Breaking Math Podcast

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 they have properties that boggle our comparatively mild-mannered minds. These are objects that light cannot escape from, yet glow with the energy they have captured until they evaporate out all of their mass. They thus have temperature, but Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts a paradoxically smooth form. And perhaps most mind-boggling of all, it seems at first glance that they have the ability to erase information. So what is black hole thermodynamics? How does it interact with the fabric of space? And what are virtual particles?

Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanity

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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 sense of freedom, for many, seems so intrinsic to our way of seeing the universe that it seems as though such an idea would only beget horror in the human mind. And black holes, being objects from which not even light can escape, for many do beget that same existential horror. But these objects are not exotic: they form regularly in our universe, and their role in the intricate web of existence that is our universe is as valid as the laws that result in our own humanity. So what are black holes? How can they have information? And how does this relate to the edge of the universe?


Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanity

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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 impact factor, mathematical citation quotient (MCQ), and publication power approach (PPA). She explains how these metrics provide insights into a journal's influence and performance, but also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of research beyond just metrics.

Keywords: journal rankings, journal metrics, impact factor, mathematical citation quotient, publication power approach, research evaluation, math, physics, ai, machine learning, education, publishing, academic journals

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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 book aims to convey the beauty and essential concepts of machine learning through storytelling, history, sociology, and mathematics. Anil emphasizes the need for society to become gatekeepers of AI by understanding the mathematical basis of machine learning. He also explores the history of machine learning, including the development of neural networks, support vector machines, and kernel methods. Anil highlights the significance of the backpropagation algorithm and the universal approximation theorem in the resurgence of neural networks.

Keywords: machine learning, math, inspiration, storytelling, history, sociology, gatekeepers, neural networks, support vector machines, kernel methods, backpropagation algorithm, universal approximation theorem, AI, ML, physics, mathematics, science

You can find Anil Ananthaswamy on Twitter @anilananth and his new book “Why Machines Learn”

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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 systems. Additionally, the conversation explores the application of voting systems to everyday decision-making and the use of topological data analysis in understanding societal polarization. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including data visualization, gerrymandering, electoral systems, and the intersection of mathematics and democracy. Volic, shares insights on the practical implications of implementing mathematical improvements in electoral systems and the legal and constitutional hurdles that may arise. He also discusses the importance of educating oneself about the quantitative underpinnings of democracy and the need for interdisciplinary discussions that bridge mathematics and politics.

Keywords: math podcast, creativity, mascot, background, Matlab, ranked choice voting, elections, author's background, inspiration, voting systems, topological data analysis, societal polarization, mathematics, democracy, data visualization, gerrymandering, electoral systems, interdisciplinary discussions, practical implications, legal hurdles, constitutional considerations

You can find Ismar Volic on Twitter and LinkedIn @ismarvolic. Please go check out the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy and Volic’s new book “Making Democracy Count”

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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 share their plans to expand Breaking Math into Breaking Math Media. They also discuss the history of physics and the big questions that inform the podcast. The hosts express their desire to collaborate with listeners and explore practical applications of math in different fields. They also mention books like 'A Quantum Story' and 'Incomplete Nature' that delve into the mysteries of quantum mechanics and consciousness. The hosts highlight the unique and creative nature of their podcast, inviting listeners to join them in the Math Lounge, a metaphorical nightclub where math and creativity intersect.

Keywords: Breaking Math, podcast, creativity, mathematics, Breaking Math Media, physics, history, quantum mechanics, book discussion, double-slit experiment, quantum mechanics, interdisciplinary discussions, machine learning, neuroscience, gamification of math, collaboration, practical applications, consciousness, Math Lounge

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In this episode Autumn is joined by Erika Lynn Dawson Head, the Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, discusses her role in STEM, mentorship, and community building. The conversation dives into allyship, LGBTQ+ support, and the challenges of creating safe and inclusive spaces in STEM and higher education. The discussion also explores the intersectionality of identities and the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in professional and educational environments. The conversation covers a range of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It delves into the importance of creating safe spaces, addressing biases, and the need for education and awareness. The discussion also explores the concept of calling people in, the impact of cultural shifts in professional settings, and the significance of building a diverse network of support. Here we cover the importance of role models and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM fields, the impact of coming out, the need for inclusive spaces, and the significance of kindness and understanding in navigating difficult conversations.

Keywords: diversity, equity, inclusion, STEM, mentorship, LGBTQ+, allyship, safe spaces, intersectionality, biases, professional conduct, higher education, diversity, inclusion, safe spaces, biases, education, awareness, calling people in, cultural shifts, professional settings, network of support, LGBTQIA+, role models, STEM, coming out, inclusive spaces, kindness, understanding, difficult conversations  

You can connect with Erika for more opportunities and speaking engagements on LinkedIn.   

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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 aspects of nothingness, highlighting its role in understanding reality and existence. They mention books like 'Incomplete Nature' by Terence Deacon and 'Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea' by Charles Seife, which delve into the concept of absence and zero. The episode concludes by emphasizing the complexity and versatility of nothingness, inviting listeners to think deeper about its implications.

Keywords: nothingness, philosophy, science, mathematics, literature, reality, existence, absence, zero

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This episode is an interview with OnlineKyne, the author of the book Math in Drag. The conversation focuses on how to be an effective online educator and covers various topics in mathematics, including Cantor's infinite sets, probability, and statistics. The interview also delves into the process of writing the book and highlights the connection between math and drag. The chapters in the conversation cover the journey of a content creator, tips for science content creators, the concept of infinity, the significance of celebrity numbers, game theory, probability, statistics, and the ethical implications of math and drag.

Takeaways

• Being an effective online educator involves distilling complex concepts into concise and valuable content.
• Math and drag share similarities in breaking rules and defying authority.
• Mathematics has a rich history and is influenced by various cultures and individuals.
• Statistics can be used to manipulate and deceive, so it is important to be critical of data and its interpretation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:54 Journey as a Content Creator

03:50 Tips and Tricks for Science Content Creators

04:15 Writing the Book

05:12 Math and Drag

06:40 Infinite Possibilities

07:35 Celebrity Numbers

08:59 How to Cut a Cake and Eat It

09:57 Luck Be a Ladyboy

12:44 Illegal Math

16:02 The Average Queen

25:03 Math and Drag Breaking the Rules

27:22 Conclusion

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In this conversation, Gabriel Hesch interviews Kyne Santos, an online creator who combines art, music, and performance in math education. They discuss the intersection of math and music, the controversy surrounding math and drag, and the creative side of math. They also explore topics such as topology, mathematical shapes, and influential books in math. The conversation highlights the importance of challenging traditional definitions and finding new and innovative ways to engage with math education.

Takeaways

• Math and music have a strong connection, and math can be used to analyze, manipulate, and create music.
• Combining art and math education can make learning math more engaging and fun.
• Topology is a branch of mathematics that relaxes the rigid terms used in geometry and focuses on the similarities and differences between shapes.
• Mathematical discoveries can come from playing around and exploring different possibilities.
• Challenging traditional definitions and thinking creatively are important aspects of math education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Best Song Ever Created

02:03 Introduction of Guest: Kyne Santos

03:00 Math and Drag: Combining Art and Math Education

07:45 Addressing Controversy: Math and Drag

08:15 Music and Math: The Intersection

09:14 Mathematical Shapes: Mobius Strip

10:10 Topology vs Geometry

13:01 Holes and Topology

15:14 Topology and Thought Experiments

21:13 Aperiodic Monotiles: New Math Discovery

23:02 New Shapes and Descriptive Rules

25:26 Influential Books: The Quantum Story and Incomplete Nature

27:01 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.

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email: [email protected]