Episodi
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In this Flashcard Friday episode, Gabrielle dives into the surprising history and science of sunblock. From ancient Egypt’s jasmine oils to modern SPF 50 sprays, discover how sunscreen evolved and why it’s one of the best defenses against deadly melanoma. Gabrielle shares the statistics on skin cancer, explains how sunblock works, and gives you simple tips to stay protected. With her favorite motto, “Just say NO to melanoma,” she’ll leave you ready to face the sun smartly.
3 Things Listeners Will Learn:
- The fascinating history of sunblock, from ancient remedies to modern formulations.
- How sunscreen protects the skin and how to use it correctly for maximum safety.
- Eye-opening facts about melanoma risk, survival rates, and prevention through sun protection.
Resource Links
American Cancer Society: Melanoma Skin Cancer Overview
All About Sunscreen: Why You Need It. How it Works for You
Melanoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview
In this special re-release, we revisit the life and mind of Blaise Pascal, a mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and theologian who left a lasting impact on multiple disciplines. From his early genius in geometry to his pioneering work in probability theory, Pascal was a thinker who never stopped exploring the boundaries between logic and faith. In this episode, Gabrielle Birchak explores how Pascal’s scientific brilliance intersected with his spiritual journey, shedding light on the man who helped shape modern science, mathematics, and religious philosophy.
Whether you're hearing this episode for the first time or giving it a second listen, Pascal's story continues to resonate through the centuries.
3 Things You Will Learn
How Pascal’s early work in conic sections and projective geometry led to “Pascal’s Theorem.”
Why his collaboration with Fermat on probability theory is considered the foundation of modern decision science.
How Pascal reconciled science and religion through his writings, including Pensées and Pascal’s Wager.
Resources & References
Read the blog: Pascal’s Higher Power
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Blaise Pascal
Khan Academy – Pascal’s Triangle and Applications
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history
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Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Until next time, carpe diem!
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Episodi mancanti?
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In this Flashcard Fridays episode of Math! Science! History! Gabrielle Birchak takes listeners on a journey aboard the HMS Beagle with a young, seasick Charles Darwin. This wasn’t just a travel story, it was a five-year working holiday that would ultimately change the course of science. Through field observations, curiosity, and a bit of chaos, Darwin unknowingly gathered the seeds of his future theory of evolution.
From the Galápagos Islands to fossil beds in South America, Gabrielle uncovers how a break from academia became one of the most pivotal moments in scientific history. Perfect for summer listening, this episode is a reminder that the best ideas sometimes come when we step away from the desk.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy Darwin’s voyage aboard the HMS Beagle was never meant to be a scientific breakthrough—but became one anyway.
How observation, curiosity, and a break from routine led to one of the most powerful theories in science.
What Darwin’s journey teaches us about creativity, fieldwork, and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone.
Resources & Further Reading:Darwin Online – The Complete Works of Charles Darwin
Smithsonian Magazine: Darwin’s Life on the Beagle
Galápagos Conservancy – Science and Conservation
Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Leonardo da Vinci is often remembered for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper—but he was so much more than a painter. In this episode, we uncover the Renaissance icon’s groundbreaking work in engineering, anatomy, and invention, as well as explore the quieter truths of his personal identity.
We ask a powerful question: What might the world look like if everyone—regardless of gender or sexuality—could live and create as freely as Leonardo did, without fear of judgment?
Join us as we journey through Leonardo’s notebooks, his unconventional relationships, and the brilliance he left behind—not just in paint, but in thought.
THREE KEY TAKE-AWAYS
How Leonardo’s engineering and scientific contributions shaped modern innovations—from anatomy to flight.
Insight into Leonardo’s personal life, including his relationships with Salaì and Melzi, and what modern historians believe about his sexuality.
A broader question of what happens when people are allowed to live and create authentically—without fear of shame or suppression.
Resources & References
Walter Isaacson’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Leonardo-da-Vinci/Walter-Isaacson/9781501139154Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks (Codex Atlanticus):
https://www.leonardodigitale.comMuseum of Science, Leonardo DaVinci
Leonardo da Vinci’s mother was a slave, according to new research
Da Vinci's mother was an enslaved teenager trafficked to Italy, new documents suggest
Leonardo’s letter to Ludovico Sforza
10 of Leonardo da Vinci’s Most Important Inventions
Leonardo daVinci – by Walter Isaacson
The Victoria and Albert Museum – Leonardo daVinci’s Codices
Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers🎵 Audio: Mixed by David Aviles
Until next time, carpe diem! -
Episode Overview:
Did people in antiquity ever go on vacation? The short answer is yes—and the long answer is a fascinating journey through Roman villas, Greek festivals, Byzantine retreats, Tang dynasty poetry, and sacred pilgrimages. In this Flashcard Friday episode, Gabrielle Birchak uncovers how the privileged, the pious, and the poetic found ways to take breaks, explore new places, and seek leisure across 1,400 years of ancient history. From Pliny the Younger’s coastal villa to early travel writing in Baghdad, we’ll explore how the idea of “getting away” is as old as civilization itself.Three Things Listeners Will Learn:
1. How ancient Romans and Greeks viewed leisure and travel.
2. How pilgrimage functioned as early tourism across Christian and Islamic worlds.
3. What writings from antiquity reveal about humanity’s timeless desire to escape daily routines.
Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
www.Instagram.com/math.science.history
https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/
https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history
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Leave a review – It helps more people discover the show!
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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In this special Pride Month episode, Gabrielle explores the fascinating world of queerness in nature. From same-sex penguin pairs in New York to gender-changing clownfish in coral reefs, nature has always been more diverse, adaptable, and surprising than human categories suggest. Drawing on over 600 years of scientific observation, this episode takes listeners on a global journey through the history of animal research, challenges long-held myths, and reflects on what science teaches us about identity and diversity today.
3 Things Listeners Will Learn:
How scientists from Aristotle to today have observed same-sex and gender-diverse behaviors in animals.
Why queerness in nature offers evolutionary advantages, from social bonding to population resilience.
How modern research is reshaping our understanding of sexual and gender diversity across species.
Resources & References
Evolution's Rainbow by Joan Roughgarden
Biological Exuberance by Bruce Bagemihl
Sexual Selections: What We Can and Can’t Learn About Sex from Animals by Marlene Zuk
Scientific American: “Bisexual Species: Unorthodox Sex in the Animal Kingdom”
National Wildlife Federation: "Same-Sex Behavior Among Animals Isn’t New. Science Is Finally Catching Up"
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from:
The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Now You Are Here by Sergey Cheremisiniv
Eternal Love by Kris Keypovsky
A Journey Beyond by Christian Bodhi
Until next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview:
In this Flashcard Friday episode of Math! Science! History!TM Gabrielle breaks down the powerful numbers behind the misinformation and legislative attacks targeting LGBTQ+ and especially transgender communities in the United States. With over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across 49 states in 2023 alone, it's time to ask: What does the data actually say?
From the percentage of Americans who identify as LGBTQ+ to the hard truth about who actually commits acts of harm, this episode unpacks the math that shatters the myths. Because when fear leads, facts must speak louder.
3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:
1. What percentage of the U.S. population identifies as LGBTQ+ and how small the transgender community actually is.
2. Who is statistically responsible for most sexual violence—and how trans people are often the victims, not perpetrators.
3. Which states introduced the most anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2023, and what types of legislation are being proposed.
Resources
Gallup: LGBTQ+ Identification Rises to 7.6% in U.S.
UCLA Williams Institute: Transgender Population Estimates
The Trevor Project: 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
ACLU: Legislative Attacks on LGBTQ Rights
Trans Murder Monitoring Report (TGEU)
Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
www.Instagram.com/math.science.history
https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/
https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history
Enjoying the Podcast?
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Leave a review – It helps more people discover the show!
Share this episode with friends & fellow history buffs!
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview:
Long before Europe adopted the concept of zero, the ancient Maya had already created one of the most sophisticated mathematical systems in the world. In this episode of Math Science History, host Gabrielle Birkjak uncovers the secrets of Mayan mathematics, from the elegance of their base-20 number system, to their revolutionary use of zero, to the celestial precision encoded in the Dresden Codex.We explore how the Maya embedded math into everything from pyramids to calendars, and how European scholars like Ernst Förstemann helped rediscover their brilliance centuries later. This isn’t just a story about numbers, it’s a story about worldview, time, astronomy, and one of the most advanced mathematical traditions of the ancient world.
Three Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How the ancient Maya independently invented and used zero in a positional number system.Why their base-20 (vigesimal) system was uniquely suited for astronomy and calendar cycles.
How the Dresden Codex survived colonialism and war to become a key to understanding Mayan math and astronomy.
Resources and Further Reading:
SLUB Dresden Digital Archive: View the Dresden Codex:
https://digital.slub-dresden.de/werkansicht/dlf/29691/1Förstemann, Ernst. Commentary on the Maya Manuscript in the Royal Public Library of Dresden (1901): https://archive.org/details/commentarymaya00fruoft
Coe, Michael D., and Stephen Houston. The Maya, 9th ed. Thames & Hudson, 2015.
Ifrah, Georges. The Universal History of Numbers. Wiley, 2000.
British Museum, Maya Mathematics Learning Resource:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/learn/schools/ages-7-11/maths/maya-mathematicsExplore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.historyEnjoying the Podcast?
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
🎵 Audio mixed by David AvilesUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Ever find yourself squinting at a metric label, trying to figure out how much a liter is in cups—or how heavy your suitcase is in pounds? In this episode of Math! Science! History!, host Gabrielle Birchak shares fast, intuitive tricks to help you convert metric units, without numbers, calculators, or charts.
Through rhythm, storytelling, and everyday comparisons, you’ll learn how to feel conversions in your head, whether you’re driving, walking, or cooking. From chocolate bars and milk jugs to cat weights and yoga mats, we’re turning complex conversions into simple, memorable cues. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to sharpen their mental math, and sound like a genius without pulling out their phone.
3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:
- How to mentally visualize metric conversions using sensory and familiar objects—no math required.
Resources Mentioned:
- Real-world reference points for converting volume, weight, distance, and temperature.
- Simple memory tricks to help internalize metric vs. imperial conversions while on the go.
Metric System Overview – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Quick Conversion Tables – Metric Conversions
3 Simple Tricks For Converting Metric Units In Your HeadExplore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
www.Instagram.com/math.science.history
https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/
https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history
Enjoying the Podcast?If you love Math! Science! History! here’s how you can help:
Leave a review – It helps more people discover the show!
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview
How did a bold Enlightenment vision become the universal language of science and technology? In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle takes you on a journey through the revolutionary origins, global adoption, and modern significance of the metric system. Discover how a chaotic world of local measurements gave way to an elegant, decimal-based system designed to unify not just France—but the entire planet. From the daring expedition of Delambre and Méchain to today's atomic-clock-calibrated definitions, this story reveals how the metric system continues to shape spaceflight, AI, and even cryptocurrency.
3 Things You Will Learn
Why the French Revolution called for a measurement system “for all people, for all time.”
How the metric system evolved from platinum prototypes to quantum-based constants.
Why the metric system is essential in today’s world, from Mars missions to microchips.
Resources & References
BIPM – International System of Units (SI)
NIST – Redefinition of the Kilogram
Alder, Ken. The Measure of All Things
Quinn, Terry. From Artefacts to Atoms
O’Connor, Anahad. “Why the U.S. Doesn't Use the Metric System” – The New York Times
Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/math-science-history
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🎵 Audio: Mixed by David Aviles
Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Waltz with Me by Beat Mekanik
Camille Saint-Saëns, Danse Macabre by Kevin MacLeodUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview:
In this episode of Math, Science, History, host Gabrielle Birchak explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician, codebreaker, and father of artificial intelligence. From cracking the German Enigma code in World War II to laying the theoretical foundations for modern computing, Turing’s story is one of genius, perseverance, and tragic injustice. This episode examines not only his scientific contributions but also the deeply personal journey of a man whose work continues to shape our world.
3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:
- How Alan Turing’s theoretical "Turing Machine" became the foundation of computer science.
- How Turing’s work at Bletchley Park helped end WWII and save millions of lives.
- How his tragic treatment after the war led to a powerful legacy of recognition, apology, and progress in both science and human rights.Click here to listen to my interview with Daniel Shiu: https://sites.libsyn.com/212183/the-codebreakers-who-reshaped-uk-mathematics-daniel-shiu-on-bletchley-parks-lasting-impact
Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9hLet’s Connect!
www.Instagram.com/math.science.history
https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/
https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history
Resources!Bletchley Park Museum: https://bletchleypark.org.uk
The Turing Institute: https://www.turing.ac.uk
Hodges, Andrew. Alan Turing: The Enigma.
National Museum of Computing: https://www.tnmoc.org
Enjoying the Podcast?If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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In this episode of Math, Science, History, host Gabrielle Birchak sits down with Daniel Shiu to discuss his recent article in Cryptologia, “The Influence of Bletchley Park on UK Mathematics.”
What began as a top-secret wartime codebreaking operation became a powerful incubator for intellectual exchange and mathematical innovation. Dr. Shiu unpacks how the intense collaboration and problem-solving culture at Bletchley Park spilled over into British academic institutions, shaping research directions, creating new career paths, and forging a generation of mathematical minds.
Together, we explore:
How cryptographic work at Bletchley Park sparked post-war mathematical advancements
The role of camaraderie, innovation, and shared urgency in building lasting academic communities
Why this hidden history still matters in today’s mathematical and cybersecurity landscapes
Whether you're a WWII history buff, a mathematician, or a fan of untold stories, this episode will uncover a rarely discussed legacy of Bletchley Park.
Listen now and explore the crossroads of history, math, and memory.
Read the full article: “The Influence of Bletchley Park on UK Mathematics” Published in Cryptologia:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01611194.2025.2457086🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Until next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview:
In this episode of Math, Science, History, we hop into a fictional electric vehicle—Einstein's EV—and cruise through space and time to uncover the fascinating world of relativity. What is the theory of relativity, and how did a curious young patent clerk change our understanding of the universe forever?
Using simple language and a fun driving analogy, we break down the core ideas behind both Special and General Relativity, explore Einstein’s thought experiments, and show how his discoveries shape your daily life—yes, even your GPS.
Whether you're a physics newbie or a science buff, this episode offers a friendly, accessible introduction to one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history.
3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Einstein's thought experiments led to the discovery of relativity.
What “time dilation” and “space-time curvature” actually mean—and how they affect your everyday life.
Why your GPS wouldn’t work without Einstein’s theory.
Resources & Further Reading:
Einstein’s 1905 Papers on Special Relativity (English Translation)
NASA: General Relativity - Theory and Tests
PBS Space Time: How GPS Relies on Relativity
Einstein Online - Max Planck Institute
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h
🌍 Let’s Connect!
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview
In this episode of Math, Science, History, host Gabrielle dives deep into the extraordinary—yet often overlooked—life and legacy of Mileva Marić, Albert Einstein’s first wife and intellectual companion. Far more than a footnote in Einstein’s story, Mileva was a brilliant physicist and mathematician in her own right. Together, the couple studied, collaborated, and may have laid the foundation for some of the most revolutionary scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century.
Gabrielle uncovers newly re-examined letters, analyzes quotes from Einstein’s professors and contemporaries, and presents biographical findings that shed light on Marić’s intellectual contributions to Einstein’s early work—especially during the years leading up to his famous 1905 Annus Mirabilis.
3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Mileva Marić helped shape Einstein’s early scientific thinking—and what letters and biographies reveal about their collaboration.
What Einstein’s professors and colleagues really thought about his student days—and why Minkowski called him a “lazybones.”
Why historians now believe Mileva Marić’s role in Einstein’s 1905 papers may have been more significant than previously acknowledged.
Resources Mentioned:
The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein – Vol. 1: The Early Years, 1879–1902
Albert Einstein and Mileva Marić: The Love Letters (Princeton University Press)
Senta Troemel-Ploetz, “Mileva Einstein-Marić: The Woman Who Did Einstein’s Mathematics”
Desanka Trbuhović-Gjurić, Im Schatten Albert Einsteins (German)
Einstein’s letters at Christie's Auction House
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Until next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview:
In this Flashcard Friday episode of Math! Science! History! host Gabrielle Birchak shines a light on the incredible story of Jacoba van den Brande, a seventeenth-century Dutch visionary who dared to imagine a world where women could be educated in mathematics, philosophy, and the sciences. Long before women had access to formal education, Jacoba not only excelled in math herself but also proposed the radical idea of an all-female academy. Join us as we explore her life, her bold vision, and how her ideas still echo through the halls of academia today.
Three Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:The life and legacy of Jacoba van den Brande and her place in the history of mathematics.
The barriers women faced in 17th-century Europe when pursuing intellectual and academic opportunities.
Why Jacoba’s vision of an all-female academy remains relevant to ongoing conversations about equity and access in education.
Resources & Further Reading:Wikipedia entry on Jacoba van den Brande
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
“Women and Science Before the Enlightenment” - Journal Article via JSTOR
Simon Stevin: Biography & Contributions
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On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview:
In this special time-travel episode of Math, Science, History, Gabrielle steps back into the Enlightenment to interview legendary French mathematician and philosopher Pierre-Simon Laplace. Together, they explore the bold ideas behind his famed thought experiment, Laplace’s Demon, a being capable of predicting the entire past and future of the universe. But how does that vision hold up in the age of quantum mechanics and artificial intelligence?
Through immersive storytelling, direct quotes from Laplace’s writings, and modern scientific context, this episode invites listeners to examine the nature of certainty, probability, free will, and machine intelligence, and ask the ultimate question:
Is AI today the digital version of Laplace’s Demon?
In This Episode, You'll Learn:How Laplace envisioned a fully deterministic universe—and why he believed uncertainty was only a matter of ignorance.
How chaos theory and quantum mechanics challenged that deterministic view.
Why today’s artificial intelligence reflects both the dreams and the limits of Laplace’s Demon.
Resources and Laplace’s Writings:📘 A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities (English translation):
https://archive.org/embed/aphilosophicale00laplgoog🌐 Brief biography and overview from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/laplace/AI voices by ElevenLabs. Try it out for your projects! My affiliate link is here: https://try.elevenlabs.io/qhh6dk0ikse6
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Until next time, carpe diem!
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Episode Overview
In this episode of Math, Science, History, host Gabrielle Birchak unpacks the deep connection between math and logic. From the foundations of reasoning to Euclid’s cookie-themed proof of infinite primes and the mind-bending Russell's Paradox, you’ll explore how logic shapes the very core of mathematics. Whether you're a math lover, teacher, or curious thinker, this episode will challenge the way you see numbers and arguments.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why logic is the foundation of all mathematical proof and reasoning.
- The clever logic behind Euclid’s timeless proof of infinite prime numbers.
- How paradoxes like Russell’s exposed the limits of early set theory and reshaped modern math.
Links & Resources:
An Introduction to Mathematical Logic by Richard E. Hodel
This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of mathematical logic, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to solidify their understanding.Proofs and Refutations by Imre Lakatos
Presented as a series of dialogues, this classic work explores the philosophy of mathematics and the process of mathematical discovery, challenging readers to think critically about proofs and the evolution of mathematical ideas.The Laws of Thought by George Boole
This seminal work lays the foundation for Boolean algebra, delving into the relationship between logic and mathematics, and is essential reading for those interested in the logical structures underpinning mathematical reasoning.Introduction to Mathematical Logic by Elliott Mendelson
Renowned for its clarity and depth, this text covers various aspects of mathematical logic, including set theory and computability, and is highly recommended for those seeking a rigorous exploration of the subject.Logic: A Very Short Introduction by Graham Priest
This concise guide provides an engaging overview of logic, touching upon its philosophical implications and practical applications, making it a great starting point for listeners new to the topic.Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h
Let’s Connect!
Enjoying the Podcast?
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Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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🔎 Episode Overview
In this episode I explore the fascinating world of Boolean logic, from its 19th-century origins with George Boole to its modern-day applications in artificial intelligence, search engines, and even board games. Learn how simple logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT have shaped computer science—and how you can use these same tools to win at the classic mystery game Clue.
Visit us at MathScienceHistory.com to get a ClueLogic Tracking Sheet and Cheat Sheet to help you play smarter, faster, and more strategically. Whether you're a logic lover, a game-night champion, or just curious about how abstract math became the language of machines, this episode is for you.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
- The history and evolution of Boolean logic
- How Claude Shannon brought Boolean logic into circuit design
- How logic gates led to the rise of computers
- How to apply Boolean logic to everyday thinking and decision-making
- Boolean-based strategies to win at Clue (yes, including XOR and IF-THEN!)
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
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🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:
🌟 Leave a review – It helps more people discover the show!
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🛍 Checking out our merch: https://www.mathsciencehistory.com/the-store
🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Until next time, carpe diem!
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🎙️ Episode Overview:
In this Earth Day special of Math Science History, host Gabrielle explores global solutions to climate change that are both practical and inspiring. From wind-powered Denmark to composting in India, this episode offers easy-to-adopt, science-backed tips from around the world that prove you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact.
With insights drawn from behavior science, environmental math, and everyday habits, Gabrielle breaks down how small local actions — like using LED lights, planting pollinator gardens, or reducing food waste — can have exponential global effects. Whether you're in a high-rise apartment or a rural village, this episode is filled with accessible ideas to help you live more sustainably and think globally.
🌱 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:
How people around the world — from Denmark to South Korea — are tackling environmental issues in innovative, everyday ways.
Practical sustainability habits you can implement immediately, no matter where you live.
The math and behavioral science behind why your small eco-friendly actions matter more than you think.
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h
🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:
🌟 Leave a review – It helps more people discover the show!
📢 Share this episode with friends & fellow history buffs!
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🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
On Matters of Consequence from The Little Prince by Lloyd RodgersUntil next time, carpe diem!
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🔎 Episode Overview
Step into the future for a special Earth Day broadcast unlike any other. From rising seas in Bangladesh to the climate-solidarity corridors of Cascadia, this immersive episode of Math, Science, History explores the realities of our changing planet, told as if the year is 2050.
You’ll hear breaking climate reports from around the globe, fictional interviews with future experts, and a closing message that brings us back to the present, reminding us that the future is not yet written, and that there’s still time to shape it.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
Climate migration is already happening—by 2050, hundreds of millions may be displaced, but how we respond now determines what kind of world they move into.
Not all nations will follow the same path—Canada, in this imagined future, became a global beacon of justice, cooperation, and climate leadership. It's a reminder that bold, humane action is possible.
Your voice matters—climate change isn’t only about science. It’s about justice, storytelling, memory, and imagination. The future will reflect the values we fight for today.
🏛 Links & Resources:
Climate Reality Project – Global climate leadership training
Indigenous Climate Action – Land-centered climate justice
350.org – Campaigns to end fossil fuels
David Suzuki Foundation – Canadian science + policy advocacy
AI voices by ElevenLabs. Try it out for your projects! My affiliate link is here: https://try.elevenlabs.io/qhh6dk0ikse6
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com
📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h🌍 Let’s Connect!
Website: mathsciencehistory.com
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🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:
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🎵 Music and Sounds: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
Positive Ambient music at Freesound by Muyo5438
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