Description (podcaster-provided):
A podcast about the big numbers, the hard sums, the mathematics that defines, runs, shapes, changes, begins, ends, every things our lives and the world around us. Hosted by Colm O'Regan. An award-winning radio broadcaster, comedian, novelist and it turns out lapsed engineer who is trying to feel useful again. Each episode sheds light on a tiny corner of a giant subject with entertaining guests and accessible talk.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Mathematics and its impact • Science and technology insights • Statistics in sports and daily life • Climate change and energy • Conspiracy theories and society • Historical and cultural discussions • Mathematical humorThis podcast, titled "The Function Room," hosted by Colm O'Regan, is a varied exploration of the expansive world of mathematics and its intersection with everyday life and numerous fields of study. Through an engaging format, the podcast delves into the role of mathematics in shaping, influencing, and understanding topics ranging from energy and climate change to sports analytics and political systems.
With a focus on making complex mathematical concepts accessible to the general listener, the podcast frequently features expert guests from diverse backgrounds. These include mathematicians, scientists, engineers, writers, and educators, each contributing unique insights into how mathematics underpins various aspects of our world. Discussions often cover practical applications of mathematical theories, such as voting systems, criminology, and economic models, highlighting their real-world impacts and implications.
Additionally, the podcast explores fascinating themes like the mathematics behind natural phenomena, the history and evolution of mathematical tools, and the cultural aspects of math, including its relationship with art, literature, and entertainment. Listeners are guided through topics like quantum computing, algorithm ethics, and the intricacies of mathematical modeling, always with an eye on how these subjects relate to broader societal questions and everyday decision-making.
In essence, "The Function Room" offers a broad sweep of topics illustrating the ubiquity and utility of mathematics. It attempts to demystify the subject, making it both approachable and relevant by tying it to a wide array of interests and concerns prevalent in contemporary discourse. The podcast serves as both an educational resource and a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate ways mathematics intersects with the fabric of our lives.
Episodes: |
53 The High Seas with Olive Heffernan 2025-Jul-15 40 minutes |
52 This Number Could Save Your Life One Day with Lewis Dartnell 2025-Jul-07 49 minutes |
51 Great xPectations with Paul McDonald. 2024-Aug-03 49 minutes |
50 Talking Ballots with Adrian Kavanagh 2024-Jul-14 55 minutes |
49 The Hole Shebang - Black Holes with Dr John Regan 2024-Jun-26 51 minutes |
48 Object Lesson 2024-May-28 47 minutes |
47 Body to Body to Body with Dr Matt Kenzie 2024-May-16 59 minutes |
46 Census Sensibility with Dr Jessica Coyne. 2024-Apr-17 59 minutes |
45 Empire of the Sum a history of the pocket calculator 2024-Mar-15 47 minutes |
44 (Replay) Algorithm and Blues with Cathy O'Neill 2024-Mar-07 46 minutes |
43 Potential Energy - the Mathematics of Energy Modelling 2024-Feb-29 37 minutes |
42 That's So Derivative - Mathematics at the Movies with John Fardy 2024-Feb-22 58 minutes |
41 Re: Volts with David Roberts 2024-Feb-06 71 minutes |
40 H2 Oh! with Catherine Sheridan 2024-Jan-29 45 minutes |
39 There's Been a Breakthrough with TJ Hegarty. 2024-Jan-22 43 minutes |
38 The Auld Sthretch with Éibhear Ó hAnluain 2023-Dec-13 39 minutes |
37 This Goes All The Way to the Top with David Robert Grimes 2023-Nov-29 60 minutes |
36 Murderous Math with Kjartan Poskitt 2023-Nov-22 43 minutes |
35 Riemann Reason with Dr Alex Kontorovich 2023-Nov-09 59 minutes |
34 Sea Change with Joanna Donnelly 2023-Oct-27 33 minutes |
33 Climate Worrier 2023-Oct-19 53 minutes |
32 All the Pieces Matter 2023-Oct-16 25 minutes |
31 It's in Our Nature 2023-Oct-04 52 minutes |
30 Anyone's Guess 2023-Sep-21 59 minutes |
29 The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same 2023-Sep-11 49 minutes |
28 Things Fall Apart 2023-Jul-10 42 minutes |
27 A Sense of Ounce 2023-Jul-03 51 minutes |
26 Chums' Pedigree 2023-Jun-28 40 minutes |
#25 Crime Numbers 2023-Jun-19 51 minutes |
24 Carbon of Contention 2023-Jun-09 51 minutes |
23 What the Butler Saw with John Butler 2023-May-24 58 minutes |
#22 Once Upon A Prime with Sarah Hart 2023-May-15 42 minutes |
#21 Drawing by Numbers with Ayliean MacDonald 2023-May-06 49 minutes |
Boyle Points - the story of a gas man 2023-May-01 38 minutes |
The Weather Forecast: The Original Cloud Computing 2023-Apr-22 49 minutes |
Some Idle ChatGPT 2023-Apr-14 52 minutes |
Mental Arithmetic: It's All In Your Head 2023-Apr-06 37 minutes |
All We Hear Is: Radio Pulsar 2023-Mar-30 36 minutes |
Back Once Again For The Renegade Masters Student 2023-Mar-23 59 minutes |
Where Is There a Will? 2021-Sep-22 58 minutes |
Miracle Grow 2021-Sep-08 79 minutes |
The Ps of Queues 2021-Aug-23 56 minutes |
A Chip Off The New Block 2021-Jun-28 42 minutes |
Welcome to the Fold 2021-May-14 67 minutes |
The Matrix Revised 2021-Mar-15 45 minutes |
Algorithm and Blues 2021-Feb-09 45 minutes |
The Solace of Quantum 2021-Jan-18 45 minutes |
A Sum of Funny. 2020-Dec-29 45 minutes |
The Math(s) Doesn't Care About Your Feelings 2020-Nov-21 56 minutes |
Galaxy Brain 2020-Nov-06 41 minutes |
Model Behaviour 2020-Oct-23 35 minutes |
Spilling the T. 2020-Oct-09 51 minutes |
1 They Grow Up So Fast with Kit Yates 2020-Sep-10 33 minutes |