Breaking Math Podcast

In this episode, Autumn chats with Dr. Paula Rowinska and discuss her journey from a PhD in mathematics to writing about math and cartography. They explore the intersection of these fields, addressing common misconceptions about map-making, the historical context of map projections, and the implications of mathematical concepts like the coastline paradox and gerrymandering. The discussion also highlights the contributions of underrepresented women in mathematics and emphasizes the importance of understanding math in everyday life.Keywords: mathematics, cartography, map projections, coastline paradox, gerrymandering, women in math, traveling salesman problem, crime analysis, topology, metric map, ai, physics, mathBecome a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Dr. Paula Rowinska at paulinarowinska.com and @PaulaRowinska on Twitter. You can also find her book Mapmatics on Amazon.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and Inst

In this conversation, Gabriel and Autumn interview Jeff Perry, a career coach and author of the book 'The Intentional Engineer'. They discuss the importance of being intentional in one's career, understanding one's passions and skills, and building a strong professional network. Jeff shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming an engineer coach and offers advice on how to navigate career transitions. They also explore the concept of 'genius zones' and how to identify and leverage one's unique strengths and talents. In this conversation, Jeff discusses the concept of the zone of incompetence, competence, excellence, and genius. They share personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate these zones and emphasize the importance of self-awareness and collaboration. They also touch on the role of mindset in driving behavior and results, particularly in the context of engineering and tech careers. Jeff offers coaching and resources for individuals looking to make intentional career shifts or upgrades.Keywor

The conversation explores the intersection of math and language, with a focus on Ben Orlin's book 'Math for English Majors'. They discuss the different skill sets required for math and creativity, the organization of math education, and the accessibility of math for different audiences. Ben emphasizes the importance of quantification and the power of math in various fields. They also touch on the role of women in math history and the influence of Einstein's wife on his work. In this conversation, Ben Orlin discusses his book 'Math with Bad Drawings' and the intersection of math and literature. He explains that while math can be seen as a purified and simplified form of thinking, it can enrich a person's appreciation of literature by providing a different perspective and a way to think about the world. Ben also shares his process of writing the book, including how he chose the topics to include and the challenges of making math accessible to a wide audience.Keywords: math, language, skill sets, math education,

In this episode Autumn and Dr. Jonathan Schwabish discuss the importance of strategic thinking in data visualization and the key elements of good data. He emphasizes the need to understand the data and how it was collected, as well as the importance of starting bar charts at zero. He also highlights common mistakes in data visualization, such as distorting or lying with visuals, and the potential impact of data visualization on policy decisions. Looking to the future, he discusses the role of AI in data visualization, the integration of AI into visualization tools, and the potential of augmented reality and virtual reality in data visualization. Jon Schwabish discusses the different data visualization tools he uses, including Excel, R, Tableau, Datawrapper, and Flourish. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right tool for the specific use case and audience. He also highlights the need for policymakers and individuals to be trained in interpreting and using data visualizations effectively. Schwabish di

In this episode, Gabriel and Autumn interview mathematician, comedian, and author Matt Parker about his latest book, "Love Triangle." They discuss the unique page numbering system in the book, which is based on the sine function, and how it adds an extra layer of discovery for readers. They also explore the use of triangles and quads in 3D modeling, the concept of Perlin noise, and the perception of randomness. The conversation touches on the intersection of mathematics and creativity, as well as the practical applications of mathematical concepts in various fields. The conversation explores various topics related to mathematics, including the analysis of the Mona Lisa, the use of math in playing pool, the discovery of new shapes, and the application of math in various fields. The speakers discuss the motivation behind exploring these topics and the interplay between math and art. They also provide advice for science and math content creators on YouTube.Keywords: mathematics, book, Love Triangle, page numberi

Surprise! It's a Friday episode for you! Yes, yes it is a rerun, but we wanted to share it anyways.  We can't wait for our fall lineup because it's packed with surprises. See you back on Tuesday. Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanitySubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

It's the last week of our summer break and we have 2 episodes this week for you as a little treat. So check out our show on Friday too for a little bit more fun. We can't wait for our fall lineup because it's packed with surprises. If you have not listened to the last two episodes, then we'd highly recommend going back and listening to those. We're choosing to present this information this way because otherwise we'd waste most of your time re-explaining concepts we've already covered.Black holes are so bizarre when we measured against the yardstick of the mundanity of our day to day lives that they inspire fear, awe, and controversy. In this last episode of the Abyss series, we will look at some more cutting-edge problems and paradoxes surrounding black holes. So how are black holes and entanglement related? What is the holographic principle? And what is the future of black holes?Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanitySubscribe to B

Happy Summer! We have another week of our summer break after this episode from 2018. We will be back shortly with more content and surprises! Black holes are objects that seem exotic to us because they have properties that boggle our comparatively mild-mannered minds. These are objects that light cannot escape from, yet glow with the energy they have captured until they evaporate out all of their mass. They thus have temperature, but Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts a paradoxically smooth form. And perhaps most mind-boggling of all, it seems at first glance that they have the ability to erase information. So what is black hole thermodynamics? How does it interact with the fabric of space? And what are virtual particles?Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanitySubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagr

Happy Summer! Check out part one of our three part series on black holes from 2018. Enjoy! The idea of something that is inescapable, at first glance, seems to violate our sense of freedom. This sense of freedom, for many, seems so intrinsic to our way of seeing the universe that it seems as though such an idea would only beget horror in the human mind. And black holes, being objects from which not even light can escape, for many do beget that same existential horror. But these objects are not exotic: they form regularly in our universe, and their role in the intricate web of existence that is our universe is as valid as the laws that result in our own humanity. So what are black holes? How can they have information? And how does this relate to the edge of the universe?Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanitySubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollo

In this minisode, Autumn explores the basics in the world of journal rankings and metrics. She discusses the importance of journal rankings and how they are determined, focusing on metrics like impact factor, mathematical citation quotient (MCQ), and publication power approach (PPA). She explains how these metrics provide insights into a journal's influence and performance, but also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of research beyond just metrics.Keywords: journal rankings, journal metrics, impact factor, mathematical citation quotient, publication power approach, research evaluation, math, physics, ai, machine learning, education, publishing, academic journalsSubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode Autumn and Anil Ananthaswamy discuss the inspiration behind his book “Why Machines Learn” and the importance of understanding the math behind machine learning. He explains that the book aims to convey the beauty and essential concepts of machine learning through storytelling, history, sociology, and mathematics. Anil emphasizes the need for society to become gatekeepers of AI by understanding the mathematical basis of machine learning. He also explores the history of machine learning, including the development of neural networks, support vector machines, and kernel methods. Anil highlights the significance of the backpropagation algorithm and the universal approximation theorem in the resurgence of neural networks.Keywords: machine learning, math, inspiration, storytelling, history, sociology, gatekeepers, neural networks, support vector machines, kernel methods, backpropagation algorithm, universal approximation theorem, AI, ML, physics, mathematics, scienceYou can find Anil Ananthaswamy on T

This discussion Autumn and Gabe delves into Ismar Volic's personal background and inspiration for writing the book, “Making Democracy Count” as well as the practical and theoretical aspects of voting systems. Additionally, the conversation explores the application of voting systems to everyday decision-making and the use of topological data analysis in understanding societal polarization. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including data visualization, gerrymandering, electoral systems, and the intersection of mathematics and democracy. Volic, shares insights on the practical implications of implementing mathematical improvements in electoral systems and the legal and constitutional hurdles that may arise. He also discusses the importance of educating oneself about the quantitative underpinnings of democracy and the need for interdisciplinary discussions that bridge mathematics and politics.Keywords: math podcast, creativity, mascot, background, Matlab, ranked choice voting, elections, author's b

In this conversation, Gabe and Autumn celebrate the 101st episode of Breaking Math and discuss the evolution of the podcast. They highlight the importance of creativity in teaching mathematics and share their plans to expand Breaking Math into Breaking Math Media. They also discuss the history of physics and the big questions that inform the podcast. The hosts express their desire to collaborate with listeners and explore practical applications of math in different fields. They also mention books like 'A Quantum Story' and 'Incomplete Nature' that delve into the mysteries of quantum mechanics and consciousness. The hosts highlight the unique and creative nature of their podcast, inviting listeners to join them in the Math Lounge, a metaphorical nightclub where math and creativity intersect.Keywords: Breaking Math, podcast, creativity, mathematics, Breaking Math Media, physics, history, quantum mechanics, book discussion, double-slit experiment, quantum mechanics, interdisciplinary discussions, machine learnin

In this episode Autumn is joined by Erika Lynn Dawson Head, the Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, discusses her role in STEM, mentorship, and community building. The conversation dives into allyship, LGBTQ+ support, and the challenges of creating safe and inclusive spaces in STEM and higher education. The discussion also explores the intersectionality of identities and the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in professional and educational environments. The conversation covers a range of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It delves into the importance of creating safe spaces, addressing biases, and the need for education and awareness. The discussion also explores the concept of calling people in, the impact of cultural shifts in professional settings, and the significance of building a diverse network of support. Here we cover the importance of

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Gabe explore the concept of nothingness and its significance in various fields. They discuss the philosophical, scientific, mathematical, and literary aspects of nothingness, highlighting its role in understanding reality and existence. They mention books like 'Incomplete Nature' by Terence Deacon and 'Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea' by Charles Seife, which delve into the concept of absence and zero. The episode concludes by emphasizing the complexity and versatility of nothingness, inviting listeners to think deeper about its implications.Keywords: nothingness, philosophy, science, mathematics, literature, reality, existence, absence, zeroSubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, WebsiteFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Have suggestions or want to come on the show? Fill out the form here.email: br

SummaryThis episode is an interview with OnlineKyne, the author of the book Math in Drag. The conversation focuses on how to be an effective online educator and covers various topics in mathematics, including Cantor's infinite sets, probability, and statistics. The interview also delves into the process of writing the book and highlights the connection between math and drag. The chapters in the conversation cover the journey of a content creator, tips for science content creators, the concept of infinity, the significance of celebrity numbers, game theory, probability, statistics, and the ethical implications of math and drag.Takeaways Being an effective online educator involves distilling complex concepts into concise and valuable content. Math and drag share similarities in breaking rules and defying authority. Mathematics has a rich history and is influenced by various cultures and individuals. Statistics can be used to manipulate and deceive, so it is important to be critical of data and its interpret

SummaryIn this conversation, Gabriel Hesch interviews Kyne Santos, an online creator who combines art, music, and performance in math education. They discuss the intersection of math and music, the controversy surrounding math and drag, and the creative side of math. They also explore topics such as topology, mathematical shapes, and influential books in math. The conversation highlights the importance of challenging traditional definitions and finding new and innovative ways to engage with math education.Takeaways Math and music have a strong connection, and math can be used to analyze, manipulate, and create music. Combining art and math education can make learning math more engaging and fun. Topology is a branch of mathematics that relaxes the rigid terms used in geometry and focuses on the similarities and differences between shapes. Mathematical discoveries can come from playing around and exploring different possibilities. Challenging traditional definitions and thinking creatively are important as

In this conversation, Autumn Phaneuf interviews Zach Weinersmith, a cartoonist and writer, about the feasibility and implications of space settlement. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding space colonization, including the idea that it will make us rich, mitigate war, and make us wiser. They explore the potential of the moon and Mars as settlement options, as well as the concept of rotating space stations. They also touch on the physiological effects of space travel and the need for further research in areas such as reproduction and ecosystem design. The conversation explores the challenges and implications of human settlement in space. It discusses the lack of data on the long-term effects of space travel on the human body, particularly for women. The conversation also delves into the need for a closed-loop ecosystem for sustainable space settlement and the legal framework surrounding space exploration and resource extraction. The main takeaways include the importance of addressing repro

In this conversation, Autumn Phaneuf and Zach Weinersmith discusses his new book, A City on Mars, which takes a humorous look at the challenges of building a Martian society. He explores the misconceptions and myths surrounding space settlement and the feasibility of colonizing Mars. He argues that space is unlikely to make anyone rich and that the idea that space will mitigate war is unsupported. He also discusses the potential benefits and limitations of settling on the Moon and Mars, as well as the technical challenges involved.Follow Zach Weinersmith on his website and TwitterSubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, WebsiteFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFolllow Gabe on Twitter.email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.comA City on Mars, space settlement, Mars colonization, misconceptions, myths, feasibility, space myths, space economics, war, Moon settlement, technical chall

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Breaking Math Podcast! Today's episode, titled "What is the Use?," features a fascinating conversation with the renowned mathematician and author, Professor Ian Stewart. As Professor Stewart discusses his latest book "What's the Use? How Mathematics Shapes Everyday Life," we dive deep into the real-world applications of mathematics that often go unnoticed in our daily technologies, like smartphones, and their unpredictable implications in various fields.We'll explore the history of quaternions, invented by William Rowan Hamilton, which now play a critical role in computer graphics, gaming, and particle physics. Professor Stewart will also shed light on the non-commutative nature of quaternions, mirroring the complexities of spatial rotations, and how these mathematical principles find their correspondence in the natural world.Furthermore, our discussion will encompass the interconnectivity within mathematics, touching upon how algebra, geometry, and trigonometry conv