TALK NERDY

This week, Cara chats with Michael Marshall of the Merseyside Skeptics Society. They discuss his incredible work both as the Project Director of the Good Thinking Society and the host of the Be Reasonable Podcast. But the primary focus of their conversation is the unholy alliance between journalists and PR companies, as Marsh exposes in his blog "Bad PR." Follow Marsh: @MrMMarsh.

Cara is joined by Jo Ruxton, the co-founder and Director of Education of Plastic Oceans Foundation, a global network of charitable organizations focused on changing attitudes toward the use of plastics. They discuss the upcoming film, "A Plastic Ocean," which highlights the detrimental effect plastic refuse is having on our marine habitats, and because of that, on our own health and safety. They also talk about ways we can make a difference. Follow Jo: @joruxton.

Everyone's favorite astronomer Dr. Phil Plait (Death From the Skies!) is back on #TalkNerdy! He and Cara talk "Bad Astronomy," the movie "Arrival," and what lovers-of-science may have to work against during the new Trump administration. Follow Phil: @BadAstronomer.

Cara speaks with the Director of polio eradication efforts for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Jay Wenger. They discuss the history of wild poliovirus, including its devastating medical effects, as well as the incredible success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. (Oral polio vaccination has reduced cases across the globe by 99.9% since 1988.) In addition, they focus on new cases in Nigeria, and why it is more important than ever to focus on final eradication efforts. To support the effort, visit www.endpolio.org. Follow Jay: @jay_wenger.

This week's episode is a special live taping of the Paramount Science Summit, in which Cara moderates a panel of luminaries in theoretical physics: Dr. Michio Kaku (The Future of the Mind), Dr. Brian Greene, (The Hidden Reality), and Dr. Jim Gates. They discuss the role string theory may one day play in elucidating a theory of everything, along with other cosmic quandaries, like black holes, the multiverse, the big bang, and more. Follow Michio Kaku: @michiokaku. Follow Brian Greene: @bgreene. The Paramount Science Summit was held at the historic Paramount Theater in Austin, TX on December 1, 2016.

Cara is joined by Dava Sobel, author of "The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars." They discuss the scientific contributions made by these pioneering women at the turn of the 20th century, and how their methods and discoveries continue to benefit astronomers today. Also discussed: Dava's inpiration for writing this story, and the lasting lessons its pages hold. Follow Dava @DavaSobel.

Cara chats remotely with the Science Comedian himself, Brian Malow! They talk about what exactly a "science comedian" is and does, Brian's epic Europe trip where he spent time with the Vatican Astronomer, and how much fun they had at the second annual #SciCommCamp. Follow Brian: @sciencecomedian.

Live from the QED Conference in Manchester, Cara chats with psychologist and author Dr. Sue Blackmore about her research history in parapsychology and out of body experiences. They discuss her transition from credulity to skeptical thinking, and how its shaped her research and writing in the psychology of consciousness and more. Special thank you to Drew Porras for his audio engineering expertise.

Following an unexpected American election result, Cara is joined by the host of the Congressional Dish podcast, Jennifer Briney, to clarify the separation of powers in the federal government (executive, legislative, and judicial), and the realistic extent to which each branch can successfully effect change. Also discussed: what President-elect Donald Trump could mean for the future of America, and how to prevent cynicism and disillusionment by putting pressure on our elected officials and being an active voter and citizen. Follow Jen: @JenBriney.

Cara connects with an astrophysicist who's working in the most remote place on Earth: Dr. Christine Corbett Moran talks nerdy from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, deep in the heart of Antarctica. They discuss the challenges and privileges of spending a cold, dark winter at the geographic South Pole, including stunning auroras and joining the 300 club. Follow Christine: @corbett.

Just in time for Halloween, Cara is joined by Dr. Lydia Pyne, the author of "Seven Skeletons: The Evolution of the World's Most Famous Human Fossils." A science historian with training in paleoanthropology, Lydia has special insight into the fossilized hominin ancestors many of us have grown to love, like Lucy, the Old Man of La Chapelle, and the Taung Child, to name a few. Follow Lydia: @LydiaPyne.

While visiting Manchester for the QED Conference, Cara sits down with journalist, author, and television producer Dr. Simon Singh about his rich and fascinating career in science media and skepticism. They discuss his journey from particle physicist at CERN to bestselling author (The Code Book, The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets, etc.), including his love of math (or maths, for the British listeners!). They also talk about Simon's role in libel reform in England, following the influential court case "British Chiropractic Association v. Singh." Follow Simon: @SLSingh.

Cara is joined by the author (and illustrator) of "Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics," Jason Porath. They discuss what led him to complete this wonderful project, as well as how one funds such a labor of love (hint: Patreon!). They also dive into the stories of many of the women featured in the book--some we've all heard about (like Harriet Tubman and Joan of Arc) and some less known (have you heard of Agontime and the Dahomey Amazons? I hadn't either). Follow Jason: @JasonPorath.

This week, Cara is joined by Maria Konnikova, the author of "The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It...Every Time." They discuss the art of the con artist (including whether Donald Trump fits the bill) as well as Maria's unique approach to writing, merging psychology and literature. Follow Maria: @mkonnikova.

Cara speaks to Karen Garst, the author of "Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life Without Religion." They talk about some of the difficult experiences of the women featured in the book, as well as their own connections with atheist activism and feminism. Follow Karen: @karen_garst.