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Breaking Math Podcast

Breaking Math Podcast

Written by: Autumn Phaneuf
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About this listen

Breaking Math is a deep-dive science, technology, engineering, AI, and mathematics podcast that explores the world through the lens of logic, patterns, and critical thinking. Hosted by Autumn Phaneuf, an expert in industrial engineering, operations research and applied mathematics, and Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape our future.

What began as a conversation about math as a pure and elegant discipline has evolved into a platform for bold, interdisciplinary dialogue. Each episode of Breaking Math takes listeners on an intellectual journey—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more.

But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, the creative—for anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder.

If you've ever wondered:

  • What’s the math behind machine learning?
  • How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models?
  • Can consciousness be described in AI?
  • Why does beauty matter in an equation?

Then you’re in the right place.

At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel invite you to rethink what math can be—and how it can help us shape a better future.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.


Website: https://breakingmath.io


Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia


Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Copyright Breaking Math
Episodes
  • The Score: Gamifying the Nature of Metrics with Thi Nguyen

    The Score: Gamifying the Nature of Metrics with Thi Nguyen
    Jan 14 2026

    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 Metrics

    Follow 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, TikTok

    Follow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and Instagram

    Become a guest here

    email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • The Art of Physics: Bridging Science and Creativity with Ronald Gamble

    The Art of Physics: Bridging Science and Creativity with Ronald Gamble
    Jan 13 2026

    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 Course

    Follow 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, TikTok

    Follow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and Instagram

    Become a guest here

    email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
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