How Data Science Exposes Injustice: Chad Topaz on Unlocking Justice
10/06/2026 | 40min
What happens when the evidence of injustice is buried in messy, redacted, or inaccessible data? Mathematician and data scientist Chad Topaz joins Breaking Math to discuss his book Unlocking Justice. Together, we explore policing, sentencing, public records, Rikers Island, algorithmic risk, and the limits of quantifying human lives. This is a conversation about math, power, transparency, and the small acts of hope that can change systems.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 01:11 Chad's Journey from Mathematics to Social Justice 03:50 The Personal Nature of Chad's Book 04:40 Challenges in Data Collection and Access 08:03 The Impact of Data on Policing and Surveillance 09:51 Humorous Yet Tragic Data Collection Experiences 12:55 The Importance of Data Preparation and Cleaning 14:40 Navigating Imperfect Data and Its Consequences 17:48 The Balance Between Quantification and Human Stories 22:25 Incarceration and Public Health: The Rikers Island Case Study 31:36 Mathematics and Social Justice: Secrets of the Elite 39:03 Hope and Action: A Personal Journey in Data for Justice
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Rise of the Robots: Is AI Coming for Your Job?
02/06/2026 | 44min
This conversation explores the profound impact of AI and automation on the future of work, economy, and society. Featuring Martin Ford, author of 'Rise of the Robots,' the discussion covers technological progress, economic implications, policy ideas like universal basic income, and the evolving nature of jobs in an AI-driven world.
Key Topics Impact of AI on employment and economy Potential of universal basic income as a solution Differences between past technological revolutions and AI The evolution from physical robots to AI software agents Jobs most vulnerable to automation and AI
Chapters 04:14 The Impact of Technological Revolutions on Employment 10:40 The Shift from Physical to Intellectual Automation 12:16 The Debate: Replacement vs. Augmentation of Jobs 18:01 Economic Implications of Job Displacement 21:00 Exploring Solutions: Universal Basic Income and Beyond 24:08 The Awakening of Economists 25:12 Historical Perspectives on Automation 28:27 Navigating the Future Job Market 32:57 The Role of Skilled Trades in an AI World 38:13 The Alien Thought Experiment 42:17 The Future of AI and Its Implications 44:14 The Rise of Automation and Its Impact 45:14 AI as a Digital Workforce 45:38 The Shifting Landscape of Work 46:08 Questioning the Future of Automation and AI
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The Echoing Universe: How Radio Waves, AI, and Math Could Help Us Find Aliens with Emma Chapman
29/05/2026 | 47min
Dr. Emma Chapman explains radio astronomy using the fruit bowl metaphor, explores the emotional and scientific aspects of space exploration, and discusses future technologies like the Square Kilometre Array and lunar radio telescopes. The conversation highlights the poetic beauty of the universe, the importance of connection, and the role of math and AI in understanding the cosmos with her book the Echoing Universe.
Chapters 03:17 Understanding Radio Astronomy 08:12 The Intimacy of the Solar System 09:10 Tidal Locking and the Moon 13:36 The Emotional Lives of Astronauts' Families 17:53 The Shared Experience of Space Exploration 21:58 The Emotional Resonance of Celestial Events 26:41 Facing the Universe: Overcoming Fear through Cosmology 28:16 Cultural Perspectives: How Civilizations Understand the Cosmos 30:52 Astronomy's Historical Impact: Control and Awe in Civilizations 31:05 The Unlikely Scientist: James Stanley Hay's Discovery 40:31 AI in Astronomy: Harnessing Data for Discovery 45:14 The Next Frontier: Radio Telescopes on the Moon 47:38 A New Perspective: The Space Between Stars
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AI Solves 80-Year-Old Math Conjecture: What It Means for the Future of Mathematics
23/05/2026 | 29min
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 in mathematical research, the value of human verification, and the future of mathematical practice.
Key topics AI solving long-standing mathematical problems The role of human verification in AI-generated proofs Implications of AI breakthroughs in discrete geometry The future of mathematical research with AI Number theory and algebraic constructions in AI discoveries
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conjecture and Its Significance 01:15 Understanding the Erdős Problem 04:34 The Role of AI in Solving Mathematical Problems 09:17 The Implications of AI in Mathematics 10:32 AI vs Human Mathematicians: A Comparative Analysis 17:20 Standards for AI-Generated Proofs 21:10 Corporate Interests in Mathematical Research 24:42 The Future of Mathematics and AI 27:50 Final Thoughts on AI and Mathematics 31:37 Revolutionizing Mathematics: AI's Breakthrough in Discrete Geometry 37:37 Exploring the Implications: AI and the Future of Mathematics 38:03 The Role of AI in Mathematics 39:23 Human Value in the Age of AI
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The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz
21/05/2026 | 50min
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 — and shows why withdrawal, dependence, and addiction are not the same thing. The conversation explores “wanting” versus “liking,” why dopamine is misunderstood, how social media and AI can exploit reward systems, and why punishment often fails. Ultimately, Szalavitz argues that recovery depends less on tough love and more on connection, purpose, safety, and care.
Chapters 00:00 Understanding Addiction: Definitions and Mechanisms 10:43 The Role of Dopamine in Addiction 14:18 Addiction as a Learning Disorder 16:22 Substance vs. Experience: The Nature of Addiction 20:13 Evidence-Based Methods for Overcoming Addiction 25:20 Finding Meaning and Purpose Beyond Addiction 33:30 The Pursuit of Meaningful Experiences 34:15 Understanding Dopamine and Pleasure 39:10 The Complexity of Addiction 43:00 Social Media and Addiction Dynamics 50:42 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Addiction 57:53 Lessons Learned in Addiction Science 01:02:03 Rethinking Addiction: A New Perspective 01:03:54 The Compulsive Nature of Addiction 01:04:14 Understanding Addiction Beyond Pleasure 01:05:27 The Importance of Connection and Compassion
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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.ioLinktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmediaEmail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com
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