Breaking Math Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Ignotofski discusses her new book Dinosaurs, exploring the fascination with these ancient creatures, the impact of mass extinctions, and the evolution of life on Earth. She highlights the importance of paleontology, the legacy of Mary Anning, and the artistic choices made in illustrating the book. The discussion also touches on the audience for the book, quirky anecdotes from paleontological history, and the significance of understanding deep time in relation to our current ecosystem.
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Takeaways
Most of us fall in love with dinosaurs around the age of six.
Dinosaurs and birds evolved together, sharing the Earth.
There have been five major mass extinctions in Earth's history.
Nature always bounces back after mass extinctions.
Paleontology is constantly evolving with new discoveries.
Mary Anning was a pioneer in paleontology, often overlooked.
Dinosaurs were not just big lizards; they were diverse and complex.
The Cambrian explosion marked a significant evolutionary milestone.
Chapters
00:00 The Fascination with Dinosaurs
03:42 Mass Extinctions and Geological Time
06:16 Paleontology and Misconceptions
09:08 Mary Anning: The Mother of Paleontology
11:53 Evolution of Dinosaurs and Marine Reptiles
13:06 The Evolution of Whales
13:42 The Cambrian Explosion and Ancient Creatures
16:12 Favorite Time Periods in Prehistory
18:48 The Book's Audience and Its Appeal
19:03 Anecdotes from the Fossil World
21:53 Art and Illustrations in Science
26:11 The Vastness of Earth History
28:21 Upcoming Events and Future Projects
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In this conversation, Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, discusses her book “Hate the Game,” that frames life and career decisions as strategic games. She emphasizes the importance of understanding economic principles to navigate personal and professional challenges, negotiate effectively, and reclaim agency in various aspects of life. Fairweather shares insights on overcoming barriers related to race and gender, the impact of information asymmetry, and the significance of designing one's own path in a competitive environment. The conversation highlights the necessity of introspection, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt in a world that often feels rigged against certain individuals.
Takeaways
Life can be viewed as a game where strategic decisions matter.
Negotiation requires awareness of both your and your employer's options.
Workplace bullying can be addressed with strategic approaches.
Information asymmetry can hinder career advancement; awareness is key.
Barriers in academia can be overcome with strategy and support.
Race and gender dynamics play a significant role in economic opportunities.
Balancing strategic thinking with empathy is crucial for long-term success.
You can still achieve your goals despite systemic unfairness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Economic Principles
03:57 Understanding Economic Cheat Codes
07:08 Navigating Career Options and Negotiations
09:39 Dealing with Workplace Dynamics
11:33 Information Asymmetry in Decision Making
14:02 Designing Your Own Game
15:06 Identity and Power in Economics
17:21 Overcoming Barriers in Economics
25:51 The Impact of Housing on Economic Understanding
30:38 Applying Economic Theory to Relationships
33:02 Winning in a Rigged Game
34:01 Life as a Game: Making Informed Decisions

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In this conversation, Autumn and Dr. Anthony Bonato explore the fascinating world of networks, discussing their significance in various fields, including mathematics, social interactions, and even the spread of diseases like COVID-19 in his new book Dots and Lines. Anthony shares his journey into network science, the importance of understanding networks in everyday life, and how they can reveal hidden connections. The discussion also touches on popular culture references, such as Game of Thrones and Survivor, to illustrate the practical applications of network theory. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need to embrace mathematics and recognize the pervasive role of networks in our lives.
Takeaways
Networks are fundamental to understanding complex systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of network science.
Mathematics encompasses more than just numbers and shapes.
Personal experiences can lead to profound realizations about networks.
Everyday life is filled with examples of networks in action.
Game of Thrones and Survivor serve as engaging examples of network analysis.
The Bacon number illustrates connections in Hollywood.
Erdős number connects mathematicians through collaboration.
Chapters
00:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book
03:38 Understanding Networks: A New Perspective
06:13 Networks in Everyday Life
08:28 The Power of Networks in Society
11:03 Real-World Applications of Network Science
13:32 Pop Culture and Network Analysis
15:38 The Bacon Number and Network Connections
21:53 The Bacon Number and Small World Phenomenon
26:34 Network Embeddings and Their Applications
31:04 Graph Theory: Patterns and Connections
35:11 The Importance of Mathematics in Everyday Life
36:57 Introduction and Curiosity in Connections
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In this episode of Breaking Math, Dr. Noah Giansiracusa discusses his book 'Robin Hood Math', emphasizing the importance of mathematical literacy in navigating an algorithm-driven world. He explores how math can empower everyday people, the writing process behind his book, and practical applications of math in daily life, including social media algorithms and financial decisions. The conversation highlights the simplicity of the math that truly matters and encourages listeners to reclaim agency through understanding mathematics.
Takeaways
Math is a powerful tool that can empower individuals.
The concept of Robin Hood Math aims to redistribute mathematical knowledge.
Mathematical literacy is becoming as essential as reading.
Algorithms are deeply embedded in our daily lives, influencing decisions.
Understanding expected value can improve decision-making.
Averaging guesses can lead to better predictions.
Social media algorithms prioritize engagement, affecting content visibility.
Credit scores are calculated using weighted sums of various factors.
Many important mathematical concepts are simpler than they appear.
Mathematical literacy can help close equity gaps in society.
Chapters
00:00 Monetizing Social Media for Educators
02:25 The Birth of Robin Hood Math
05:18 Empowering the Everyday Person with Math
08:01 The Writing Process and Surprising Discoveries
10:37 Practical Math Lessons for Everyday Life
13:22 Understanding Algorithms in Social Media
21:56 Understanding Engagement Algorithms
24:28 The Impact of Mathematics on Financial Decisions
29:54 Empowering Through Mathematical Literacy
32:23 Exploring Key Themes in Mathematics
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In this conversation, Dr. Christoph Bartneck discusses the intersection of swimming and computer science, exploring how mathematical patterns can enhance swim training. He introduces the concept of a formal swim markup language to improve data exchange and training efficiency. The discussion also delves into the visualization of swimming techniques, the importance of mental engagement in training, and the aesthetic appeal of mathematics. Christoph shares insights on the challenges of writing his book and his vision for creating a global community around swimming and mathematics.
Takeaways
Programming languages can optimize swim training.
There's a gap in literature between math and sports science.
Data exchange in swimming training is challenging.
Visualizing swimming techniques aids in understanding.
Mathematical patterns can enhance training routines.
Repetitive tasks in swimming can be likened to repetitive songs.
Engagement in training is crucial for success.


Chapters
00:00 The Motivation Behind Swim Training Patterns
02:32 Intersection of Swimming and Computer Science
05:56 Challenges in Measuring and Documenting Swim Performance
09:32 The Role of Patterns in Swim Training
11:54 Mathematical Patterns and Their Application in Swimming
15:14 Exploring Repetitiveness in Music and Swim Training
18:08 Art Projects and Mathematical Patterns
21:13 Fermat's Theorem and Impossible Squares
23:14 Making Math Accessible in Swim Training
26:40 The Importance of a Shared Language in Coaching
27:35 Applying Pattern-Based Approaches to Sports
29:17 The Role of Structure in Training Across Sports
30:02 Current Use of Frameworks in Elite Swimming
30:10 Innovative Training Philosophies in Swimming
32:30 Programming Languages and Their Applications in Sports Science
34:56 The Joy of Writing and Creating
38:59 Challenges in Writing and Communicating Mathematical Concepts
41:37 The Journey of a Book and Community Engagement
Follow Christoph on his YouTube Channel and on bartneck.de.
Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.
Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a month
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Follow Autumn on Twitter and Instagram
Become a guest here
email: [email protected]