• 100: Creating Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ in STEM
    Jun 25 2024

    In this episode Autumn is joined by Erika Lynn Dawson Head, the Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, discusses her role in STEM, mentorship, and community building. The conversation dives into allyship, LGBTQ+ support, and the challenges of creating safe and inclusive spaces in STEM and higher education. The discussion also explores the intersectionality of identities and the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in professional and educational environments. The conversation covers a range of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It delves into the importance of creating safe spaces, addressing biases, and the need for education and awareness. The discussion also explores the concept of calling people in, the impact of cultural shifts in professional settings, and the significance of building a diverse network of support. Here we cover the importance of role models and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM fields, the impact of coming out, the need for inclusive spaces, and the significance of kindness and understanding in navigating difficult conversations.

    Keywords: diversity, equity, inclusion, STEM, mentorship, LGBTQ+, allyship, safe spaces, intersectionality, biases, professional conduct, higher education, diversity, inclusion, safe spaces, biases, education, awareness, calling people in, cultural shifts, professional settings, network of support, LGBTQIA+, role models, STEM, coming out, inclusive spaces, kindness, understanding, difficult conversations

    You can connect with Erika for more opportunities and speaking engagements on LinkedIn.

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    email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Minisode: Absolutely Nothing
    Jun 18 2024

    In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Gabe explore the concept of nothingness and its significance in various fields. They discuss the philosophical, scientific, mathematical, and literary aspects of nothingness, highlighting its role in understanding reality and existence. They mention books like 'Incomplete Nature' by Terence Deacon and 'Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea' by Charles Seife, which delve into the concept of absence and zero. The episode concludes by emphasizing the complexity and versatility of nothingness, inviting listeners to think deeper about its implications.

    Keywords: nothingness, philosophy, science, mathematics, literature, reality, existence, absence, zero

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    email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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    20 mins
  • 99 (Part II) Math in Drag: Interview with OnlineKyne
    Jun 11 2024

    Summary

    This episode is an interview with OnlineKyne, the author of the book Math in Drag. 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


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    28 mins
  • 98. Math in Drag: An Episode with Math Educator Kyne Santos
    Jun 4 2024

    Summary

    In this conversation, Gabriel Hesch interviews Kyne Santos, 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

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    28 mins
  • 97: (Part 2) Can We Survive on Mars? Hot Tips with Zach Weinersmith
    May 28 2024

    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.

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    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.

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    34 mins
  • 96: Can We Survive on Mars? Hot Tips with Zach Weinersmith
    May 21 2024

    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.

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    A City on Mars, space settlement, Mars colonization, misconceptions, myths, feasibility, space myths, space economics, war, Moon settlement, technical challenges, logistics, math.

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    33 mins
  • What's the Use? Interview with Professor Ian Stewart
    May 14 2024

    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!

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    44 mins
  • 95: Bayes' Theorem Explains It All: An Interview with Tom Chivers
    May 7 2024

    Summary

    Tom Chivers 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.


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    email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

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    49 mins