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PODCAST

Intersecting Us

Dave Kester & Brian Rihner

Brian Rihner and Dave Kester started their first business venture together in 1995. Now, 28 years later, they reunite again to talk about their passions of math, life, hope, and faith, and how they are all connected. They provided a probing and analytic perspective to consider the beauty, wonder and timeless treasures of these topics and how they have the power to draw us closer together.

science mathematics

All Episodes

3:03

Reasonable Hope Mathematics - Early Preview of Day 3

Intersecting Us ·

2026/03/16

Mathematics is often seen as the domain of certainty. Once something is proven, it feels settled.But every proof begins with assumptions.In this reflection, Dave explores one of the most surprising moments in mathematical history: the introduction of a number whose square is negative. At first it seemed impossible. Yet allowing that single assumption opened the door to the complex numbers — a richer system that didn’t replace the real numbers, but expanded them.The lesson reaches beyond

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2:59

Reasonable Hope Mathematics - Early Preview of Day 2

Intersecting Us ·

2026/03/16

For centuries, Euclid’s geometry seemed complete — a perfect system built from simple assumptions.But one assumption always stood out: the parallel postulate.Mathematicians struggled with it for generations. Some quietly explored what would happen if that assumption changed. When Bernhard Riemann finally asked the question openly, something surprising happened. Entirely new geometries appeared — coherent worlds where triangles don’t add up to 180 degrees.The lesson reaches far beyond

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3:09

Reasonable Hope Mathematics - Early Preview of Day 1

Intersecting Us ·

2026/03/16

For centuries, Euclid’s geometry seemed complete — a perfect system built from simple assumptions.But one assumption always stood out: the parallel postulate.Mathematicians struggled with it for generations. Some quietly explored what would happen if that assumption changed. When Bernhard Riemann finally asked the question openly, something surprising happened. Entirely new geometries appeared — coherent worlds where triangles don’t add up to 180 degrees.The lesson reaches far beyond

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2:14

Reasonable Hope Philosophy - Early Preview of Day 3

Intersecting Us ·

2026/03/12

Episode 3: The Actuary’s LeapActuaries spend their careers studying risk. Using data, mortality tables, and probability, they calculate what is likely to happen across large populations. This work is built on a mathematical idea called expected value—the attempt to price the future based on what happens on average.But there is a limit to what the math can tell us.Even the best models can’t predict what will happen to one specific person tomorrow. They deal in aggregates, probabilities, and

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2:46

Reasonable Hope Philosophy - Early Preview of Day 2

Intersecting Us ·

2026/03/12

Episode 2: The Psychological MirageWhy do we crave certainty so deeply?In mathematics, a proof often ends with Q.E.D. — “that which was to be demonstrated.” It’s the satisfying period at the end of the argument. Solid ground. Finality.But in life, that kind of certainty is rare.Our minds naturally long for the feeling of complete safety — certainty about our health, our investments, our relationships, and our beliefs. Yet the feeling of certainty can be misleading. We can feel absolutely certain

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3:21

Reasonable Hope Philosophy - Early Preview of Day 1

Intersecting Us ·

2026/03/12

How certain do you need to be before you act?In this opening episode of Reasonable Hope, Brian reflects on a lesson from actuarial science: life rarely operates in absolutes. While mathematics often deals in certainty—0 or 1—our daily decisions live somewhere in between.Drawing from his years as an actuary, Brian explores the difference between certainty and confidence. Certainty is a psychological feeling of safety. Confidence, however, comes from the Latin com fide—“with faith.”Engineers design

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34:46

Investing in Others: The Love That Fosters Personal...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/09/09

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the theme of love and its many facets, from tough love to unconditional support. The conversation highlights the importance of intrinsic worth and identity beyond achievements, particularly in the context of mathematics and education. Personal stories and experiences underscore the transformative power of focusing on others, emphasizing the value of relationships and community. The episode encourages listeners to invest in others and recognize their

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34:10

Belonging in Numbers

Intersecting Us ·

2024/07/29

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the deep connections between mathematics, community, and personal growth. They discuss how struggling with mathematical proofs, like those of the Pythagorean Theorem, leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of their underlying principles. The conversation highlights the role of community and collaboration in overcoming these challenges and making discoveries. The hosts also touch on how the timeless and universal nature of mathematics allows

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34:49

The impact of Freedom in Math.

Intersecting Us ·

2024/06/18

In this episode, the podcast delves into the multifaceted concept of freedom within mathematics, exploring its implications for exploration, imagination, understanding, and inclusion. Through examples like the Pythagorean theorem, Euler's contributions to topology, and the universal relevance of mathematical concepts like pi and E, the conversation highlights how mathematics transcends cultural and disciplinary boundaries, offering a common language for connection and growth. The episode emphasizes

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33:42

Math and Morality: Bridging the Gap between Numbers...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/05/20

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the intersection of mathematics and justice, inspired by the ideas presented in a book. They delve into the concepts of primary justice, rectifying justice, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and care. The conversation explores implicit biases, belonging, and the role of community in advocating for justice.

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32:46

The Altruistic Nature of Math: Empowering Others...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/05/13

In this episode, the podcast delves into the transformative power of math, exploring how it can empower individuals, transcend physical limitations, and foster creativity and understanding. Through anecdotes like Chris's journey of mathematical discovery in prison and the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, the discussion highlights how math can be a tool for personal growth and societal betterment. The focus shifts from coercive power to creative power, emphasizing its altruistic nature and its

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32:49

The Art of Persistence: Finding Growth in the Face of...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/05/06

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of struggle and its role in personal growth and mastery, drawing from examples in mathematics and programming. They share stories of grappling with complex problems, finding unexpected insights, and the satisfaction of mastering difficult tasks. The conversation explores the difference between external and internal goods, emphasizing the value of perseverance and the mindset of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

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33:52

Discovering Truth: The Role of Mathematics in...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/04/22

In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of truth and its pursuit, emphasizing the virtues of intellectual humility, admitting mistakes, and avoiding overgeneralizations. They discuss how mathematics aids in understanding truth, from correcting errors in data to defining new concepts like imaginary numbers. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the journey of seeking truth, acknowledging that it involves struggle and growth.

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31:26

Permanence: Trusting the Beauty and Truth of Math

Intersecting Us ·

2024/03/26

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of permanence, focusing on the Pythagorean Theorem as an eternal and underappreciated equation. They explore the beauty and truth embedded in the theorem and its various proofs throughout history, emphasizing its role as a reliable foothold in the world of mathematics. The hosts connect the permanence of mathematical truths to the broader theme of trust and explore its implications for understanding the world.

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33:45

Discovering Beauty in Mathematics: From Patterns to...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/03/19

In this podcast passage, the hosts discuss the multifaceted nature of beauty in mathematics, exploring sensory, wondrous, insightful, and transcendent dimensions. They delve into the aesthetic aspects of mathematical patterns, the elegance of proofs, and the pursuit of deeper understanding. The concept of transcendent beauty is highlighted, drawing parallels with transcendental numbers like Pi and E, which captivate mathematicians over centuries. The hosts emphasize the joy and virtues cultivated

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3:14

Thinking Outside the Circle: Rethinking Pi Day

Intersecting Us ·

2024/03/14

The passage discusses various ways to celebrate Pi Day, including enjoying pie, making pie jokes, or simply acknowledging the significance of pi. It emphasizes that Pi Day should be about trying new things, as pi itself represents a unique concept beyond just being a number. The conversation delves into the deeper meaning of pi as a relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle, likening it to the difference between a static image and a dynamic relationship. It suggests that

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30:58

Exploring the Playful Side of Math

Intersecting Us ·

2024/03/11

The podcast discusses the intersection of work and play in mathematics, emphasizing the value of community and collaboration in learning. It explores the evolving landscape of math education, encouraging a shift towards discovery, play, and freedom in the learning process. The hosts share personal experiences with exams, teamwork, and the joy of teaching, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the growth mindset in mathematical pursuits.

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32:15

Patterns with Purpose: Exploring the Intrinsic...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/02/26

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the intrinsic meaning and value found in mathematics. They discuss the existential aspect of math, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying significance of mathematical concepts rather than merely memorizing steps. The hosts explore the history of mathematicians and the joy of connecting with their journeys, appreciating the permanence of mathematical truths. They highlight the uniqueness of individual engagement with math, emphasizing

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37:21

From Philosophy to Math: Bridging the Gap Between...

Intersecting Us ·

2024/02/19

Summary: In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss decision-making, free will, and philosophical concepts. They delve into personal experiences, neuroscience, and the intersection of determinism and free will. Later, the conversation shifts to mathematicians Descartes and Fermat, exploring their contrasting lives and contributions, emphasizing Fermat's last theorem.

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30:35

Actuarial Mindsets in Business and Life

Intersecting Us ·

2024/02/12

In this podcast episode, the hosts engage with two guests, Charlie and Prabal, discussing their experiences in the actuarial field, decision-making, and the application of actuarial skills in personal business ventures. Charlie shares insights on using risk analytics tools from his actuarial training in his investment strategies, emphasizing concepts like risk pricing, asset and liability management, and diversification. Prabal, involved in podcast production, explains his role and how AI aids in

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40 results

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