Breaking Math Podcast

190 episódios

$Breaking Math Podcast$
The Math Behind Gerrymandering, Fair Representation, and Politics with Karen Saxe
17/03/2026 | 35min
Mathematics quietly shapes some of the most important decisions in public life, from redistricting and congressional apportionment to federal research funding and AI policy. In this episode, Autumn and Noah speak with Dr. Karen Saxe, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the American Mathematical Society, about how mathematical ideas influence representation, fairness, education, and the future of research. From gerrymandering and geometric compactness to life inside the U.S. Senate and the growing policy debates around AI, Karen reveals how deeply math is woven into the systems that govern everyday life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
01:15 The Hot Tea in DC
01:24 Gerrymandering and Mathematics
03:42 Understanding Gerrymandering and Redistricting
08:07 The Role of Mathematicians in Politics
12:19 Experiences in the Senate with Al Franken
19:32 Government Relations and the Role of Mathematics
23:01 The Impact of AI on Mathematics and Policy
28:41 Community Readiness for AI Transformations
29:22 Diversity in Education and Its Challenges
29:40 Bridging Mathematics and Politics
29:58 Career Pathways: Academia to Policy

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email: [email protected]
$Breaking Math Podcast$
Anna Schwartz: The Economist Who Changed How We Study Economies
13/03/2026 | 14min
This Women in History Mini-Series episode with Dr. Victoria Bateman explores the groundbreaking work of Anna Schwartz, a pioneering economist who transformed macroeconomics through data-driven research. Discover how her meticulous analysis of monetary history shaped economic policy and the legacy she left for future generations.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Anna Schwartz and Her Impact
01:45 The Historical Context of Economic Data
04:10 Challenges Faced by Women in Economics
06:03 A Monetary History of the United States
09:04 The Methodology of Anna Schwartz
11:46 Legacy and Personal Insights on Anna Schwartz

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$Breaking Math Podcast$
Disappearing Grants, Genius Grants, and the AI Proofs with Lauren K. Williams
11/03/2026 | 25min
In this episode, Lauren Williams, professor of mathematics at Harvard University and a 2025 MacArthur Fellow, speaks about the surprising and often messy reality of mathematical research. The conversation begins with a turbulent moment in academia, when federal grants supporting her work were suddenly canceled—only months before she received the MacArthur “Genius Grant,” an unexpected recognition that allowed her to continue her research. Williams explains her work in algebraic combinatorics, illustrating how abstract mathematics can connect to real-world systems. The discussion also explores the human side of discovery, from collaborations that span continents to the strange coincidence of research papers and babies arriving the same week. Finally, the episode dives into one of the most intriguing experiments in modern mathematics: the First Proof project, which tests whether artificial intelligence can produce genuine mathematical proofs, revealing both the promise and the current limitations of AI-generated reasoning.

Chapters
01:27 Winning the MacArthur Genius Grant
01:43 Becoming a Woman in Mathematics at Harvard
04:25 Research Applications
10:04 The Human Side of Research
12:20 The First Proof Project
18:29 Advice for Young Mathematicians
22:51 The Intersection of Mathematics and AI

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email: [email protected]
$Breaking Math Podcast$
Priscilla Wakefield: Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy
06/03/2026 | 9min
This Women in History Mini-Series with Dr. Victoria Bateman explores the life and contributions of Priscilla Wakefield, a revolutionary figure in financial literacy and women's empowerment during the Industrial Revolution. Wakefield's work in establishing savings banks and community insurance schemes for women highlights her belief in the practical application of mathematics for everyday life. The discussion also addresses the challenges women faced in finance during her time and her lasting impact on feminist economics.
Takeaways
Priscilla Wakefield taught ordinary people how to use numbers.
She established England's first savings bank for women and children.
Wakefield's work was pivotal during the British Industrial Revolution.
She recognized the need for financial education among women.
Her community insurance scheme empowered women financially.
Wakefield's approach to mathematics was practical and accessible.
She published influential works on women's rights and economics.
Her philosophy emphasized the importance of financial literacy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Priscilla Wakefield
01:19 Priscilla Wakefield: A Revolutionary Mathematician
04:28 The Financial Landscape of Georgian Britain
06:34 Groundbreaking Contributions to Banking and Finance
07:41 Fun Facts and Legacy of Priscilla Wakefield

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$Breaking Math Podcast$
Why Mathematicians Must Speak Up with Bryna Kra
03/03/2026 | 31min
In this conversation, Dr. Bryna Kra discusses her journey in mathematics, focusing on her research, dynamical systems, the importance of collaboration, and the role of the American Mathematical Society. She emphasizes the need for better communication within the mathematics community and the challenges it faces, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion. Bryna shares her experiences in mentoring women in mathematics and reflects on her career achievements while looking forward to future contributions in the field.
Takeaways
Mathematics is a dynamic field that evolves over time.
Explaining the applications of mathematical research is essential.
Collaboration often starts in unexpected places.
Dynamical systems connect seemingly unrelated mathematical fields.
The AMS plays a crucial role in supporting mathematicians.
Communication is key to addressing challenges in the mathematics community.
Women in mathematics need more support and mentorship.
Creating pathways for underrepresented groups is vital.
Asking for help can lead to significant changes in academia.
Reflecting on one's career can inspire future generations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dynamical Systems
01:33 The Intersection of Number Theory and Dynamical Systems
03:23 Communicating Abstract Mathematics
05:21 The Evolution of Mathematical Fields
07:09 Quirky Anecdotes in Mathematics
09:49 Leading the American Mathematical Society
15:01 Challenges Facing the Mathematics Community
18:08 Roles in the National Mathematics Community
21:11 Women in Mathematics and Mentorship
27:02 Reflections on a Successful Career

Bryna does not have social media, but you can email us to contact her,
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Sobre Breaking Math Podcast

Breaking Math is a deep-dive science, technology, engineering, AI, and mathematics podcast that explores the world through the lens of logic, patterns, and critical thinking. Hosted by Autumn Phaneuf, an expert in industrial engineering, operations research, and applied mathematics, and Noah Giansiracusa, a mathematician and leading voice in algorithmic literacy and technology ethics, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, technology, and the systems shaping our future.What began as a conversation about math as a pure and elegant discipline has evolved into a platform for bold, interdisciplinary dialogue. Each episode of Breaking Math takes listeners on an intellectual journey—into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI and algorithms, the hidden math of biology and evolution, or the physics governing black holes and the cosmos. Along the way, Autumn and Noah speak with working scientists, researchers, and thinkers across fields: computer scientists, physicists, chemists, engineers, economists, philosophers, and more.But this isn’t just a podcast about equations. It’s a show about how mathematics shapes the way we think, decide, build, and understand the world. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, and the creative—for anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder.If you’ve ever wondered:What’s the math behind machine learning and modern algorithms?How do we quantify uncertainty in climate and economic models?Can intelligence or consciousness be meaningfully described in AI?Why does beauty matter in an equation?You’re in the right place.At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between abstract mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Noah invite you to rethink what math can be—and how it can help us shape a better future.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.Website: https://breakingmath.ioLinktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmediaEmail: [email protected]

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