Explore every episode of the podcast The Math Club
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to our Ted Talk: An Interview with Ted Dintersmith | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:53:00 | |
All you have to do is look around to see that the world is changing very rapidly. But the course sequence of math education in American schools has changed little since the 1950s. In this episode, Pete and Noah welcome Ted Dintersmith, author of the book Aftermath, for a lively discussion about which math skills and concepts can best prepare today's students for the world of tomorrow. Questions Answered in the Episode:
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| Black Hole Fun - Exploring Kaprekar's Constant | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:32:10 | |
A close call on the Math Club holodeck sends Pete and Noah down a wormhole investigating Kaprekar's Constant. Beam aboard as we explore strange new algorithms and boldly discover what happens when numbers are put through this interesting iterative process. Questions Answered in the Episode
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| Introducing A Novel Approach | 25 Jul 2026 | 00:33:44 | |
Hey there, Math Club. We have some exciting news to share. Noah has teamed up with yet another Pete to bring you yet another show! A Novel Approach is dedicated to creating novel length stories, produced as immersive audio productions. The first book is called "The End of Secrets", and it explores what happens when the ancient world of vampires collides with the modern world of AI. In each pair of new episodes, you'll get to hear a new chapter of the book, and then a short discussion about how that chapter was put together. We're including the first chapter here. If you like it and want more, you can find it on Apple Podcasts, or in whatever podcast app you like to use. Just search for "A Novel Approach", or use our RSS feed | |||
| What are the Odds? - The Mathematics of Poker | 20 May 2026 | 00:41:50 | |
A friend's story leads Pete and Noah to dive into the high-stakes world of poker to settle a debate: does a flush really beat a straight? Using the tools of combinatorics and probability, our hosts break down the math behind five-card hands and explore how the hierarchy of the game is built upon the frequency of outcomes. Ante up... the next hand is about to begin! Questions Answered in the Episode
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| Life on Math: Living Your Best Mathematical Life | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:41:32 | |
A chat with Alexa leads Pete to contemplate what it looks like to lead his best mathematical life. But what does that mean? In this episode, Pete and Noah discuss ways to view mathematics not as a rigid school subject, but as a "grand adventure" that is constantly present in your life. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Around the World in 20 Problems: World Math Day 2026 | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:44:13 | |
In this episode, veteran educator Sheila Robitaille joins Pete and Noah to discuss World Math Day, a global competition for students ages 5 to 18 that promotes mathematical fluency through 60-second "live Mathletics" games. The conversation highlights the 2026 theme, "United by Numbers," exploring how gamification can foster a growth mindset and make math fun and engaging for kids at all levels of math proficiency.
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| One More Time: The Oddities of Benford's Law | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:45:06 | |
If we asked all of our listeners to look up the current population of their hometown and email us just the first digit of that number, what do you expect we'd find? Would the digits be evenly distributed, or would some be more common than others? In this episode, we look at Benford's Law, and learn some surprising truths about the distribution of numbers in natural data sets. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Partial Credit: Exploring Luhn's Algorithm | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:30:08 | |
Ever wonder how a website knows your credit card number is "invalid" before you even hit the submit button? In this commando-style holiday episode, Pete and Noah dive into the secrets of Luhn's Algorithm, a clever approach that uses simple arithmetic to validate sequences of digits. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| My Favorite Number - Listeners Share Their Favorite Numbers | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:40:58 | |
It's a simple question: What's your favorite number? But as Pete and Noah discover in this special episode, the answers are anything but simple—they're deeply personal, surprisingly mathematical, and always connected to a story. Join our hosts as they open up the floor to listeners, friends, and family to find out their favorite numbers and the fascinating reasons behind their choices. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Bonus Material - Math Club Junior: It's a Zoo Out There! | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:01:06 | |
Hey there Math Club. Our most recent episode, Math Club Junior: It's a Zoo Out There, was our second special episode made specifically for kids. When Noah was planning how he wanted to use the episode with his own third grade class, he knew that some visuals would come in handy, so he created a slide deck with images to go along with each problem that the students will have to solve. If you'd like to use this resource along with the audio, you can find it by going to: https://bit.ly/mcj_zoo
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| Math Club Junior: It's a Zoo Out There | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:27:43 | |
In this long-awaited followup to our popular Math Club Junior episode, Pete and Noah are back with Mrs. Morrison's class, as chaperones on a field trip to the local zoo. Listen in as our group of Junior Zookeepers meet a whole new cast of zany characters, and once again learn that math is everywhere if you just look around. And just like last time, this story is full of interesting math challenges for listeners in the upper elementary grades to enjoy and solve. • A slide deck with visuals to go along with each problem from the story
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| Means of Transportation: The Mean Value Theorem and Average Speed Zones | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:34:25 | |
A family visit to the Netherlands introduces Pete to the idea of average speed zones, which illustrate a particularly interesting mathematical theorem. Join our hosts as they really go off on a tangent about the mean value theorem, and how it just might get you a speeding ticket. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Q.E.D.: The Proving of Fermat's Last Theorem | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:50:30 | |
It's finally here! Part Three of the Fermat Trilogy! In this exciting conclusion, Pete and Noah talk about the mathematicians who ultimately proved (or thought they'd proven) Fermat's Last Theorem. Join us for the final chapter of this riveting 350 year journey!
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Sophie's Chase: More History of Fermat's Last Theorem | 07 May 2025 | 00:42:08 | |
Join us for part two of our deep dive into the history of Fermat's Last Theorem. In this episode, Pete and Noah focus on the fascinating story of Sophie Germain, a 19th century French mathematician who pursued a proof in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Come learn about this impressive chapter in the saga of one of the most interesting problems in mathematical history. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Non-trivial Pursuit: The History of Fermat's Last Theorem | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:36:17 | |
A few episodes back, our hosts talked about the great unsolved mathematical problems of our time, and Pete teased an interesting story about one such problem that was finally solved not too long ago. In this first of a two-part episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Fermat's Last Theorem... from its inception, to Fermat's bold claim that he had a proof that he couldn't share, to the mathematical greats of yesteryear who took up the challenge to prove it. Join us for a look into this intriguing conjecture, and its amazing history. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| The Rules They Are A-Changin': A Conversation with Fluxx Creator Andrew Looney | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:44:43 | |
In this episode, Pete and Noah are joined by Andy Looney, the creator of the card game Fluxx, to talk about Math Fluxx and his history designing games. Whether you're a math person who loves a good game or a game person who loves to do math, we're sure you'll find Andy and his story to be interestingly enjoyable. Game on!
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| A Wrinkle in Spacetime: A Mathematical Discussion about Spacetime | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:38:56 | |
If you've ever seen a science fiction movie or TV show, then you've heard of the spacetime continuum. But what is it, and is there math that describes it? In this episode, Pete and Noah dive into the facts about spacetime, and its fascinating mathematical history. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| I Have a Little Bias: The Mathematics of Dreidel | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:49:42 | |
It's the holiday season, and Pete and Noah are getting into the festive spirit by looking at the math behind a favorite Hannukah game. Join our hosts as they delve into the probabilities of the dreidel and uncover a counterintuitive truth about its fairness. Whatever traditions you and your family look forward to at this time of year, we promise a lively and interesting time as we take this topic for a spin. Seasons Greetings! • Robert Feinerman's paper, An Ancient Unfair Game Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Finding Primo: The Search for Very Large Primes | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:46:53 | |
Have you heard the big news? There's a new largest known prime number, and Noah wants to know how it was discovered. In this episode, Pete explains the various tests used to determine the primality of insanely large numbers, and there's even a prime challenge for you to sink your teeth into. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Talkin' 'bout My Generation: A Deep Dive into The Math Club | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:26:36 | |
Are you ready to revisit the best of The Math Club? Pete and Noah share a trip down memory lane with a pair of special guests. But as they dive deeper into their past episodes, a nagging feeling grows harder to ignore.. Who are these mysterious guests, and what strange secret are they hiding from our hosts? Episodes we reference in our conversation:
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| Elective Procedures: The Mathematics of Voting Systems | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:43:51 | |
The memory of a restaurant-choosing game from grad school inspires Pete and Noah to look at different voting systems, and the math behind how they work to select a winning candidate. From standard majority rules to ranked choice to plurality with elimination, join our hosts for a lively (and timely) conversation about how our voting system can be just as important as our vote. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Two Heads are Better Than One: A Counterintuitive Coin Flipping Problem | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:38:06 | |
An unlikely string of coin flips leads to a conversation about a counterintuive puzzle that Pete found online. Join in on the fun as Pete and Noah dissect this problem, and talk about multiple ways to approach understanding its solution. • Daniel Litt's Twitter post with the puzzle • Noah's Scratch simulation of the problem
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Mini Series | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:05:24 | |
Hey Math Club... Pete and Noah need your help with a data mystery, so they put this mini-episode together. If you think you have any info that can help shed some light, drop us a line... | |||
| Houston, We Have Some Problems: Currently Unsolved Math Questions | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:34:44 | |
Unsolved. From the origin of Stonehenge, to the identity of Jack the Ripper, to the location of all those missing dryer socks, the world is full of unsolved questions. But what about math? Join Pete and Noah as they discuss some of the great unsolved problems facing mathematicians today. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Making it Count: An Interview with MATHCOUNTS | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:42:47 | |
Pete's efforts to help Noah prepare for an upcoming math competition lead to a conversation with Kristen Chandler, the executive director of MATHCOUNTS. Join Pete and Noah as they learn about this fascinating organization that provides engaging math programs to middle school students around the country.
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Hire Order Thinking: Exploring Optimal Stopping Theory | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:39:08 | |
A batch of almost perfect waffles leads Pete and Noah into an exploration of an interesting probability result. Come find out how, whether you're eating breakfast or hiring a new employee, math is here to help you make the best choice. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Double Dealing: The Mathematics of Deal or No Deal, Part 2 | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:35:09 | |
It's time for our second episode about the mathematics of Deal or No Deal. At the end of Part 1, Noah asked Pete if The Banker follows certain set rules or patterns when deciding how much to offer contestants, and a challenge was born. Is it possible to use data from past shows to devise an algorithm that can predict the offers? Stay tuned as Pete takes Noah along on his mathematical journey in search of a model that works. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| What's the Deal?: The Mathematics of Deal or No Deal | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:27:36 | |
The recent return of this classic game show prompts Pete and Noah to discuss the probability and statistics at work, to see if they can figure out what makes for a "good deal". Join in as they dive into the mathematics behind the show. They'll even present you with a challenge that could earn you a shout out on a future episode. • Deal or No Deal Data for this episode's challenge Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| A Mathematician Walks Into a Bar: A Celebration of Math Jokes | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:33:25 | |
It's The Math Club's second anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by telling a bunch of math jokes? Join us as we share our favorites, along with jokes from our listeners and a few special surprises along the way. Knock knock. Who's there? The Math Club! | |||
| Leaving Flatland: A Discussion About Higher Spatial Dimensions | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:29:23 | |
How many dimensions does a sphere have? If you said three (like Noah did), you may be surprised to hear that you overshot. In this episode, Pete and Noah explore spatial dimensions, and use a literary classic to illustrate what it even means when mathematicians talk about spaces with more than three. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Rooty Tooty: Calculating Square Roots by Hand | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:33:16 | |
A family movie night reminds Pete of an ancient algorithm for calculating square roots, so it's back to The Math Club with pencils and paper in hand. Join Pete and Noah as they investigate this algorithm to see just how accurate its results can be.
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Math Club Encore: So Many Birds | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:21:35 | |
Hey there, Math Club. We're taking some time off to spend the holidays with our families, so this week we have a rerun of last year's holiday episode... So Many Birds. Season's Greetings! With the holidays on the horizon, a famous song leads Pete and Noah to talk about strategies for adding up long sequences of numbers. Come join the fun, and learn how a young Carl Gauss may (or may not) have done it. And if you're up for a challenge, we even "sum it up" with a special holiday puzzle for you to try. • Brian Hayes's article in American Scientist • Leave us a voice message | |||
| Math Club Encore: Tales from Decrypt | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:41:45 | |
Hey there, Math Club. We're taking some time off to spend the holidays with our families, so we have a rerun of one of our favorite episodes this week... Tales from Decrypt. Today's match-up answers the age-old question of what happens when an unstoppable brain meets an unbreakable cipher. In the red corner, weighing in at 2,193 digits…. Noah's deviously encrypted message! And in the blue corner.... The Commissioner of Codebreaking…. The Foreman of Frequency Analysis…. Pete's decoding skills! Only one will leave the ring victorious. Who will it be? Tune in and find out! The match is about to begin... DING DING DING!
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| Hip to be Square: Investigating Magic Squares | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:50:16 | |
Ever heard of a magic square? How about 17 quintillion magic squares? In this episode, Pete and Noah explore these fascinating mathematical objects to find out more about them. Join in the fun as we look at examples of centuries-old magic squares, and investigate the fascinating connections they share with some modern day puzzles.
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Linear Thinking: A Puzzle Involving a Linear System of Equations | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:36:18 | |
In this episode, Pete and Noah tackle an "unsolvable math problem" that appeared in a recent Newsweek article (Spoiler: It's not that unsolvable). Join us as we apply linear algebra to this puzzle from start to Finnish.
Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| MathGPT: Can AI Do Math? | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:42:12 | |
In this episode, Pete and Noah explore the question, "Can AI do math?" Armed with several boxes of Chicken McNuggets, they put ChatGPT to the test, scrutinizing its mathematical prowess and giggling over how bad its attempts sometimes are. Join them as they investigate just how far the digital mind can go in mastering the realm of numbers. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| A Tactical Advantage: An interview about Fact Tactics with Dr. Juli Dixon | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:38:30 | |
A somewhat traumatic memory about fifth grade timed multiplication tests inspires Pete and Noah to have a conversation with Dr. Juli Dixon, author of a brand new program for teaching math facts fluency without all of the anxiety. Join us for our most factacular episode to date! Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Dome Sweet Dome: Exploring Geodesic Structures | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:35:14 | |
What do you get if you cross 11,520 isosceles triangles with the happiest place on Earth? The Epcot ball, of course, which is perhaps the most famous geodesic structure in the world. Join Pete and Noah as they investigate these incredibly sturdy mathematical objects… and make sure to wear your clam diggers! Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| The Elevator and the Fencepost: Zero-Based Counting | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:30:13 | |
Pete is back, and Noah is eager to hear about his trip and record a new episode about an interesting bit of European math. Join us for some zero-based counting, inspired by an elevator that Pete rode on his first day in Spain.
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| A Math Workout: An Interview with the Mathnasium | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:29:36 | |
We've spoken with previous guests about classroom math instruction, as well as how to help students with learning disabilities in mathematics. But what about the enormous middle ground of students who need extra help, but don't qualify for special education services? In this episode we're joined by Jonathan Bleecker, owner of a Mathnasium learning center, for an engaging conversation about how math tutors help to fill in those gaps. Questions Answered in the Episode:
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| We Love the Subs: Using Substitution in Math | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:29:08 | |
In this episode, the search for a temporary co-host to sub for Pete turns into a conversation about mathematical substitutions. Join Noah and (the other) Pete as they talk about this powerful strategy, and why being manipulative can be a good thing when you're doing math. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Those Who Can, Teach: A Conversation about Mathematics Instruction | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:40:02 | |
With Pete away on vacation, Noah invites a panel of educators over for a lively conversation about mathematics instruction. Join us as the panel discusses their early days in the classroom, how math education has changed over the past few decades, and what changes they'd like to see in the future. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| I, Conic: What are Conic Sections? | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:40:22 | |
An idea for a new ice cream treat leads Pete and Noah to discuss the different conic sections that can be created by intersecting a cone with a plane at various angles. Grab a flashlight and get ready to shine a (cone-shaped) light on these interesting geometric creations with us. Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Made to Order: PEMDAS and the Order of Operations | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:42:39 | |
You've probably seen people arguing on social media about memes that say: "Only a true genius will get this one right", followed by a simple looking expression to evaluate. In this episode, a mathematical miscalculation inspires a conversation about math conventions, order of operations, and being careful before placing a delivery order. And the best news is, you don't have to be a true genius to enjoy this episode! Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Cool Beans: An Experiment with Newton's Law of Cooling | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:41:53 | |
After Pete spills a cup of hot coffee, he and Noah conduct an experiment to test Newton's Law of Cooling, a physical law that describes the rate at which warm objects cool down. Along the way, they discuss differential equations, exponential functions, and the proper way to sit after getting in a hot tub. This may be the hottest episode of the Math Club yet! Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Model Behavior: What is the Petrie Multiplier? | 31 May 2023 | 00:27:13 | |
Have you ever engaged in some friendly smack-talk during a sporting event? In this episode, Pete and Noah are on the receiving end of a lot of teasing out on the softball field. After the game, they analyze this kind of interaction and use a clever thought experiment to shed light on an important issue of social equality. Questions Answered in the Episode:
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| Math Problems: An Interview with Anneke Schreuder about Dyscalculia | 17 May 2023 | 00:48:19 | |
We all know people who describe themselves as "not a math person". For many of them it's not simply a preference, but a neurological condition. In this episode, Pete and Noah speak with Dr. Anneke Schreuder about dyscalculia, the lesser-known mathematical counterpart to dyslexia. Join us for an eye-opening conversation as we learn what it is and how it can be identified and treated.
Questions Answered in the Episode
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| One, Singular Sensation: The Role of 1 in Ring Theory | 03 May 2023 | 00:42:22 | |
The Beach Boys are famous for "getting around", but do you know that the number one gets around a lot, too? In this episode, one takes center stage as Pete and Noah take a central look at some of the places, both exotic and familiar, that one gets around to. This is "one" episode you don't want to miss!
• Leave us a voice message Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Paradox City | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:31:59 | |
Happy birthday… to us! The Math Club is one year old today, and Pete and Noah are celebrating with a fun-filled discussion of the birthday paradox. Come join the celebration - you might be surprised where it takes you! • Leave us a voice message Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||
| Your Mileage May Vary: Miles per Gallon vs. Gallons per Mile | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:30:33 | |
How much do you think you spent on gas when you took your last road trip? If you live in the United States, chances are that would make you think about your car's miles per gallon. But in other parts of the world, fuel effieciency is measured not in MPG, but in gallons per hundred miles. In this epsiode, Pete and Noah examine this fraction-flipping phenomenon, and weigh in on which version they like better. So hop in the car and get ready to go for a ride with the Math Club. • Leave us a voice message Questions Answered in the Episode: | |||