Breaking Math Podcast
Breaking Math Podcast

Breaking Math Podcast

Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa

Overview
Episodes

Details

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]

Recent Episodes

Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes
APR 28, 2026
Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes
<p>What does it actually mean for a number to be “big”? In this episode of <em>Breaking Math</em>, Autumn chats with mathematician Richard Elwes to explore how huge numbers reveal the limits of human intuition, language, and even mathematics itself. The discussion moves from exponential growth in pandemics and finance to numbers larger than the universe itself, emerging in games like chess and abstract possibility spaces. Finally, it reaches one of the most profound ideas in modern mathematics: that there are true statements about numbers that can never be proven. This episode challenges how we think about scale, complexity, and the systems we rely on to make sense of reality.</p><p></p><p>Key Topics</p><p>Limits of ancient numeral systems like Roman numerals</p><p>Mathematical logic and the concept of huge numbers</p><p>Evolution of number notation from Roman to Hindu-Arabic systems</p><p>The significance of place value in expressing large numbers</p><p>The Mayan long count and its implications for understanding time scales</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Inspiration for the Book</p><p>01:39 Redefining Big Numbers</p><p>01:55 Limits of Numerical Systems</p><p>05:33 Evolution of Number Sense</p><p>10:02 Language and Numerical Understanding</p><p>11:53 Cultural Influences on Numerical Systems</p><p>14:18 Hacks in Ancient Number Systems</p><p>16:55 Archimedes and the Concept of Infinity</p><p>22:01 The Importance of Place Value</p><p>25:45 Mayan Cosmology and Time Scales</p><p>31:55 Exponential Growth and Its Dangers</p><p>32:20 Understanding Exponential Growth</p><p>36:14 The Dangers of Exponential Growth</p><p>37:23 Limits of Exponential Growth in the Physical World</p><p>39:42 Exploring Possibility Space</p><p>45:38 Goodstein's Theorem and Mathematical Logic</p><p></p><p>Connect with Breaking Math</p><p>Follow Richard Elwes on</p><p>X (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/RichardElwes/">https://x.com/RichardElwes/</a> )</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/richardelwes/">https://www.instagram.com/richardelwes/</a>) His Book(<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/48rk5s9">https://amzn.to/48rk5s9</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Breaking Math on</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://breakingmath.substack.com/">https://breakingmath.substack.com/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/breakingmathpod">https://x.com/breakingmathpod</a>)</p><p>X (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/">https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.breakingmath.io/">https://www.breakingmath.io/</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Autumn on</p><p>X (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/1autumn_leaf">https://x.com/1autumn_leaf</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/">https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/</a>)</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf">https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf</a>)</p><p>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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56 MIN
AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Changing the Rules with Sheamus McGovern
APR 26, 2026
AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Changing the Rules with Sheamus McGovern
<p>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 scenes of the AI boom and why the biggest shift isn’t job loss, but a complete transformation of skills. From explaining why AI is reshaping—not replacing—jobs, to breaking down the gap between hype and real-world applications, this conversation explores how early algorithmic trading foreshadowed today’s AI revolution, why open-source tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch changed everything, what the “AI Skill Flip” means for your career, and why even data scientists are questioning their future. Along the way, the biggest mistake people make when trying to learn AI, and why the smartest approach isn’t to learn everything—but to start intentionally and build from there. </p><p></p><p>Timestamps</p><p>00:00 – The biggest misconception about AI </p><p>02:00 – Algorithmic trading and the origins of AI in finance </p><p>05:00 – The birth of ODSC AI and the data science movement </p><p>09:30 – Breakthrough moments in AI </p><p>16:30 – Democratization of AI and open-source tools </p><p>19:00 –<em>The AI Skill Flip </em></p><p>24:00 – The truth about AI replacing jobs </p><p>27:00 – Real-world AI success stories </p><p>32:30 – How to actually start learning AI today</p><p></p><p>Follow Sheamus McGovern on</p><p>LinkedIn (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheamus/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheamus/</a>)</p><p>ODSC Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://odsc.ai/">https://odsc.ai/</a>) </p><p>Follow Breaking Math on</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://breakingmath.substack.com/">https://breakingmath.substack.com/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/breakingmathpod">https://x.com/breakingmathpod</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/">https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.breakingmath.io/">https://www.breakingmath.io/</a>)</p><p>YouTube (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod">https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod</a>)</p><p>Follow Noah on</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/">https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/ProfNoahGian">https://x.com/ProfNoahGian</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Follow Autumn on</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/1autumn_leaf">https://x.com/1autumn_leaf</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/">https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/</a>)</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf">https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf</a>)</p><p>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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35 MIN
Math and Magic with Matt Baker
APR 15, 2026
Math and Magic with Matt Baker
<p>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 create unforgettable illusions. From a mind-reading trick based on the classic concept of “casting out nines” to his groundbreaking research on the Riemann–Roch theorem for graphs, Baker demonstrates how creativity and pattern recognition drive both mathematical discovery and magical performance. </p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 The Interplay of Math and Magic</p><p>04:58 Aesthetic Connections in Math and Magic</p><p>08:57 Balancing Family, Math, and Magic</p><p>12:34 The Impact of Magic on Mathematical Thinking</p><p>16:32 The Art of Clarity in Communication</p><p>16:44 A Live Magic Demonstration</p><p>25:14 Intuition and Pattern Recognition in Math</p><p>30:03 The Riemann-Roch Theorem for Graphs</p><p>41:42 The Role of AI in Mathematics and Magic</p><p>50:21 The Art of Communicating Mathematics</p><p>50:47 The Magic of Math and Performance</p><p></p><p>Follow Matt Baker on</p><p>Facebook (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/mbakermath">https://www.facebook.com/mbakermath</a>)</p><p>Academic (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sites.google.com/view/mattbakermath/home">https://sites.google.com/view/mattbakermath/home</a>/)</p><p>Magic (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://mattbakermagic.com/">http://mattbakermagic.com/</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Breaking Math on</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://breakingmath.substack.com/">https://breakingmath.substack.com/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/breakingmathpod">https://x.com/breakingmathpod</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/">https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.breakingmath.io/">https://www.breakingmath.io/</a>)</p><p>YouTube (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod">https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Noah on</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/">https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/ProfNoahGian">https://x.com/ProfNoahGian</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Autumn on</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/1autumn_leaf">https://x.com/1autumn_leaf</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/">https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/</a>)</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf">https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf</a>)</p><p></p><p>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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50 MIN
Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer
APR 7, 2026
Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer
<p>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 why the self-correcting nature of science often falls short, how incentives and academic pressure drive misconduct, and the double-edged role of AI in both enabling and detecting fraud. The conversation also tackles debates around p-values and statistical reasoning, shares cautionary case studies, and proposes solutions like greater data transparency and stronger verification standards. </p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Fraud in Research</p><p>06:21 The Nature of Fraud Detection</p><p>08:56 Incentives and Motivations for Fraud</p><p>10:43 Self-Correction in Science</p><p>12:13 Understanding Statistical Significance</p><p>13:04 The Role of Replication in Research</p><p>14:32 Bayesian vs Frequentist Approaches</p><p>23:09 Understanding Bayesian Statistics and Its Implications</p><p>26:24 The Humility of Empirical Science</p><p>27:16 Concrete Examples of Scientific Fraud</p><p>32:52 Proposed Solutions to Scientific Fraud</p><p>34:50 The Reality of Scientific Fraud and Human Nature</p><p></p><p>Guest Links</p><p>You can purchase their book here (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3Ole3lY">https://amzn.to/3Ole3lY</a>)</p><p>Follow Eric Neumayer on LinkedIn - (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/ericneumayer">https://linkedin.com/in/ericneumayer</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Breaking Math on </p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://breakingmath.substack.com/">https://breakingmath.substack.com/</a>) </p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/breakingmathpod">https://x.com/breakingmathpod</a>) </p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/">https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/</a>) </p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social</a>) </p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.breakingmath.io/">https://www.breakingmath.io/</a>) </p><p>YouTube (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod">https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod</a>) </p><p></p><p>Follow Noah on </p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/">https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/</a>) </p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/ProfNoahGian">https://x.com/ProfNoahGian</a>) </p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social</a>) </p><p></p><p>Follow Autumn on </p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/1autumn_leaf">https://x.com/1autumn_leaf</a>) </p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social</a>) </p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/">https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/</a>) </p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf">https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf</a>) </p><p></p><p>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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38 MIN
Denied, Then Unstoppable: The Story of Mary T. Washington Wylie
MAR 27, 2026
Denied, Then Unstoppable: The Story of Mary T. Washington Wylie
<p>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 legacy in breaking racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century. Mathematics is supposed to be objective—but access to it has never been equal.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Mary T. Washington Wylie</p><p>00:48 Early Life and Challenges</p><p>02:58 Breaking Barriers in Accountancy</p><p>05:25 Pioneering a Path for Others</p><p>07:21 Legacy and Impact</p><p></p><p>Follow Breaking Math on</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://breakingmath.substack.com/">https://breakingmath.substack.com/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/breakingmathpod">https://x.com/breakingmathpod</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/">https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.breakingmath.io/">https://www.breakingmath.io/</a>)</p><p>YouTube (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod">https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Victoria on</p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.vnbateman.com/">http://www.vnbateman.com/</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/women.wealth.power/">https://www.instagram.com/women.wealth.power/</a>)</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/vnbateman">https://x.com/vnbateman</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/vnbateman.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/vnbateman.bsky.social</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Autumn on</p><p>Twitter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/1autumn_leaf">https://x.com/1autumn_leaf</a>)</p><p>Bluesky (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social</a>)</p><p>Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/">https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/</a>)</p><p>Substack (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf">https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf</a>)</p><p>TikTok (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@1autumn_leaf_">https://www.tiktok.com/@1autumn_leaf_</a>)</p>
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8 MIN