Best Why Quantum Physicists Podcasts (2025)

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Economica with Victoria Bateman 1:04:48

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7h ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In this conversation, economist Dr. Victoria Bateman discusses the critical role of women in shaping economic prosperity throughout history. She argues that women's choices, independence, and labor have been overlooked in traditional economic narratives. The discussion covers various themes, including the impact of women's marriage decisions on pop…

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94 - Inside the Hubble Tension With Adam Riess 31:55

21h ago31:55

31:55

Our universe is expanding. But when physicists measure how fast this expansion rate is, they get two different answers. Hear what this crisis means from Nobel Prize winner Adam Riess. For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://ww…

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93 - The Moment Dark Energy Appeared (Ft. Adam Riess) 40:23

15d ago40:23

40:23

Adam Riess recounts the moments of his Nobel prize-winning discovery that our universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, powered by a mysterious energy source called dark energy. For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://www…

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Blueprints with Marcus du Sautoy 59:39

24d ago59:39

59:39

In this conversation, Marcus Du Sautoy explores the intricate relationship between mathematics and various forms of art, including music, literature, and visual arts. He discusses how mathematical concepts such as prime numbers, symmetry, and randomness influence creative processes and artistic expressions. Through examples from renowned artists li…

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Unequal with Eugenia Cheng 46:49

25d ago46:49

46:49

In this conversation, Eugenia Cheng discusses the importance of making math accessible and engaging for everyone, particularly those who have been discouraged by traditional education methods. She emphasizes the intersection of math and art, the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues with numbers, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of…

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Breaking Math: When Math Meets a Technology Glitch 4:14

1M ago4:14

4:14

This week’s episode isn’t our usual deep dive—it’s a behind-the-scenes update. On Monday, Breaking Math vanished from Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more without warning. After digging in, we discovered a strange RSS glitch that merged our feed with another podcast. In this quick update, Autumn shares: What happened behind the scenes when the show di…

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Hate the Game 34:25

1M ago34:25

34:25

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 lif…

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Dots and Lines: Hidden Networks 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

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 net…

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Robin Hood Math 32:35

2M ago32:35

32:35

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 alg…

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What are Swim Training Patterns? 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

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…

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AI Ethics: Algorithms Go To College 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn explores the complex world of AI ethics, focusing on its implications in education, the accuracy of AI systems, the biases inherent in algorithms, and the challenges of data privacy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in mathematics and computer science, advocating for transpa…

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Random Shuffle Isn't Random At All 8:20

3M ago8:20

8:20

In this episode, we explore the intricate mathematics behind Sp0tify's (ok... and other's) shuffle feature, revealing how it is designed to feel random while actually being carefully curated. We discuss the psychological implications of randomness, the Fisher-Yates shuffle algorithm, and how engineers have created a system that respects human perce…

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Algorithms & AI Simplified - The Not So Mathy Version 9:19

3M ago9:19

9:19

This conversation explores the intricate relationship between mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI) for people who don't want to get too math heavy and want things simplified as much as possible. It delves into how algorithms, machine learning, and various mathematical tools like linear algebra, calculus, and statistics form the backbone of …

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What is Cryptography? 40:56

3M ago40:56

40:56

This conversation delves into the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography, focusing on the implications of quantum computers for current encryption methods and the necessity for post-quantum cryptography. Dr. Dustin Moody from NIST discusses the threats posed by quantum computing, particularly through Shor's algorithm, and the ongoing ef…

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We Live in a Radioactive World: What is Dosimetry? 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

In this episode, Autumn interviews Dr. Ileana Pazos, an expert in dosimetry, discussing the critical role of radiation measurement in various industries, including healthcare and food safety. They explore the science behind dosimetry, the applications of radiation, the challenges faced in accurate measurements, and the misconceptions surrounding fo…

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What is Life? 41:32

4M ago41:32

41:32

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Strychalski discusses the fascinating field of synthetic biology, particularly focusing on synthetic cells. She shares her journey into this research area, the challenges of defining life, and the ethical considerations surrounding synthetic biology. The conversation also explores the potential applications of sy…

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Fire Science: What are Photoacoustic Measurements? 49:49

4M ago49:49

49:49

In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the innovative intersections of fire science and technology with experts Amy Mensch and Ryan Falkenstein-Smith who work at NIST. They discuss the groundbreaking photoacoustic technique for measuring soot deposition, its applications in fire safety and forensic investigations, and th…

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AUA: Changing Dark Energy, Twin Paradox, and What's Next for CERN 54:36

5M ago54:36

54:36

We answer your questions. To listen to our backlog of ask-us-anything episodes for free, head to our Patreon, or join for $3/month to submit your questions: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse Support the showBy [email protected] (Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman)

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AUA: The Early Universe, Quantum Interpretations, and Asteroids 29:05

7M ago29:05

29:05

To listen to our backlog of past ask-us-anything episodes for free, head to our Patreon, or join for $3/month to ask us questions: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse Support the showBy [email protected] (Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman)

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What is Time? 1:11:52

7M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Andrew Novick delve into the intricate world of timekeeping, exploring the significance of precise time measurement in modern technology. They discuss the evolution from traditional atomic clocks to cutting-edge optical clocks, the critical role of time in various industries, and the implications of time…

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What is Measurement? 7:12

8M ago7:12

7:12

Summary This episode of Breaking Math explores the fundamental concept of measurement, its importance in daily life, and the necessity for standardized units. The discussion highlights the role of the International System of Units (SI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in maintaining measurement accuracy. It also touches…

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92 - What Cosmology Has in Store for 2025 (Ft. Dan Scolnic) 46:14

9M ago46:14

46:14

Learn what exciting cosmology results and potential discoveries await us in 2025!For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe Support the showBy [email protected] (Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman)

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91 - What Neutrinos Reveal About the Milky Way 30:57

9M ago30:57

30:57

A discovery last year reveals our galaxy in a whole new light - except it's not light, it's neutrinos! Learn what this discovery can teach us about the Milky Way and beyond.For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/w…

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Episode 2 - The Universal Mesh: Architecture of Reality 16:13

10M ago16:13

16:13

What if time isn't flowing like a river, but ticking forward in discrete steps like frames in a cosmic movie? In this fascinating second episode of Digital Universe Theory, we dive deep into how our universe might operate like a sophisticated finite element simulation - and why this perspective could elegantly explain some of physics' most perplexi…

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Episode 1 - Are we living in a simulation? 22:35

10M ago22:35

22:35

What if our universe, at its most fundamental level, operates like an incredibly sophisticated computer simulation? Not in the way science fiction portrays virtual reality, but as a precise mathematical framework that could explain some of physics' most puzzling mysteries. In this premiere episode of Digital Universe Theory, we introduce a fascinat…

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How Analytics Can Revolutionize Affordable Energy 41:08

11M ago41:08

41:08

In this episode, Dr. Destine Nock, CEO of Peoples Energy Analytics and a Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, joins Autumn to dive deep into the world of energy equity. They explore how cutting-edge data analytics are revolutionizing the landscape of affordable energy access. As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to gr…

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What is Chaos Theory? 13:00

11M ago13:00

13:00

In this captivating episode of Breaking Math, hosts Gabriel and Autumn dive deep into chaos theory—a fascinating branch of mathematics that explores the behavior of complex systems highly sensitive to initial conditions. They break down the butterfly effect, revealing how tiny variations can lead to major consequences and discuss the inherent unpre…

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AI in the Lab: How GPT-4 is Changing Molecules and Models 12:11

11M ago12:11

12:11

In this episode of Breaking Math, we dive deep into the transformative power of large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 in the fields of chemistry and materials science, based on the article "14 examples of how LLMs can transform materials science and chemistry: a reflection on a large language model hackathon" by Jablonka et al. from the Digital D…

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90 - Quintessence: Is Dark Energy Changing? (Ft. Sean Carroll) 41:43

11M ago41:43

41:43

Is it possible that dark energy is not a constant, but rather is changing over time? Sean Carroll talks to us about how our understanding of dark energy evolved in recent history, and what is still left unknown.For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available…

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The Fluid Dynamics of Sheep 15:08

11M ago15:08

15:08

In this episode of Breaking Math, we explore the unexpected link between sheep herding and fluid dynamics! Did you know that the way sheep move in a herd is governed by the same mathematical principles as water flowing in a river? By following simple rules of alignment, cohesion, and separation, sheep create a coordinated, fluid-like movement that …

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The Discovery of the Largest Prime Number: M136279841 8:06

12M ago8:06

8:06

In this exciting episode of Breaking Math, we explore the groundbreaking discovery of the largest prime number ever found—M136279841, a Mersenne prime with over 41 million digits! Join us as we dive deep into the story behind this astonishing mathematical achievement, led by Luke Durant, a volunteer from the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GI…

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Exploring GFlowNets and AI-Driven Material Discovery for Carbon Capture 10:48

12M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf dive into the cutting-edge world of Generative Flow Networks (GFlowNets) and their role in artificial intelligence and material science. The discussion centers on how GFlowNets are revolutionizing the discovery of new materials for carbon capture, offering a powerful alternati…

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Victorian Era Spooky Scientists & Paranormal Activity 23:25

12M ago23:25

23:25

Explore the intriguing intersection of science and spiritualism in the Victorian era. This episode uncovers how prominent scientists like Michael Faraday, William James, and Marie & Pierre Curie engaged with supernatural phenomena and the rise of spiritualism. Discover the scientific efforts to debunk or understand paranormal activities, and how th…

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89 - A Dark Matter Vibe Check 37:14

12M ago37:14

37:14

Dan and Shalma have a candid conversation about the state of dark matter research, and the ways the field has changed over the last few years.For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe Support the sh…

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Is AI Conscious? 33:22

12M ago33:22

33:22

AI & Consciousness: Philosophical Debates, Ethical Implications & the Future of Conscious Machines In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness. Delve into historical perspectives, philosophical debates, and the ethical questions surrounding the …

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Molecular dynamics simulation with GFlowNets: machine learning the importance of energy estimators in computational chemistry and drug discovery 28:23

1y ago28:23

28:23

In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel take a deep dive into the paper “Towards Equilibrium Molecular Conformation Generation with GFlowNets” by Volokova et al., published in the Digital Discovery Journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry. They explore the cutting-edge intersection of molecular conformations and machine learning…

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Do Plants Know Math? 56:26

1y ago56:26

56:26

Mathematical Patterns in Plants: Fibonacci, Golden Ratio & Nature's Hidden Math with Christophe Gole & Nancy Pick In this episode of Breaking Math, host Autumn interviews authors Christophe Gole and Nancy Pick about the captivating world of mathematical patterns in plants, inspired by their book Do Plants Know Math?. Explore the intersection of mat…

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88 - Why Does Our Universe Exist At All? (Ft. Sean Carroll) 28:01

1y ago28:01

28:01

Why does something exist, rather than nothing? Special guest Sean Carroll helps us explore this deep philosophical question.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse.Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe Support the show…

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Mapmatics: A Mathematician's Guide to Navigating the World with Maps with Paulina Rowinska 57:59

1y ago57:59

57:59

Math & Cartography: Dr. Paula Rowinska on Map Projections, Gerrymandering & Real-World Math In this episode of Breaking Math, host Autumn interviews Dr. Paula Rowinska about her unique journey from earning a PhD in mathematics to writing about math and cartography. They discuss the fascinating connection between map-making and mathematics, debunkin…

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The Intentional Engineer (with Jeff Perry) 55:34

1y ago55:34

55:34

In this conversation, Gabriel and Autumn interview Jeff Perry, a career coach and author of the book 'The Intentional Engineer'. They discuss the importance of being intentional in one's career, understanding one's passions and skills, and building a strong professional network. Jeff shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming an engineer…

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Math for English Majors with Ben Orlin 58:44

1y ago58:44

58:44

Math & Language: Creativity, Quantification, and Making Math Accessible with Ben Orlin In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts sit down with Ben Orlin, author of Math for English Majors and Math with Bad Drawings, to explore the intersection of math and language. Discover the unique skill sets required for mathematics and creativity, how math educa…

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87 - The Good and the Bad of Peer Review 39:39

1y ago39:39

39:39

There has been some criticism of the process scientists use to check each other's work. Today we take a deep dive into peer review to determine how broken it really is.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse.Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-…

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What is Data Visualization? From the Expert Behind PolicyViz 53:25

1y ago53:25

53:25

In this episode Autumn and Dr. Jonathan Schwabish discuss the importance of strategic thinking in data visualization and the key elements of good data. He emphasizes the need to understand the data and how it was collected, as well as the importance of starting bar charts at zero. He also highlights common mistakes in data visualization, such as di…

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Love Triangle and Other Maths (with Matt Parker) 59:40

1y ago59:40

59:40

In this episode, Gabriel and Autumn interview mathematician, comedian, and author Matt Parker about his latest book, "Love Triangle." They discuss the unique page numbering system in the book, which is based on the sine function, and how it adds an extra layer of discovery for readers. They also explore the use of triangles and quads in 3D modeling…

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The Black Hole Heist 12:05

1y ago12:05

12:05

Surprise! It's a Friday episode for you! Yes, yes it is a rerun, but we wanted to share it anyways. We can't wait for our fall lineup because it's packed with surprises. See you back on Tuesday. Keywords: Black holes, gravity, universe, physics, ai, machine learning, education, statistics, engineering, humanity Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever y…

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Black Holes: The Abyss Part 3 1:17:33

1y ago1:17:33

1:17:33

It's the last week of our summer break and we have 2 episodes this week for you as a little treat. So check out our show on Friday too for a little bit more fun. We can't wait for our fall lineup because it's packed with surprises. If you have not listened to the last two episodes, then we'd highly recommend going back and listening to those. We're…

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Black Holes: The Abyss Part 2 56:01

1y ago56:01

56:01

Happy Summer! We have another week of our summer break after this episode from 2018. We will be back shortly with more content and surprises! Black holes are objects that seem exotic to us because they have properties that boggle our comparatively mild-mannered minds. These are objects that light cannot escape from, yet glow with the energy they ha…

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28 - How Noether's Theorem Changed Physics (Rerun) 24:21

1y ago24:21

24:21

Learn how Noether's profound mathematical theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws is deeply woven into the physics of the universe. Enjoy this rerun of an earlier episode as we take our summer break.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseOur merch is available h…

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Black Holes: The Abyss Part 1 52:35

1y ago52:35

52:35

Happy Summer! Check out part one of our three part series on black holes from 2018. Enjoy! The idea of something that is inescapable, at first glance, seems to violate our sense of freedom. This sense of freedom, for many, seems so intrinsic to our way of seeing the universe that it seems as though such an idea would only beget horror in the human …

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What are Journal Rankings? The basics: a minisode. 12:20

1y ago12:20

12:20

In this minisode, Autumn explores the basics in the world of journal rankings and metrics. She discusses the importance of journal rankings and how they are determined, focusing on metrics like impact factor, mathematical citation quotient (MCQ), and publication power approach (PPA). She explains how these metrics provide insights into a journal's …