Infinitely Irrational: A Math Podcast artwork

Infinitely Irrational: A Math Podcast

46 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings

A podcast where we explore the real, eccentric, and complex history of math

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Episodes

33. Cantor: An Infinite Odyssey

February 29, 2024 06:00 - 38 minutes - 53.8 MB

Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, joins us to discuss Georg Cantor! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: What does it mean to call somewhere "home"? What's the worst way to spend a honeymoon? What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social channels: IG: @yoayeo.maths Twitter/TikTok...

32: Charles Dodgson: Curiouser and Curiouser

November 15, 2023 14:57 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MB

Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, joins us to finish up our chat about Charles Dodgson! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: Why is a raven like a writing desk? What does this have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social channels: IG: @yoayeo.maths Twitter/TikTok: @YoaYeo Let us know your thoughts.  Fo...

31: Charles Dodgson: It Sounds Uncommon Nonsense

October 15, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, joins us to continue the chat about Charles Dodgson! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: How do you get your room requests noticed by the higher ups? What’s the best way to get the menu changed at your favorite eatery?  What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on...

30: Charles Dodgson: Into Wonderland?

September 15, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 49.7 MB

Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, joins us to discuss Charles Dodgson! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: When is a picture worth one thousand words? What's the fastest way to lose favor with royalty? What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social channels: IG: @yoayeo.maths Twi...

29. The Gödelfather: A Mathematical Masterpiece

June 15, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 51.3 MB

Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, joins us to chat about Kurt Gödel! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: What’s the best way to point out typos in an important document? What if a statement cannot be proved? What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social channels: IG: @yoayeo.math...

28. De Moivre, The Merrier

May 15, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 57 MB

We welcome back Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, and I chat about Abraham de Moivre! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: Should you hire a mathematician to read tarot cards? What's the most effective way to study while traveling? What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social chan...

27. Brahe-mian Rhapsody: The Rise and Fall of Tycho Brahe

April 15, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MB

We welcome back Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, to chat about Tycho Brahe! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: What is the best animal to take as your plus one to parties? Should you choose the materials for your own rhinoplasty? What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social cha...

26. Archimedes: The Tell-Tale Bath

March 14, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MB

Today's special guest, Ioanna Georgiou, mathematics educator and author of “Mathematical Adventures!” and “Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians”, and I chat about Archimedes! In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: What do solving a crime and streaking have in common? How can doodling in the sand lead to murder? What do either of these have to do with math?  Connect with Ioanna at her website https://ioannageorgiou.com/ or on one of her social channels: IG:...

Reflections

June 15, 2021 05:00 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MB

In this episode, Nathalie reflects on the past two years since the start of the podcast, including why she started the podcast and incorporating feedback from you! Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

25. Newton/Leibniz: Crime and Punishment

May 31, 2021 13:24 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MB

Today special guest, Ben Orlin from Math with Bad Drawings and I conclude our trilogy chat about Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz.  In this episode, we'll attempt to answer a single question: Star Wars or Star Trek?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

24. Newton/Leibniz: Great Expectations

May 15, 2021 13:22 - 21 minutes - 30 MB

Today special guest, Ben Orlin from Math with Bad Drawings and I continue the conversation about Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz.  In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: What’s the best way to be a supportive parent?  How can you write a personal statement that’s sure to get you into your dream college? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For ma...

23. The Strange Case of Sir Newton and Mr. Leibniz

April 30, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MB

Today special guest, Ben Orlin from Math with Bad Drawings and I chat about two famous feuding foes: Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz.  In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions: How can you ensure your cat gets fed?  What’s the worst way to test a hypothesis? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our...

22. Emelie du Chatelet: True Colors

April 15, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

In this episode, we'll conclude our Emelie du Chatelet trilogy and attempt to answer the following questions: What's the best way to pull an all-nighter...over an entire month? What's the worst way to seek revenge on an enemy? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hea...

21. Emelie du Chatelet: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

March 31, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MB

In this episode, we'll continue our Emelie du Chatelet trilogy and attempt to answer the following questions: How can you find funds to pay for your next custom home remodel? How can you live in comfort even if you're always fleeing from the law? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We...

Emelie du Chatelet: Into the Nightlife

March 14, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MB

We're so excited to be back!  To celebrate Women's History Month AND Pi day, we'll meet Emelie du Chatelet and attempt to answer the following questions: What are the best traits to list on your eHarmony profile? Would this podcast have survived in 1700's Paris? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyi...

20. Emelie du Chatelet: Into the Nightlife

March 14, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MB

We're so excited to be back!  To celebrate Women's History Month AND Pi day, we'll meet Emelie du Chatelet and attempt to answer the following questions: What are the best traits to list on your eHarmony profile? Would this podcast have survived in 1700's Paris? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyi...

A Short Break (and an Announcement!)

June 22, 2020 05:00 - 1 minute - 2.85 MB

We are a little off schedule due to COVID-19 but we'll be back as soon as we can.  In the meantime, I have an announcement to make and also would like your help to shape the future of the podcast.  Please keep in touch: email us at [email protected] or connect on social media!

19. Here's Looking at Euclid

June 15, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MB

We close out our Euclid trilogy and say farewell to Dr. Anthony Carreras as we attempt to answer the following question: What is is?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

18. Euclid's Fairy Tales

May 31, 2020 05:00 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MB

We continue discussing Euclid with Dr. Anthony Carreras as we attempt to answer the following questions: How can you ensure your book never goes out of print?  Do you always have to play by the rules of the game?  What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

17. Euclid's on the Block

May 15, 2020 05:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MB

For this trilogy, we have a special surprise!  We are joined by our friend and resident philosopher Dr. Anthony Carreras to help us dig into some of the philosophy behind this elusive mathematician: Euclid as we attempt to answer the following questions:  Can predicting the weather make you a fortune?  How can you convince your professor to pay you to learn?  What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at podcast@infinitely...

16. May the FOURTH be with you

April 30, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MB

That’s right – this TRILOGY is a TETRALOGY (Quartet?)  We finish up our series on Cardano by attempting to answer the following questions: When’s it OK to break an unbreakable vow?  What’s the best excuse to use when you’ve been publicly shamed? What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We ...

15. Revenge of the Omens

April 15, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MB

We dive into some of Cardano’s omens as we attempt to answer the following questions: Does a lost ring spell certain doom? How can you tell if a job’s not for you?  What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19:Leadership and Empathy in Times of Change

April 14, 2020 18:00 - 26 minutes - 37.6 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19. In this episode, Dr. Anna Garland, sociologist and academic dean of a private high school in DC shares her thoughts on being an empathetic leader.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: Self-Care and Journaling Through Trauma

April 13, 2020 18:00 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19.  In this episode, multi-talented Icess Fernandez (podcast host of Dear Reader: Mental Health and the Writing Life, writer, and English professor) shares her experiences and some thoughts for surviving this pandemic with your mental health intact.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!   Resources from...

COVID-19: Building Community

April 12, 2020 18:00 - 20 minutes - 29.3 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19.  In this episode, instructional designer Jennifer Stallman spends some time talking about ways to build community in an online class -- both using technology and (gasp) away from devices!  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: Planning Now and for the Future

April 11, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 41.6 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19.  In this episode, math faculty member Dr. Kelly Jackson from Camden County College shares her experiences with moving her courses online and some thoughts on planning for now and for future semesters.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: Healthy Snacking and Grocery Shopping Tips

April 10, 2020 18:00 - 25 minutes - 35.3 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19. In this episode, nutritionist and personal trainer Jenny Ingram shares her insider secrets for grocery shopping and tips for healthy snacking (and not snacking all day).  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: Teaching Online

April 09, 2020 18:00 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19.  In this episode, instructional designer Jennifer Stallman returns to share some thoughts and tips about teaching online.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: The Human Connection

April 08, 2020 18:00 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19.  In this episode, math faculty Holly Dickin from Ball State University shares her experiences with moving her courses online and some ideas for remaining connected to your department and students.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: Working (Out) From Home

April 07, 2020 18:00 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19. In this episode, meet personal trainer and nutritionist Jenny Ingram as we discuss some ways to work (out) from home whether you are new to exercise or have no equipment.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

COVID-19: Transitioning to Online

April 06, 2020 18:00 - 14 minutes - 20 MB

Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and friends in a special series on COVID-19.  In this episode,  meet instructional designer Jennifer Stallman as we discuss some thoughts on the abrupt transition to online.  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

14. The Rise of Cardano

March 31, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MB

We continue learning about Cardano as we attempt to answer the following questions.: How do you evade those pesky portrait painters?  How do you balance being a lover and a fighter?  What do either of these have to do with math?  Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

13. The Cardano Awakens

March 15, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MB

We meet an Italian mathematician who played a huge role in Fermat and Pascal’s Unfinished Game and whose drive shaft is still in use in modern vehicles!  In this episode, we’ll attempt to answer the following questions: Does hair really have a life of its own?     How can you get a girl in ten…or two…days?  What do either of these have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the ...

12. Fermat: The Adventure of the Perplexing Proof

February 29, 2020 06:00 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MB

In the conclusion to our Fermat trilogy, we dive deeper into the saga of the Last Theorem as we attempt to answer the following questions. How can a library save your life?  How do you win a deal with the devil? What do either of these have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing from you!

11. Fermat: The Adventure of the Dubious Development

February 15, 2020 06:00 - 39 minutes - 55.1 MB

We continue talking about Fermat (and some of his collaborations) as we attempt to answer the following questions: How sure are you that you locked your door this morning?   What came first – loaded dice or counting cards?  What do either of these have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward to hearing...

10. Fermat: The Adventure of the Mathematical Magistrate

January 31, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MB

We now meet a mathematician whose famous theorem stumped mathematicians for three centuries before being solved!  In this episode, we'll attempt to answer the following questions. What’s the process for becoming amateur royalty? How do find a needle in haystack if you don’t know which haystack to look in?  What do either of these have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the e...

Holiday Break - see you Jan 31!

December 22, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MB

We are taking a little break for the holidays to collect some more research (and to start our Spring semester!)  We hope you have a great holiday season and we'll see you back next month on January 31 for our next mathematician - Pierre de Fermat!  Please keep in touch - email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media!  

9. Erdös: Forgiving You Was Easy

December 15, 2019 05:00 - 28 minutes - 40 MB

To close out our Erdös trilogy, we’ll talk about some of our favorite tidbits as we attempt to answer the following questions. Is illegal thinking a misdemeanor or a felony? What’s the fastest way to recover from brain surgery? What do either of these things have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look forward...

8. Erdös: On the Road Again

November 30, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

We’ll continue learning about Erdös and we’ll talk about some of his travels as we attempt to answer the following questions. How do you get your friends to cook you food? How can you get that free hospital room upgrade you’re looking for? What do either of these things have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We ...

7. Erdös: Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Mathematicians

November 15, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 55.2 MB

For this trilogy, we meet a more modern mathematician – Paul Erdös.  We can wait to introduce to you one of our favorites: a teacher at heart who has collaborated with more mathematicians than anyone…ever! In this episode, we’ll attempt to answer the following questions. If an evil spirit wants to destroy humanity, do you sic the computers on it or punch it in the face? What’s the fastest way to get thrown off a plane? What do either of these things have to do with math? Let us know your...

6. Hypatia: War of the Worlds

October 15, 2019 05:02 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MB

In this thrilling conclusion to our Hypatia trilogy, we discuss some of the politics happening at the time which led directly to her death.  In this episode, we’ll attempt to answer the following questions. Is gate-crashing a party a federal offense? Which religious order makes the best gangsters? What do either of these things have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the epi...

5. Choose Your Own Hypatia: Heart of Darkness

October 15, 2019 05:01 - 38 minutes - 53.1 MB

In the second episode of our trilogy, we continue the story of Hypatia and her teachings by attempting to answer the following questions. How can doodles get you on the bestseller list? What’s the classiest way to turn down a date? What do either of these things have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.infinitelyirrational.com We look for...

4. Choose Your Own Hypatia: Portrait of a Lady

October 15, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 24.8 MB

Hypatia has been credited with everything, from conics to planetary movement.  In the first of this three-part series, we’ll attempt to answer the following questions as we tell her story. How can hypnosis take your workouts to the next level? Is music the new math? What do either of these things have to do with math? Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the research behind the episode, visit our webpage at www.i...

3. Pythagoras: Tresses, Tranquility, and Travel Tips

September 10, 2019 23:43 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MB

Episode 3: Tresses, Tranquility, and Travel Tips To conclude our Pythagorean trilogy, we’ll attempt to answer the following questions: How can split ends get you a promotion? How can you convince co-workers to play The Quiet Game? What do either of these things have to do with math? Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and her friend Kay as they dive into mathematical adventures! Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].  For math and the re...

2. Pythagoras: Eagles, Environmentalists, and Expurgation

September 10, 2019 23:43 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MB

Episode 2: Eagles, Environmentalists, and Expurgation In the second episode of our trilogy, we continue the story of Pythagoras and his followers by attempt to answer the following questions: Are eagles man’s new best friend? Sticks and stones can break bones but can being right drown someone? What do either of these things have to do with math? Join Nathalie Vega-Rhodes and her friend Kay as they dive into mathematical adventures! Let us know your thoughts.  Follow us on Facebook or em...

1. Pythagoras: Birthmarks, Beans, and Brotherhoods

September 10, 2019 23:41 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MB

Episode 1: Birthmarks, Beans, and Brotherhoods We know Pythagoras was the leader of a brotherhood…or do we?  In the first of a three-part series on Pythagoras, we dive into some of the wild and supposed “truths” about one of the most famous and controversial Greek mathematicians/philosophers and attempt to answer the following questions: How can your birthmark can make you famous? Are beans really a magical fruit? What do either of these things have to do with math? Join Nathalie Vega-...

Books

Heart of Darkness
1 Episode