Breaking Math Podcast

In this conversation, Eugenia Cheng discusses the importance of making math accessible and engaging for everyone, particularly those who have been discouraged by traditional education methods. She emphasizes the intersection of math and art, the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues with numbers, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of equality and fairness in society. Cheng also highlights the significance of mentorship and the impact of gender dynamics in mathematics, advocating for a more inclusive approach to learning and appreciating math as a creative and thoughtful discipline.

Takeaways

• Many people are put off math due to early education experiences.
• Math and art should not be pitted against each other.
• Creativity is essential in STEM fields.
• Numbers can oversimplify complex realities.
• Understanding inequality requires recognizing its nuances.
• Context matters in mathematical reasoning.
• We often forget important details in data interpretation.
• Math can be appreciated without full understanding.
• Building confidence in math is crucial for everyone.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in academic success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mathematical Laziness
• 04:21 The Journey of a Mathematician
• 06:57 Creativity in Math and Art
• 09:33 Understanding Inequality through Math
• 11:57 The Dangers of Simplifying with Numbers
• 15:07 Political Debates and Mathematical Perspectives
• 17:15 The Importance of Context in Math
• 17:44 Category Theory and Abstraction in Math
• 20:29 Neutrality and the Gray Areas of Equality
• 24:02 Exploring Equality and Its Nuances
• 25:17 Mathematics in Real-World Contexts
• 28:49 The Intersection of Math and Marginalized Voices
• 32:39 Overcoming Gender Bias in Mathematics
• 35:28 The Role of Gut Instinct in Math
• 37:54 The Surprising Aspects of Writing a Book
• 42:51 Building Confidence in Math for Everyone
• 46:15 Rethinking Fairness and Structural Challenges
  

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email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

This week’s episode isn’t our usual deep dive—it’s a behind-the-scenes update. On Monday, Breaking Math vanished from Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more without warning. After digging in, we discovered a strange RSS glitch that merged our feed with another podcast.

In this quick update, Autumn shares:

• What happened behind the scenes when the show disappeared
• Which platforms are already fixed (and which we’re still waiting on)
• How you can make sure you never lose track of Breaking Math again
• What to expect from upcoming guest episodes

Follow Breaking Math online:
Website: https://www.breakingmath.io/
YouTube: youtube.com/@breakingmathpod
Twitter/X: @breakingmathpod
Bluesky: breakingmath.bsky.social
Instagram: @breakingmathmedia
Facebook: Breaking Math Community

Thanks for sticking with us—we’ll be back with a brand-new episode on Tuesday.

In this conversation, Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, discusses her book “Hate the Game,” that frames life and career decisions as strategic games. She emphasizes the importance of understanding economic principles to navigate personal and professional challenges, negotiate effectively, and reclaim agency in various aspects of life. Fairweather shares insights on overcoming barriers related to race and gender, the impact of information asymmetry, and the significance of designing one's own path in a competitive environment. The conversation highlights the necessity of introspection, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt in a world that often feels rigged against certain individuals.

Takeaways

• Life can be viewed as a game where strategic decisions matter.
• Negotiation requires awareness of both your and your employer's options.
• Workplace bullying can be addressed with strategic approaches.
• Information asymmetry can hinder career advancement; awareness is key.
• Barriers in academia can be overcome with strategy and support.
• Race and gender dynamics play a significant role in economic opportunities.
• Balancing strategic thinking with empathy is crucial for long-term success.
• You can still achieve your goals despite systemic unfairness.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Economic Principles
• 03:57 Understanding Economic Cheat Codes
• 07:08 Navigating Career Options and Negotiations
• 09:39 Dealing with Workplace Dynamics
• 11:33 Information Asymmetry in Decision Making
• 14:02 Designing Your Own Game
• 15:06 Identity and Power in Economics
• 17:21 Overcoming Barriers in Economics
• 25:51 The Impact of Housing on Economic Understanding
• 30:38 Applying Economic Theory to Relationships
• 33:02 Winning in a Rigged Game
• 34:01 Life as a Game: Making Informed Decisions.
  

Follow Daryl on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn and on her Website 

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email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this conversation, Autumn and Dr. Anthony Bonato explore the fascinating world of networks, discussing their significance in various fields, including mathematics, social interactions, and even the spread of diseases like COVID-19 in his new book Dots and Lines. Anthony shares his journey into network science, the importance of understanding networks in everyday life, and how they can reveal hidden connections. The discussion also touches on popular culture references, such as Game of Thrones and Survivor, to illustrate the practical applications of network theory. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need to embrace mathematics and recognize the pervasive role of networks in our lives.

Takeaways

• Networks are fundamental to understanding complex systems.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of network science.
• Mathematics encompasses more than just numbers and shapes.
• Personal experiences can lead to profound realizations about networks.
• Everyday life is filled with examples of networks in action.
• Game of Thrones and Survivor serve as engaging examples of network analysis.
• The Bacon number illustrates connections in Hollywood.
• Erdős number connects mathematicians through collaboration.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book
• 03:38 Understanding Networks: A New Perspective
• 06:13 Networks in Everyday Life
• 08:28 The Power of Networks in Society
• 11:03 Real-World Applications of Network Science
• 13:32 Pop Culture and Network Analysis
• 15:38 The Bacon Number and Network Connections
• 21:53 The Bacon Number and Small World Phenomenon
• 26:34 Network Embeddings and Their Applications
• 31:04 Graph Theory: Patterns and Connections
• 35:11 The Importance of Mathematics in Everyday Life
• 36:57 Introduction and Curiosity in Connections

Follow Anthony on Twitter, and on his Website Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.

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email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Breaking Math, Dr. Noah Giansiracusa discusses his book 'Robin Hood Math', emphasizing the importance of mathematical literacy in navigating an algorithm-driven world. He explores how math can empower everyday people, the writing process behind his book, and practical applications of math in daily life, including social media algorithms and financial decisions. The conversation highlights the simplicity of the math that truly matters and encourages listeners to reclaim agency through understanding mathematics.

Takeaways

• Math is a powerful tool that can empower individuals.
• The concept of Robin Hood Math aims to redistribute mathematical knowledge.
• Mathematical literacy is becoming as essential as reading.
• Algorithms are deeply embedded in our daily lives, influencing decisions.
• Understanding expected value can improve decision-making.
• Averaging guesses can lead to better predictions.
• Social media algorithms prioritize engagement, affecting content visibility.
• Credit scores are calculated using weighted sums of various factors.
• Many important mathematical concepts are simpler than they appear.
• Mathematical literacy can help close equity gaps in society.

Chapters

• 00:00 Monetizing Social Media for Educators
• 02:25 The Birth of Robin Hood Math
• 05:18 Empowering the Everyday Person with Math
• 08:01 The Writing Process and Surprising Discoveries
• 10:37 Practical Math Lessons for Everyday Life
• 13:22 Understanding Algorithms in Social Media
• 21:56 Understanding Engagement Algorithms
• 24:28 The Impact of Mathematics on Financial Decisions
• 29:54 Empowering Through Mathematical Literacy
• 32:23 Exploring Key Themes in Mathematics

Follow Noah on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn and on his Website
Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.
Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a month

Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTok

Follow Autumn on Twitter and Instagram

Become a guest here

email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com