Math! Science! History!

In this repost episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak speaks with Professor Gillen D'Arcy Wood, author of The Wake of the HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Ocean's Decline. Together, they uncover how a nineteenth-century Royal Navy warship transformed into a floating laboratory and gave humanity its first global snapshot of the oceans. From discovering thousands of new species to inspiring NASA's Challenger shuttle, the expedition shaped modern oceanography and continues to inform today's conservation science.

Wood's biocentric storytelling reminds us that to save our planet, we must first fall...

Set in the year 2220, this holiday puzzle episode blends science fiction, real scientific legacies, and mathematical reasoning into an immersive problem-solving adventure. The United Nations Time-Travel Division recruits four brilliant scientists, each descended from historically significant scientific families, and sends them back to 2019 with a radical mission: erase the year 2020 from the timeline.

What follows is a multi-step logic and distance puzzle involving self-driving hover cars, state capitals, precise velocity calculations, and a final anagram that reveals what humanity might have gained if an entire year of global disruption never happened. This episode invites listeners to actively...

This episode marks the very first Math! Science! History! holiday puzzle, a tradition built around logic, problem-solving, and a little historical mischief. Rather than a standard narrative episode, this one invites listeners to actively participate, following clues, working through puzzles, and engaging with science and history in a hands-on way.

Designed as a holiday "party for the brain," the episode blends reasoning, curiosity, and playful challenge. You can listen straight through or pause along the way to work out the puzzles yourself. There's no rush, no trick answers, and no prior episodes required.

How to...

As the year draws to a close, people across cultures have long turned to riddles, puzzles, and quiet forms of reflection. From lantern riddles in China to communal riddles in Africa and contemplative winter traditions in Europe, these practices were never just games. They were tools for slowing down, thinking together, and preparing for change.

In this season-ending Flashcard episode, we explore why riddles emerge during moments of transition, how puzzles shape empathy and shared intelligence, and why one enduring answer continues to matter across centuries and cultures.

Discover!

Jigsaw puzzles may seem like quiet, domestic pastimes, but their history tells a much bigger story. In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak traces the surprising evolution of the jigsaw puzzle, from its origins as an Enlightenment-era teaching tool to its role as a psychological stabilizer during the Great Depression, and finally to its modern use in cognitive science and brain health. Along the way, we explore how puzzles reflect changes in technology, culture, economics, and how humans think and learn.

This episode uncovers how something as simple as fitting pieces together connects directly to...

If you enjoyed today's Flashcard Friday deep dive, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow puzzle lover. And don't forget, this last Tuesday was the big Holiday Time-Travel Puzzle Episode, so keep grab your notebook and check it out for prizes and a gift card! You can listen to it here: https://mathsciencehistory.libsyn.com/its-the-math-science-history-holiday-puzzle-2025

Episode Overview

Solving puzzles feels good, but why? In this Flashcard Friday episode, Gabrielle explores the neuroscience behind puzzles, how your brain lights up during problem-solving, and how you can train yourself...

It's finally here. The annual math science history holiday puzzle. It's a long one but it is a fun one. When you solve it be sure to send all of your work, handwritten, and your answers too hello at math sciencehistory.com by midnight on December 16th. Be in the top three to get it in first and correct and you will have a chance to win some prizes. All of those in the top three can choose to be interviewed on the podcast to tell us all about their love for math, science and history!

First...

In this Flashcards Friday episode, we take the science of light bulbs out of the hardware aisle and into everyday life. Most people assume a bulb is just a bulb, but the truth is that the type you choose affects your energy bill, eye comfort, the way your rooms feel, and even the safety of your fixtures. From LEDs to incandescent filaments, from color temperature to socket fit, this episode breaks down the science behind the glow. You'll walk away with practical knowledge you can use immediately, all through the lens of curiosity and real-world physics.

If...

Step into a silent museum after closing hours, where moonlight washes over long corridors and the hum of unseen forces seems to guide your every step. In this immersive narrative puzzle episode, four historical artifacts awaken in the darkness to share their stories. Each object reveals a piece of a much larger scientific legacy, one that begins with ancient reverence for a thunderous waterfall and continues through centuries of experimentation, rivalry, and extraordinary imagination. By following the clues, listeners uncover the lineage of ideas that shaped the power system we depend on every day. The final answer emerges only...

Your nose is more powerful than you think. In this episode of Math! Science! History!, we explore the hidden biology behind your sense of smell, how it connects directly to memory and emotion, and why scent has shaped human evolution for more than 500 million years. From safety and attraction to learning and emotional balance, your olfactory system is a biological superpower hiding in plain sight.

THREE INSIGHTS THAT PASS THE SNIFF TEST

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, I explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Carl Friedrich Gauss, often called the Prince of Mathematics. From a childhood marked by brilliance to contributions that underpin GPS, machine learning, astronomy, electromagnetism, and modern geometry, Gauss reshaped the scientific world with humility and unwavering precision.

You'll learn where the myths end, where the history begins, and why Gauss's work remains foundational in virtually every field touched by numbers today.

If you enjoy learning how chemistry, math, and history shape everyday life, follow Math! Science! History! and share this episode with someone still blaming the turkey!

Why does tryptophan always get accused of making everyone sleepy after Thanksgiving? Today's Flashcards Friday takes a closer look at the real science behind this famous amino acid , including how it works in the body, why carbohydrates change everything, and how tryptophan connects to your mood and even your sense of gratitude. Whether your plate had turkey or tofu, this tiny molecule has a much bigger story to tell.

I'm diving deep into the chemistry of flavor, the history of spices, and the math behind crafting the perfect pumpkin spice latte. So go grab your cup of pumpkin spice whatever, get cozy, and let's explore!

To read the podcast's transcripts, visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

You can buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon at https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

The Baggage Podcast is a collection of compelling, unique, and sometimes traumatic stories from people of all walks...

In this Flashcard Friday follow-up to Tuesday's interview with theoretical physicist Dr. Ronald L. Mallett, Gabrielle explores Einstein's famous claim that imagination is more important than knowledge. From Marie Curie's invisible rays to Johannes Kepler's celestial harmonies, this episode traces how imagination transforms human emotion, grief, wonder, curiosity, into world-changing discovery.

Listeners will hear how Dr. Mallett's childhood heartbreak became the seed for his groundbreaking work on time travel, and how imagination continues to link science and humanity.

In this fascinating conversation, I interview theoretical physicist Dr. Ronald Mallett to explore one of humanity's most extraordinary scientific pursuits: time travel. From the influence of Einstein's general theory of relativity to quantum mechanics and parallel universes, Dr. Mallett shares the story of how his personal loss inspired a lifetime of discovery.

Listeners will hear how his work connects the geometry of spacetime, wormholes, and cosmic strings to the real mathematics of time loops, and how time travel to the past is theoretically possible. The discussion also takes an emotional and philosophical turn, as Dr. Mallett reflects...

Subscribe to Math! Science! History! wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you love learning how math and science make everyday life better, leave a review and share this episode with a friend who's always running out of time!

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak explores how mathematics and science can help us master the one resource we can't manufacture, time. From the Shortest Path Problem in geometry to the Pareto Principle in physics and productivity, Gabrielle uncovers how optimization, energy management, and practical habits can transform the way we work, think, and live...

What if you could bend time like taffy, stretching moments, collapsing centuries, and stepping through the folds of history itself? In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle explores the myths, literature, and scientific breakthroughs that brought time travel from ancient dreams to modern equations.

From the Mahabharata to H.G. Wells, from Einstein's relativity to Ronald Mallett's laser loop, we uncover how humanity's yearning to rewrite the past or glimpse the future evolved into one of science's most mind-bending pursuits.

Join Gabrielle for a journey through paradoxes, wormholes, and the minds who dared to...

Raise your glass, and your curiosity. In this Math! Science! History! Flashcard Friday, Gabrielle Birchak takes you into a haunted pub where chemistry and folklore share the same barstool. You'll uncover how distillation mirrors transformation, why vapor behaves like a ghost, and how the energy that fuels both whiskey and legend never truly disappears.

This is science told by firelight, a story of matter, energy, and the invisible bonds that tie us to everything that changes form.

Three Ponderable Things

In this Halloween-special episode of Math! Science! History!, your host Gabrielle Birchak explores the strange world where superstition meets science. We dive into why machines sometimes bow to the mere presence of an engineer (the "Engineer Proximity Effect") and how one of the greatest physicists of the 20th century, Wolfgang Pauli, became the subject of an odd legend: wherever he went, lab equipment failed (the "Pauli Effect"). Join us for a spooky, fun, and surprisingly rational journey into the magical aura of tech support and haunted machines.

In this Flashcard Friday episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle explores how everyday choices can make a real difference for our oceans. From reducing single-use plastics to supporting sustainable seafood and climate-friendly habits, this episode uncovers the math, science, and history behind ocean conservation, and the powerful impact of small changes.

Plastic pollution isn't just a problem for sea turtles and coral reefs, it's a problem for us. Every year, about 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean, leaching chemicals and breaking down into microplastics that end up in fish, sea salt, and even human blood...

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak speaks with Professor Gillen D'Arcy Wood, author of The Wake of the HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Ocean's Decline. Together, they uncover how a nineteenth-century Royal Navy warship transformed into a floating laboratory and gave humanity its first global snapshot of the oceans. From discovering thousands of new species to inspiring NASA's Challenger shuttle, the expedition shaped modern oceanography and continues to inform today's conservation science.

Wood's biocentric storytelling reminds us that to save our planet, we must first fall in...

Publish or Purrish: The Cat Who Co-Authored Physics

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, we uncover the remarkable story of F.D.C. Willard, the Siamese cat who became a published co-author in a world-renowned physics journal. What began as a workaround for rigid authorship conventions turned into a beloved legend in science history. But Willard wasn't alone. We also take a closer look at other non-human co-authors, from a dog in immunology, to a hamster in physics, and even bonobos in language research, while exploring what these unusual stories reveal about...

From tallying goats to launching rockets, this episode takes you on a fast-paced, lighthearted journey through the complete history of mathematics. Inspired by D.E. Smith's The History of Mathematics, this is the espresso version — goats, Greeks, calculus cage matches, infinity, and beyond.

3 Things Listeners Will Learn:

Resources Mentioned:

In this Flashcard Friday follow-up to Tuesday's interview with Dr. Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai of the Massachusetts Historical Society, we revisit the numbers that changed the course of history. During the Revolutionary War, smallpox was more dangerous to the Continental Army than the British. By comparing mortality rates, George Washington made a bold, science-driven choice: inoculate his troops. The math was simple but profound, 30% risk of death without inoculation versus just 2% with it. This decision helped save the Revolution.

In this episode, we reiterate Dr. Wongsrichanalai's quote: "do the math, believe the science, and learn your history." From spotting...

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak speaks with Dr. Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the hidden epidemic that shaped the American Revolution. While battles raged, smallpox quietly threatened to destroy the Continental Army and colonial communities. From George Washington's controversial order to inoculate his soldiers to Abigail Adams's letters describing her family's ordeal, this conversation reveals how trust in science, courage, and collective action helped secure America's future.

Three Things Listeners Will Learn:

Think physics only lives in textbooks and science labs? Think again. In this episode, we break down how physics is baked into your everyday life, from the way you walk and sip your coffee to how your phone works and why doors are designed the way they are.

No jargon, no equations, just real-world science you already use, without realizing it.

If you've ever opened a faucet, turned a steering wheel, or spilled your latte, congratulations: you're a physicist in disguise. Tune in and learn how the universe is quietly working with you, every step...

What does it cost to carry a brilliant idea? Ludwig Boltzmann gave us the statistical foundations of entropy and the famous S = k log W, yet his life was marked by relentless skepticism, isolation, and personal struggle. In this episode, we weave Boltzmann's story with the modern mental health crisis in academia, where anxiety, depression, and burnout affect scientists at alarming rates. We'll explore how probability explains not only the arrow of time, but also why community, resilience, and care are essential for science to thrive.

3 Things Listeners Will Learn:

What if you could watch molecules move in real time? Nobel Prize-winning chemist Ahmed Zewail made that possible by pioneering femtochemistry, capturing chemical reactions in quadrillionths of a second.

In this Flashcards Friday episode, Gabrielle Birchak uncovers Zewail's remarkable journey: from his modest childhood in Egypt, to facing challenges as an immigrant scientist in the U.S., to transforming the very foundations of chemistry. Along the way, we explore how his resilience, persistence, and vision helped him rise above obstacles and leave a legacy that continues to inspire scientists across the globe.

Three Things You'll...

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle uncovers the fascinating story of quasicrystals, once thought impossible, now proven to exist both in the lab and in meteorites from space. Listeners will learn how quasicrystals challenged centuries of crystallography, the math that explains their strange patterns, and the surprising ways they're used today, from non‑stick coatings to futuristic photonics.

Three Things You'll Learn

In this episode of Math Science History, we journey back to 8th-century England to uncover the story of Alcuin of York, a quiet but powerful force behind the Carolingian Renaissance. From his beginnings in the cathedral school of York to his influential role as Charlemagne's advisor, Alcuin shaped the future of Western education, preserved ancient texts, and helped revive a culture of learning in a world on the brink of intellectual collapse. Discover how this humble teacher from northern England helped build the foundations for modern classrooms and script systems—and even shared a few brain-teasing puzzles along the wa...

In this urgent episode of Math! Science! History, Gabrielle Birchak exposes how the United States is dismantling its scientific foundation through lawsuits, defunding, censorship, and intimidation. From shuttered labs to banned books and silenced climate scientists, Gabrielle connects today's attacks on knowledge to historical examples of authoritarian suppression—from Galileo's house arrest to the German Reich's university purges and Stalin's pseudoscience.

This is more than a culture war; it's a battle for truth itself. If science falls, society falters. History has shown us the red flags—will we recognize them before it's too late?

Three key...

Trains, telegraphs, and global trade turned local solar time into a worldwide system, yet the story didn't stop at 24 neat slices. In this Flashcards! episode, we explore why there are more than 24 time zones, how half-hour and 45-minute offsets came to be, how the International Date Line adds extra zones, why the North Pole has no official time, and how you'd pick a clock for a polar meeting (with a nod to Nunavut coffee culture near the top of the world).

G.M.T.- Great Mini Takeaways

Time feels natural, but the way we measure it is entirely human-made. From Mesopotamian star charts and Egyptian solar calendars to Roman reforms, medieval clock towers, and modern atomic precision, this episode explores how we constructed the framework of time itself.

3 Timeless Takeaways:

Resources & Links Mentioned:

We use maps all day, including Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps. We use them without even noticing that every one of them distorts reality. In this episode, Gabrielle explains why flattening a round Earth always bends the truth, how classic projections (like Mercator) live inside today's apps, and why those distortions shape our mental picture of the world. Practical, visual, and myth-busting, this is cartography you can feel on your daily commute.

To hear the podcast on Marie Tharp, visit: Math Science History with Gabrielle Birchak

Three Coordinates to Remember

Geologist-cartographer Marie Tharp turned echo-sounding numbers into the first global seafloor maps—revealing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's rift valley and helping vindicate Alfred Wegener's once-dismissed theory of continental drift. This episode traces Tharp's path from wartime classrooms to world-changing maps, the resistance she faced, and the recognition that finally followed.

Three Key Points:

Resources & Further Re...

In this Flashcards Friday, Gabrielle shows how you already think like a scientist. Using three simple ideas from microscopy: magnification, illumination, and focus, she connects everyday phone habits (zooming, finding good light, tapping to focus) to centuries of scientific practice.

Three Flashcards

Magnification: How "zooming in" reveals hidden detail, and why that mindset matters in science and daily life.

Illumination: How changing the light transforms what you can see, from selfies to specimens.

Focus: Why patience and fine-tuning bring true clarity (on your phone and under a lens).

Links...

First crafted in the late 16th century, the microscope forever changed science by revealing worlds hidden from the naked eye. In this special repost from 2020, Gabrielle takes you through centuries of innovation—from glass lenses to high-tech marvels—and explores how this transformative tool shaped medicine, biology, and our understanding of life itself.

Three key topics

The origins of the microscope, including its earliest inventors and the coining of its name in 1625.

How microscopes evolved from simple lenses to electron and cryo-electron imaging.

The ways microscopes continue to impact scientific discovery toda...

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, we explore the ethics of exploration through three lenses: the protests over modern overtourism, the historical insights of early scientific explorers, and the fictional moral compass of Star Trek's Prime Directive. From 18th-century expeditions to the 23rd-century starship Enterprise, we examine how curiosity, respect, and humility can guide how we move through the world, whether on cobblestone streets or alien worlds.

Three Things Listeners Will Learn

The origins and real-world inspiration behind Star Trek's Prime Directive.

How early scientific explorers approached discovery with respect for cultures...

This episode bridges the ancient and the cutting-edge, tracing the legacy of 7th-century mathematician Brahmagupta, who formalized the concept of zero, to today's quantum computing revolution. We explore how his foundational work in numerical systems underpins binary logic and, ultimately, the qubits powering modern quantum processors like Microsoft's Majorana 1 and Google's Willow. From historical insight to the promise of quantum-driven solutions for climate change, medicine, and cybersecurity, this episode is a testament to how human innovation builds across centuries.

The key points include

How Brahmagupta's introduction of zero and rules for numbers shaped the foundation...

Construction noise outside Gabrielle's studio becomes the perfect backdrop to this week's Flashcard Friday episode. From ancient geometry and Pythagorean ropes to Brunelleschi's Renaissance dome and today's AI-assisted architecture, this episode explores how math and science have always been at the heart of building human civilization. Whether it's the silent symmetry of Islamic domes or the loud clatter of skyscrapers rising, construction is the sound of applied mathematics — past and present.

Three take-aways:

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle explores the unexpected origin story of the word scientist. It all started with Mary Somerville's 1834 book On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences, which sparked a humorous yet historic review by William Whewell. From ridicule to resistance, the term evolved amid fierce linguistic debate, public mockery, and eventual global adoption. Discover how one word came to define a profession, and why that battle still matters today.

Key topics:

On this Flashcards Friday episode, Gabrielle serves up a tasty blend of chemistry, humor, and history. Coinciding with National Avocado Day, this episode dives into the life and legacy of Amedeo Avogadro, the 19th-century chemist behind the foundational theorem of gas volumes, and how his name unexpectedly became linked with everyone's favorite green fruit. From moles to molecules to memes, Gabrielle brings the science home, one chip at a time.

🌱 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Who Amedeo Avogadro was and what his theorem states about gas volumes.

2. How the mole (6.022 × 10²³) became a centra...

Lise Meitner changed the world, and the world nearly forgot her. In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak explores Meitner's brilliant mind, her escape from Nazi Germany, her critical role in discovering nuclear fission, and why the Nobel Committee turned a blind eye. Join us as we honor a scientist who refused to let science become a weapon.

3 Things Listeners Will Learn:

Why Lise Meitner was central to the discovery of nuclear fission, and how her contribution was overlooked by the Nobel Committee.

How the rise of Nazi Germany forced her...

In this Flashcard Friday episode of Math, Science, History, host Gabrielle Birchak takes you into the steamy jungles of the 19th-century Malay Archipelago, where a fever-stricken explorer had a revelation that would change biology forever. Meet Alfred Russel Wallace, the naturalist whose fieldwork and tropical travels led to the theory of natural selection, at the same time as Darwin.

From his challenging journey to his humility in the face of discovery, Wallace's story reminds us that science doesn't always happen in a lab. It sometimes happens in a mosquito-filled hut, guided by sheer determination and a passion...

In this special podcast swap episode, Math Science History teams up with History Daily to bring you one of the most enduring mysteries in modern folklore — the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. From ancient Scottish lore to one of the most infamous photographic hoaxes of the 20th century, this captivating narrative blends history, myth, and media manipulation.

Gabrielle Birchak, host of Math Science History, also shares a brief reflection on Hypatia of Alexandria and her latest book Hypatia, The Sum of Her Life, now available on Amazon.

Enjoy this rich collaboration with History Daily, an...

In this episode of Flashcards Friday at Math! Science! History! Gabrielle Birchak unzips the fascinating world of packing problems, the mathematical puzzles behind fitting everything into your suitcase. Discover how optimization theory and combinatorial math are at play every time you pack, ship, or store something efficiently. Whether you're prepping for vacation or running a tech company, the same mathematical rules apply.

3 Take-aways! (Pun intended!)

1. What packing problems are and why they matter in math, logistics, and data storage.

2. Why packing problems are so difficult, and why your perfect suitcase is more impressive...

In this episode of Math! Science! History! we take a walk through the Scottish Highlands with Peter Higgs, figuratively and historically, to uncover the quiet moment in 1964 when a simple hike sparked a revolutionary idea in physics.

Discover how the weak nuclear force and electromagnetism are deeply connected by symmetry, why mass was such a mystery to physicists in the 20th century, and how the Higgs field changed everything.

From the elegance of theoretical predictions to the drama of the 48-year search for the Higgs boson, this story is not just about particles, it's about...

✈️ Episode Overview

Have you ever searched for a flight, left the tab open, and then gasped when the price jumped just a few hours later? In this Flashcards Friday episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak explores the mystery behind fluctuating airline prices—and reveals that it's not magic, but a powerful blend of mathematics, algorithms, behavioral psychology, and dynamic pricing strategies.

From fare buckets and revenue management to the cookies on your browser, Gabrielle breaks down how airlines control pricing and what you can do to outsmart the system and save money.

Long before telescopes and satellites, Hipparchus of Nicaea looked to the skies and changed the course of scientific history. In this fascinating episode of Math Science History, Gabrielle revisits the life and legacy of the ancient astronomer whose innovations in trigonometry, geography, and star mapping still resonate today. From discovering axial precession to laying the groundwork for the astrolabe, Hipparchus helped humanity understand our place in the cosmos: mathematically, geographically, and philosophically.

Three Key Take-Aways

How Hipparchus measured the Earth's axial precession and why this was a monumental scientific discovery.

The mathematical brilliance...

Episode Overview:

What do black holes, a teenage genius, and a long ocean voyage have in common? In this Flashcard Friday episode of Math, Science, History, Gabrielle tells the incredible story of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who, at just 19 years old, sailed from India to England and made a discovery that would transform astrophysics forever.

Armed only with a notebook and fresh ideas from quantum mechanics, Chandrasekhar calculated the limit of stellar collapse, now called the Chandrasekhar Limit, which revealed when a star collapses into a black hole. This isn't just a story about equations; it's a...

Episode Overview

Once dismissed as mathematical absurdities, black holes are now recognized as real, powerful features of our universe—cosmic wells where space, time, and even light collapse. In this episode of Math! Science! History!, we explore the astonishing story of how black holes evolved from a rejected theory to an accepted reality. From Einstein's reluctance and Oppenheimer's overlooked models, to John Wheeler's advocacy and Stephen Hawking's revolutionary radiation theory, this episode traces the full arc of scientific discovery—and what black holes reveal about our own place in the cosmos.

Three Key Take...

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.

...

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...

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 l...

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 b...

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 Li...

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.<...

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...

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 a...

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 fo...

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 Thi...

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"...

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...

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...

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 int...

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.

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...

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...

🔎 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...

🎙️ 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 rura...

🔎 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:

Climat...

🔎 Episode Overview In this episode of Math, Science, History, we explore one of the most quietly powerful forces in American democracy: gerrymandering. From its origin over 200 years ago to its impact on today's elections, gerrymandering is both a political weapon and a mathematical puzzle.

We break down the mathematical principles used to detect gerrymandering, explore real court cases in Southern states, and examine how computer science and voter data are used to both draw and fight unfair districts. You'll also learn how other countries handle redistricting—and what the U.S. can learn from them.

Wheth...

🎧 Episode Overview

Have you ever felt like you're stuck in time—waiting for change that never comes? In this episode of Math Science History, Gabrielle dives into the fascinating world of Zeno's Paradoxes, unraveling the ancient Greek puzzles that continue to influence modern science and mathematics. From Achilles and the tortoise to the Quantum Zeno Effect, this episode draws powerful connections between ancient philosophy, motion, and quantum physics.

Whether you're a student, philosopher, or someone who just loves a good paradox, you'll walk away from this episode with fresh insights and a whole new appreciation for h...

Welcome to Flashcard Friday on Math Science History! In today's bite-sized episode, we shift focus, literally and figuratively, onto photography. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, this quick guide reveals how simple mathematical concepts can dramatically improve your photo compositions. From the rule of thirds to the golden ratio and the exposure triangle, discover how math isn't just behind the lens, it is the lens.

Packed with practical tips and examples, this episode shows you how math and creativity go hand in hand when capturing the perfect shot.

Three Things You'll Learn...

🔎 Episode Overview:

In this episode of Math, Science, History, we dive into the fascinating life and work of Gérard Desargues, the 17th-century mathematician, engineer, and architect whose groundbreaking ideas in projective geometry laid the foundation for modern mathematical thought. Despite his contributions, Desargues' work was largely ignored during his lifetime, overshadowed by more well-known figures like René Descartes. However, his theorem and insights into perspective have since become essential in fields ranging from architecture to computer graphics. Join us as we explore how Desargues' ideas helped shape the way we understand space, depth, and geometry today!

FLASHCARDS: Hot and Cold Hacks for Temp Conversion

🔎 Episode Overview

In this episode of Flashcard Friday on Math, Science, History, we dive into the fascinating history of temperature measurement and introduce an easy mental trick for converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Learn how Gabriel Fahrenheit and Anders Celsius developed their temperature scales, why different countries use different systems, and how a simple formula can help you quickly convert between them—so you'll never pack the wrong clothes for your trip again!

🧠 What You'll Learn:

✔️ The History of Temperature Scales ✔️ Quick Mental Conversion Trick...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this shocking episode of Math! Science! History!, I uncover groundbreaking new research that challenges everything we thought we knew about the shape of our world. Are NASA and world governments hiding the truth? Could the moon landing have been staged? And what about gravity—is it even real? Buckle up as the podcast takes off into the most explosive scientific revelation of our time… or is it?

Prepare to have your mind blown, your worldview questioned, and, by the end of the episode, your skepticism sharpened, as we celebrate April Fools' Day with a...

FLASHCARDS: Agnodice and the Fight for Women in Medicine

Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode of Math, Science, History, we journey back to ancient Athens to uncover the legendary story of Agnodice, a woman who risked everything to practice medicine in a world where women weren't even allowed to learn it.

Disguised as a man, trained by one of the greatest physicians of the time, and beloved by her patients, Agnodike became a symbol of resistance and compassion. But was she a real person, or a myth meant to inspire change? Gabrielle Birchak...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, I sit down with the brilliant and engaging Kate Ertmann, the mathematician and storyteller behind Kate Loves Math. We discuss her fascinating journey from professional actress to 3D animation entrepreneur to organizational designer—ultimately landing in the world of math communication. Kate shares how math is embedded in everything, from human relationships to business structures, and how she embraces the power of chaos in life. Plus, we brainstorm a new podcast idea?!

🧠 What You'll Learn:

- How math is a universal language that connects tech, bu...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this episode of Math, Science, History, we explore emergency plumbing fixes using simple math and physics principles. Learn quick tricks to stop leaks under your kitchen sink, whether it's a pipe joint, crack, or hole, until a plumber arrives. Discover why these methods work and how you can use everyday materials like rubber, tape, and even coins to minimize water damage. Plus, get valuable preventative tips to avoid future plumbing issues.

🧠 What You'll Learn:

✔️ How to temporarily fix leaks in pipe joints, cracks, and holes using household items. ✔️ The science behind water p...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this special Podcasthon Week episode of Math Science History, I sit down with Irene Duah-Kessie, the founder and executive director of Rise In STEM (RiseinSTEM.ca). Rise In STEM is a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Irene shares her inspiring journey, the impact of mentorship, and how her organization is breaking barriers in STEM education.

As part of Podcasthon (Podcasthon.org), this episode highlights an incredible organization making a difference. If you're passionate about supporting diversity in STEM, tune in and learn how you...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this Flashcards episode of Math! Science! History!, we celebrate the life and legacy of Lillian Baumbach Jacobs, the first female master plumber in the U.S. Just in time for next week's Fix a Leak Week, we explore how Lillian defied societal norms, mastered a trade dominated by men, and became an unexpected icon, even receiving fan mail from soldiers during the Korean War. From her early days learning plumbing alongside her father to becoming the head of Baumbach Plumbers, Lillian's journey was one of perseverance, skill, and leadership. Her legacy not only paved the...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, we celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting two remarkable transgender figures in STEM: Dr. James Barry and Angela Clayton. Dr. Barry, a pioneering 19th-century surgeon, challenged societal norms to advance medical science and improve healthcare. Angela Clayton, a nuclear physicist, broke barriers in radiation safety and transgender advocacy. Their lives exemplify courage, innovation, and the pursuit of truth in both science and identity.

🧠 What You'll Learn:

1. The groundbreaking medical achievements of Dr. James Barry, including one of the first successful cesarean sections where...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this special Women's History Month episode of Math! Science! History! Flashcards, we explore the significance of women in leadership and why recognizing their contributions is more important than ever. We dive into the historic 1893 Congress of Women at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where brilliant women like Ellen Swallow Richards, Mary Putnam Jacobi, and Christine Ladd-Franklin made their mark in science, medicine, and mathematics. Their pioneering work laid the foundation for gender equality in academia and beyond.

✅ The role of the 1893 Congress of Women in advancing gender equality in science and acad...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this episode of Math, Science, History, we explore the incredible journey of Marjorie Rice—a homemaker who defied expectations and made a lasting impact on the world of mathematics. With nothing more than curiosity, determination, and a pencil, she discovered new classes of pentagonal tilings that had eluded professional mathematicians for decades. We'll dive into her early life, the moment that sparked her fascination with tessellations, and the innovative methods she used to uncover patterns that changed mathematical history.

How did an amateur mathematician working from her kitchen table revolutionize an entire field...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this Flashcard Friday episode of Math! Science! History!, we're diving into a simple yet powerful math trick: The Rule of 72. Have you ever wondered how long it takes for your investment to double? Or how quickly inflation can cut your purchasing power in half? The Rule of 72 offers a quick mental shortcut to estimate these changes without needing a calculator.

Join host Gabrielle Birchak as she breaks down the math behind this rule, explains why it works, and explores real-world applications in investing, savings, and inflation. Learn how small percentage changes can sig...

In this episode of Math! Science! History! we explore the life and legacy of Bob Moses, a pioneering activist and math educator. Discover how Moses used mathematics as a tool for social justice, empowering underserved communities with the freedom to learn and create change. We will delve into his work with the algebra project, his impact on civil rights, and how his unique approach to teaching math has influenced generations. Tune in for a deeper look at the role of education in shaping history.

If you are interested in reading more about Bob Moses, as well as...

It's Flashcard Friday! Have you ever made a mistake, and then realized it was the best mistake you've ever made?! Today's Flashcard is about a vacation, a petri dish and a mistake. For the transcripts, come visit us at www.MathScienceHistory.com ! And while you're there, please feel free to buy us a cup of coffee!

Thank you for listening! Until next week, carpe diem!

Gabrielle

Music is public domain. Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers. www.LloydRodgers.com 

It's Black History Month! This week is a repost from season one about Dr. Roger Arliner Young. She was America's first black, female zoologist to get her doctorate.  This month I'll be honoring the black, noble goddesses in STEM who inspire, motivate, and forge paths for those who have been marginalized. She is, no doubt, one of my favorite sheroes who succeeded despite our structural racism and antiquated gender bias.  

If you are interested in reading more about the history of math and science, please visit me on my blog at www.MathScienceHistory.com !

To buy m...

It's Flashcard Friday! Have you ever been stuck trying to memorize a phone number, and address, or something even longer like your credit card? Try chunking it out. The tips are all in the podcast!

Visit us at www.MathScienceHistory.com ! And while you're there, please feel free to buy us a cup of coffee!

Thank you for listening! Until next week, carpe diem!

Gabrielle

Music is public domain. Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers. www.LloydRodgers.com 

It's February and in Canada, Germany and the United States it's Black History Month! Today's episode celebrates three prominent Black Canadian scientists whose contributions to science made significant impacts not only in Canada, but around the world; they are William Allen Jones, Anderson Ruffin Abbott, and Sophia Bethena Jones.   

To read the podcast's transcripts, please visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

All music is public domain and ha...

You may have never heard of Claude Mydorge, but in the seventeenth century he made a difference in the world of science. Sometimes even the smallest contributions to knowledge can have a lasting impact! 

Visit us at www.MathScienceHistory.com ! And while you're there, please feel free to buy us a cup of coffee!

Thank you for listening! Until next week, carpe diem!

Gabrielle

Music is public domain. Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers. www.LloydRodgers.com 

This is a repost about Dr. Charles Drew from spring of 2020, and it is still timely, especially today. Even after Dr. Drew's passing, his name lived on. His home was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The United States Postal Service honored him, schools have been named after him, and a United States Navy ship has been named after him. Also, in 2002, he was listed as one of the 100 greatest African Americans. The details are all in the podcast! Visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com ! And while you're there, please feel free to buy me a cup of coffee! Duration: 00:11:57

Rabbits are known for their breeding expertise. And the mathematician Fibonacci utilized that knowledge to create a thought experiment that led to a sequence of numbers that we refer to as the Fibonacci Sequence. This sequence can also be drawn into a curve that we see in nature and within our DNA. Yes, we are all mathematically connected! 

To read the podcast's transcripts, please visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe...

Due to the L.A. fires, I am reposting an older podcast about the history of Earth Day. It is sad to note that in my intro, you will hear alarming sirens in the background, which juxtaposes the beautiful sound of the birds chirping in the reposted podcast I recorded five years ago. 

If you want to donate to help those affected by the L.A. fires, I have several links on my Website at  www.MathScienceHistory.com. Thank you so much for your contribution and help!

To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her...

In 1916, Elizebeth Smith Friedman's, a budding literary analyst, was visiting Chicago when her career took an unexpected turn. Taking a job at Riverbank Laboratories analyzing Shakespeare, she eventually went on to be one of our most prominent codebreakers. 

To read the podcast's transcripts, please visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

All music has no Copyright and no rights reserved. 

Spy Zone by Pablo Perez

François Viète was a lawyer and a cryptanalyst. As Spain was encroaching on France, his cryptography skills revealed how Spain would take down his beloved country. He did more than just alert the King. 

To read the podcast's transcripts, visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

You can buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon at https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

Show music by Lloyd Rodgers has no Copyright and no rights reserved.  

I'm diving deep into the chemistry of flavor, the history of spices, and the math behind crafting the perfect pumpkin spice latte. So go grab your cup of pumpkin spice whatever, get cozy, and let's explore!

To read the podcast's transcripts, visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

You can buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon at https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

Show music by Lloyd Rodgers has no Copyright and no rights reserved.  

Other music by

Geor...

This Halloween season at Math! Science! History!, we continue with the spookiness and I share with you my own ghost story! Was it what I thought I saw? Was it real? Or was it science playing tricks on me? Because science can often debunk what we think we see! 

To read the podcast's transcripts, visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

You can buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon at https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

All music by Lloyd Rodgers and h...

It's Halloween season! Our obsession with spooky stories goes back over 2,000 years! Today's podcast tells of an ancient haunting, as well as some recent ones! And, you will hear about some scientists who honor the paranormal. It's going to get spooooooky!!

To read the podcast's transcripts, visit me at www.MathScienceHistory.com.

You can buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon at https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h

Until next time, carpe diem!

All music by Lloyd Rodgers and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.