Breaking Math Podcast
Autumn Phaneuf
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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 Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape 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—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more.
But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, 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?
- How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models?
- Can consciousness be described in AI?
- Why does beauty matter in an equation?
Then you’re in the right place.
At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel 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
The Elements of Power: Supply Chains, Technology, and Energy with Nicolas Niarchos
In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Nicolas Niarchos critique the "green" narrative of lithium-ion technology. Tracing the industry from its 1991 commercialization to modern geopolitical…
The Score: Gamifying the Nature of Metrics with Thi Nguyen
In this conversation, the discussion with C. Thi Nguyen revolves around the nature of metrics, qualitative knowledge, and the duality of scoring systems, particularly in the context of climbing. The…
The Art of Physics: Bridging Science and Creativity with Ronald Gamble
This conversation explores the fascinating intersection of math, physics, and art, highlighting how these disciplines inform and inspire one another. Dr. Ronald Gamble discusses his journey as a…
Intelligent Systems: Digital Culture Shock
In this conversation, Dr. Katharina Reinecke explores the intersection of technology and culture, discussing how cultural assumptions shape the design and functionality of technology. She delves into…
Who is Francis Crick?
This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the DNA structure. Dr. Matthew Cobb, the guest, explores Crick's multifaceted personality, his poetic…
Mathematics and Humanity: The Untold Stories of the Great Math War
This conversation explores the intersection of mathematics and human experience, focusing on historical figures, philosophical debates, and the ethical implications of scientific progress. Jason…
The Future of Physics: Portals to a New Reality
In this conversation, Dr.Vlatko Vedral discusses the complexities of quantum mechanics and its implications for our understanding of reality. He explores the stagnation in physics, the importance of…
AI vs Human Intelligence: The Emergent Mind
In this conversation, Drs. Gaurav Suri and Jay Mcclelland delves into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and human cognition, exploring similarities and differences, the…
The Giant Leap
In this conversation, Dr. Caleb Scharf discusses the evolution of space exploration, drawing parallels to historical figures like Darwin. He explores the implications of humanity's expansion into…
Dinosaurs with Rachel Ignotofsky
In this engaging conversation, Rachel Ignotofski discusses her new book Dinosaurs, exploring the fascination with these ancient creatures, the impact of mass extinctions, and the evolution of life on…
Charlatans with Quico Toro
In this conversation, Quico discusses the nature of gullibility and the tactics used by charlatans to exploit people's beliefs. He provides insights into various case studies, including astrology and…
Economica with Victoria Bateman
In this conversation, economist Dr. Victoria Bateman discusses the critical role of women in shaping economic prosperity throughout history. She argues that women's choices, independence, and labor…
Blueprints with Marcus du Sautoy
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…
Unequal with Eugenia Cheng
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…
Breaking Math: When Math Meets a Technology Glitch
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…
Hate the Game
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…
Dots and Lines: Hidden Networks
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…
Robin Hood Math
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…
What are Swim Training Patterns?
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…
AI Ethics: Algorithms Go To College
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Breaking Math Podcast has published 172 episodes since February 2017, covering topics in Mathematics, Science.
Breaking Math Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 40m.
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