/Breaking Math Podcast

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 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 [https://breakingmath.io/] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia Email: [email protected]

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Intelligent Systems: Digital Culture Shock

Nov 18, 2025·—

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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 the implications of...

Who is Francis Crick?

Nov 11, 2025·—

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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 inspirations, collaborative...

Mathematics and Humanity: The Untold Stories of the Great Math War

Nov 4, 2025·—

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This conversation explores the intersection of mathematics and human experience, focusing on historical figures, philosophical debates, and the ethical implications of scientific progress. Jason Socrates Bardi discusses...

The Future of Physics: Portals to a New Reality

Oct 28, 2025·—

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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 thought experiments...

AI vs Human Intelligence: The Emergent Mind

Oct 24, 2025·—

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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 evolution of AI from...

The Giant Leap

Oct 20, 2025·—

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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 space, the challenges...

Dinosaurs with Rachel Ignotofsky

Oct 13, 2025·—

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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 Earth. She...

Charlatans with Quico Toro

Oct 6, 2025·—

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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 blood types, and...

Economica with Victoria Bateman

Sep 30, 2025·—

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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 have been overlooked...

Blueprints with Marcus du Sautoy

Sep 9, 2025·—

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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...

Unequal with Eugenia Cheng

Sep 5, 2025·—

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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...

Breaking Math: When Math Meets a Technology Glitch

Aug 28, 2025·—

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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...

Hate the Game

Aug 19, 2025·—

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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...

Dots and Lines: Hidden Networks

Aug 12, 2025·—

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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...

Robin Hood Math

Aug 5, 2025·—

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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...

What are Swim Training Patterns?

Jul 29, 2025·—

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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...

AI Ethics: Algorithms Go To College

Jul 22, 2025·—

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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...

Random Shuffle Isn't Random At All

Jul 8, 2025·—

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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...

Algorithms & AI Simplified - The Not So Mathy Version

Jul 1, 2025·—

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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...

What is Cryptography?

Jun 24, 2025·—

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This conversation delves into the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography, focusing on the implications of quantum computers for current encryption methods and the necessity for post-quantum cryptography. Dr...

We Live in a Radioactive World: What is Dosimetry?

Jun 17, 2025·—

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In this episode, Autumn interviews Dr. Ileana Pazos, an expert in dosimetry, discussing the critical role of radiation measurement in various industries, including healthcare and food safety. They explore the science...

What is Life?

Jun 10, 2025·—

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In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Strychalski discusses the fascinating field of synthetic biology, particularly focusing on synthetic cells. She shares her journey into this research area, the challenges of defining...

Fire Science: What are Photoacoustic Measurements?

Jun 3, 2025·—

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In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the innovative intersections of fire science and technology with experts Amy Mensch and Ryan Falkenstein-Smith who work at NIST. They discuss the...

What is Time?

Feb 25, 2025·—

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In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Andrew Novick delve into the intricate world of timekeeping, exploring the significance of precise time measurement in modern technology. They discuss the evolution from...

What is Measurement?

Feb 18, 2025·—

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Summary This episode of Breaking Math explores the fundamental concept of measurement, its importance in daily life, and the necessity for standardized units. The discussion highlights the role of the International...