Breaking Math Podcast

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 emotional and aesthetic dimensions of both fields.Takeaways Mathematics and art are deeply interconnected. The circle is fundamental to both mathematics and nature. Prime numbers are essential building blocks in mathematics. Music often employs mathematical structures for creativity. Shakespeare used prime numbers to disrupt rhythm. Symmetry plays a crucial role in both art and mathematics. Dali's work reflects his fascination with scientific ideas. Theatre allows for abstract exploration of mathematical concepts. Ambiguity is embraced in art but avoided in mathematics. Randomness can lead to unexpected creative outcomes.Chapters 00:00 Blueprints of Mathematics and Art 02:35 Defining Creativity and Its Interplay 04:24 Mathematicians as Collaborators with Artists 07:17 The Fractal Nature of Jackson Pollock's Art 12:54 The Significance of Circles in Mathematics 16:31 Exploring the Mystery of Prime Numbers 19:52 The Role of Primes in Music Composition 28:01 Mathematics and the Structure of Music 29:00 The Mathematical Foundations of Music 31:50 Art and Mathematics: Dali's Exploration 38:56 Theatrical Structures and Mathematical Concepts 43:46 The Distinct Narratives of Numbers and Art 48:07 Symmetry and Randomness: Blueprints of Creativity 58:49 Exploring Creativity Through MathematicsFollow Professor du Sautoy on Twitter, BlueSky, and find his new book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 for a more inclusive approach to learning and appreciating math as a creative and thoughtful discipline.Takeaways Many people are put off math due to early education experiences. Math and art should not be pitted against each other. Creativity is essential in STEM fields. Numbers can oversimplify complex realities. Understanding inequality requires recognizing its nuances. Context matters in mathematical reasoning. We often forget important details in data interpretation. Math can be appreciated without full understanding. Building confidence in math is crucial for everyone. Mentorship plays a vital role in academic success.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mathematical Laziness 04:21 The Journey of a Mathematician 06:57 Creativity in Math and Art 09:33 Understanding Inequality through Math 11:57 The Dangers of Simplifying with Numbers 15:07 Political Debates and Mathematical Perspectives 17:15 The Importance of Context in Math 17:44 Category Theory and Abstraction in Math 20:29 Neutrality and the Gray Areas of Equality 24:02 Exploring Equality and Its Nuances 25:17 Mathematics in Real-World Contexts 28:49 The Intersection of Math and Marginalized Voices 32:39 Overcoming Gender Bias in Mathematics 35:28 The Role of Gut Instinct in Math 37:54 The Surprising Aspects of Writing a Book 42:51 Building Confidence in Math for Everyone 46:15 Rethinking Fairness and Structural ChallengesFollow Eugenia on Twitter, BlueSky, and on her Website Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 to expect from upcoming guest episodesFollow Breaking Math online:Website: https://www.breakingmath.io/YouTube: youtube.com/@breakingmathpodTwitter/X: @breakingmathpodBluesky: breakingmath.bsky.socialInstagram: @breakingmathmediaFacebook: Breaking Math CommunityThanks for sticking with us—we’ll be back with a brand-new episode on Tuesday.

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 designing one's own path in a competitive environment. The conversation highlights the necessity of introspection, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt in a world that often feels rigged against certain individuals.Takeaways Life can be viewed as a game where strategic decisions matter. Negotiation requires awareness of both your and your employer's options. Workplace bullying can be addressed with strategic approaches. Information asymmetry can hinder career advancement; awareness is key. Barriers in academia can be overcome with strategy and support. Race and gender dynamics play a significant role in economic opportunities. Balancing strategic thinking with empathy is crucial for long-term success. You can still achieve your goals despite systemic unfairness.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Economic Principles 03:57 Understanding Economic Cheat Codes 07:08 Navigating Career Options and Negotiations 09:39 Dealing with Workplace Dynamics 11:33 Information Asymmetry in Decision Making 14:02 Designing Your Own Game 15:06 Identity and Power in Economics 17:21 Overcoming Barriers in Economics 25:51 The Impact of Housing on Economic Understanding 30:38 Applying Economic Theory to Relationships 33:02 Winning in a Rigged Game 34:01 Life as a Game: Making Informed Decisions.Follow Daryl on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn and on her Website Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter BlueSky, TikTok, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 Thrones and Survivor, to illustrate the practical applications of network theory. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need to embrace mathematics and recognize the pervasive role of networks in our lives.Takeaways Networks are fundamental to understanding complex systems. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of network science. Mathematics encompasses more than just numbers and shapes. Personal experiences can lead to profound realizations about networks. Everyday life is filled with examples of networks in action. Game of Thrones and Survivor serve as engaging examples of network analysis. The Bacon number illustrates connections in Hollywood. Erdős number connects mathematicians through collaboration.Chapters 00:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book 03:38 Understanding Networks: A New Perspective 06:13 Networks in Everyday Life 08:28 The Power of Networks in Society 11:03 Real-World Applications of Network Science 13:32 Pop Culture and Network Analysis 15:38 The Bacon Number and Network Connections 21:53 The Bacon Number and Small World Phenomenon 26:34 Network Embeddings and Their Applications 31:04 Graph Theory: Patterns and Connections 35:11 The Importance of Mathematics in Everyday Life 36:57 Introduction and Curiosity in ConnectionsFollow Anthony on Twitter, and on his Website Subscribe 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 InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 through understanding mathematics.Takeaways Math is a powerful tool that can empower individuals. The concept of Robin Hood Math aims to redistribute mathematical knowledge. Mathematical literacy is becoming as essential as reading. Algorithms are deeply embedded in our daily lives, influencing decisions. Understanding expected value can improve decision-making. Averaging guesses can lead to better predictions. Social media algorithms prioritize engagement, affecting content visibility. Credit scores are calculated using weighted sums of various factors. Many important mathematical concepts are simpler than they appear. Mathematical literacy can help close equity gaps in society.Chapters 00:00 Monetizing Social Media for Educators 02:25 The Birth of Robin Hood Math 05:18 Empowering the Everyday Person with Math 08:01 The Writing Process and Surprising Discoveries 10:37 Practical Math Lessons for Everyday Life 13:22 Understanding Algorithms in Social Media 21:56 Understanding Engagement Algorithms 24:28 The Impact of Mathematics on Financial Decisions 29:54 Empowering Through Mathematical Literacy 32:23 Exploring Key Themes in MathematicsFollow Noah on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn and on his WebsiteSubscribe 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 InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 book and his vision for creating a global community around swimming and mathematics.Takeaways Programming languages can optimize swim training. There's a gap in literature between math and sports science. Data exchange in swimming training is challenging. Visualizing swimming techniques aids in understanding. Mathematical patterns can enhance training routines. Repetitive tasks in swimming can be likened to repetitive songs. Engagement in training is crucial for success. Chapters 00:00 The Motivation Behind Swim Training Patterns 02:32 Intersection of Swimming and Computer Science 05:56 Challenges in Measuring and Documenting Swim Performance 09:32 The Role of Patterns in Swim Training 11:54 Mathematical Patterns and Their Application in Swimming 15:14 Exploring Repetitiveness in Music and Swim Training 18:08 Art Projects and Mathematical Patterns 21:13 Fermat's Theorem and Impossible Squares 23:14 Making Math Accessible in Swim Training 26:40 The Importance of a Shared Language in Coaching 27:35 Applying Pattern-Based Approaches to Sports 29:17 The Role of Structure in Training Across Sports 30:02 Current Use of Frameworks in Elite Swimming 30:10 Innovative Training Philosophies in Swimming 32:30 Programming Languages and Their Applications in Sports Science 34:56 The Joy of Writing and Creating 38:59 Challenges in Writing and Communicating Mathematical Concepts 41:37 The Journey of a Book and Community EngagementFollow Christoph on his YouTube Channel and on bartneck.de. Subscribe 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 InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 society to engage critically with AI technologies.Takeaways AI systems can misinterpret student behavior, leading to false accusations. Bias in AI reflects historical prejudices encoded in data. Predictive analytics can help identify at-risk students but may alter their outcomes. Anonymization of data is often ineffective in protecting privacy. Differential privacy offers a way to share data while safeguarding individual identities. Ethics should be a core component of algorithm design. The impact of biased algorithms can accumulate over time. Mathematicians must understand both technical and human aspects of AI. Society must question the values embedded in AI systems. Small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Ethics 02:14 The Accuracy and Implications of AI in Education 04:14 Bias in AI and Its Consequences 05:45 Data Privacy Challenges in AI 06:37 Mathematical Solutions for Ethical AI 08:04 The Role of Mathematicians in AI Ethics 09:42 The Future of AI and Ethical ConsiderationsSubscribe 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 InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 principles in technology and human experience.Takeaways The shuffle feature is not truly random. Humans struggle to recognize true randomness due to cognitive biases. The Fisher-Yates shuffle algorithm is a standard for randomization. Uses psychological techniques to enhance user satisfaction with shuffle. Dithering is a method used to create a perception of randomness. Shuffle feature analyzes multiple dimensions to optimize song selection. The algorithm incorporates noise to maintain unpredictability. Curated randomness is prevalent in various technologies beyond music. Humans prefer sequences with fewer clusters to feel more random. Mathematics can reveal insights into human behavior and preferences.Chapters00:00 The Hidden Mathematics of Spotify Shuffle05:56 The Art of Psychological Randomness07:58 Philosophical Implications of Curated RandomnessSubscribe 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 InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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 literacy in an increasingly AI-driven world. Ultimately, it emphasizes that understanding the mathematical foundations of AI empowers individuals to engage meaningfully with technology and its impact on society.Takeaways: Mathematics powers seemingly magical technologies like AI. Algorithms are sets of instructions that guide AI processes. Machine learning finds patterns in data through trial and error. Linear algebra organizes data into vectors and matrices. Calculus helps AI find optimal solutions to problems. Probability theory allows AI to express uncertainty in predictions. AI applications include medical diagnostics and financial algorithms. Self-driving cars use mathematics to navigate and make decisions. Mathematical literacy is crucial in an AI-driven world. Understanding AI's math gives individuals agency in technology.Chapters: 00:00 The Mathematical Heart of AI03:28 Mathematics in Action: Real-World Applications05:33 Empowerment Through Understanding MathematicsSubscribe 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 InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com