Breaking Math Podcast

AI, Pi, Dynamic Pricing, and Math History Lessons

SummaryIn this episode, Autumn and Noah explore the intersection of AI and mathematics, discussing why AI struggles with math, the differences between calculus and algebra, and the historical contributions of women in mathematics. They delve into the concept of infinity, the significance of pi, and the implications of dynamic pricing in today's economy. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding mathematical tools and the ethical considerations surrounding personalized pricing.TakeawaysAI is not monolithic; it has varying capabilities.The difference between calculus and algebra lies in their focus on relationships and change.Infinity is a concept that exists in mathematics but not necessarily in the physical world.Pi is fundamental in understanding circular motion and symmetry.Dynamic pricing is a modern phenomenon influenced by technology and data.Choosing the right mathematical tool is crucial for problem-solving.Personalized pricing raises ethical questions about fairness and transparency.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview00:22 AI and Mathematics: The Dual Nature03:25 Understanding Calculus vs. Algebra07:40 Historical Perspectives: Women in Mathematics13:11 The Concept of Infinity in Mathematics16:55 The Origins of Pi21:33 Dynamic Pricing and Its ImplicationsFollow Noah on Instagram, Twitter, BlueskyFollow Breaking Math on Substack, Patreon, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, SubstackBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

A New Chapter of Breaking Math: Get to Know Your Hosts

In this episode, Autumn and Noah celebrate the ninth anniversary of the Breaking Math podcast, reflecting on its journey and growth. They introduce Noah Giansiracusa as the new co-host and discuss the importance of engaging with the audience, storytelling in math, and the interdisciplinary nature of the topics they plan to cover. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, defining success in podcasting, and the dynamics of co-hosting, all while embracing their nerdy sides and fostering curiosity in their listeners.TakeawaysNoah is introduced as the new co-host.Engagement with the audience is a priority.Storytelling is crucial in teaching math.Math communication can impact people's understanding of their lives.Success is defined by personal fulfillment, not just metrics.The hosts aim to humanize math and its applications.Embracing nerdiness fosters a relatable and engaging atmosphere.Chapters01:55 Welcoming Noah as Co-Host05:37 Engaging with the Audience07:26 Expanding the Narrative and Storytelling09:34 The Power Dynamic in Education11:18 The Importance of Storytelling in Math13:44 Communicating Math Beyond the Classroom15:33 Interdisciplinary Approach to Math17:40 Future Topics and Directions20:37 Personal Insights and Fun Facts25:32 Defining Success in the Podcasting World30:13 Personal Reflections on Success36:19 Embracing Nerdiness and AuthenticityFollow Noah on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Bluesky Follow Breaking Math on Substack, Patreon, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn, SubstackBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

The Elements of Power: Supply Chains, Technology, and Energy with Nicolas Niarchos

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Nicolas Niarchos critique the "green" narrative of lithium-ion technology. Tracing the industry from its 1991 commercialization to modern geopolitical tensions, the hosts expose the exploitation and environmental degradation inherent in global mining, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By challenging the presumed sustainability of electric vehicles, they emphasize the need for supply chain transparency and urge listeners to adopt a more informed, ethically-conscious approach to modern consumption.Takeaways What does it really cost to power the future? The bargain as stated is clean energy in one part and at the other end, you have corruption, pollution, and human suffering. The greenest vehicle is not always the electric one; it depends on the entire lifecycle of the product. We need to improve conditions on the ground, not just extract resources. Corruption is unfortunately a fact of life and is very closely related to extraction.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:24 The Journey to Congo and Corruption 07:13 The Birth of Lithium-Ion Batteries 09:35 The Uneven Global Bargain 12:16 Mining vs. Oil: A Different Kind of Harm 13:56 Onshoring Battery Production: Challenges and Opportunities 17:13 China's Dominance in Battery Manufacturing 18:51 The Race in Battery Technology 21:39 Corruption and Poverty in the Congo 24:31 The Human Cost of Mining 29:12 Health Impacts of Mining 31:52 Colonial Legacy and Modern Mining 34:00 The Future of Battery Technology 39:12 Introduction to Complex Narratives 39:53 The Reality of Resource Extraction 39:59 Embracing Curiosity and ReflectionFollow Nick on Twitter, and you can get his book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

The Score: Gamifying the Nature of Metrics with Thi Nguyen

In this conversation, the discussion with C. Thi Nguyen revolves around the nature of metrics, qualitative knowledge, and the duality of scoring systems, particularly in the context of climbing. The speaker shares personal experiences with climbing as a case study to illustrate how scoring systems can both enhance and detract from the experience. The conversation delves into the beauty of climbing, the subtlety of value in metrics, and the importance of savoring moments in games. It also explores the tension between purpose and game mechanics, the role of enjoyment, and the complexities of scoring systems in both games and life. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the challenges of balancing values in decision-making and the risks associated with the gamification of various aspects of life.Takeaways Metrics can miss the subtlety of qualitative knowledge. Scoring systems can enhance or detract from experiences. Climbing serves as a unique case study for scoring systems. The beauty of climbing lies in its scoring system. Values can become obscured when metrics are prioritized. Games allow for exploration of different scoring systems. Achievement play focuses on winning, while striving play values the process. External expectations can pressure individuals to conform to metrics. The addictive nature of games can lead to negative experiences.Chapters 00:00 The Intricacies of Portability and Judgment 01:12 Introduction and Social Media Presence 03:40 The Value of Climbing and Scoring Systems 07:16 The Impact of Numbers in Climbing 09:42 Savoring the Moment vs. Obsession with Scoring 10:59 Goals vs. Purpose in Games 12:39 Understanding Value Capture 17:53 The Shift in Standards of Success 20:33 The Limitations of Metrics 21:42 Games as a Reflection of Human Desire 24:37 The Purpose Behind Scoring Systems 26:07 The Magic Circle of Games 29:15 Achievement Play vs. Striving Play 34:47 When Games Become Unsafe 38:21 The Pitfalls of Portability in MetricsFollow Thi on Twitter, Bluesky, and find his website. You can get his book here.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

The Art of Physics: Bridging Science and Creativity with Ronald Gamble

This conversation explores the fascinating intersection of math, physics, and art, highlighting how these disciplines inform and inspire one another. Dr. Ronald Gamble discusses his journey as a theoretical physicist and artist, emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns in nature and the role of creativity in scientific discovery. The dialogue delves into various topics, including the significance of symmetry in physics, the visualization of complex concepts like black holes and gravitational waves, and the influence of mathematical principles on artistic expression. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the idea that art and science are deeply interconnected, each enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the other.Takeaways Inspiration is pattern recognition. Math serves as a language to describe physics. Art and physics both seek to decode patterns in the universe. Studying nature can enhance understanding of physics concepts. Creativity is essential in theoretical physics. Symmetry plays a crucial role in understanding the universe. Art can influence scientific thought and vice versa.Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Math, Physics, and Art 03:57 Finding Inspiration in Nature 06:16 The Art of Storytelling in Physics 08:31 Patterns in Nature and Art 10:13 The Influence of Physics on Art 12:23 Understanding Symmetry in Physics 16:46 Exploring Black Holes and Particle Physics 21:03 The Role of Tessellations in Physics 25:24 Celebrating Scientific Collaborations 27:24 The Art of Tessellation and Structure 29:06 The Power of Minimalism in Art and Science 31:05 Exploring Black Holes and Gravitational Waves 38:59 The Artistic Journey into Physics CourseFollow Ron on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and find his website.Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com