Podcast
Breaking Math Podcast
Hosted by Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa · EN
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.io
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia
Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics
2w ago00:29:38Tap to summarizeThis 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.Key topicsAI solving long-standing mathematical problemsThe role of human verification in AI-generated proofsImplications of AI breakthroughs in discrete geometryThe future of mathematical research with AINumber theory and algebraic constructions in AI discoveriesChapters00:00 Introduction to the Conjecture and Its Significance01:15 Understanding the Erdős Problem04:34 The Role of AI in Solving Mathematical Problems09:17 The Implications of AI in Mathematics10:32 AI vs Human Mathematicians: A Comparative Analysis17:20 Standards for AI-Generated Proofs21:10 Corporate Interests in Mathematical Research24:42 The Future of Mathematics and AI27:50 Final Thoughts on AI and Mathematics31:37 Revolutionizing Mathematics: AI's Breakthrough in Discrete Geometry37:37 Exploring the Implications: AI and the Future of Mathematics38:03 The Role of AI in Mathematics39:23 Human Value in the Age of AIFollow Daniel Litt onX (https://x.com/maiasz) Website (https://daniellitt.com)Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)X (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)X (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onX (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz
2w ago00:50:15Tap to summarizeIn 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.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.Chapters00:00 Understanding Addiction: Definitions and Mechanisms10:43 The Role of Dopamine in Addiction14:18 Addiction as a Learning Disorder16:22 Substance vs. Experience: The Nature of Addiction20:13 Evidence-Based Methods for Overcoming Addiction25:20 Finding Meaning and Purpose Beyond Addiction33:30 The Pursuit of Meaningful Experiences34:15 Understanding Dopamine and Pleasure39:10 The Complexity of Addiction43:00 Social Media and Addiction Dynamics50:42 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Addiction57:53 Lessons Learned in Addiction Science01:02:03 Rethinking Addiction: A New Perspective01:03:54 The Compulsive Nature of Addiction01:04:14 Understanding Addiction Beyond Pleasure01:05:27 The Importance of Connection and CompassionFollow Maia Szalavitz onX (https://x.com/maiasz)Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)X (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)X (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onX (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth
3w ago00:47:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Breaking Math, 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.Chapters00:00 The Golden Age of Statistics02:36 AI's Impact on Statistics08:16 Data as Fuel for AI10:55 Bias in AI and Statistics14:01 Preparing Future Statisticians16:58 Bridging the Gap: Academia and Industry22:58 The Misconception of Statistics23:08 The Role of Statistics in Public Discourse26:20 The American Statistical Association's Mission32:18 Statistics and Politics: A Historical Perspective36:02 Addressing Misinformation and Misuse of Data39:51 The Importance of Statistical Literacy44:01 Misconceptions About Statistics and Expertise46:57 The Essence of Statistics47:22 Statistics as a Way of ThinkingFollow Ron WassersteinLinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-wasserstein/)Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onTwitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens
4w ago00:41:57Tap to summarizeWhat 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. 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. Chapters 00:00 The origins of ransomware and early hacker culture 02:13 The evolution of ransomware attacks since 2013 03:14 The paradox of cybercriminals as entrepreneurs 06:19 Early hackers: Steve Jobs and Wozniak as pioneers 12:34 The moral and legal landscape of hacking and cybercrime 13:39 The importance of cybersecurity awareness for individuals 15:03 The arms race: attackers vs defenders and the role of math 16:02 The technological innovations behind ransomware 19:21 Asymmetric encryption and cryptocurrency in ransomware 20:53 Bitcoin and the dark web: enabling cybercrime 22:45 The impact of AI on future cyber threats and defenses 34:07 The future of ransomware and cybersecurity challenges Follow Anja Shortland on LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anja-shortland-53133b231)Book (https://amzn.to/4d6pB4X) Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/) Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod) X (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social) Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/) Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn on X (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/) Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf) email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes
Apr 2800:56:37Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually mean for a number to be “big”? In this episode of Breaking Math, 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.Key TopicsLimits of ancient numeral systems like Roman numeralsMathematical logic and the concept of huge numbersEvolution of number notation from Roman to Hindu-Arabic systemsThe significance of place value in expressing large numbersThe Mayan long count and its implications for understanding time scalesChapters00:00 Introduction and Inspiration for the Book01:39 Redefining Big Numbers01:55 Limits of Numerical Systems05:33 Evolution of Number Sense10:02 Language and Numerical Understanding11:53 Cultural Influences on Numerical Systems14:18 Hacks in Ancient Number Systems16:55 Archimedes and the Concept of Infinity22:01 The Importance of Place Value25:45 Mayan Cosmology and Time Scales31:55 Exponential Growth and Its Dangers32:20 Understanding Exponential Growth36:14 The Dangers of Exponential Growth37:23 Limits of Exponential Growth in the Physical World39:42 Exploring Possibility Space45:38 Goodstein's Theorem and Mathematical LogicConnect with Breaking MathFollow Richard Elwes onX (https://x.com/RichardElwes/ )Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richardelwes/) His Book(https://amzn.to/48rk5s9)Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)X (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)Follow Autumn onX (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Changing the Rules with Sheamus McGovern
Apr 2600:35:33Tap to summarizeIn 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. Timestamps00:00 – The biggest misconception about AI 02:00 – Algorithmic trading and the origins of AI in finance 05:00 – The birth of ODSC AI and the data science movement 09:30 – Breakthrough moments in AI 16:30 – Democratization of AI and open-source tools 19:00 –The AI Skill Flip 24:00 – The truth about AI replacing jobs 27:00 – Real-world AI success stories 32:30 – How to actually start learning AI todayFollow Sheamus McGovern onLinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheamus/)ODSC Website (https://odsc.ai/) Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onTwitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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Math and Magic with Matt Baker
Apr 1500:50:58Tap to summarizeIn 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. Chapters00:00 The Interplay of Math and Magic04:58 Aesthetic Connections in Math and Magic08:57 Balancing Family, Math, and Magic12:34 The Impact of Magic on Mathematical Thinking16:32 The Art of Clarity in Communication16:44 A Live Magic Demonstration25:14 Intuition and Pattern Recognition in Math30:03 The Riemann-Roch Theorem for Graphs41:42 The Role of AI in Mathematics and Magic50:21 The Art of Communicating Mathematics50:47 The Magic of Math and PerformanceFollow Matt Baker onFacebook (https://www.facebook.com/mbakermath)Academic (https://sites.google.com/view/mattbakermath/home/)Magic (http://mattbakermagic.com/)Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onTwitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer
Apr 700:38:35Tap to summarizeIn 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fraud in Research06:21 The Nature of Fraud Detection08:56 Incentives and Motivations for Fraud10:43 Self-Correction in Science12:13 Understanding Statistical Significance13:04 The Role of Replication in Research14:32 Bayesian vs Frequentist Approaches23:09 Understanding Bayesian Statistics and Its Implications26:24 The Humility of Empirical Science27:16 Concrete Examples of Scientific Fraud32:52 Proposed Solutions to Scientific Fraud34:50 The Reality of Scientific Fraud and Human NatureGuest LinksYou can purchase their book here (https://amzn.to/3Ole3lY)Follow Eric Neumayer on LinkedIn - (https://linkedin.com/in/ericneumayer)Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/) Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social) Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod) Follow Noah on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/) Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social) Follow Autumn on Twitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/) Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf) email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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Denied, Then Unstoppable: The Story of Mary T. Washington Wylie
Mar 2700:08:01Tap to summarizeThis 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mary T. Washington Wylie00:48 Early Life and Challenges02:58 Breaking Barriers in Accountancy05:25 Pioneering a Path for Others07:21 Legacy and ImpactFollow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Victoria onWebsite (http://www.vnbateman.com/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/women.wealth.power/)Twitter (https://x.com/vnbateman)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/vnbateman.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onTwitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@1autumn_leaf_)
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The Power of Connection in Math: Insights from Hortensia Soto
Mar 2400:40:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Breaking Math, 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hortensia Soto and the Math Community02:48 The Role of AI in Mathematics05:17 Access to Mathematics and Its Political Nature07:34 The Importance of Financial Literacy in Math Education10:19 Communication Skills for Mathematicians13:06 The Culture of the Mathematical Association of America15:29 Reflections on Leadership in the Math Community25:01 Innovative Approaches to Mathematics Education25:50 Recognizing Math Identity in Students27:02 Nurturing Student Potential35:31 The Role of AI in Learning38:26 The Human Element in Mathematics39:51 Mathematics Beyond Symbols and ProceduresFollow Hortensia Soto on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortensia-soto-41230188/) Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/) Twitter (https://x.com/breakingmathpod) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social) Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod) Follow Noah on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/) Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social) Follow Autumn on Twitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/) email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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