Dr. Cara Santa Maria is a clinical health psychologist, television presenter, and science communicator. Since 2014, her podcast Talk Nerdy has been a place for conversations with interesting people about interesting topics.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 1:06:59
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UK based curator, writer, artist, and educator Cathy Haynes. Cathy has been researching, writing, and developing a creative…
Sep 21, 2026 · 1:08:18
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by researcher, writer, and punctuation expert , Florence Hazrat. They discuss her latest book, On the Mark: From Periods to…
Sep 14, 2026 · 1:12:02
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Stanford University , Dr. Xiaochang Li. They discuss her book,…
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:04:54
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by biological anthropologist and the chair of the Department of Anthropology at Princeton University , Agustín Fuentes. They discuss…
Aug 31, 2026 · 1:08:03
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author , and Professor Emerita of History at Rutgers University-Newark, Dr. Beryl Satter. They discuss her newest book, Cash on…
Aug 24, 2026 · 1:04:19
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by American critic, historian of science, and journalist , Dr. Edna Bonhomme. They discuss her latest book, Tending to Our Wounds: A…
Aug 17, 2026 · 1:04:27
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer, and Stony Book University professor of women, gender, and sexuality studies , Angela Jones. They discuss Angela’s latest…
Aug 10, 2026 · 59:43
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and award-winning freelance journalist , Roberta Kwok. They discuss Roberta’s latest book, Lost in Curiosity: Field Notes…
Aug 3, 2026 · 1:07:19
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author , and Associate Professor of Digital Humanities and Social Engagement at Dartmouth , Roopika Risam. They discuss her new…
Jul 27, 2026 · 1:11:43
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, and professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno, Valerie Fridland. They discuss Valerie’s new book, Why We…
Jul 20, 2026 · 53:13
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard professor of Literature and of Folklore and Mythology , Dr. Maria Tatar. They discuss her new book, Arachnomania: Spiders…
Jul 13, 2026 · 1:01:35
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by anthropologist, author, and associate professor of anthropology at Purdue University , Dr. Zoe Nyssa. They discuss her new book,…
Jul 7, 2026 · 1:01:03
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, and Frances and Charles Field Professor of History at Stanford University , Jessica Riskin. They discuss her latest book,…
Jun 29, 2026 · 1:01:35
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist, author, and contributing writer at The Atlantic , Roxanne Khamsi. We discuss her latest book, Beyond…
Jun 15, 2026 · 1:13:19
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by theoretical physicist, and associate professor of physics and astronomy, and core faculty in women’s and gender studies at the…
Jun 8, 2026 · 55:29
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by professor of complex systems at Williams College and cofounder of the QSIDE Institute , Chad M. Topaz. They discuss his book,…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:00:46
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer and researcher focused on bees, agriculture, and the environment , Dr. Jennie Durant. They discuss her new book, Bitter…
May 25, 2026 · 57:35
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Professor, researcher, and speaker empowering adult daughters, Dr. Allison M. Alford. They discuss her book, Good Daughtering:…
May 18, 2026 · 58:36
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by British astrophysicist and Royal Society Research Fellow, Dr. Emma Chapman. They discuss her new book The Echoing Universe: How…
May 11, 2026 · 57:14
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by physician, author, and illustrator , Dr. Grace Farris. They discuss her new book, See One, Do One, Teach One: The Art of Becoming…
May 4, 2026 · 1:10:50
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by neurogastroenterologist, and instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School , Dr. Trisha Pasricha. They discuss her new book,…
Apr 27, 2026 · 1:06:27
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning science journalist, editor, author and communicator , Helen Pearson. They discuss her newly released book , Beyond…
Apr 20, 2026 · 1:08:08
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by academic economist , and head of the Criminal Justice program at philanthropy Arnold Ventures , Jennifer Doleac. They discuss her…
Apr 13, 2026 · 1:13:53
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by writer , anthropologist , and associate professor of African and African diaspora studies at the University of Texas at Austin ,…
Apr 6, 2026 · 1:03:37
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Duke University professor of political science , and author , Candis Watts Smith. They discuss her latest book, Black Evidence: A…
Mar 30, 2026 · 1:09:25
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, and Regents Professor of ecology, evolution, and behavior at the University of Minnesota , Professor Marlene Zuk. We…
Mar 23, 2026 · 1:03:42
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by behavioral scientist , and Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government , Julie Minson. They discuss…
Mar 16, 2026 · 47:38
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist Dr. Caroline Tracey to talk about her debut book, Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History . Follow Caroline: @ce_tracey
Mar 9, 2026 · 1:06:23
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Professor of Social Sciences at Harvard University , Affiliated Research Professor at the American Bar Foundation, and member of…
Mar 2, 2026 · 1:06:12
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Bioethicist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University, Dr. Daphne O. Martschenko. They discuss her book, What…
Feb 23, 2026 · 56:20
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science and environmental journalist , Laura Poppick. They discuss her book, Strata: Stories from Deep Time . Follow Laura:…
Feb 16, 2026 · 57:16
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and media producer , Mindy Weisberger. They discuss her 2025 book, Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science…
Feb 9, 2026 · 1:04:01
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by clinical and research psychologist, passionate knitter , and writer -- Dr. Nicole Nehrig. They discuss her book, With Her Own…
Feb 2, 2026 · 59:29
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by UC Irvine Law Professor , and acclaimed author , Mehrsa Baradaran. They talk about her latest book, The Racial Wealth Gap: A…
Jan 26, 2026 · 1:07:55
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by journalist and author of four previous books , Rose George. They discuss her newest book, Every Last Fish: A Deep Dive into…
Jan 19, 2026 · 1:11:55
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Bloomberg investigative journalist , and author, Ellen Huet. They discuss her 2025 book about OneTaste, Empire of Orgasm: Sex,…
Jan 12, 2026 · 59:54
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and educator , Dr. Jonathan Mathias Lassiter. They discuss his new book, How I…
Jan 5, 2026 · 1:02:02
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by American historian, writer , and author , Dr. Christine Rosen. They discuss her newest book, The Extinction of Experience: Being…
Dec 22, 2025 · 57:50
In this week’s episode of Talk Nerdy, we revisit a 2022 episode with former Research Director at GiveDirectly , Dr. Miriam Laker-Oketta. Talk Nerdy is joining podcasts across the…
Dec 15, 2025 · 54:55
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by MIT research scientist , and science photographer , Felice Frankel. They discuss her book, Phenomenal Moments: Revealing the…
Dec 8, 2025 · 1:09:25
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by climate change researcher , and Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College , Dr. Thea Riofrancos. They…
Dec 1, 2025 · 1:08:25
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer and longtime independent journalist , Melanie D. G. Kaplan. They discuss Melanie’s newest book , Lab Dog: A Beagle…
Nov 24, 2025 · 46:33
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by acclaimed climatologist, geophysicist, and University of Pennsylvania distinguished Professor , Dr. Michael Mann. They discuss…
Nov 17, 2025 · 49:42
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by prolific author and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Colorado State University, Dr. Ellen…
Nov 10, 2025 · 50:19
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by founder and chief designer of the toy company Heroes Will Rise and a former Professor of Industrial Design at RISD, Cas Holman.…
Nov 3, 2025 · 1:03:26
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by associate professor in the Department of the History of Science at Harvard University , Dr. Eram Alam. They discuss her highly…
Oct 27, 2025 · 49:37
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning earth scientist, TV presenter, writer, and advocate for diversity in the geosciences and nature, Dr. Anjana Khatwa.…
Oct 20, 2025 · 54:20
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined award-winning scientist and science communicator , Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. They discuss her newest book, Spark: Jim West's Electrifying…
Oct 13, 2025 · 49:42
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times Best Selling author, illustrator, and science communicator Rachel Ignotofsky. They discuss her forthcoming book,…
Oct 6, 2025 · 48:02
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by University of Western Australia research fellow , and creative writer , Dr. Prema Arasu. They discuss Prema’s new book, The Book…
Sep 29, 2025 · 59:06
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by former CDC director, physician, and author , Dr. Tom Frieden. They discuss his newly released book, The Formula for Better…
Sep 22, 2025 · 1:01:11
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by evolutionary social psychologist and author who studies women and health, Dr. Sarah E. Hill. They discuss her newest book, The…
Sep 15, 2025 · 59:54
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by prolific science writer, and author of eight New York Times bestsellers , Mary Roach. They discuss her newest book, Replaceable…
Sep 8, 2025 · 48:40
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by renowned anthropologist, and Director of the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project in Kenya, Dr. Shirley Strum. They talk about her new book,…
Sep 1, 2025 · 1:06:35
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Primatologist and Assistant Professor at NYU Dept of Environmental Studies , Dr. Christine E. Webb. They discuss her new book,…
Aug 25, 2025 · 56:29
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC San Francisco, Dr. Virginia Sturm.…
Aug 18, 2025 · 55:41
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by scholar practitioner dedicated to truth-telling through research and education, Pauline W. Hoffmann Ph.D. We discuss Pauline’s…
Aug 11, 2025 · 57:54
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by qualitative sociologist, Dr. Gretchen Sisson. Gretchen’s researches pregnancy, abortion and adoption at Advancing New Standards…
Aug 4, 2025 · 1:03:24
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by biologist and Professor of science writing, Anne E. Greene. They discuss Anne’s book, “ Writing Science in Plain English, Second…
Jul 28, 2025 · 1:00:26
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Science & Environment Writer , Starre Vartan. They discuss Starre’s newest book, “ The Stronger Sex: What Science…
Jul 21, 2025 · 1:05:45
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by psycholinguist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Language Sciences at the University of Wisconsin−Madison , Dr. Maryellen…
Jul 14, 2025 · 49:27
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Energy and Environment Reporter for The Hil l, Rachel Frazin. They talk about her book, “ Poisoning the Well: How…
Jul 7, 2025 · 1:08:27
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by photo editor and writer Anika Burgess to discuss her new book, “ Flashes of Brilliance: The Genius of Early Photography and How…
Jun 30, 2025 · 43:15
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by environmental scientist turned freelance writer and editor, Sarah Boon. They discuss her new book, “ Meltdown: The Making and…
Jun 23, 2025 · 1:04:47
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by astrophysicist , University of Arizona Associate Professor, and Director of the Arizona Space Institute , Erika Hamden. We…
Jun 16, 2025 · 54:00
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science communicator , author and associate professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University , Dr. Carly Anne York. They discuss her new…
Jun 9, 2025 · 1:01:27
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science writer, author, and geoscientist , Dr. Lisa S. Gardiner. They discuss her newly released book, Reefs of Time: What…
Jun 3, 2025 · 54:22
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by science journalist and author , Liz Kalaugher. They discuss Liz’s newly released book, “ The Elephant in the Room: How to Stop…
May 26, 2025 · 56:30
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by microbiologist, science communicator, Adjunct Professor at Indiana University South Bend and postdoctoral researcher at the…
May 19, 2025 · 58:37
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author, historian, journalist and mystery novelist , Brandy Schillace, PHD. They discuss Brandy’s newest book, “ The…
May 12, 2025 · 59:13
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by microbial biogeochemist , Professor of Earth Science and Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies at the University of Southern…
May 5, 2025 · 1:05:53
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Inaugural J. Mario Molina Professor of the History of Medicine in the Department of the History of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins…
Apr 28, 2025 · 1:04:52
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by educator , civil servant , and the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), John B. King, Jr. We discuss his…
Apr 21, 2025 · 1:13:43
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by wildlife ecologist, TV presenter, author, and science communicator , Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. They discuss Rae’s newest project…
Apr 14, 2025 · 1:00:46
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian, ecologist , and environmental studies professor at Williams College , Dr. Laura J. Martin. They discuss her book, “…
Apr 7, 2025 · 1:11:30
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Dr. Helen King. Helen is a Professor Emerita of Classical Studies at The Open University, and an elected member of the General…
Mar 31, 2025 · 1:08:35
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by cognitive neuroscientist and neuroimaging expert , Gina Rippon. They discuss her forthcoming book (April 1 2025), “ Off the…
Mar 24, 2025 · 1:02:25
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Harvard University Professor of the History of Science and author , Rebecca Lemov. They discuss her newest book, “ THE…
Mar 17, 2025 · 43:07
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by New York Times bestselling nature writer , Leigh Ann Henion. They talk about Leigh’s newest book, “ Night Magic: Adventures Among…
Mar 10, 2025 · 57:18
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by conservation scientist and award-winning science writer , Lauren E. Oakes. They talk about her latest book on the global…
Mar 3, 2025 · 55:11
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Emory University professor of biology and director of the Infectious Diseases across Scales Training Program , Dr. Jaap De Roode.…
Feb 24, 2025 · 48:11
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Assistant Professor at University of Michigan School of Information , Oliver L. Haimson. They talk about his forthcoming book,…
Feb 17, 2025 · 56:38
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian and Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA , Dr. Lynn Hunt. They discuss Lynn’s newest book, The Revolutionary Self:…
Feb 10, 2025 · 56:48
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by award-winning author and associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University, Dr. Rina Bliss. They discuss Rina’s new book, "…
Feb 3, 2025 · 53:56
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by British writer, speaker, historian , and monster consultant , Dr. Surekha Davies. They discuss Surekha’s new book, Humans: A…
Jan 27, 2025 · 1:06:42
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by historian , BBC broadcaster and writer , Eleanor Barraclough. They discuss Eleanor’s new book, Embers of the Hands: Hidden…
Jan 13, 2025 · 55:03
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University , Anne Toomey. They discuss Anne’s new…
Jan 6, 2025 · 33:59
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School , Judith…
Dec 16, 2024 · 51:29
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…
Dec 9, 2024 · 42:43
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…
Dec 2, 2024 · 54:56
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,…
Nov 25, 2024 · 56:18
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:…
Nov 18, 2024 · 57:55
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…
Nov 11, 2024 · 1:06:10
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by natural history writer and author , Josh Davis. They discuss his new book, “ A Little Queer Natural History ”. Follow Josh:…
Nov 4, 2024 · 1:07:36
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:…
Oct 28, 2024 · 1:00:21
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…
Oct 21, 2024 · 1:06:59
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by author and assistant professor at the Dept. of Logic, History, and Philosophy of Science at the National Distance Education…
Oct 14, 2024 · 55:36
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…
Oct 7, 2024 · 54:33
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara is joined by Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History at Yale University and professor at the Yale School of the Environment , Dr. Sunil…
Sep 30, 2024 · 1:02:19
On this episode of Talk Nerdy, Cara finishes her conversation with Brown University Chancellor’s Professor of Africana Studies , Dr. Tricia Rose. They dive deeper into her book,…
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