
Breaking Math Podcast
Hosted by Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf, who have advanced degrees in electrical engineering and industrial engineering/operations research respectively, come together to discuss mathematics as a pure field all in its own as well as how it describes the language of science, engineering, and even creativity. Breaking Math brings you the absolute best in interdisciplinary science discussions - bringing together experts in varying fields including artificial intelligence, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, physics, chemistry and materials-science, and more - to discuss where humanity is headed.website: breakingmath.io linktree: linktree.com/breakingmathmediaemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
Latest episodes

Oct 1, 2024 • 28min
Molecular dynamics simulation with GFlowNets: machine learning the importance of energy estimators in computational chemistry and drug discovery
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) for molecular conformation generation.The episode covers empirical results that showcase the effectiveness of GFlowNets in computational chemistry, their scalability, and the role of energy estimators in advancing fields like drug discovery. Tune in to learn how machine learning is transforming the way we understand molecular structures and driving breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceuticals.Keywords: molecular conformations, machine learning, GFlowNets, computational chemistry, drug discovery, molecular dynamics, cheminformatics, energy estimators, empirical results, scalability, math, mathematics, physics, AIBecome a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthYou can find the paper “Towards equilibrium molecular conformation generation with GFlowNets” by Volokova et al in Digital Discovery Journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Sep 24, 2024 • 56min
Do Plants Know Math?
Mathematical Patterns in Plants: Fibonacci, Golden Ratio & Nature's Hidden Math with Christophe Gole & Nancy PickIn 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. Learn about the optimization of plant structures, the role of women in mathematics, and get recommendations for further reading. Topics include phyllotaxis, fractals, and their connections to AI, physics, and topology.Keywords: mathematics, biology, plant math, Fibonacci, phylotaxis, spirals, golden ratio, fractals, nature, science, women in math,topology, ai, physics, math, plants, gardening Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthYou can connect with Christophe Gole and Nancy Pick on LinkedIn, and find their Book “Do Plants Know Math?” on Amazon.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Sep 17, 2024 • 58min
Mapmatics: A Mathematician's Guide to Navigating the World with Maps with Paulina Rowinska
Dr. Paulina Rowinska, a mathematician with a PhD, shares her journey from academia to writing about math and cartography. She demystifies common misconceptions about map-making and discusses the historical significance of map projections. Topics include the coastline paradox, gerrymandering in electoral maps, and the application of mathematical principles in criminology. Paulina also highlights the groundbreaking contributions of women like Marie Tharp in mapping science, showcasing the intersection of creativity and mathematics in understanding our world.

Sep 10, 2024 • 56min
The Intentional Engineer (with Jeff Perry)
In this insightful conversation, Jeff Perry, a career coach and author, emphasizes the importance of intentionality in navigating career transitions. He reveals his journey from engineer to coach and discusses the concept of ‘genius zones’—a framework to identify and leverage unique strengths. The dialogue dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of building a robust professional network, and the impact of mindset on career success. Listeners gain actionable strategies for aligning personal values with professional goals.

Sep 3, 2024 • 59min
Math for English Majors with Ben Orlin
Math & Language: Creativity, Quantification, and Making Math Accessible with Ben OrlinIn this episode of Breaking Math, hosts sit down with Ben Orlin, author of Math for English Majors and Math with Bad Drawings, to explore the intersection of math and language. Discover the unique skill sets required for mathematics and creativity, how math education can be made more accessible, and the role of quantification in empowering individuals across various fields, including literature and the arts. The conversation highlights the historical contributions of women in math, including the impact of Einstein’s wife on his work. Ben also shares insights into his writing process and the challenges of making math relatable to a broad audience. Learn how mathematical thinking can enhance one's appreciation for literature and the world.Keywords: math, language, skill sets, math education, accessibility, quantification, power of math, women in math, Einstein's wife, math, literature, book, writing, perspective, abstraction, relationshipsSubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Ben Orlin on Twitter, and on his websites mathwithbaddrawings.com and mathgameswithbaddrawings.com and find his book “Math for English Majors” on AmazonFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Aug 27, 2024 • 53min
What is Data Visualization? From the Expert Behind PolicyViz
Dr. Jonathan Schwabish, a leading expert in data visualization, dives deep into the art and science behind presenting data effectively. He emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, ethical considerations, and the potential pitfalls of misleading visuals. Exploring tools like Excel and Tableau, he stresses choosing the right method for each scenario. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in this field, as well as the necessity for inclusivity and empathy in communicating data, shaping how policymakers and audiences interpret critical information.

Aug 20, 2024 • 60min
Love Triangle and Other Maths (with Matt Parker)
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 numbering, sine function, triangles, quads, 3D modeling, Perlin noise, randomness, creativity, practical applications, mathematics, Mona Lisa, parallax, pool, shapes, Fourier analysis, YouTube, physics, AI, machine learningSubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Matt Parker on Twitter and on YouTube at @StandUpMaths and find his book "Love Triangle" on AmazonFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Aug 16, 2024 • 12min
The Black Hole Heist
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

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 18min
Black Holes: The Abyss Part 3
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 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

Aug 6, 2024 • 56min
Black Holes: The Abyss Part 2
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, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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