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It’s Not Just Numbers

It’s Not Just Numbers

By: Marcello Seri Anna de Bruijn
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About this listen

A podcast on mathematics and its human side. In a conversation with mathematicians, we address some common stereotypes and misconceptions, giving space to the people of mathematics. Each episode will start by getting to know the guests, their research, their drive and what they do outside mathematics. In the second half of the episode we will discuss together some theme related to mathematics and mathematicians. Opinions are our own.Marcello Seri, Anna de Bruijn
Episodes
  • S2E10 - Teaching mathematics in high school with Maarten de Witte
    Jul 27 2025

    The last episode of this season, is also the first of a new sub-series that we would like to keep exploring in the future: teaching mathematics at school.

    Maarten de Witte, a former student at our mathematics bachelor and school teacher since three years, shares his experience teaching in Dutch high school. With him we start exploring the rewards and the challenges of the job and the differences between teaching at school or at university.

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    Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

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    Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

    The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

    We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

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    51 mins
  • S2E09 - The afterMath2 with Josselin Kooij and Marit van Straaten
    Jul 13 2025

    We come back to the question of S2E05: you have studied mathematics... now what? We met our old friend (and former co-host) Marit van Straaten and our former student Josselin Kooij, to talk about the possibilities for mathematicians that don't pursue a career in academia.

    After getting to know them, with their motivations to study math and their hobbies (mainly sports!), we focus on their careers. Their different seniority levels allow us to span across many topics, with both a fresh and an experienced eye, in an episode that we hope will clarify many of your doubts on what to do to look for a job as mathematicians, and plenty of useful tips for when you interview for a position!

    We plan to do a few more of these, so if there is anything that you would like to discuss in the next episodes, let us know in the comments (or sending us a message).


    = = = { 0 } = = =

    Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

    = = = { 0 } = = =

    Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

    The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

    We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • S2E08 - Actively learning mathematics with Brendan Kelly
    Jun 23 2025

    In this special episode, we return to the topics of learning and teaching mathematics. We are joined by Brendan Kelly, Director of Introductory Mathematics at Harvard University, to discuss the opportunities that active learning has to offer.

    Throughout the discussion, we get to know Brendan, exploring his journey into mathematics and what led him to focus on education. Both lecturers and students will find many useful tips and tricks scattered through the recording, and we are sure you will feel Brendan's infectious energy and passion for both subjects!

    Links for the episode:

    • Brendan Kelly's webpage


    = = = { 0 } = = =

    Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

    = = = { 0 } = = =

    Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

    The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

    We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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