In this conversation, Dr. Caleb Scharf discusses the evolution of space exploration, drawing parallels to historical figures like Darwin. He explores the implications of humanity's expansion into space, the challenges of microgravity, and the allure of Mars as a potential habitat. Scharf emphasizes the interconnectedness of space exploration with our daily lives and the future of humanity as a dispersed entity across the solar system. Sign up for Writing Math: https://http://www.fields.utoronto....
Oct 21, 2025•57 min
In this engaging conversation, Rachel Ignotofski discusses her new book Dinosaurs, exploring the fascination with these ancient creatures, the impact of mass extinctions, and the evolution of life on Earth. She highlights the importance of paleontology, the legacy of Mary Anning, and the artistic choices made in illustrating the book. The discussion also touches on the audience for the book, quirky anecdotes from paleontological history, and the significance of understanding deep time in relatio...
Oct 14, 2025•31 min
In this conversation, Quico discusses the nature of gullibility and the tactics used by charlatans to exploit people's beliefs. He provides insights into various case studies, including astrology and blood types, and highlights notable charlatans like Baba Ramdev and the impact of mega churches. The discussion also covers modern scams in the crypto space and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and awareness in navigating a world filled with misinformation and exploitation. It's made k...
Oct 07, 2025•40 min
In this conversation, economist Dr. Victoria Bateman discusses the critical role of women in shaping economic prosperity throughout history. She argues that women's choices, independence, and labor have been overlooked in traditional economic narratives. The discussion covers various themes, including the impact of women's marriage decisions on population control, the relationship between women's independence and technological advancements, and the historical marginalization of women in economic...
Sep 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this conversation, Marcus Du Sautoy explores the intricate relationship between mathematics and various forms of art, including music, literature, and visual arts. He discusses how mathematical concepts such as prime numbers, symmetry, and randomness influence creative processes and artistic expressions. Through examples from renowned artists like Shakespeare and Dali, Du Sautoy illustrates how mathematics serves as a blueprint for understanding and creating art, while also emphasizing the em...
Sep 09, 2025•1 hr
In this conversation, Eugenia Cheng discusses the importance of making math accessible and engaging for everyone, particularly those who have been discouraged by traditional education methods. She emphasizes the intersection of math and art, the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues with numbers, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of equality and fairness in society. Cheng also highlights the significance of mentorship and the impact of gender dynamics in mathematics, advocating f...
Sep 05, 2025•47 min
This week’s episode isn’t our usual deep dive—it’s a behind-the-scenes update. On Monday, Breaking Math vanished from Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more without warning. After digging in, we discovered a strange RSS glitch that merged our feed with another podcast. In this quick update, Autumn shares: What happened behind the scenes when the show disappeared Which platforms are already fixed (and which we’re still waiting on) How you can make sure you never lose track of Breaking Math again What ...
Aug 28, 2025•4 min
In this conversation, Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, discusses her book “Hate the Game,” that frames life and career decisions as strategic games. She emphasizes the importance of understanding economic principles to navigate personal and professional challenges, negotiate effectively, and reclaim agency in various aspects of life. Fairweather shares insights on overcoming barriers related to race and gender, the impact of information asymmetry, and the significance of designi...
Aug 19, 2025•34 min
In this conversation, Autumn and Dr. Anthony Bonato explore the fascinating world of networks, discussing their significance in various fields, including mathematics, social interactions, and even the spread of diseases like COVID-19 in his new book Dots and Lines . Anthony shares his journey into network science, the importance of understanding networks in everyday life, and how they can reveal hidden connections. The discussion also touches on popular culture references, such as Game of Throne...
Aug 12, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Breaking Math, Dr. Noah Giansiracusa discusses his book 'Robin Hood Math', emphasizing the importance of mathematical literacy in navigating an algorithm-driven world. He explores how math can empower everyday people, the writing process behind his book, and practical applications of math in daily life, including social media algorithms and financial decisions. The conversation highlights the simplicity of the math that truly matters and encourages listeners to reclaim agency ...
Aug 05, 2025•33 min
In this conversation, Dr. Christoph Bartneck discusses the intersection of swimming and computer science, exploring how mathematical patterns can enhance swim training. He introduces the concept of a formal swim markup language to improve data exchange and training efficiency. The discussion also delves into the visualization of swimming techniques, the importance of mental engagement in training, and the aesthetic appeal of mathematics. Christoph shares insights on the challenges of writing his...
Jul 29, 2025•46 min
In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn explores the complex world of AI ethics, focusing on its implications in education, the accuracy of AI systems, the biases inherent in algorithms, and the challenges of data privacy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in mathematics and computer science, advocating for transparency and accountability in AI systems. Autumn also highlights the role of mathematicians in addressing these ethical dilemmas and the need for societ...
Jul 22, 2025•12 min
In this episode, we explore the intricate mathematics behind Sp0tify's (ok... and other's) shuffle feature, revealing how it is designed to feel random while actually being carefully curated. We discuss the psychological implications of randomness, the Fisher-Yates shuffle algorithm, and how engineers have created a system that respects human perception of randomness. The conversation delves into the philosophical aspects of curated randomness and the broader implications of mathematical princip...
Jul 08, 2025•8 min
This conversation explores the intricate relationship between mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI) for people who don't want to get too math heavy and want things simplified as much as possible. It delves into how algorithms, machine learning, and various mathematical tools like linear algebra, calculus, and statistics form the backbone of AI technologies. The discussion highlights real-world applications of AI, the ethical implications of its use, and the importance of mathematical lite...
Jul 01, 2025•9 min
This conversation delves into the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography, focusing on the implications of quantum computers for current encryption methods and the necessity for post-quantum cryptography. Dr. Dustin Moody from NIST discusses the threats posed by quantum computing, particularly through Shor's algorithm, and the ongoing efforts to develop new cryptographic standards that can withstand these threats. The discussion also covers the role of NIST in standardizing post-quant...
Jun 24, 2025•41 min
In this episode, Autumn interviews Dr. Ileana Pazos, an expert in dosimetry, discussing the critical role of radiation measurement in various industries, including healthcare and food safety. They explore the science behind dosimetry, the applications of radiation, the challenges faced in accurate measurements, and the misconceptions surrounding food irradiation. Ileana emphasizes the importance of public education and the need for global standards in radiation measurement, while also sharing he...
Jun 17, 2025•32 min
In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Strychalski discusses the fascinating field of synthetic biology, particularly focusing on synthetic cells. She shares her journey into this research area, the challenges of defining life, and the ethical considerations surrounding synthetic biology. The conversation also explores the potential applications of synthetic cells in environmental science and medicine, as well as the importance of engineering standards and biomanufacturing for sustainability. Dr. S...
Jun 10, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the innovative intersections of fire science and technology with experts Amy Mensch and Ryan Falkenstein-Smith who work at NIST. They discuss the groundbreaking photoacoustic technique for measuring soot deposition, its applications in fire safety and forensic investigations, and the broader implications for fire research. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies into firefighting and the po...
Jun 03, 2025•50 min
In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Andrew Novick delve into the intricate world of timekeeping, exploring the significance of precise time measurement in modern technology. They discuss the evolution from traditional atomic clocks to cutting-edge optical clocks, the critical role of time in various industries, and the implications of time on fundamental physics, including Einstein's theories. The conversation also touches on the quirky concept of leap seconds and the future advancement...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Summary This episode of Breaking Math explores the fundamental concept of measurement, its importance in daily life, and the necessity for standardized units. The discussion highlights the role of the International System of Units (SI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in maintaining measurement accuracy. It also touches on historical measurement failures and the evolution of measurement definitions, emphasizing the future of measurement in technology and science. Sub...
Feb 18, 2025•7 min
In this episode, Dr. Destine Nock, CEO of Peoples Energy Analytics and a Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, joins Autumn to dive deep into the world of energy equity. They explore how cutting-edge data analytics are revolutionizing the landscape of affordable energy access. As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, the need to ensure fair and inclusive energy distribution becomes more critical than ever. Together, our hosts break down how data-driven insights...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min
In this captivating episode of Breaking Math, hosts Gabriel and Autumn dive deep into chaos theory—a fascinating branch of mathematics that explores the behavior of complex systems highly sensitive to initial conditions. They break down the butterfly effect, revealing how tiny variations can lead to major consequences and discuss the inherent unpredictability in weather forecasting and the financial markets. The episode also uncovers chaos theory’s influence on human physiology, such as heart ra...
Nov 12, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Breaking Math , we dive deep into the transformative power of large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 in the fields of chemistry and materials science, based on the article "14 examples of how LLMs can transform materials science and chemistry: a reflection on a large language model hackathon" by Jablonka et al. from the Digital Discovery Journal . Discover how AI is revolutionizing scientific research with predictive modeling, lab automation, natural language interfaces, and ...
Nov 05, 2024•12 min
In this episode of Breaking Math , we explore the unexpected link between sheep herding and fluid dynamics! Did you know that the way sheep move in a herd is governed by the same mathematical principles as water flowing in a river? By following simple rules of alignment, cohesion, and separation, sheep create a coordinated, fluid-like movement that scientists can model to predict behavior. Join us as we break down how these principles apply not only to animal herds but also to real-world applica...
Oct 29, 2024•15 min
In this exciting episode of Breaking Math , we explore the groundbreaking discovery of the largest prime number ever found — M136279841 , a Mersenne prime with over 41 million digits ! Join us as we dive deep into the story behind this astonishing mathematical achievement, led by Luke Durant , a volunteer from the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) project. Discover how Mersenne primes work, why they’re so important to the world of mathematics, and how cutting-edge technology like GPUs...
Oct 22, 2024•8 min
In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf dive into the cutting-edge world of Generative Flow Networks (GFlowNets) and their role in artificial intelligence and material science. The discussion centers on how GFlowNets are revolutionizing the discovery of new materials for carbon capture, offering a powerful alternative to traditional AI models. Learn about the mechanics of GFlowNets, their advantages, and the groundbreaking results in developing materials with enh...
Oct 22, 2024•11 min
Explore the intriguing intersection of science and spiritualism in the Victorian era . This episode uncovers how prominent scientists like Michael Faraday , William James , and Marie & Pierre Curie engaged with supernatural phenomena and the rise of spiritualism . Discover the scientific efforts to debunk or understand paranormal activities , and how these investigations shaped modern science. Dive into the fascinating legacy of this 19th-century movement and its lasting impact on today's sc...
Oct 15, 2024•23 min
AI & Consciousness: Philosophical Debates, Ethical Implications & the Future of Conscious Machines In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness. Delve into historical perspectives, philosophical debates, and the ethical questions surrounding the creation of conscious machines. Key topics include the evolution of AI, challenges in defining and testing consciousness, and the potential ri...
Oct 08, 2024•11 min
In this episode of Breaking Math , hosts Autumn and Gabriel take a deep dive into the paper “Towards Equilibrium Molecular Conformation Generation with GFlowNets” by Volokova et al. , published in the Digital Discovery Journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry . They explore the cutting-edge intersection of molecular conformations and machine learning , comparing traditional methods like molecular dynamics and cheminformatics with the innovative approach of Generative Flow Networks (GFlowNets) f...
Oct 01, 2024•9 min
Mathematical Patterns in Plants: Fibonacci, Golden Ratio & Nature's Hidden Math with Christophe Gole & Nancy Pick In this episode of Breaking Math, host Autumn interviews authors Christophe Gole and Nancy Pick about the captivating world of mathematical patterns in plants, inspired by their book Do Plants Know Math?. Explore the intersection of mathematics and biology as they discuss the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio, and spiral formations that reveal nature's mathematical beauty....
Sep 24, 2024•56 min
