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122 episodes
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Breaking Math Podcast Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf
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- Science
Hosted by Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf, who have advanced degrees in EE and industrial engineering/operations research respectively, come together to discuss mathematics as a pure field al in its own as well as how it describes the language of science, engineering, and even creativity.
Breaking Math brings you the absolute best in interdisciplinary science discussions - bringing together experts in varying fields including artificial intelligence, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, physics, chemistry and materials-science, and more - to discuss where humanity is headed.
website: breakingmath.io
linktree: linktree.com/breakingmathmedia
email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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99 (Part II) Math in Drag: Interview with OnlineKyne
Summary
This episode is an interview with OnlineKyne [https://www.instagram.com/onlinekyne/?hl=en], the author of the book Math in Drag [https://www.onlinekyne.com/]. The conversation focuses on how to be an effective online educator and covers various topics in mathematics, including Cantor's infinite sets, probability, and statistics. The interview also delves into the process of writing the book and highlights the connection between math and drag. The chapters in the conversation cover the journey of a content creator, tips for science content creators, the concept of infinity, the significance of celebrity numbers, game theory, probability, statistics, and the ethical implications of math and drag.
Takeaways
* Being an effective online educator involves distilling complex concepts into concise and valuable content.
* Math and drag share similarities in breaking rules and defying authority.
* Mathematics has a rich history and is influenced by various cultures and individuals.
* Statistics can be used to manipulate and deceive, so it is important to be critical of data and its interpretation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Journey as a Content Creator
03:50 Tips and Tricks for Science Content Creators
04:15 Writing the Book
05:12 Math and Drag
06:40 Infinite Possibilities
07:35 Celebrity Numbers
08:59 How to Cut a Cake and Eat It
09:57 Luck Be a Ladyboy
12:44 Illegal Math
16:02 The Average Queen
25:03 Math and Drag Breaking the Rules
27:22 Conclusion -
98. Math in Drag: An Episode with Math Educator Kyne Santos
Summary
In this conversation, Gabriel Hesch interviews Kyne Santos [https://www.onlinekyne.com/], an online creator who combines art, music, and performance in math education. They discuss the intersection of math and music, the controversy surrounding math and drag, and the creative side of math. They also explore topics such as topology, mathematical shapes, and influential books in math. The conversation highlights the importance of challenging traditional definitions and finding new and innovative ways to engage with math education.
Takeaways
* Math and music have a strong connection, and math can be used to analyze, manipulate, and create music.
* Combining art and math education can make learning math more engaging and fun.
* Topology is a branch of mathematics that relaxes the rigid terms used in geometry and focuses on the similarities and differences between shapes.
* Mathematical discoveries can come from playing around and exploring different possibilities.
* Challenging traditional definitions and thinking creatively are important aspects of math education.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Best Song Ever Created
02:03 Introduction of Guest: Kyne Santos
03:00 Math and Drag: Combining Art and Math Education
07:45 Addressing Controversy: Math and Drag
08:15 Music and Math: The Intersection
09:14 Mathematical Shapes: Mobius Strip
10:10 Topology vs Geometry
13:01 Holes and Topology
15:14 Topology and Thought Experiments
21:13 Aperiodic Monotiles: New Math Discovery
23:02 New Shapes and Descriptive Rules
25:26 Influential Books: The Quantum Story and Incomplete Nature
27:01 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview -
97: (Part 2) Can We Survive on Mars? Hot Tips with Zach Weinersmith
In this conversation, Autumn Phaneuf interviews Zach Weinersmith, a cartoonist and writer, about the feasibility and implications of space settlement. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding space colonization, including the idea that it will make us rich, mitigate war, and make us wiser. They explore the potential of the moon and Mars as settlement options, as well as the concept of rotating space stations. They also touch on the physiological effects of space travel and the need for further research in areas such as reproduction and ecosystem design. The conversation explores the challenges and implications of human settlement in space. It discusses the lack of data on the long-term effects of space travel on the human body, particularly for women. The conversation also delves into the need for a closed-loop ecosystem for sustainable space settlement and the legal framework surrounding space exploration and resource extraction. The main takeaways include the importance of addressing reproductive and medical challenges, the need for a better legal regime, and the debunking of misconceptions about space settlement.
Follow Zach Weinersmith on his website [https://www.smbc-comics.com/] and Twitter [https://x.com/ZachWeiner]
Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.
Become a patron of Breaking Math [https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath] for as little as a buck a month
Follow Breaking Math on Twitter [https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-math/], Website [https://breakingmath.io/]
Follow Autumn on Twitter [https://x.com/1autumn_leaf] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/]
Folllow Gabe on Twitter [https://x.com/TechPodGabe].
Have suggestions or want to come on the show? Fill out the form here [https://forms.gle/1kLJ3ZUmqTrBkPBXA].
email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
A City on Mars, Keywords space settlement, feasibility, challenges, misconceptions, moon, Mars, rotating space stations, reproduction, ecosystem design, space settlement, human reproduction, closed-loop ecosystem, space law, resource extraction, logistics, math. -
96: Can We Survive on Mars? Hot Tips with Zach Weinersmith
In this conversation, Autumn Phaneuf and Zach Weinersmith discusses his new book, A City on Mars, which takes a humorous look at the challenges of building a Martian society. He explores the misconceptions and myths surrounding space settlement and the feasibility of colonizing Mars. He argues that space is unlikely to make anyone rich and that the idea that space will mitigate war is unsupported. He also discusses the potential benefits and limitations of settling on the Moon and Mars, as well as the technical challenges involved.
Follow Zach Weinersmith on his website [https://www.smbc-comics.com/] and Twitter [https://x.com/ZachWeiner]
Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.
Become a patron of Breaking Math [https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath] for as little as a buck a month
Follow Breaking Math on Twitter [https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-math/], Website [https://breakingmath.io/]
Follow Autumn on Twitter [https://x.com/1autumn_leaf] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/]
Folllow Gabe on Twitter [https://x.com/TechPodGabe].
email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
A City on Mars, space settlement, Mars colonization, misconceptions, myths, feasibility, space myths, space economics, war, Moon settlement, technical challenges, logistics, math. -
What's the Use? Interview with Professor Ian Stewart
Welcome to another engaging episode of the Breaking Math Podcast! Today's episode, titled "What is the Use?," features a fascinating conversation with the renowned mathematician and author, Professor Ian Stewart. As Professor Stewart discusses his latest book "What's the Use? How Mathematics Shapes Everyday Life," we dive deep into the real-world applications of mathematics that often go unnoticed in our daily technologies, like smartphones, and their unpredictable implications in various fields.
We'll explore the history of quaternions, invented by William Rowan Hamilton, which now play a critical role in computer graphics, gaming, and particle physics. Professor Stewart will also shed light on the non-commutative nature of quaternions, mirroring the complexities of spatial rotations, and how these mathematical principles find their correspondence in the natural world.
Furthermore, our discussion will encompass the interconnectivity within mathematics, touching upon how algebra, geometry, and trigonometry converge to paint a broader picture of this unified field. We also discuss the intriguing concept of "Fearful Symmetry" and how symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns govern everything from tiger stripes to sand dunes.
With references to his other works, including "Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities" and "The Science of Discworld," Professor Stewart brings an element of surprise and entertainment to the profound impact of mathematics on our understanding of the world.
So stay tuned as we unlock the mysteries and the omnipresent nature of math in this thought-provoking episode with Professor Ian Stewart! -
95: Bayes' Theorem Explains It All: An Interview with Tom Chivers
Summary
Tom Chivers [https://tomchivers.com/] discusses his book 'Everything is Predictable: How Bayesian Statistics Explain Our World' and the applications of Bayesian statistics in various fields. He explains how Bayesian reasoning can be used to make predictions and evaluate the likelihood of hypotheses. Chivers also touches on the intersection of AI and ethics, particularly in relation to AI-generated art. The conversation explores the history of Bayes' theorem and its role in science, law, and medicine. Overall, the discussion highlights the power and implications of Bayesian statistics in understanding and navigating the world.
The conversation explores the role of AI in prediction and the importance of Bayesian thinking. It discusses the progress of AI in image classification and the challenges it still faces, such as accurately depicting fine details like hands. The conversation also delves into the topic of predictions going wrong, particularly in the context of conspiracy theories. It highlights the Bayesian nature of human beliefs and the influence of prior probabilities on updating beliefs with new evidence. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the relevance of Bayesian statistics in various fields and the need for beliefs to have probabilities and predictions attached to them.
* Takeaways
* Bayesian statistics can be used to make predictions and evaluate the likelihood of hypotheses.
* Bayes' theorem has applications in various fields, including science, law, and medicine.
* The intersection of AI and ethics raises complex questions about AI-generated art and the predictability of human behavior.
* Understanding Bayesian reasoning can enhance decision-making and critical thinking skills. AI has made significant progress in image classification, but still faces challenges in accurately depicting fine details.
* Predictions can go wrong due to the influence of prior beliefs and the interpretation of new evidence.
* Beliefs should have probabilities and predictions attached to them, allowing for updates with new information.
* Bayesian thinking is crucial in various fields, including AI, pharmaceuticals, and decision-making.
* The importance of defining predictions and probabilities when engaging in debates and discussions.