Breaking Math Podcast

About 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 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.io (https://breakingmath.io/) Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia (https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia) Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Publisher

Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Feb 2017

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

242 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Can Math Make You Win? Gambler's Ruin, & Bingo Paradoxes with Arthur Benjamin

   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 answer 02:35 Mental arithmetic and the human element 03:30 Calculators, AI, and the future of coding 05:47 What does math know about winning that intuition gets wrong? 06:02 Coincidences and the birthday paradox 10:16 Why games are a microcosm for pattern-seeking 16:40 What games teach that the classroom doesn't 16:52 Gambler's ruin: how to get to the concert 20:30 The paradox: why casinos aren't afraid 22:30 What does "winning" really mean? 23:29 Wordle streaks vs. average guesses 27:07 Rubik's Cube, blackjack, and why some games never get old 35:38 Does math take the mystery out of games? Follow Arthur Benjamin on his website: (https://www.arthurbenjamin.info/) (https://www.arthurbenjamin.info/) Subscribe for more on math, AI, technology, and the systems running the world. Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/ (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)) X (https://x.com/breakingmathpod (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/ (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)) Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/ (https://www.breakingmath.io/)) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)) Follow Noah on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/ (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)) X (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)) Follow Autumn on X (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/ (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)) Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)) email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com)

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Math Trauma vs. Math Anxiety: What's Actually Holding You Back?

   "I'm just not a math person." If you've ever said that about yourself, this episode is for you. Dr. Geillan Aly, author of Compassionate Math, joins Breaking Math to break down the real difference between math anxiety and math trauma — and why mathematics, more than almost any other subject, is uniquely built to make one bad experience feel like permanent proof of failure. In this episode we cover: 00:00 – What is math trauma, and why is it different from anxiety? 02:35 – Why math specifically (vs. history, reading, or other subjects)? 07:28 – Teaching concepts vs. teaching procedures 13:32 – The "sixes" story: a failing student's transformative breakthrough 20:15 – Math anxiety vs. math trauma, explained 28:56 – Whose fault is math trauma — students, teachers, or society? 36:21 – How compassionate math scales beyond the classroom 39:21 – One piece of advice for students, and one for teachers Follow Geillan Aly on her website: (https://www.compassionatemath.com/ (https://www.compassionatemath.com/)) Subscribe for more on math, AI, technology, and the systems running the world. Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/ (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)) X (https://x.com/breakingmathpod (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/ (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/breakingmath.bsky.social)) Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/ (https://www.breakingmath.io/)) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)) Follow Noah on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/ (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)) X (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)) Follow Autumn on X (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/ (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)) Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)) email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com)

3. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Superforecasting Explained: How Prediction Markets Beat Experts

   Professional forecaster Molly Hickman breaks down what it really means to assign a probability to the future — and why she believes generalists often out-forecast subject-matter experts. This episode explores the art and science of forecasting, from techniques to ethical considerations, and how AI and prediction markets are shaping our understanding of the future. Key Topics The definition of forecasting and its importance Techniques for starting in forecasting \ The role of AI and large language models in forecasting How to interpret probabilities and conditional forecasts Forecasting in complex systems like climate and geopolitics Ethical boundaries and red lines in prediction markets The impact of AI bots on forecasting accuracy and decision making Chapters 03:06 Getting Started with Forecasting: Tools and Techniques 06:15 Beginning Forecasting as a Beginner 07:31 Gut Feelings vs Market Wisdom 08:33 The Delphi Loop and Group Forecasting 09:39 Measuring Forecast Accuracy and Skill 11:17 Forecasting Long-Term and Uncertain Events 12:40 Extrapolating Trends and Model Limitations 14:19 AI Bots in Forecasting and Their Performance 18:16 Prediction Markets as Collective Wisdom 19:19 The Future of Prediction Markets and Society 24:06 The Meaning of Probabilities and Risk Assessment 27:20 Dealing with Chaos and Unpredictability 32:52 Combining Models and Expert Opinions 36:31 Forecasting and Expertise in Science and Policy 39:01 Forecasting AI Risks and Ethical Boundaries Follow Molly Hickman on X (https://x.com/celloMolly (https://x.com/celloMolly)) Follow Breaking Math on Substack (https://breakingmath.substack.com/ (https://breakingmath.substack.com/)) X (https://x.com/breakingmathpod (https://x.com/breakingmathpod)) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/ (https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/)) Website (https://www.breakingmath.io/ (https://www.breakingmath.io/)) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod (https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod)) Follow Noah on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/ (https://www.instagram.com/profnoahgian/)) X (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian (https://x.com/ProfNoahGian)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/profnoahgian.bsky.social)) Follow Autumn on X (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf (https://x.com/1autumn_leaf)) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social)) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/ (https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/)) Substack (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf (https://substack.com/@1autumnleaf)) email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com)

Who has been a guest on Breaking Math Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Dustin Moody
• Dr Ileana Pazos
• Dr Elizabeth Strychalski
• Amy Mensch
• Ryan Falkenstein-Smith

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

15,638

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

90

Social presence

91

YouTube

76

Engagement

0

Contact Breaking Math Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Breaking Math Podcast