It’s Not Just Numbers

Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal, Jard Nijholt
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It’s Not Just Numbers is a podcast about mathematics and its human side. Each episode begins with our guests’ own stories: how they came to maths, what drew them in, and what fills their time outside it. We then explore a mathematics-related theme, from research and teaching to academic life and the wider role mathematics plays in society, while making space to question common stereotypes and misconceptions about maths and mathematicians. If mathematics has ever sparked your curiosity, or if you have ever wondered what it is really about, this podcast is for you! Opinions are our own.

  1. APR 11

    S3E04 - Becoming a teacher with Heleen van der Ree and Gerrit Roorda

    In this episode, Heleen van der Ree (NVvW – Dutch Association of Teachers in Mathematics) and Gerrit Roorda (Teacher Educator, University of Groningen) join us in a conversation around what it means to become a high school mathematics teacher. Together, we discuss their personal transitions into math education and the day-to-day realities of their roles. We explore the rewards and challenges of standing in front of a classroom, the importance of fostering problem-solving skills, and the space for innovation and creativity. Wether you are curious or you are interested in it for your future career, in this episode you will find plenty of information, including the various pathways students in the Netherlands can take to start a rewarding teaching career. Episode links: Dutch Association of Teachers in Mathematics (NVvW)Gerrit Roorda's webpageAnne van Streun's work on Mathematical Thinking Activities (Ontwerpen van wiskundige denkactiviteiten), available via the SLO websitePeter Liljedahl's Building Thinking ClassroomsNRICH Cambridge mathsEuropean Women in Mathematics and European Women in Mathematics – The NetherlandsEducation Master and other informations on becoming teacher from the University of Groningen = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    1h 14m

  2. MAR 18

    S3E03 - Postdoc life with Lara Vicino and Armin Pirastehzad

    In this episode we sit down with Lara Vicino and Armin Pirastehzad to discuss what it is like to become a Postdoctoral Researcher. The life of a researcher is often romanticized, but what really happens the day after you defend your PhD? With the help of our guests, we explore the transition from PhD life to being an independent researcher, and what it takes to navigate that shift. Episode links: ⁠Lara's webpageArmin's webpageWomen in Numbers Europe 5John Cleese's speech on creativity (1991)S1E09 - Doing a PhD in Mathematics = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    1h 8m

  3. FEB 18

    S3E02 - Student associations, with Remco de Jong and Ilinca Antonache

    In this episode we get to know Remco de Jong and Ilinca Antonache, board members of the mathematics and physics study association FMF. Together we get to understand what are study associations at Dutch universities, how they differ from student associations, and what is like to run one. Episode links: FMF website = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    1h 6m

  4. JAN 15

    S3E01 - And we are back! With Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

    Welcome to the new year, and to a fresh season of It’s Not Just Numbers! We’re kicking things off with a special episode to meet your new hosts. What drives them inside and outside the classroom? How did they find their way to mathematics, and what brought them to where they are today? Join us as we explore their stories and their journey into mathematics. 

Links from the episode: Freeman Dyson - Birds and Frogs = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    45 min

  5. 07/27/2025

    S2E10 - Teaching mathematics in high school with Maarten de Witte

    The last episode of this season, is also the first of a new sub-series that we would like to keep exploring in the future: teaching mathematics at school. Maarten de Witte, a former student at our mathematics bachelor and school teacher since three years, shares his experience teaching in Dutch high school. With him we start exploring the rewards and the challenges of the job and the differences between teaching at school or at university. = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    51 min
  6. S2E09 - The afterMath2 with Josselin Kooij and Marit van Straaten

    07/13/2025

    S2E09 - The afterMath2 with Josselin Kooij and Marit van Straaten

    We come back to the question of S2E05: you have studied mathematics... now what? We met our old friend (and former co-host) Marit van Straaten and our former student Josselin Kooij, to talk about the possibilities for mathematicians that don't pursue a career in academia. After getting to know them, with their motivations to study math and their hobbies (mainly sports!), we focus on their careers. Their different seniority levels allow us to span across many topics, with both a fresh and an experienced eye, in an episode that we hope will clarify many of your doubts on what to do to look for a job as mathematicians, and plenty of useful tips for when you interview for a position! We plan to do a few more of these, so if there is anything that you would like to discuss in the next episodes, let us know in the comments (or sending us a message). = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    1h 12m

  7. 06/23/2025

    S2E08 - Actively learning mathematics with Brendan Kelly

    In this special episode, we return to the topics of learning and teaching mathematics. We are joined by Brendan Kelly, Director of Introductory Mathematics at Harvard University, to discuss the opportunities that active learning has to offer. Throughout the discussion, we get to know Brendan, exploring his journey into mathematics and what led him to focus on education. Both lecturers and students will find many useful tips and tricks scattered through the recording, and we are sure you will feel Brendan's infectious energy and passion for both subjects! Links for the episode: Brendan Kelly's webpage = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    48 min
  8. S2E07 - Mathematics outside mathematic departments, with Davide Grossi and Jorge Perez

    05/26/2025

    S2E07 - Mathematics outside mathematic departments, with Davide Grossi and Jorge Perez

    This is the first episode of another small spinoff of It's Not Just Numbers, were we discuss with researchers working on mathematical topics in different disciplines and departments. In this episode, we talk to Jorge Perez (Computer Science department) and Davide Grossi (Artificial Intelligence department). As you will hear, both of them use a lot of mathematics in their research and work on topics that also have very theoretical angles. Throughout the episode, we discuss intedisciplinary collaborations, reaching outside one’s own line of research and the key role ofof asking questions to facilitate the exchange. We also explore if and how common stereotypes on academics change in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from a societal point of view. Links for the episode: Davide Grossi's website⁠Jorge Perez' website ⁠Video: Fundamental computing: Mathematics and logic for software we can all rely onVideo: Fundamental Computing: The Many Sides of Logic = = = { 0 } = = = Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn = = = { 0 } = = = Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377 We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    1h 22m
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About

It’s Not Just Numbers is a podcast about mathematics and its human side. Each episode begins with our guests’ own stories: how they came to maths, what drew them in, and what fills their time outside it. We then explore a mathematics-related theme, from research and teaching to academic life and the wider role mathematics plays in society, while making space to question common stereotypes and misconceptions about maths and mathematicians. If mathematics has ever sparked your curiosity, or if you have ever wondered what it is really about, this podcast is for you! Opinions are our own.

Information

  • Creator
    Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal, Jard Nijholt
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal, Jard Nijholt
  • Show Website
    It’s Not Just Numbers