Breaking Math Podcast
Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa
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About This 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.io
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia
Email: [email protected]
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Recent Episodes
How Data Science Exposes Injustice: Chad Topaz on Unlocking Justice
What happens when the evidence of injustice is buried in messy, redacted, or inaccessible data? Mathematician and data scientist Chad Topaz joins Breaking Math to discuss his book Unlocking Justice.…
Rise of the Robots: Is AI Coming for Your Job?
This conversation explores the profound impact of AI and automation on the future of work, economy, and society. Featuring Martin Ford, author of 'Rise of the Robots,' the discussion covers…
The Echoing Universe: How Radio Waves, AI, and Math Could Help Us Find Aliens with Emma Chapman
Dr. Emma Chapman explains radio astronomy using the fruit bowl metaphor, explores the emotional and scientific aspects of space exploration, and discusses future technologies like the Square…
AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics
This episode explores how AI, specifically OpenAI's recent breakthrough in solving an 80-year-old math conjecture, is transforming the field of mathematics. Featuring insights from Professor Daniel…
The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz
In this episode with award-winning journalist and author Maia Szalavitz challenges the idea that addiction is simply about pleasure or willpower. Instead, she explains addiction as compulsive…
Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth
In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Noah speak with Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director of the American Statistical Association, about what statistics means in a world increasingly shaped by…
How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens
What if ransomware did not begin with criminals, but with curiosity? In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Noah talk with Anja Shortland, professor of political economy at King’s College…
Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes
What does it actually mean for a number to be “big”? In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn chats with mathematician Richard Elwes to explore how huge numbers reveal the limits of human intuition,…
AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Changing the Rules with Sheamus McGovern
In this episode we sit down with Sheamus McGovern, founder of the Open Data Science Conference (ODSC AI), to unpack what AI actually looks like. Sheamus shares what’s really happening behind the…
Math and Magic with Matt Baker
In this episode, mathematician and award-winning magician Matt Baker explores the fascinating intersection of mathematics and magic, revealing how mathematical principles, intuition, and storytelling…
Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer
In this episode, Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer explore the hidden challenges in modern science, from outright fraud to the subtler practice of “tweaking” data that distorts results. They examine…
Denied, Then Unstoppable: The Story of Mary T. Washington Wylie
This Women in History Mini-Series episode with Dr. Victoria Bateman explores the inspiring story of Mary T. Washington Wylie, the first African-American woman CPA, her challenges, achievements, and…
The Power of Connection in Math: Insights from Hortensia Soto
In this episode of Breaking Math, we sit down with Dr. Hortensia Soto, former president of the Mathematical Association of America, to explore the role of mathematics in a world shaped by AI,…
Florence Nightingale: Data-Driven Reformer of Medicine
This Women in History Mini-Series episode with Dr. Victoria Bateman explores the groundbreaking contributions of Florence Nightingale, highlighting her use of data and statistics to revolutionize…
The Math Behind Gerrymandering, Fair Representation, and Politics with Karen Saxe
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…
Anna Schwartz: The Economist Who Changed How We Study Economies
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…
Disappearing Grants, Genius Grants, and the AI Proofs with Lauren K. Williams
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…
Priscilla Wakefield: Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy
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…
Why Mathematicians Must Speak Up with Bryna Kra
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…
Reaching for the Extreme with Ian Stewart
In this conversation, Ian Stewart discusses the nature of mathematical inquiry, the motivations behind problem-solving in mathematics, and the importance of storytelling in making math relatable. He…
Frequently Asked Questions
Breaking Math Podcast has published 195 episodes since February 2017, covering topics in Mathematics, Natural Sciences.
Breaking Math Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 39m.
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