$Artwork for Breaking Math Podcast$

Breaking Math Podcast

Autumn Phaneuf & Noah Giansiracusa

Artificial Intelligence

Mathematics

Black Holes

Machine Learning

Economics

Game Theory

Neuroscience

Entropy

Social Media

Prime Numbers

Thermodynamics

Charlatans

Consciousness

Neural Networks

STEM Education

Data Visualization

Einstein's Theory Of Relativity

Math

Education

Radiation

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 ... more

565 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	192	Founded	9 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	ScienceMathematicsNatural Sciences

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$Artwork for Breaking Math Podcast$

Guests Host Reviews Charts Talking Points

Latest Episodes

AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics

This episode explores how AI, specifically OpenAI's recent breakthrough in solving an 80-year-old math conjecture, is transforming the field of mathematics. Featuring insights from Professor Daniel Litt, the discussion covers the implications of AI i... more

Yesterday • 29 min

YouTube

The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz

In this episode with award-winning journalist and author Maia Szalavitz challenges the idea that addiction is simply about pleasure or willpower. Instead, she explains addiction as compulsive behavior that continues despite negative consequences — an... more

21 May 2026 • 50 min

YouTube

Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Noah speak with Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director of the American Statistical Association, about what statistics means in a world increasingly shaped by AI, misinformation, and fragile public trust. Wass... more

14 May 2026 • 47 min

YouTube

How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens

What if ransomware did not begin with criminals, but with curiosity? In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Noah talk with Anja Shortland, professor of political economy at King’s College London and author of Dark Screens.

This conversation e... more

5 May 2026 • 41 min

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Maia Szalavitz

Award-winning journalist and author specializing in addiction and psychology

Episode: The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz

Ron Wasserstein

Executive Director of the American Statistical Association

American Statistical Association

Episode: Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth

Anja Shortland

Professor of Political Economy at King's College London, author of Dark Screens

King's College London

Episode: How Ransomware Became a Global Industry with Anja Shortland on Dark Screens

Richard Elwes

Professor of Mathematics at the University of Leeds; Holgate Session Leader for the London Mathematical Society

University of Leeds

Episode: Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes

Sheamus McGovern

Founder of Open Data Science Conference (ODSC) and author

Open Data Science Conference / ODSC Ai

Episode: AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Changing the Rules with Sheamus McGovern

Matt Baker

Magician and mathematician

Georgia Tech (Professor)

Episode: Math and Magic with Matt Baker

Thomas Plümper

Professor of Quantitative Social Research

Vienna University of Economics and Business

Episode: Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer

Eric Neumayer

Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science; deputy president and vice chancellor

London School of Economics and Political Science

Episode: Credibility Crisis in Science with Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer

Hortensia Soto

Former president of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA)

Episode: The Power of Connection in Math: Insights from Hortensia Soto

Host

Autumn Phaneuf

Host and expert in industrial engineering, operations research, and applied mathematics. Known for making complex ideas accessible and engaging across various topics.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 565 ratings

Autumn Redefines Breaking Math: The Next Hannah Fry with a Camila Russo Flair
Autumn has taken Breaking Math Podcast to new heights, emerging as the next Hannah Fry with her ability to make complex ideas feel both human and irresistible. Like Camila Russo, she weaves rigorous and storytelling into a narrative that pulls listeners in, making each episode feel like a both a lesson and a journey. What’s especially refreshing is her generosity. Her kindness toward authors and collaborators behind the scenes doesn’t just support the work, it enriches the show itself. Autumn is... more
Apple Podcasts
5
Euler’s Ghostwriter
United States9 months ago
Breaking math open
Listening to Autumn’s podcasts feels like grabbing coffee with your smartest most down to earth friend - the one who casually explains complex ideas and connects them to everything. Equations meet ethics, algorithms meet art and no topic is off limits.
Apple Podcasts
5
Mathemacize
United States10 months ago
Boring
Just incredibly boring and really hard to listen to her read out her script.
Apple Podcasts
1
DanielMinden03
Germanya year ago
.
Amazing
Apple Podcasts
5
Tigerose424242
United Statesa year ago
so much potential, but sadly just the same snippet of information recycled
I think this podcast is a really great idea and has a lot of promise; however, I just feel like the initial point is made over and over again with very little information about the actual subject itself. more maths please!
Apple Podcasts
2
George Ropper 10
United Kingdoma year ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the accessibility of complex topics, often feeling as though they are learning alongside insightful friends.

The hosts are noted for their engaging and thoughtful conversations, making difficult subjects approachable without diluting their complexity.

However, some express concerns over the varied quality of content, with certain episodes perceived as wandering off-topic or laden with advertising.

Listeners value the rich discussions that bridge various interdisciplinary fields, highlighting a commitment to ethical considerations in science and technology.

The responses indicate a mix of appreciation for relatability in the hosts and critiques on production quality, demonstrating a need for balance between content depth and listener engagement.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#2	United States/Science/Mathematics
Apple Podcasts	#6	United Kingdom/Science/Mathematics
Apple Podcasts	#7	Canada/Science/Mathematics
Apple Podcasts	#203	United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts	#4	Italy/Science/Mathematics
Apple Podcasts	#6	Germany/Science/Mathematics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Are We Being Misled by Data? Ron Wasserstein on AI, Bias, and Statistical Truth

Q: From your perspective, what does it actually mean to understand data in a world that runs on it?

Understanding data means considering data provenance, limits, and the context in which data were collected, rather than relying on aggregate outputs alone; it's about evaluating the validity of conclusions and recognizing when correlations do not imply causation.

The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz

Q: Can social media be considered addictive in the same way as drugs?

Yes, because social media exploits dopamine-like reward signals through intermittent reinforcement and social validation, leading to compulsive use; however, the consequences and context differ, requiring harm-reduction and policy strategies rather than simple prohibition.

The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz

Q: What is the difference between wanting and liking in the context of dopamine?

Wanting is the anticipatory craving driven by dopamine and can become amplified in addiction, whereas liking is the actual pleasure experienced from a reward, often mediated by the opioid system; over time, wanting can persist even when liking wanes.

The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz

Q: What actually happens in the brain when you're addicted and what happens during withdrawal?

Addiction involves compulsive behavior that persists despite negative consequences, often underpinned by mental illness or trauma, and withdrawal is not a universal marker of addiction; the same brain pathways that underlie motivation and reward are involved, with dopamine signaling shaping wanting more than immediate pleasure.

Explaining Huge Numbers with Richard Elwes

Q: At what point did you realize the book wasn't just about numbers but about limits?

The realization occurred early in the planning stage, when the author connected big numbers to limits in our cognitive and linguistic tools, showing that numbers are as much about context as they are about magnitude.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Breaking Math Podcast

What is Breaking Math Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the fascinating intersections of mathematics, technology, and science, the discussions weave through a plethora of topics including AI, creative problem-solving, and the beauty inherent in mathematical structures. The hosts engage with guests across various fields—spanning from science to journalism—inviting them to share their insights while making complex concepts accessible to listeners from diverse backgrounds. The content is characterized by a commitment to critical thinking and ethical dialogues around contemporary issues, pushing against the exclusivity often associated with STEM education.

Uniquely blending entertainment with education, this podcast is designed for those who are curious about the underpinnings of the syst... more

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To see how many followers or subscribers Breaking Math Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Breaking Math Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Breaking Math Podcast:

1. The Quanta Podcast
2. Physics World Weekly Podcast
3. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
4. Science Friday
5. The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

How many episodes of Breaking Math Podcast are there?

Breaking Math Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 192 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Breaking Math Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Breaking Math Podcast?

Recent guests on Breaking Math Podcast include:

1. Maia Szalavitz
2. Ron Wasserstein
3. Anja Shortland
4. Richard Elwes
5. Sheamus McGovern
6. Matt Baker
7. Thomas Plümper
8. Eric Neumayer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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