadahl.

It's the 200th episode of Talk Nerdy! To celebrate, Cara brings back the Ask Me Anything (AMA) format, with a twist! This week, Cara is joined in studio by friend of the show and host of the Ologies podcast, Alie Ward. She scans the brilliant questions provided by you, the Talk Nerdy listeners, and selects her favorites to turn the tables and interview Cara! They cover ground from space travel to science communication to Killer, of course! And Cara answers her famous final two questions. THANK YOU for an incredible 200 episodes! Talk Nerdy wouldn't be possible without the support of incredible listeners like you. Follow Alie @alieward and Cara @CaraSantaMaria.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by astrophysicist Dr. Adam Becker to talk about his new book, "What is Real? The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics." They talk about the important role philosophy plays in understanding the scientific process as well as what happens when you question one of the sacred cows of quantum physics, the Copenhagen interpretation. Follow Adam: @FreelanceAstro.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara speaks with science journalist Alanna Mitchell about her new book, “The Spinning Magnet.” They examine magnetismʼs long history of discovery, including the hundreds of times the Earthʼs poles have flipped. Follow Alanna @amitchelltweets.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined in studio by stand-up comedian David Huntsberger. They talk, among other random things, about the wonderful work he's doing on his science podcast, "The Space Cave."  Also discussed: the frustrating and fantastic world of freelance content creation. Follow Dave: @huntsbergerjunk.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara re-records her lost episode with scientist and author Laurie Winkless!  They bemoan the loss of Cara's laptop while discussing Laurie's new book, "Science and the City: The Mechanics Behind the Metropolis." Topics include how cities manage increasing water demand, Laurie's favorite feats of engineering, and a disgusting byproduct of human refuse, the "fatberg." Follow Laurie: @laurie_winkless.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara sits down with Dr. Clifford Johnson, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California. They talk about his new book, "The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe," a graphic novel that explains physics for everyday people. Follow Clifford: @asymptotia.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by planetary scientist Dr. Amanda Hendrix to talk about her book, “Beyond Earth: Our Path to a New Home in the Planets” (coauthored by Charles Wohlforth). They dive deep into the fascinating moons of Saturn and all of the scientific (and potentially life-supporting!) information they have to offer. Follow Amanda: @arh_moons.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by comedian Ian Harris to talk about his new special, "ExtraOrdinary." They also discuss his work throughout the years as a so-called "skeptic comedian" and his work in the world of mixed martial arts. Follow Ian: @comediocre.

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg to discuss her new Netflix docuseries, "The Confession Tapes." They talk about the psychology of false or coerced confessions, including unethical police practices like the "Reid technique."

In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by James Askew, a PhD candidate in evolutionary biology at the University of Southern California’s Jane Goodall Research Center. They discuss his contributory work toward the recognition of a newly described species of Sumatran orangutan, the Tapanuli. They also talk about conservation of this critically endangered species, whose population numbers an estimated 800 individuals, making it the rarest great ape on the planet. Follow James: @jamesaaskew.

This week, Cara is joined by Natalie Newell, filmmaker and cohost of the Science Enthusiast Podcast. They discuss her new film “Science Moms” and just why skepticism is so important within the parenting community. Topics include GMOs, vaccines, and evidence-based thinking. Follow Natalie: @ncnewell.

In this episode, Cara is joined by Nate Blakeslee, author of “American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West.” They talk about the trials of O-Six, a Yellowstone wolf who symbolizes the modern struggle between hunters, ranchers, politicians, conservationists, and the wildlife that existed long before human beings came on the scene. Follow Nate: @Nate_Blakeslee.

Cara is joined by famed neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of the new book "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." They discuss the interplay between neurobiology, environment, development, and evolution in our decision-making processes, for better or worse. In seeking to understand why we do what we do, Dr. Sapolsky describes the very essence of what it means to be human.