Cara Santa Maria is a science communicator, television host, producer, and journalist. She is excited to present "Talk Nerdy," a place for conversations with interesting people about interesting topics.
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The “Know What You See” podcast delves into the ways our fundamental need to connect with others profoundly shapes our experience of life. On each episode, through conversations with experts and people just trying to make sense of it all, Brian Lowery takes a journey of exploration—answering and raising questions to deepen our understanding of and appreciation for the often surprising, sometimes perplexing, and now and then transcendent lives we create together.
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The Party of Reason and Progress (PORP) is an organization dedicated to promoting reason and empirically sound decision-making in modern politics. Our mission is to implement effective and rational policies through educating the general public and supporting reasonable and logical public officials and initiatives.
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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 University of Notre Dame, Dr. Maggie M. Fink. They discuss her newest co-authored book, “The Color of North: The Molecular Language of Proteins and the Future of Life.” Follow M…
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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 Intermediaries: A Weimar Story.” Follow Brandy: @bschillace.brandyschillace.comBy Cara Santa Maria
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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 California, Dr. Karen G. Lloyd. They discuss Karen’s new book, “Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth.” Follow Karen: @KarenLloyd…
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Historical Abortion w/ Mary Fissell
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1:05:53
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1:05:53In 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 University, Dr. Mary Fissell. They talk about her book, “Pushback: The 2,500-Year Fight to Thwart Women by Restricting Abortion.”…
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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 new book, “Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.” Follow John: @John.B.KingBy Cara Santa Maria
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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 co-hosting NBC’s original series Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. This new series showcases wildlife success stories across the United States and inspires the n…
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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, “Wild by Design: The Rise of Ecological Restoration.” Follow Laura: @Laura_J_MartinBy Cara Santa Maria
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History of the Female Body w/ Helen King
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1:11:30In 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 Synod of the Church of England, where she is vice chair of Together. They discuss her newest book: “Immaculate Forms: A History of the Female Body in Four Parts.” Follow Hele…
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The Art of Kintsugi Ceramics: Naoko Fukumaru on Making What’s Broken Beautiful
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35:32
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35:32Sometimes healing doesn't mean trying to erase the past, but honoring it — cracks and all. In this episode, artist Naoko Fukumaru shares her deeply personal story of transformation through kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery or ceramics with lacquer and gold or silver powder to highlight the fractures and seams. She and host Bria…
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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 Spectrum: Why the Science of Autism Has Failed Women and Girls”, which is a call to recognize the full spectrum of the autistic experience. Follow Gina: @ginarippon1…
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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 INSTABILITY OF TRUTH: Brainwashing, Mind Control and Hyper-Persuasian.” Follow Rebecca: @rebeccalemovBy Cara Santa Maria
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From Medieval Love Songs to Modern Hip-Hop: Marisa Galvez on the Power of Poetry
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31:35What do medieval troubadours and modern rappers have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Stanford professor of French and Italian, Marisa Galvez joins Brian Lowery to explore how poetry—whether in 12th-century love songs or hip-hop lyrics—has long been a way to express love, power, or identity. Together they discuss how lyrical t…
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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 Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark.” Follow Leigh: @leighannhenionBy Cara Santa Maria
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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 reforestation movement, “Treekeepers: The Race for a Forested Future.” Follow Lauren: @OakesLEBy Cara Santa Maria
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From Lipstick to Loons: Jennifer Sullivan’s Journey into Birding
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31:25
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31:25Host Brian Lowery talks with journalist Jennifer Sullivan about the parallels between beauty and birding. As someone who has spent years writing about appearance and self-perception, Jenn discovered that watching birds offered a different kind of reflection—one that quiets the mind and expands our sense of place in the world. She and Brian discuss …
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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. They discuss his new book, “Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves.”By Cara Santa Maria
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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, Trans Technologies. Follow Oliver: @haimsonBy Cara Santa Maria
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Flight of the Monarchs: Jaime Rojo on Beauty and Conservation
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31:01National Geographic photographer and conservationist Jaime Rojo has spent decades capturing the beauty and fragility of the monarch butterfly. Their epic migration is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, but their survival is under threat. In this episode, Jaime shares how his passion for photography and conservation led him to document th…
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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: Social Change and the Emergence of the Modern Individual, 1770-1800.By Cara Santa Maria
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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, "What's Real about Race? Untangling Science, Genetics, and Society". Follow Rina: Dr.rinablissBy Cara Santa Maria
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Spilling the Tea on Cross Culture Comedy: Jesse Appell’s Journey in China
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29:42In this episode, comedian and tea enthusiast Jesse Appell of Jesse's Teahouse takes us on a journey from studying Chinese comedy to building an online tea business. He shares how navigating different cultures shaped his perspective on laughter, authenticity, and community. From mastering traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy to reinventing himself …
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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 Monstrous History. Follow Surekha: @surekhadaviesBy Cara Santa Maria
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Hidden Viking History w/ Eleanor Barraclough
1:06:42
1:06:42
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1:06:42In 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 Histories of the Viking Age .By Cara Santa Maria
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Music, Movement, and Meaning: Hanging Out with DJ Cosmo
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33:02In this episode of Know What You See, Brian Lowery talks with DJ Colleen "Cosmo" Murphy, an acclaimed broadcaster, DJ, and founder of Classic Album Sundays. Colleen shares her journey from a high school radio station to becoming a global curator of transformative musical experiences. Whether it's finding community through the airwaves, or the share…
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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 book, “Science with Impact: How to Engage People, Change Practice, and Influence Policy.”By Cara Santa Maria
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Bonus: "Wisdom and Practice" with Simran Jeet Singh
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28:15
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28:15Here’s another podcast we think you’ll like. It's called "Wisdom and Practice" and it’s hosted by one of Brian Lowry's guests this season, Simran Jeet Singh. Wisdom & Practice uncovers what insights we can gain from our ancient and modern traditions. Simran explores the different means of practice his guests have taken to discover new awareness of …
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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 Herman MD. They discuss her new book, “Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice."By Cara Santa Maria
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Wine and Chocolate: Stories and Craft with Chris Gaither and Todd Masonis
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36:17Wine and chocolate may seem like simple pleasures, but for people like master sommelier Chris Gaither and Dandelion Chocolates co-founder Todd Masonis, they’re so much more. Chris sees wine as a way to bring people together to share stories and get in touch with the land and culture. Todd’s approach to chocolate focuses on traditional origins and f…
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Battle for Birth Control w/ Stephanie Gorton
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51:29On 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 Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry that Brought Birth Control to America.” Follow Stephanie: @sdgortonBy Cara Santa Maria
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