#45 Making maths fascinating, an interview with Ben Sparks and Katie Steckles Artwork

Living Proof: the Isaac Newton Institute podcast

The Isaac Newton Institute is the world's foremost mathematical research centre. Living Proof aims to highlight the diverse people and interconnected topics linked to its many activities. Interviewees range from visiting academics and lecturers to mathematicians, other scientists, musicians, artists, students, and prominent figures within the University of Cambridge and beyond. The podcast typically involves mathematical themes, but is specifically aimed at a general audience. The focus is on the subjects being interviewed and the social stories they have to tell, not just on the significance and details of the research they may be undertaking. We hope there is interest and inspiration here for everyone.- The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (UK) is an international research centre based in Cambridge, UK. A part of the University of Cambridge, it has been hosting research programmes on mathematical themes since July 1992.Visit > www.newton.ac.uk/news/ini-podcast

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Living Proof: the Isaac Newton Institute podcast

#45 Making maths fascinating, an interview with Ben Sparks and Katie Steckles

September 20, 2022 • Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences • Season 1 • Episode 45

Episode published 20/09/22

In episode #45 of Living Proof, Dan Aspel and Christie Marr are thrilled to meet Ben Sparks and Katie Steckles. Ben is a mathematician, musician and speaker based at the University of Bath who works with groups as diverse as the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and the hugely popular Numberphile YouTube channel. Katie, meanwhile, is a mathematician and communicator who lectures at Sheffield Hallam University and is regularly found presenting entertaining and insightful talks everywhere from science festivals to schools and theatres to BBC radio and TV.

As they often work together, these two experienced explainers and explorers of mathematics have much advice and insight to offer to the listener.

00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Welcome
01:23 - About Katie
02:48 - About Ben
04:40 - Their work together
09:44 - Working remotely as a speaker and communicator, the pros and cons
14:20 - Specific advice on kit and equipment for communicating maths
22:40 - Is there something unique about communicating maths?
36:10 - Personal highlights of current work
46:00 - What to do when things go wrong: a mathematician's "emergency toolkit"
53:00 - What does the future hold?

Find out more about Ben Sparks and Katie Steckles via...
> www.bensparks.co.uk
> katiesteckles.co.uk