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Breaking Math PodcastAuthor: Autumn Phaneuf
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 journeywhether its 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 isnt just a podcast about equationsits 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. Its for the curious, the critical, the creativefor anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder.If you've ever wondered: Whats 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 youre in the right place.At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridgesbetween 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 wh Language: en Genres: Mathematics, Science, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Math Behind Gerrymandering, Fair Representation, and Politics with Karen Saxe
Monday, 16 March, 2026
Mathematics quietly shapes some of the most important decisions in public life, from redistricting and congressional apportionment to federal research funding and AI policy. In this episode, Autumn and Noah speak with Dr. Karen Saxe, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the American Mathematical Society, about how mathematical ideas influence representation, fairness, education, and the future of research. From gerrymandering and geometric compactness to life inside the U.S. Senate and the growing policy debates around AI, Karen reveals how deeply math is woven into the systems that govern everyday life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:15 The Hot Tea in DC01:24 Gerrymandering and Mathematics03:42 Understanding Gerrymandering and Redistricting08:07 The Role of Mathematicians in Politics12:19 Experiences in the Senate with Al Franken19:32 Government Relations and the Role of Mathematics23:01 The Impact of AI on Mathematics and Policy28:41 Community Readiness for AI Transformations29:22 Diversity in Education and Its Challenges29:40 Bridging Mathematics and Politics29:58 Career Pathways: Academia to PolicyFollow Karen Saxe onLinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-saxe-5015038a/)Website (https://www.ams.org/government)Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)Twitter (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/)Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)Follow Autumn onTwitter (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
