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

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
The Power of Connection in Math: Insights from Hortensia Soto
MAR 24, 2026
The Power of Connection in Math: Insights from Hortensia Soto
<p>In this episode of <em>Breaking Math</em>, 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, education, and access. We discuss how debates in math are often really about opportunity and inclusion, how educators can navigate the rapid pace of AI, and why communication and human connection matter more than ever. The conversation also highlights the importance of financial literacy, embodied learning, and collaboration, reframing mathematics not as a set of answers, but as a way of thinking grounded in curiosity, effort, and relationships.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Hortensia Soto and the Math Community</p><p>02:48 The Role of AI in Mathematics</p><p>05:17 Access to Mathematics and Its Political Nature</p><p>07:34 The Importance of Financial Literacy in Math Education</p><p>10:19 Communication Skills for Mathematicians</p><p>13:06 The Culture of the Mathematical Association of America</p><p>15:29 Reflections on Leadership in the Math Community</p><p>25:01 Innovative Approaches to Mathematics Education</p><p>25:50 Recognizing Math Identity in Students</p><p>27:02 Nurturing Student Potential</p><p>35:31 The Role of AI in Learning</p><p>38:26 The Human Element in Mathematics</p><p>39:51 Mathematics Beyond Symbols and Procedures</p><p></p><p>Follow Hortensia Soto on </p><p>LinkedIn (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortensia-soto-41230188/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortensia-soto-41230188/</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></p><p>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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40 MIN
Florence Nightingale: Data-Driven Reformer of Medicine
MAR 20, 2026
Florence Nightingale: Data-Driven Reformer of Medicine
<p>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 healthcare and public health during the 19th century. Discover how her innovative use of data visualization and her perseverance against gender biases transformed modern nursing and public health policy.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Florence Nightingale's Legacy</p><p>02:21 The Crimean War and Nightingale's Impact</p><p>05:18 Data Collection and Analysis in Healthcare</p><p>07:18 Overcoming Gender Bias in Medicine</p><p>09:23 Innovations in Data Visualization</p><p>11:59 Nightingale's Lasting Influence and Conclusion</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 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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12 MIN
The Math Behind Gerrymandering, Fair Representation, and Politics with Karen Saxe
MAR 17, 2026
The Math Behind Gerrymandering, Fair Representation, and Politics with Karen Saxe
<p>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 and Noah speak with Dr. Karen Saxe, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the American Mathematical Society, about how mathematical ideas influence representation, fairness, education, and the future of research. From gerrymandering and geometric compactness to life inside the U.S. Senate and the growing policy debates around AI, Karen reveals how deeply math is woven into the systems that govern everyday life.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Conversation</p><p>01:15 The Hot Tea in DC</p><p>01:24 Gerrymandering and Mathematics</p><p>03:42 Understanding Gerrymandering and Redistricting</p><p>08:07 The Role of Mathematicians in Politics</p><p>12:19 Experiences in the Senate with Al Franken</p><p>19:32 Government Relations and the Role of Mathematics</p><p>23:01 The Impact of AI on Mathematics and Policy</p><p>28:41 Community Readiness for AI Transformations</p><p>29:22 Diversity in Education and Its Challenges</p><p>29:40 Bridging Mathematics and Politics</p><p>29:58 Career Pathways: Academia to Policy</p><p></p><p>Follow Karen Saxe on</p><p>LinkedIn (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-saxe-5015038a/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-saxe-5015038a/</a>)</p><p>Website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ams.org/government">https://www.ams.org/government</a>)</p><p></p><p>Follow Breaking Math on 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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35 MIN
Anna Schwartz: The Economist Who Changed How We Study Economies
MAR 13, 2026
Anna Schwartz: The Economist Who Changed How We Study Economies
<p>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 research. Discover how her meticulous analysis of monetary history shaped economic policy and the legacy she left for future generations.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Anna Schwartz and Her Impact</p><p>01:45 The Historical Context of Economic Data</p><p>04:10 Challenges Faced by Women in Economics</p><p>06:03 A Monetary History of the United States</p><p>09:04 The Methodology of Anna Schwartz</p><p>11:46 Legacy and Personal Insights on Anna Schwartz</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 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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14 MIN