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PODCAST

Math! Science! History!

Gabrielle Birchak

Math! Science! History! is about the history of people, theories, and discoveries that have moved our scientific progress forward and spurred us on to unimaginable discoveries. Join Gabrielle Birchak for a little math, a little science, and a little history. All in a little bit of time.

science mathematics

All Episodes

09:34

FLASHCARDS! Alcuin of York

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/09/19

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

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44:37

Science Under Siege

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/09/16

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

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05:24

FLASHCARDS! You Could Be a Scientist! Everyday...

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/08/22

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

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09:52

FLASHCARDS! Tourism: When History and Star Trek...

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/08/15

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

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19:14

The Truth Behind the Loch Ness Monster: History Daily...

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/07/22

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

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08:25

FLASHCARDS FRIDAY! Just say NO to Melanoma

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/06/27

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

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07:47

FLASHCARDS FRIDAYS! Ancient Vacations

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/06/13

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

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09:59

FLASHCARDS! Pride Month: Facts speak louder than lies

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/06/06

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

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23:11

How the Ancient Maya Invented Zero and Decoded the...

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/06/03

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

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08:06

FLASHCARDS: Math in Your Head: Metric Conversions...

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/05/30

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

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30:50

Einstein's Equal: The Genius of Mileva Marić

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/05/13

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.

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18:19

Laplace's Demon: An Interview Through Time

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/05/06

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

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07:28

FLASHCARDS: Math, Logic, and Paradoxes Explained

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/05/02

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

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29:06

Boolean Logic and Winning Cluedo

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/04/29

🔎 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

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29:24

Earth Day 2050 – A World News Report

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/04/22

🔎 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

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07:59

FLASHCARDS: Gerrymandering and the Math Behind the Maps

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/04/18

🔎 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

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06:38

FLASHCARDS: How Math Can Instantly Improve Your...

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/04/11

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

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06:58

FLASHCARDS: Hot and Cold Hacks for Temp Conversion

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/04/04

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

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08:03

FLASHCARDS: Quick Physics Tricks for Plumbing Leaks

Math! Science! History! ·

2025/03/21

🔎 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: ✔️

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29:23

Episode 86 - Elizebeth Friedman: Codebreaker Legacy

Math! Science! History! ·

2024/12/03

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

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101 results

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