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Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria

Cara Santa Maria
Climate Change
Mental Health
Science Communication
Science Journalism
PFAS
Colonialism
Feminism
Public Health
Psychology
Coral Reefs
Monsters
Animal Research
Neuroscience
Systemic Racism
Native Bees
Zoning
Transgender Activism
Ethics Of Animal Testing
Women's Health
Covid-19

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes608Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural SciencesSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Talk Nerdy

Latest Episodes

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 Inheritance: Our Ever-Mutating Cells and a New Understanding of Health. Follow Ro... more

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 University of New Hampshire, Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein. They discuss he... more

YouTube

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, Unlocking Justice: The Power of Data to Confront Inequity and Create Change.... more

YouTube

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 Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Bees and the Fight to Save Them. Follow Jennie: @... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire; author of The Edge of Space-Time
University of New Hampshire
Episode: Intersectional Cosmology w/ Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Chad M. Topaz
Professor of complex systems at Williams College, co-founder of the QSIDE Institute
Williams College; QSIDE Institute
Episode: Unlocking Justice w/ Chad M. Topaz
Jennie Durant
Freelance writer and affiliate researcher at UC Davis focusing on bees, agriculture, and the environment
UC Davis; University of Illinois; USDA project on pesticides
Episode: Bitter Honey w/ Jennie Durant
Allison M. Alford
Clinical Associate Professor, Baylor University
Baylor University
Episode: Daughtering w/ Allison M. Alford
Emma Chapman
Award-winning astrophysicist, Royal Society research fellow and lecturer at University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham
Episode: Radio Astronomy w/ Emma Chapman
Grace Ferris
Physician in Austin, Texas; author and illustrator of graphic memoirs
Independent physician; author/illustrator
Episode: Art of Medicine w/ Grace Farris
Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Director of the Institute for Gut Brain Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Harvard Medical School; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Episode: Neurogastroenterology w/ Trisha Pasricha
Helen Pearson
Science journalist and author, former Nature editor
Nature
Episode: Evidence w/ Helen Pearson
Jennifer Doleac
Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures; economist
Arnold Ventures
Episode: Criminal Justice w/ Jennifer Doleac

Host

Cara Santa Maria
Host of the show, science communicator and clinical health psychologist

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.6k ratings
  • All good science

    Great podcast for current science, medical, historical and related cultural topics. Mostly interviews of recent authors. Always based on good science and academic research.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    grdavis53
    United States4 months ago
  • Lots of interesting perspectives and engaging conversations. Love the diversity of guests featured here.

    Podchaser
    5
    parikhg01
    5 months ago
  • A very unique and special podcast that people should listen to.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Larian
    9 months ago
  • Science is the limit

    You should cover the HPV Vaccine that came out to help prevent cervical cancer that was so popular in 2010 or 2011. Despite the Catholic Church being opposed to it, a lot of women in that community got it, including an ex friend with benefits.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ray Reesey
    United States2 years ago
  • Science communication is all about timing

    The ads would have changed to Nevada ads when we all moved out here, not when James told you we all moved out here.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Ray Reesey
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners noteads and pacing as areas for improvement.
Many reviews commend accessible, well-researched science storytelling.
Listeners praise the host for thoughtful interviews and engaging guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Intersectional Cosmology w/ Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Q: Why is it important to write for a general audience about complex topics like quantum physics and cosmology?
Writing for non-experts helps demystify science, make it accessible, and empower people with knowledge to participate in democratic discourse; it also provides a platform to reveal the social and political dimensions of science, encouraging broader engagement beyond traditional academic audiences.
Intersectional Cosmology w/ Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Q: How does one begin to pick areas to focus their research in cosmology when the field is so broad and interconnected?
She describes a structured, advisor-driven process where a student works within a lab or program and aligns with a supervisor's topic, then gradually develops independence through fellowships and research opportunities while staying open to interdisciplinary bridges that align with her interests in social dimensions of science.
Intersectional Cosmology w/ Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Q: How did you carve a path that was atypical for a traditional academic, moving between physics and women's and gender studies?
Her training was traditional in physics, but she pursued interdisciplinary work through opportunistic fellowships, collaborations, and positions that allowed policy and cross-disciplinary engagement; over time she built a dual role that blends physics with social studies of science, enabling a more holistic research/programmatic trajectory.
Salt Lakes w/ Caroline Tracey
Q: What role does personal narrative play in your book and how did you weave your own story into scientific reporting?
The personal journey provides a sense of home and a queer coming-of-age framework, anchoring scientific observations in lived experience and exploring how identity intersects with place and environmental change.
Salt Lakes w/ Caroline Tracey
Q: How has the Great Salt Lake been managed over time, and how is it faring today?
Water diversions for irrigation and the prior appropriation system have starved terminal lakes like Salt Lake City's basin, shrinking the lakes and creating ecological and dust-emission problems, with ongoing debates on how policy could restore balance.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Talk Nerdy

What is Talk Nerdy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on accessible conversations with scientists, researchers, clinicians, and authors who unpack complex topics in science, health, and society through in-depth, curious interviews. Episodes span astronomy, medicine, gastroenterology, criminology, ecology, genetics, and science communication, often pairing rigorous expert insight with personal storytelling. A notable throughline is the emphasis on evidence, public engagement, and real-world implications of research, from policy and health to the ethics of genetics and environmental change. The format tends to favor conversational depth with guests who are researchers, authors, or practitioners sharing practical knowledge and narrative context that helps listeners understand ho... more

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How many listeners does Talk Nerdy get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers Talk Nerdy has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Talk Nerdy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talk Nerdy:

1. The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
2. Political Reality
3. Skeptics with a K
4. The Scathing Atheist
5. TheThinkingAtheist

How many episodes of Talk Nerdy are there?

Talk Nerdy launched 12 years ago and published 608 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Talk Nerdy?

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What guests have appeared on Talk Nerdy?

Recent guests on Talk Nerdy include:

1. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
2. Chad M. Topaz
3. Jennie Durant
4. Allison M. Alford
5. Emma Chapman
6. Grace Ferris
7. Dr. Trisha Pasricha
8. Helen Pearson

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