Show overview
Breaking Math Podcast has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 201 episodes. That works out to roughly 130 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence, with the show now in its 5th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 31 min and 50 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Science show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 weeks ago, with 32 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2024, with 42 episodes published. Published by Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa.
From the publisher
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 journey—into 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 isn’t just a podcast about equations. It’s 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. It’s for the curious, the critical, and 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 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?You’re in the right place.At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between 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, Autumn and Noah 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.ioLinktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmediaEmail: [email protected]
Latest Episodes
View all 201 episodesWhat Actually Makes Something Alive? with Melanie Challenger
Why Uncertainty Is Science's Greatest Strength with Stuart Firestein
Robot Proof: Why Better AI Starts With Better People with Vivienne Ming
Why Nothing Works: Robber Barons, Algorithms & Governing AI
Can Math Save Journalism?: Julia Angwin on Proof, Power, and Amazon's Algorithm
The Proof in the Code: How Lean Is Quietly Rewriting Trust in Math (w/ Kevin Hartnett)
How Data Science Exposes Injustice: Chad Topaz on Unlocking Justice
Rise of the Robots: Is AI Coming for Your Job?
The Echoing Universe: How Radio Waves, AI, and Math Could Help Us Find Aliens with Emma Chapman
AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics
The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz
Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth
How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens
Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes
AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Changing the Rules with Sheamus McGovern
Math and Magic with Matt Baker
Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer
Denied, Then Unstoppable: The Story of Mary T. Washington Wylie
This Women in History Mini-Series episode with Dr. Victoria Bateman explores the inspiring story of Mary T. Washington Wylie, the first African-American woman CPA, her challenges, achievements, and legacy in breaking racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century. Mathematics is supposed to be objective—but access to it has never been equal.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mary T. Washington Wylie00:48 Early Life and Challenges02:58 Breaking Barriers in Accountancy05:25 Pioneering a Path for Others07:21 Legacy and ImpactFollow Breaking Math onSubstack (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 Victoria onWebsite (http://www.vnbateman.com/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/women.wealth.power/)Twitter (https://x.com/vnbateman)Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/vnbateman.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)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@1autumn_leaf_)
The Power of Connection in Math: Insights from Hortensia Soto
In this episode of Breaking Math, we sit down with Dr. Hortensia Soto, former president of the Mathematical Association of America, to explore the role of mathematics in a world shaped by AI, education, and access. We discuss how debates in math are often really about opportunity and inclusion, how educators can navigate the rapid pace of AI, and why communication and human connection matter more than ever. The conversation also highlights the importance of financial literacy, embodied learning, and collaboration, reframing mathematics not as a set of answers, but as a way of thinking grounded in curiosity, effort, and relationships.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hortensia Soto and the Math Community02:48 The Role of AI in Mathematics05:17 Access to Mathematics and Its Political Nature07:34 The Importance of Financial Literacy in Math Education10:19 Communication Skills for Mathematicians13:06 The Culture of the Mathematical Association of America15:29 Reflections on Leadership in the Math Community25:01 Innovative Approaches to Mathematics Education25:50 Recognizing Math Identity in Students27:02 Nurturing Student Potential35:31 The Role of AI in Learning38:26 The Human Element in Mathematics39:51 Mathematics Beyond Symbols and ProceduresFollow Hortensia Soto on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortensia-soto-41230188/) 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 on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/) Twitter (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social) Follow Autumn on Twitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/) email: [email protected]
Florence Nightingale: Data-Driven Reformer of Medicine
This Women in History Mini-Series episode with Dr. Victoria Bateman explores the groundbreaking contributions of Florence Nightingale, highlighting her use of data and statistics to revolutionize healthcare and public health during the 19th century. Discover how her innovative use of data visualization and her perseverance against gender biases transformed modern nursing and public health policy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Florence Nightingale's Legacy02:21 The Crimean War and Nightingale's Impact05:18 Data Collection and Analysis in Healthcare07:18 Overcoming Gender Bias in Medicine09:23 Innovations in Data Visualization11:59 Nightingale's Lasting Influence and ConclusionFollow 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 Victoria on Website (http://www.vnbateman.com/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/women.wealth.power/) Twitter (https://x.com/vnbateman) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/vnbateman.bsky.social) Follow Autumn on Twitter (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/) Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@1autumn_leaf_)