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Breaking Math PodcastAuthor: Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa
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 Noah Giansiracusa, a mathematician and leading voice in algorithmic literacy and technology ethics, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, technology, and the systems shaping 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 journeyinto the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI and algorithms, the hidden math of biology and evolution, or the physics governing black holes and the cosmos. Along the way, Autumn and Noah speak with working scientists, researchers, and thinkers across fields: computer scientists, physicists, chemists, engineers, economists, philosophers, and more.But this isnt just a podcast about equations. Its a show about how mathematics shapes the way we think, decide, build, and understand the world. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. Its for the curious, the critical, and the creativefor anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder.If youve ever wondered:Whats the math behind machine learning and modern algorithms?How do we quantify uncertainty in climate and economic models?Can intelligence or consciousness be meaningfully described in AI?Why does beauty matter in an equation?Youre in the right place.At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridgesbetween disciplines, between experts and the public, and between abstract mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Language: en Genres: Mathematics, News, Science, Tech News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Can Math Make You Win? Gambler's Ruin, & Bingo Paradoxes with Arthur Benjamin
Wednesday, 7 October, 2026
Mathematician, mental-math performer, and backgammon grandmaster Arthur Benjamin joins Noah and Autumn to talk about his book How to Win. Together they explore what mathematics knows about winning that human intuition gets wrong: coincidences, the birthday paradox, gambler's ruin, and why the house wins even when you reach your goal more than half the time.Timeline:00:00 Can math ruin the fun of games?00:38 Why people play for the challenge, not the answer02:35 Mental arithmetic and the human element03:30 Calculators, AI, and the future of coding05:47 What does math know about winning that intuition gets wrong?06:02 Coincidences and the birthday paradox10:16 Why games are a microcosm for pattern-seeking16:40 What games teach that the classroom doesn't16:52 Gambler's ruin: how to get to the concert20:30 The paradox: why casinos aren't afraid22:30 What does "winning" really mean?23:29 Wordle streaks vs. average guesses27:07 Rubik's Cube, blackjack, and why some games never get old35:38 Does math take the mystery out of games? Follow Arthur Benjamin on his website:(https://www.arthurbenjamin.info/)Subscribe for more on math, AI, technology, and the systems running the world. Follow Breaking Math onSubstack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)X (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)Follow Noah onInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)X (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onX (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
