13 Interesting Math Podcasts for Lifelong Learners to Follow in 2022
“Podcast” is a term that can be used to define post-modern radio broadcasting roughly. It is a beautiful tool that can be used to liven up commutes to work and help one expand their knowledge by listening to informative broadcasts.
Most people might have that one unused podcast app that just sits away tucked in a corner on their phone’s home screen. And for many, podcasts are a sweet discovery always made too late. Unfortunately, the tweet below does too well of a job of defining what a podcast is in the true sense of the word.
Unlike radio broadcasts, audiences have total control over what they listen to. It’s possible to find content on anything and everything you’d like. What’s best is that you can listen to a podcast all the while you’re trying to discern the species of flower whose scent you savor while taking a walk in the park or while measuring the amount of water to add to the pot when making soup and rewind if you miss anything.
About 5–6 years ago, listening to podcasts was reserved for those of a higher educational and socioeconomic background. You can see the results of the Edison Research here. However, I believe anyone who desires to improve themselves should listen to podcasts, whether while taking a walk, washing dishes, driving, or biking. And since I’m quite the math head, I want to share below a few math-related podcasts that I think will be very beneficial. I hope that you will enjoy it.
There is also another beautiful list for math podcasts that you can check here.The Joy of X
Steven Strogatz, in my opinion, is an extraordinary mathematician. I have a keen interest in his books and the speeches he’s made at appearances at different universities. His effort to make math appreciated by others carries a great significance for me.
The Joy of X is a podcast where Professor Strogatz invites the leading mathematicians and scientists of the modern era in an effort to hear their stories and works. My favorite episode happened to be where he hosted Trachette Jackson and examined the use of math in combating cancer.
However, the best part is Professor Strogatz highlighting the passion his guests have for their work. Because people who are driven always inspire.
Mr. Barton Maths Podcast
Mr. Barton is an excellent educator who hosts podcasts where he invites other educators who have impacted him. This is quite the program for passionate educators in mathematics as there is much to benefit from. Listening to the various experiences of different educators provides some excellent nuances on pedagogical approach in mathematics.
A Brief History of Mathematics
A Brief History of Mathematics is Marcus du Sautoy’s heartbreakingly short, 10 episode podcast produced for BBC. Rather than talk about the subject matter of math, it focuses on the journey of how modern math came to be.
Every episode focuses on a different mathematician’s journey to their mathematical discovery objectively. I was particularly moved by the 7th episode, which recounted the experiences of George Cantor.
Mathematical Moments from the AMS
The American Mathematical Society used to have a very pleasant podcast about the importance of mathematics in our lives. It was possible to come across very intriguing mathematical discussions in each episode. For example, experts broke down how math could be used to design a better bicycle in one episode, while another focused on the mathematics behind a rainbow. Another featured topic was the party strategies used in analyses during voting seasons.
I remember having long mathematical discussions with my students upon sharing some of the interesting facts I had garnered from the Mathematical Moments podcast. For example, in one calculus class I taught, I shared with my students that the characters in the animated films they watched were drawn out of tiny triangles and had everything to do with calculus. In the aftermath of this revelation, we had quite the discourse.
I think for young individuals with an appetite for learning about mathematics, this podcast is a must-listen. That is because it draws the connection between mathematics and various career fields.
My Favorite Theorem
As the name suggests, this podcast invites guest speakers to come in and talk about their favorite mathematical theorems. The best part is its relatively short length and how it walks the audience through the historical development of the theorem and its application in daily life.
Breaking Math Podcast
Breaking Math is a podcast that takes eclectic and eccentric mathematical theorems and breaks them down in 45 minutes into layman’s terms. I think the producers have hit their mark with this one as I was baffled by the unique examples and explanations they used to make mind-boggling theories like chaos theory and the concept of infinity quite understandable.
The Numberphile Podcast
The concept of The Numberphile is extremely simple; having a jolly good time with people passionate about math. Some of the guests on the show have some quite interesting things to share. For example, at some point, they even examined how math can be used to simplify the transport of a couch up a flight of stairs, yielding quite an amusing discussion.
A Problem Squared
In this podcast, speakers try to answer math-related questions in a fun manner. Examples include whether the lottery is a good idea for retirement or the best way to divide a pack of crackers amongst a group of people, just to name a few. The perfect podcast if you’re looking for conversation topics to bring up with your friends.
The Secrets of Mathematics
One of Oxford University’s best things is sharing the special lectures given by top academicians as podcasts with math-lovers. The fundamental theme across all of the episodes is the superb examples of how math is a part of our everyday lives. I am certain anyone who listens to a few episodes of this podcast will develop a particular interest in mathematics.
Math ED Podcast
Math education continues to be an educational challenge, despite the centuries since its advent. Very few students have access to the education needed to become good math learners. Math ED is a podcast that discusses issues about math education.
In Our Time
In Our Time is a continuing podcast BBC has kept going for quite some time now. They discuss nearly all sensational events in almost every field past to present, of which quite a few are almost exclusively math-focused. That’s why I saw it fitting to add this podcast to the list.
Relatively Prime
Relatively Prime is a podcast that bread down current topics in the world of mathematics. The conversation flows well, which is why any listener who pays even a little bit of attention is sure to get something out of it. The best part is they always show the audience something to appreciate about math.
Women in Math: The Limit Does Not Exist
Like in almost every other field, the women on Earth have also been pushed aside in the field of mathematics. That is why Women in Math: The Limit Does Not Exist highlights both this issue and the success of stories of remarkable female mathematicians. Another thing that sets it apart from other podcasts is that its episodes are only 8–9 minutes long.
Note 1: Beyond Euclid! is my weekly newsletter that brings you only high-quality math and science stuff to ensure you are having a good week. Please do yourself a favor by subscribing to Beyond Euclid and enjoy it! And if you can be a member and support my work, that would be awesome! Thank you!Note 2: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
