Intersecting Us

Dave Kester & Brian Rihner
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MATHEMATICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Intersecting Us

Brian Rihner and Dave Kester started their first business venture together in 1995. Now, 28 years later, they reunite again to talk about their passions of math, life, hope, and faith, and how they are all connected. They provided a probing and analytic perspective to consider the beauty, wonder and timeless treasures of these topics and how they have the power to draw us closer together.

  1. Investing in Others: The Love That Fosters Personal Fulfillment

    09/09/2024

    Investing in Others: The Love That Fosters Personal Fulfillment

    In this episode, the discussion revolves around the theme of love and its many facets, from tough love to unconditional support. The conversation highlights the importance of intrinsic worth and identity beyond achievements, particularly in the context of mathematics and education. Personal stories and experiences underscore the transformative power of focusing on others, emphasizing the value of relationships and community. The episode encourages listeners to invest in others and recognize their own inherent dignity, fostering a culture of mutual support and flourishing.

    35 min
  2. Belonging in Numbers

    07/29/2024

    Belonging in Numbers

    In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the deep connections between mathematics, community, and personal growth. They discuss how struggling with mathematical proofs, like those of the Pythagorean Theorem, leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of their underlying principles. The conversation highlights the role of community and collaboration in overcoming these challenges and making discoveries. The hosts also touch on how the timeless and universal nature of mathematics allows for a shared pursuit of truth across cultures, languages, and even barriers like prison walls. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and support in both math and life.

    34 min
  3. The impact of Freedom in Math.

    06/18/2024

    The impact of Freedom in Math.

    In this episode, the podcast delves into the multifaceted concept of freedom within mathematics, exploring its implications for exploration, imagination, understanding, and inclusion. Through examples like the Pythagorean theorem, Euler's contributions to topology, and the universal relevance of mathematical concepts like pi and E, the conversation highlights how mathematics transcends cultural and disciplinary boundaries, offering a common language for connection and growth. The episode emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of welcome and belonging in mathematical communities, recognizing the role of relationships, responsibility, and joy in nurturing mathematical freedom.

    35 min
  4. Math and Morality: Bridging the Gap between Numbers and Justice

    05/20/2024

    Math and Morality: Bridging the Gap between Numbers and Justice

    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the intersection of mathematics and justice, inspired by the ideas presented in a book. They delve into the concepts of primary justice, rectifying justice, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and care. The conversation explores implicit biases, belonging, and the role of community in advocating for justice.

    34 min
  5. The Altruistic Nature of Math: Empowering Others Through Understanding

    05/13/2024

    The Altruistic Nature of Math: Empowering Others Through Understanding

    In this episode, the podcast delves into the transformative power of math, exploring how it can empower individuals, transcend physical limitations, and foster creativity and understanding. Through anecdotes like Chris's journey of mathematical discovery in prison and the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, the discussion highlights how math can be a tool for personal growth and societal betterment. The focus shifts from coercive power to creative power, emphasizing its altruistic nature and its potential to uplift others.

    33 min
  6. The Art of Persistence: Finding Growth in the Face of Adversity

    05/06/2024

    The Art of Persistence: Finding Growth in the Face of Adversity

    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of struggle and its role in personal growth and mastery, drawing from examples in mathematics and programming. They share stories of grappling with complex problems, finding unexpected insights, and the satisfaction of mastering difficult tasks. The conversation explores the difference between external and internal goods, emphasizing the value of perseverance and the mindset of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

    33 min
  7. Discovering Truth: The Role of Mathematics in Understanding Reality

    04/22/2024

    Discovering Truth: The Role of Mathematics in Understanding Reality

    In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of truth and its pursuit, emphasizing the virtues of intellectual humility, admitting mistakes, and avoiding overgeneralizations. They discuss how mathematics aids in understanding truth, from correcting errors in data to defining new concepts like imaginary numbers. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the journey of seeking truth, acknowledging that it involves struggle and growth.

    34 min
  8. Permanence: Trusting the Beauty and Truth of Math

    03/26/2024

    Permanence: Trusting the Beauty and Truth of Math

    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of permanence, focusing on the Pythagorean Theorem as an eternal and underappreciated equation. They explore the beauty and truth embedded in the theorem and its various proofs throughout history, emphasizing its role as a reliable foothold in the world of mathematics. The hosts connect the permanence of mathematical truths to the broader theme of trust and explore its implications for understanding the world.

    31 min
See All (34)

Trailer

About

Brian Rihner and Dave Kester started their first business venture together in 1995. Now, 28 years later, they reunite again to talk about their passions of math, life, hope, and faith, and how they are all connected. They provided a probing and analytic perspective to consider the beauty, wonder and timeless treasures of these topics and how they have the power to draw us closer together.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Kester & Brian Rihner
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dave Kester 2023
  • Show Website
    Intersecting Us

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada