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.
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.
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 Y...
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cara dives deep into gender biology with Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling, the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Brown University. They talk frankly about gender and sexuality, including a discussion of its scientific, political, and social influences.
Cara chats with computational chemist Dr. Scott Bembenek, author of "The Cosmic Machine: The Science That Runs Our Universe and the Story Behind It." They dig deep into the process of writing before exploring the history and systems of physics, from Galileo to Newton to Einstein and beyond.
This week, Cara chats with Morra Aarons-Mele, the author of "Hiding in the Bathroom: An Introvert's Roadmap to Getting Out There (When You'd Rather Stay Home)." They discuss her work as the founder of "Women Online," a digital marketing agency that brings brands to a powerful audience: women. They also talk about the problems of the conference culture, and what women and introverts alike can do to overcome them.
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 read it. It's really good.
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.
