logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
39m 46s

On the Map: Why Mathematics Can Be Seen ...

Intelligence Squared
About this episode

Paulina Rowinska is a writer, mathematician and science communicator, whose new book, Mapmatics: How We Navigate the World Through Numbers, tells the stories found within crunching tricky equations. Rowinska has a PhD in Mathematics of Planet Earth from Imperial College London and across the pages of Mapmatics she explores fields ranging from map-making to forecasting elections, how we get our packages delivered on time and even how mathematics can be used to prevent crime. Joining her to discuss it is Roma Agrawal, MBE, who is a structural engineer, author and broadcaster. Agrawal has written three books, the most recent of which is Nuts & Bolts, which was shortlisted for the 2023 Royal Society Science Book Prize. Her new children’s book, Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World, is out in late August. Find out more at www.Romatheengineer.com.


We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/IS for £100 sponsored credit.


If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all of our longer form interviews and Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.


For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:


- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts


- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series


- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events


- Our member-only newsletter The Monthly Read, sent straight to your inbox


...


Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:


- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts


- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series


...


Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.


...


Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.


https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Aug 24
Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part One)
How does the classical world shape our politics, culture, language and lives today? On today’s episode, we’re joined by two of the greatest names making classics accessible for the modern day. Dame Mary Beard is a classicist who taught at Cambridge for almost 40 years. She has cl ... Show More
32m 27s
Aug 23
Can Trump Deliver Peace in Ukraine? With Mark Galeotti
On today's episode we're joined by Mark Galeotti, security expert and author, to discuss Trump's recent efforts to reach a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Galeotti speaks to Conor Boyle, Head of Programming at Intelligence Squared, about how Trump's strategy is different t ... Show More
27m 1s
Yesterday
The Specialist | Fabergé’s Rediscovered Imperial Flower, with Helen Culver-Smith
This is an episode of The Specialist, produced by Intelligence Squared in partnership with Sotheby's. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the beauty of nature suspended f ... Show More
13m 20s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
The Dubai Model
Quinn Slobodian, author of Crack-Up Capitalism and Professor of History at Wellesley College, discusses how the development of cities like Dubai and countries like Qatar are influencing the Saudi economy and the huge projects the country is spending its money on. This episode was ... Show More
22m 47s
Nov 2023
The Birth of a Nation
Saudi Arabian professor of social anthropology and author of Salman's Legacy: The Dilemmas of a New Era in Saudi Arabia, Madawi Al-Rasheed, explains the foundations of the Saudi state and how two key factors – religion and oil – shaped the kingdom. This episode was hosted and pro ... Show More
16m 59s
Feb 2025
TIVP005: Alphabet (GOOGL): Searching for Quality w/ Shawn O’Malley
In today’s episode, Shawn O’Malley (@Shawn_OMalley_) breaks down Alphabet — the parent company of Google, which is one of the most valuable companies in the world and probably an important part of your everyday life. Shawn explores how Google got its start, how Alphabet makes mon ... Show More
1h 16m
Aug 14
AI's impact on translators, untranslatable Dutch words, and more, with Heddwen Newton
1108. This week, we talk to Heddwen Newton about some of the unique and untranslatable words she's discovered while translating. She shares her thoughts on why the translation profession is being hit hard by AI and the kind of work that is likely to be lost. We also hear her book ... Show More
19m 38s
Feb 2025
Why Do Months Have Strange Names: Improve Your English & Find Out! Ep 799
In this episode, you’ll learn how months like July and August got their names and why our calendar still follows ancient rules. We also touch on other calendars from Japan to India. Each fascinating fact will help improve your English and boost your understanding of history."A ca ... Show More
13m 20s
Sep 2024
More Happier: The Joy of Deadlines, Couples Therapy & Pondering One of Life’s Big Questions
We talk about how deadlines can boost our happiness, and how a TV show can spark a useful conversation with a teenager about values. Plus we debate a challenging question about how to navigate life’s challenges. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @Gre ... Show More
21m 42s
Aug 2024
How sports & music tourism are becoming a $1.5T industry
People are spending loads of cash on events. In addition, lots of folks are even making trips out of specific events like the Olympics or Taylor Swift concerts. This sports and music tourism industry is gaining momentum among Millennials and Gen Z, so much that it’s heading for p ... Show More
13m 55s
Apr 2021
Vaccine passports, explained | Recode Daily
One way that America can get “back to normal” is through what's called a digital vaccine passport. America is well underway with its covid vaccination rollout and while we still have a long way to go, more and more people are getting vaccinated. But while carrying a digital vacci ... Show More
8m 28s
Oct 2024
906. Insights: The FCA tells us about their brand new AI lab
On this episode of Fintech Insider Insights, host Benjamin Ensor is joined by Jessica Rusu, Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer at the FCA.It's been ten years since the UK regulator launched their innovation hub, so we wanted to catch up with them to dive into the le ... Show More
41m 30s