The Intersection of Mathematics and Democracy

This discussion Autumn and Gabe delves into Ismar Volic's personal background and inspiration for writing the book, "Making Democracy Count [https://amzn.to/3VZDJo7]" as well as the practical and theoretical aspects of voting systems. Additionally, the conversation explores the application of voting systems to everyday decision-making and the use of topological data analysis in understanding societal polarization. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including data visualization, gerrymandering, electoral systems, and the intersection of mathematics and democracy. Volic, shares insights on the practical implications of implementing mathematical improvements in electoral systems and the legal and constitutional hurdles that may arise. He also discusses the importance of educating oneself about the quantitative underpinnings of democracy and the need for interdisciplinary discussions that bridge mathematics and politics. Keywords: math podcast, creativity, mascot, background, Matlab, ranked choice voting, elections, author's background, inspiration, voting systems, topological data analysis, societal polarization, mathematics, democracy, data visualization, gerrymandering, electoral systems, interdisciplinary discussions, practical implications, legal hurdles, constitutional considerations You can find Ismar Volic on Twitter and LinkedIn @ismarvolic. Please go check out the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy [https://mathematics-democracy-institute.org/] and Volic's new book "Making Democracy Count [https://amzn.to/3VZDJo7]" Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of Breaking Math [https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath] for as little as a buck a month Follow Breaking Math on Twitter [https://www.patreon.com/breakingmath], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingmathmedia/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-math/], Website [https://breakingmath.io/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingMathPod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingmathmedia] Follow Autumn on Twitter [https://x.com/1autumn_leaf] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/1autumnleaf/] Follow Gabe on Twitter [https://x.com/TechPodGabe]. Become a guest here [https://www.breakingmath.io/contact] email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Om Podcasten

Breaking Math is a deep-dive science, technology, engineering, AI, and mathematics podcast that explores the world through the lens of logic, patterns, and critical thinking. Hosted by Autumn Phaneuf, an expert in industrial engineering, operations research and applied mathematics, and Gabriel Hesch, an electrical engineer (host from 2016-2024) with a passion for mathematical clarity, the show is dedicated to uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape our future. What began as a conversation about math as a pure and elegant discipline has evolved into a platform for bold, interdisciplinary dialogue. Each episode of Breaking Math takes listeners on an intellectual journey—whether it’s into the strange beauty of chaos theory, the ethical dilemmas of AI, the deep structures of biological evolution, or the thermodynamics of black holes. Along the way, Autumn and Gabriel interview leading thinkers and working scientists from across the spectrum: computer scientists, quantum physicists, chemists, philosophers, neuroscientists, and more. But this isn’t just a podcast about equations—it’s a show about how mathematics influences the way we think, create, build, and understand. Breaking Math pushes back against the idea that STEM belongs behind a paywall or an academic podium. It’s for the curious, the critical, the creative—for anyone who believes that ideas should be rigorous, accessible, and infused with wonder. If you've ever wondered: * What’s the math behind machine learning? * How do we quantify uncertainty in climate models? * Can consciousness be described in AI? * Why does beauty matter in an equation? Then you’re in the right place. At its heart, Breaking Math is about building bridges—between disciplines, between experts and the public, and between the abstract world of mathematics and the messy, magnificent reality we live in. With humor, clarity, and deep respect for complexity, Autumn and Gabriel invite you to rethink what math can be—and how it can help us shape a better future. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Website: https://breakingmath.io [https://breakingmath.io/] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/breakingmathmedia Email: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com