
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

Nov 30, 2021 • 53min
025 = Bec's Beck's and Bucks
In this month's episode Bec finds out how many Beck's beers would fit in Bec Hill. And Matt investigates how much he'd have in Euros, if every person gave him 1 in their local currency. Plus! A ding is given, and Matt goes to Antarctica. A big thank you to Adam Kay, Doctor Xand and sword swallowers Snookie Mono and Snake Fervor for their help with this episode. As always, send your problems to www.aproblemsquared.com, EXCEPT if it's related to Antarctica, in which case, ask on Twitter: @AProblemSquared.

Oct 31, 2021 • 41min
024 = Pumpkin Bores and Bumps 'n' Doors
APS 024 is out now! And it's a spooky October edition! In this episode... * What's the largest hole that can be carved in a pumpkin without the pumpkin collapsing? * How do you stop noisy ghosts rattling doors when you're trying to sleep? * And, Cupboard of Nupboard: The people have spoken!

Sep 30, 2021 • 51min
023 = The Weight of Words and Graphene for Turds
Yes, that's right. The Weight of Words and Graphene for Turds. In this month's episode... If graphene was rolled to the size of a loo roll, how long would that roll be? What is the weight of the ink in Bec's book? Plus! The REAL answer to Earth's longest line of sight. And, Bec and Matt are reunited after two years apart. If you want want EVEN MORE from A Problem Squared, find us on Twitter, Instagram or Patreon. And as always, if you've got a problem or a solution, hit us up on our website www.aproblemsquared.com.

Aug 31, 2021 • 49min
022 = Serial Writing, Lineal Sighting, and Cereal Biting
What's the best way to stay inspired when writing? Where on earth can you look the furthest away at something else, that is also on the earth? When eating cereal, what is the milk? Sauce, broth, jus or something else? Plus! Repurposing crushed bike helmets: Can you, should you?

Jul 31, 2021 • 1h 7min
021 = Inharmonics and Skin-harm-tonics
This is Inharmonics and Skin-harm-tonics! In this month's episode... How well can the human voice mimic a dinging bell? Bec teams up with a multi-vocalist Beardyman to tackle this one! What is the optimal use of sunscreen to create a tan and protect your skin? Plus: The results from Matt's sunny survey are IN and we have updates from episode 020. As always, if you've got a problem or a solution, hit us up on our website www.aproblemsquared.com, or on social media @AProblemSquared. If you want to master the mysterious art of harmonic singing, you can learn more from Anna Maria on YouTube. And a massive thank you once again to Beardyman. He is on the internet so go check him out!

Jun 30, 2021 • 51min
020 = Filling Up and Falling Down
Score! It's episode 020 of A Problem Squared, Filling Up and Falling Down! In this episode... Can we solve global warming by diluting the atmosphere? What's the funniest way to fall down without hurting yourself? Plus: The answer to last month's A Pudding Squared, and a final word on Arctic Krill. As always, if you've got a problem or a solution, hit us up on our website www.aproblemsquared.com, or on social media. You can find Matt's favourite mascot fail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-Zph323Dos For full (en)closure, the solution to the most recent A Pudding Squared, is right here: https://twitter.com/Hellcat_Mama/status/1400053063012995073?s=08

May 31, 2021 • 50min
019 = Wetness, Trees and Pet Mysteries
How did a hamster end up in a listener's apartment on the other side of the world? How many leaves would humans need to photosynthesise all our energy? Plus, an update on Dish Splatters: Why don't plastic things dry in the dishwasher? If you've got a problem or a solution, hit us up on our website www.aproblemsquared.com, or on social media. It's Pudding, on the 'gram For Bec's hamster habitat, look no further. And, welcome to the world of Hamster-tube. Here are some of Bec's favourite hamster moms, Malica and Victoria. In the Catch Up segment Matt talks about solving a mathematical quandary: whether all nets of the 4D Hypercube can tile 3D space. The answer is yes! Here is the link to that video

Apr 30, 2021 • 48min
018 = Make Your Vote Count & New Species Amount
This month, Matt and Bec explore voting systems in elections. Bec wonders what effect it might have to vote for a novelty candidate. And we speak to a special guest who might just know a thing or two about this. Plus a whole heap of quick-fire problem solving! Here's the video Matt mentioned that simulates alternate voting systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhO6jfHPFQU&ab_channel=Primer

Mar 31, 2021 • 46min
017 = All The Hills, Fauna Fills and Sauna Chills
How many Bec Hills could fit in Bexhill? What species would make the longest queue if you put every individual in a single line? Plus an update on Bec's coat conundrum! If you've got a problem or a solution, hit us up on our website www.aproblemsquared.com, or on social media. Thanks to www.higherdose.com for providing the sauna blanket for the fluffy jacket problem. To find out more about Mileva Marić and the campaign to have her contributions recognised, visit www.inspiring-girls.com/ig-blog/marijamilevablog

Feb 28, 2021 • 50min
016 = Biscuit Tips and Longer Trips
In this month's episode, Matt investigates what is the optimal way to share biscuits amongst a group, and Bec explores how you can elongate your holiday time using all manner of creative methods. Plus updates on short shorts and how much Coronavirus is there in the world. Send your problems at www.aproblemsquared.com And here's the study Matt referenced about perceptions of Time: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0001295