Breaking Math Podcast
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 [https://breakingmath.io/]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia
Email: [email protected]
- Update frequency
- every 10 days
- Average duration
- 40 minutes
- Episodes
- 157
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
Is AI Conscious?
AI & Consciousness: Philosophical Debates, Ethical Implications & the Future of Conscious Machines
In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the intricate relationship between…
Molecular dynamics simulation with GFlowNets: machine learning the importance of energy estimators in computational chemistry and drug discovery
In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel take a deep dive into the paper “Towards Equilibrium Molecular Conformation Generation with GFlowNets” by Volokova et al., published in the …
Do Plants Know Math?
Mathematical Patterns in Plants: Fibonacci, Golden Ratio & Nature's Hidden Math with Christophe Gole & Nancy Pick
In this episode of Breaking Math, host Autumn interviews authors Christophe Gole and N…
Mapmatics: A Mathematician's Guide to Navigating the World with Maps with Paulina Rowinska
Math & Cartography: Dr. Paula Rowinska on Map Projections, Gerrymandering & Real-World Math
In this episode of Breaking Math, host Autumn interviews Dr. Paula Rowinska about her unique journey from ea…
The Intentional Engineer (with Jeff Perry)
In this conversation, Gabriel and Autumn interview Jeff Perry, a career coach and author of the book 'The Intentional Engineer'. They discuss the importance of being intentional in one's career, unde…
Math for English Majors with Ben Orlin
Math & Language: Creativity, Quantification, and Making Math Accessible with Ben Orlin
In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts sit down with Ben Orlin, author of Math for English Majors and Math with …
What is Data Visualization? From the Expert Behind PolicyViz
In this episode Autumn and Dr. Jonathan Schwabish discuss the importance of strategic thinking in data visualization and the key elements of good data. He emphasizes the need to understand the data a…
Love Triangle and Other Maths (with Matt Parker)
In this episode, Gabriel and Autumn interview mathematician, comedian, and author Matt Parker about his latest book, "Love Triangle." They discuss the unique page numbering system in the book, which …
The Black Hole Heist
Surprise! It's a Friday episode for you! Yes, yes it is a rerun, but we wanted to share it anyways. We can't wait for our fall lineup because it's packed with surprises. See you back on Tuesday.
Key…
Black Holes: The Abyss Part 3
It's the last week of our summer break and we have 2 episodes this week for you as a little treat. So check out our show on Friday too for a little bit more fun. We can't wait for our fall lineup bec…
Black Holes: The Abyss Part 2
Happy Summer! We have another week of our summer break after this episode from 2018. We will be back shortly with more content and surprises!
Black holes are objects that seem exotic to us because th…
Black Holes: The Abyss Part 1
Happy Summer! Check out part one of our three part series on black holes from 2018. Enjoy!
The idea of something that is inescapable, at first glance, seems to violate our sense of freedom. This sens…
What are Journal Rankings? The basics: a minisode.
In this minisode, Autumn explores the basics in the world of journal rankings and metrics. She discusses the importance of journal rankings and how they are determined, focusing on metrics like impac…
Why Machines Learn: The Math Behind AI
In this episode Autumn and Anil Ananthaswamy discuss the inspiration behind his book “Why Machines Learn” and the importance of understanding the math behind machine learning. He explains that the bo…
The Intersection of Mathematics and Democracy
This discussion Autumn and Gabe delves into Ismar Volic's personal background and inspiration for writing the book, “Making Democracy Count” as well as the practical and theoretical aspects of voting…
Math Lounge: Celebrating 101 Episodes
In this conversation, Gabe and Autumn celebrate the 101st episode of Breaking Math and discuss the evolution of the podcast. They highlight the importance of creativity in teaching mathematics and sh…
Minisode: Absolutely Nothing
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 asp…
Can We Survive on Mars? Hot Tips with Zach Weinersmith (Part 2)
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 s…
Can We Survive on Mars? Hot Tips with Zach Weinersmith
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 misconce…
What's the Use? Interview with Professor Ian Stewart
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…