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

AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics
MAY 23, 2026
AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics
<p>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 Litt, the discussion covers the implications of AI in mathematical research, the value of human verification, and the future of mathematical practice.</p><p></p><p>Key topics</p><p>AI solving long-standing mathematical problems</p><p>The role of human verification in AI-generated proofs</p><p>Implications of AI breakthroughs in discrete geometry</p><p>The future of mathematical research with AI</p><p>Number theory and algebraic constructions in AI discoveries</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Conjecture and Its Significance</p><p>01:15 Understanding the Erdős Problem</p><p>04:34 The Role of AI in Solving Mathematical Problems</p><p>09:17 The Implications of AI in Mathematics</p><p>10:32 AI vs Human Mathematicians: A Comparative Analysis</p><p>17:20 Standards for AI-Generated Proofs</p><p>21:10 Corporate Interests in Mathematical Research</p><p>24:42 The Future of Mathematics and AI</p><p>27:50 Final Thoughts on AI and Mathematics</p><p>31:37 Revolutionizing Mathematics: AI's Breakthrough in Discrete Geometry</p><p>37:37 Exploring the Implications: AI and the Future of Mathematics</p><p>38:03 The Role of AI in Mathematics</p><p>39:23 Human Value in the Age of AI</p><p></p><p>Follow Daniel Litt on</p><p>X (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/maiasz">https://x.com/maiasz</a>) Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://daniellitt.com">https://daniellitt.com</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>X (<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>X (<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>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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29 MIN
The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz
MAY 21, 2026
The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz
<p>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 behavior that continues despite negative consequences — and shows why withdrawal, dependence, and addiction are not the same thing.</p><p>The conversation explores “wanting” versus “liking,” why dopamine is misunderstood, how social media and AI can exploit reward systems, and why punishment often fails. Ultimately, Szalavitz argues that recovery depends less on tough love and more on connection, purpose, safety, and care.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Understanding Addiction: Definitions and Mechanisms</p><p>10:43 The Role of Dopamine in Addiction</p><p>14:18 Addiction as a Learning Disorder</p><p>16:22 Substance vs. Experience: The Nature of Addiction</p><p>20:13 Evidence-Based Methods for Overcoming Addiction</p><p>25:20 Finding Meaning and Purpose Beyond Addiction</p><p>33:30 The Pursuit of Meaningful Experiences</p><p>34:15 Understanding Dopamine and Pleasure</p><p>39:10 The Complexity of Addiction</p><p>43:00 Social Media and Addiction Dynamics</p><p>50:42 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Addiction</p><p>57:53 Lessons Learned in Addiction Science</p><p>01:02:03 Rethinking Addiction: A New Perspective</p><p>01:03:54 The Compulsive Nature of Addiction</p><p>01:04:14 Understanding Addiction Beyond Pleasure</p><p>01:05:27 The Importance of Connection and Compassion</p><p></p><p>Follow Maia Szalavitz on</p><p>X (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/maiasz">https://x.com/maiasz</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>X (<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>X (<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>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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50 MIN
Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth
MAY 14, 2026
Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth
<p>In this episode of <em>Breaking Math</em>, Autumn and Noah speak with Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director of the American Statistical Association, about what statistics means in a world increasingly shaped by AI, misinformation, and fragile public trust. Wasserstein argues that statistics is not merely a “bag of tools,” but a way of thinking: asking where data comes from, what it leaves out, how uncertainty should be communicated, and when numbers are being used to illuminate rather than manipulate.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 The Golden Age of Statistics</p><p>02:36 AI's Impact on Statistics</p><p>08:16 Data as Fuel for AI</p><p>10:55 Bias in AI and Statistics</p><p>14:01 Preparing Future Statisticians</p><p>16:58 Bridging the Gap: Academia and Industry</p><p>22:58 The Misconception of Statistics</p><p>23:08 The Role of Statistics in Public Discourse</p><p>26:20 The American Statistical Association's Mission</p><p>32:18 Statistics and Politics: A Historical Perspective</p><p>36:02 Addressing Misinformation and Misuse of Data</p><p>39:51 The Importance of Statistical Literacy</p><p>44:01 Misconceptions About Statistics and Expertise</p><p>46:57 The Essence of Statistics</p><p>47:22 Statistics as a Way of Thinking</p><p></p><p>Follow Ron Wasserstein</p><p>LinkedIn (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-wasserstein/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-wasserstein/</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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47 MIN
How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens
MAY 5, 2026
How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens
<p>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 London and author of Dark Screens. </p><p>This conversation explores how playful hacking evolved into professionalized cybercrime, why ransomware gangs operate like morally questionable internet startups, how cryptocurrency made ransomware scalable, and why hospitals, governments, universities, and critical infrastructure remain especially vulnerable. We also dig into the mathematics behind encryption, asymmetric cryptography, game theory, negotiation, cyber insurance, and the uncomfortable trade-offs between freedom, privacy, and regulation. </p><p>Chapters </p><p>00:00 The origins of ransomware and early hacker culture </p><p>02:13 The evolution of ransomware attacks since 2013 </p><p>03:14 The paradox of cybercriminals as entrepreneurs </p><p>06:19 Early hackers: Steve Jobs and Wozniak as pioneers </p><p>12:34 The moral and legal landscape of hacking and cybercrime </p><p>13:39 The importance of cybersecurity awareness for individuals </p><p>15:03 The arms race: attackers vs defenders and the role of math </p><p>16:02 The technological innovations behind ransomware </p><p>19:21 Asymmetric encryption and cryptocurrency in ransomware </p><p>20:53 Bitcoin and the dark web: enabling cybercrime </p><p>22:45 The impact of AI on future cyber threats and defenses </p><p>34:07 The future of ransomware and cybersecurity challenges </p><p></p><p>Follow Anja Shortland on </p><p>LinkedIn (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anja-shortland-53133b231">https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anja-shortland-53133b231</a>)</p><p>Book (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4d6pB4X">https://amzn.to/4d6pB4X</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>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>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 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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41 MIN
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