
A Problem Squared
Matt Parker and Bec Hill present: A Problem Squared. A podcast dedicated to solving problems of all kinds, such as, "What should I listen to right now?". A Podcast Squared. First one's free. You're welcome.
Latest episodes

Jun 10, 2025 • 57min
111 = Mnemonic Serenading and Mechanism Naming
Discover why melodies stick in our heads more than sentences. Enjoy a hilarious tale of comedy on a tiny train and the ambitious idea of calculating pi on the moon. Dive into the challenges of coding for a lunar rover and explore inventive naming for motors, sparking laughter and creativity. Learn how memory intertwines with emotion, revealing quirky techniques to enhance recall through scents and songs. This lively discussion balances fun storytelling with intriguing science!

8 snips
May 26, 2025 • 55min
110 = Inventive Dice and Paperwork Advice
Delve into the quirky world of dice design, where creativity meets complex math. Discover the hosts' humorous take on paperwork, coining fun terms like 'madmin' and ‘ladmin’ while debating digital vocabulary. Enjoy lighthearted stories, including a bike accident mishap and playful games of Battleship. The blend of inventive discussions and listener engagement keeps the banter lively and entertaining, making mundane topics surprisingly enjoyable!

13 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
109 = Fourth Dimensions and Love Conventions
4️⃣ What would it look like to be trapped in a 4D world?🥰 What is the meaning of marriage?✨Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get AOBusyHead to our socials to see some fantastic representations of 2D meets 3D meets 4D in fiction, some magical magic, and an alphabetically perfect travel route (for 40 days in 1990).If you’re heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, you can get tickets to see Matt here:https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/getting-triggy-it-matt-parker-does-mathsAnd you can get tickets see Bec here:https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5884/If you’re on Patreon and have a creative Wizard offer to give Bec and Matt, please comment on our pinned post! If you want to (we’re not forcing anyone) please do leave us a review, share the podcast with a friend, or give us a rating! Please do that. It really helps. Finally, if you want even more from A Problem Squared you can connect with us and other listeners on BlueSky, Twitter, Instagram, and on Discord.

7 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 4min
108 = Proofed Mates and Proved Dates
The hosts share funny stories from a concert and explore the joys of spontaneity. They discuss the delicate art of addressing a friend's drinking habits, merging humor with tact. Travel tales reveal the quirks of jet lag and airline experiences. A whimsical look at unconventional communication methods includes skywriting and the need for creative strategies. They also dive into digital security with a focus on hashing and listener contributions, wrapping up with playful banter about Fugglers and a fun game reminiscent of Battleship.

Apr 14, 2025 • 56min
107 = Megabytes and Satellites
Discover the quirky differences between digital measurements as the hosts break down the confusing world of bytes and gigabytes. They tackle amusing anecdotes about pediatric dentistry and reflect on humorous meeting mishaps. Learn about the advancements in lunar GPS technology and the challenges NASA faces. Plus, enjoy whimsical discussions on giant bikes for hamsters and local landmarks like the Big Prawn. It's a lighthearted exploration of science and humor that will leave you entertained and more informed!

4 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 56min
106 = Travel ABC and Art of Karate
Discover the whimsical concept of an alphabetically perfect travel route through 26 countries! Laugh along as the hosts tackle hilarious scenarios involving penguins and physics. They creatively brainstorm ways to transform broken karate boards into artistic decor, celebrating the beauty in imperfections. Enjoy amusing anecdotes about oversized attractions and learn about the shaka sign's origins. Plus, dive into a mathematical challenge on how to wrap the Earth with paper while appreciating listener feedback and the joy of live performances!

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
105 = Next Prime Dates and Ancient Gag Rates
Discover when the next Prime Number Day is and enjoy a dive into the fascinating world of geology with witty rock anecdotes. Delight in comedic tales of driving adventures and the trials of a beloved coffee maker. Explore the magic of prime dates and the coding challenges that come with them, all while sipping coffee! Unravel the timeless nature of humor with ancient jokes and modern laughs, and hear playful listener tales that encapsulate the hosts' camaraderie and charm.

13 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 49min
104 = Paper Spread and Pencil Lead
Curious if A-45 paper can wrap the Earth? The hosts dive into this quirky mathematical dilemma with humor. They also explore why we still call pencil graphite 'lead' and share fascinating tales from fossil caves, featuring a child's impressive geological knowledge. Their lighthearted take on the physics of sound at AstroFest adds another layer of fun. Expect playful banter, logic puzzles, and amusing anecdotes about pencils that bring fresh insight to everyday tools!

5 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 49min
103 = Heaps Splad and Paul’s Pad
Dive into the world of wordplay as the hosts explore Caesar ciphers and creative band names. Discover humorous adventures in optimizing tiny living spaces with multifunctional furniture. Hear about the quirky thrills of collaborative puzzle-solving at an immersive theater event. They share personal anecdotes from the Adelaide Fringe festival and the amusing sensations of menthol products. Interactions with listeners bring in playful reflections on the quirks of their podcast format, all while fostering a sense of community.

4 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 53min
102 = Copyright Traps and Saturday Night Gaps
The hosts weave through quirky tales of their Australian adventures, from playful kangaroos to hilarious cultural mishaps. They dive into the fascinating concept of 'Mount Weasel,' where deceptive entries amuse and mislead. A humorous discourse on the logistics of Saturday Night Live reveals its unique scheduling over the years. The charm of Australia's giant landmarks sparks a playful rating system. All the while, they share candid insights into their podcasting journey and the mishaps of lost phones, keeping the energy light and entertaining.