Math Factor Update And Q To Listeners

Well, it’s been quite a while, and I guess the important news is that the M.F. is coming back soon! Look for new segments starting around the end of the year!

All those encouraging emails, prodding emails, whining emails have had their effect—but I have to say, in the end, it was the Juniors Fabulous cheesecake that probably made the difference.

Meanwhile, a steady accumulation of great ideas and on top of that, when we do come back, we’ll be listed on the National Science Foundation’s app/site, Science 360. Thanks to all those that have hung around waiting—your patience is valued. 

One question: Over the years we’ve experimented with a lot of formats (short, long, interviews, deep stuff, light stuff, book reviews, puzzles, Kyle and me shooting the breeze.) What format works best for you?

 

5 Comments »

  1. jyoak said,

    November 15, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    I’ve enjoyed everything, but my favorite are the puzzles.  I imagine that doesn’t surprise you.  ;-)

    One new idea that might be a lot of fun (at least to those of us for whom it wouldn’t represent work.  ;-) ) is to channel material from your new course into the podcast.  (Sorry… I don’t remember the name of it.)

     

  2. Irv Freeman said,

    November 17, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    I like the variety.  If we were limited to a single format, each episode would have a bit of chit chat, the solution to a prior puzzle, the posing of a new puzzle, and an explanation of some mathematical concept (which could be in the context of any of the first three or just be a standalone).    Even then, you would have to have the occasional long interview; I wouldn’t have heard either John Conway or Greg Chaitin without you.

  3. Mimi Hanks said,

    November 22, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Puzzles are the only thing I am interested in since I have a limited time to listen to podcasts. If you do a mix up of interview & puzzles then please provide a separate feed for only puzzles.  This would be helpful for people with limited time. Thanks.

  4. Harry Kaplan said,

    November 26, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    I’m also big on variety (not to mention Junior’s cheesecake), but I am much more drawn in by podcasts that have some non-trivial mathematical content, even if that content is hiding in a puzzle until you or a guest elucidates it.  I give puzzles that are just one-offs my best shot, and sometimes get some good mental exercise thereby, but for me doing puzzles with no greater context are a bit like eating potato chips (there I go with food again).

  5. Shawn said,

    November 29, 2011 at 12:40 am

    Math puzzles.

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