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 Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape 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—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more.
But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, 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?
* How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models?
* Can consciousness be described in AI?
* Why does beauty matter in an equation?
Then you’re in the right place.
At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel 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
Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
All content for Breaking Math Podcast is the property of Autumn Phaneuf and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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 Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape 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—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more.
But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, 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?
* How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models?
* Can consciousness be described in AI?
* Why does beauty matter in an equation?
Then you’re in the right place.
At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel 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
Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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
Follow Daryl on Twitter [https://x.com/FairweatherPhD], BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/hatethegamebook.com], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fairweatherphd/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylfairweather/] and on her Website [https://www.hatethegame.com/]
Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow Breaking Math on Twitter [https://x.com/breakingmathpod], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-math/], Website [https://breakingmath.io/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingmathmedia]
Follow Autumn on Twitter [https://x.com/1autumn_leaf] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/1autumnleaf.bsky.social], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@1autumn_leaf_], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/]
Become a guest here [https://www.breakingmath.io/contact]
email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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 Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape 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—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more.
But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, 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?
* How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models?
* Can consciousness be described in AI?
* Why does beauty matter in an equation?
Then you’re in the right place.
At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel 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
Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
