Intersecting Us

Intersecting Us

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Brian Rihner and Dave Kester started their first business venture together in 1995. Now, 28 years later, they reunite again to talk about their passions of math, life, hope, and faith, and how they are all connected. They provided a probing and analytic perspective to consider the beauty, wonder and timeless treasures of these topics and how they have the power to draw us closer together.

Dave Kester & Brian Rihner


    • Sep 9, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 34 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Intersecting Us

    Investing in Others: The Love That Fosters Personal Fulfillment

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 34:46


    In this episode, the discussion revolves around the theme of love and its many facets, from tough love to unconditional support. The conversation highlights the importance of intrinsic worth and identity beyond achievements, particularly in the context of mathematics and education. Personal stories and experiences underscore the transformative power of focusing on others, emphasizing the value of relationships and community. The episode encourages listeners to invest in others and recognize their own inherent dignity, fostering a culture of mutual support and flourishing.

    Belonging in Numbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 34:10


    In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the deep connections between mathematics, community, and personal growth. They discuss how struggling with mathematical proofs, like those of the Pythagorean Theorem, leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of their underlying principles. The conversation highlights the role of community and collaboration in overcoming these challenges and making discoveries. The hosts also touch on how the timeless and universal nature of mathematics allows for a shared pursuit of truth across cultures, languages, and even barriers like prison walls. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and support in both math and life.

    The impact of Freedom in Math.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 34:49


    In this episode, the podcast delves into the multifaceted concept of freedom within mathematics, exploring its implications for exploration, imagination, understanding, and inclusion. Through examples like the Pythagorean theorem, Euler's contributions to topology, and the universal relevance of mathematical concepts like pi and E, the conversation highlights how mathematics transcends cultural and disciplinary boundaries, offering a common language for connection and growth. The episode emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of welcome and belonging in mathematical communities, recognizing the role of relationships, responsibility, and joy in nurturing mathematical freedom.

    Math and Morality: Bridging the Gap between Numbers and Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 33:42


    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the intersection of mathematics and justice, inspired by the ideas presented in a book. They delve into the concepts of primary justice, rectifying justice, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and care. The conversation explores implicit biases, belonging, and the role of community in advocating for justice.

    The Altruistic Nature of Math: Empowering Others Through Understanding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 32:46


    In this episode, the podcast delves into the transformative power of math, exploring how it can empower individuals, transcend physical limitations, and foster creativity and understanding. Through anecdotes like Chris's journey of mathematical discovery in prison and the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, the discussion highlights how math can be a tool for personal growth and societal betterment. The focus shifts from coercive power to creative power, emphasizing its altruistic nature and its potential to uplift others.

    The Art of Persistence: Finding Growth in the Face of Adversity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 32:49


    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of struggle and its role in personal growth and mastery, drawing from examples in mathematics and programming. They share stories of grappling with complex problems, finding unexpected insights, and the satisfaction of mastering difficult tasks. The conversation explores the difference between external and internal goods, emphasizing the value of perseverance and the mindset of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

    Discovering Truth: The Role of Mathematics in Understanding Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 33:52


    In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of truth and its pursuit, emphasizing the virtues of intellectual humility, admitting mistakes, and avoiding overgeneralizations. They discuss how mathematics aids in understanding truth, from correcting errors in data to defining new concepts like imaginary numbers. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the journey of seeking truth, acknowledging that it involves struggle and growth.

    Permanence: Trusting the Beauty and Truth of Math

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 31:26


    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of permanence, focusing on the Pythagorean Theorem as an eternal and underappreciated equation. They explore the beauty and truth embedded in the theorem and its various proofs throughout history, emphasizing its role as a reliable foothold in the world of mathematics. The hosts connect the permanence of mathematical truths to the broader theme of trust and explore its implications for understanding the world.

    Discovering Beauty in Mathematics: From Patterns to Transcendence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 33:45


    In this podcast passage, the hosts discuss the multifaceted nature of beauty in mathematics, exploring sensory, wondrous, insightful, and transcendent dimensions. They delve into the aesthetic aspects of mathematical patterns, the elegance of proofs, and the pursuit of deeper understanding. The concept of transcendent beauty is highlighted, drawing parallels with transcendental numbers like Pi and E, which captivate mathematicians over centuries. The hosts emphasize the joy and virtues cultivated through the pursuit of beauty, encouraging listeners to find and share moments of beauty in both mathematics and life.

    Thinking Outside the Circle: Rethinking Pi Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 3:14


    The passage discusses various ways to celebrate Pi Day, including enjoying pie, making pie jokes, or simply acknowledging the significance of pi. It emphasizes that Pi Day should be about trying new things, as pi itself represents a unique concept beyond just being a number. The conversation delves into the deeper meaning of pi as a relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle, likening it to the difference between a static image and a dynamic relationship. It suggests that sometimes, conventional methods may not solve problems, and alternative approaches are necessary. The passage concludes by proposing Pi Day as an opportunity to break free from routine thinking and explore solutions beyond conventional measures.

    Exploring the Playful Side of Math

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 30:58


    The podcast discusses the intersection of work and play in mathematics, emphasizing the value of community and collaboration in learning. It explores the evolving landscape of math education, encouraging a shift towards discovery, play, and freedom in the learning process. The hosts share personal experiences with exams, teamwork, and the joy of teaching, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the growth mindset in mathematical pursuits.

    Patterns with Purpose: Exploring the Intrinsic Meaning of Mathematics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 32:15


    In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the intrinsic meaning and value found in mathematics. They discuss the existential aspect of math, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying significance of mathematical concepts rather than merely memorizing steps. The hosts explore the history of mathematicians and the joy of connecting with their journeys, appreciating the permanence of mathematical truths. They highlight the uniqueness of individual engagement with math, emphasizing ontology and the diverse perspectives each person brings. The episode concludes with a reflection on mathematics as both an art and a science, describing it as the science of patterns and the art of engaging their meaning.

    From Philosophy to Math: Bridging the Gap Between Free Will and Fermat's Puzzle

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 37:21


    Summary: In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss decision-making, free will, and philosophical concepts. They delve into personal experiences, neuroscience, and the intersection of determinism and free will. Later, the conversation shifts to mathematicians Descartes and Fermat, exploring their contrasting lives and contributions, emphasizing Fermat's last theorem.

    Actuarial Mindsets in Business and Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 30:35


    In this podcast episode, the hosts engage with two guests, Charlie and Prabal, discussing their experiences in the actuarial field, decision-making, and the application of actuarial skills in personal business ventures. Charlie shares insights on using risk analytics tools from his actuarial training in his investment strategies, emphasizing concepts like risk pricing, asset and liability management, and diversification. Prabal, involved in podcast production, explains his role and how AI aids in generating titles for podcast segments. The discussion touches on the intersection of actuarial principles with personal decision-making and business ventures.

    Mathematical Odyssey: Navigating the Seas of Infinite Exploration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 34:17


    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of mathematical exploration, drawing parallels to Steve Jobs' approach to technology by emphasizing understanding over mere memorization. They delve into the fascinating world of irrational numbers, particularly focusing on the square root of two and its infinite, non-repeating decimals. The hosts also share personal experiences with mathematical exploration, emphasizing its longevity and impact. The conversation touches on the timeless nature of mathematical knowledge, its continuity through history, and the joy of approaching math as an exciting exploration rather than a mundane task.

    The Pursuit of Math: A Journey into Human Flourishing.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 33:42


    In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the first chapter of "Mathematics for Human Flourishing" by Francis Su, exploring the philosophical and transformative aspects of math in one's life. They discuss Simone Weil's quote, the story of Christopher Jackson, and the profound connections between mathematics, virtue, and human flourishing.

    Evolving Goals: Embracing Change for Personal Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 31:14


    In this podcast episode, Alec, an actuarial analyst, shares insights about his journey through exams, career, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of studying efficiently and cultivating a growth mindset. The discussion delves into the significance of setting meaningful goals, evolving them as needed, and finding passion in one's pursuits. Alec reflects on the impact of the book "Mathematics for Human Flourishing," highlighting the human side of mathematics and the continual contribution to its ever-growing narrative.

    Imagination, Reality, and Artificial Minds: An attempt to Decode Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 36:13


    In this podcast, the hosts explore the boundary between real and artificial intelligence, questioning whether AI possesses genuine sentience and emotions. They delve into the implications of humans forming relationships with AI and discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding these interactions. Referencing historical figures, they emphasize the importance of community discussion in navigating the impact of AI on human connections. The episode underscores the significance of genuine human relationships amidst advancing technology.

    The Beautiful Equation: Exploring the Elegance of Euler's Identity and its Real-World resonance.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 32:19


    In these passages, the podcast explores Euler's Identity, a remarkable mathematical formula that combines the constants e, π, and i, in a seemingly improbable way: Despite their disparate origins, these constants harmonize beautifully in this concise equation. The discussion highlights the real-world applications of Euler's Identity in fields such as physics, music theory, and wave studies. The formula's elegance lies in its ability to bridge conceptual and practical aspects of mathematics, showcasing the interplay between exploration, imagination, and the profound simplicity found in complex mathematical concepts. The podcast emphasizes the importance of appreciating the beauty in mathematical exploration and the unexpected unity found within seemingly unrelated elements.

    Navigating the Depths of AI: Consciousness, Beauty, and the Human Connection 

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2023 31:51


    The hosts explore various aspects of artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss the definitions of sentience and sapience, pondering the possibility of AI possessing consciousness and self-awareness. The conversation also delves into the challenge of programming AI to understand and create beauty, highlighting the subjective nature of aesthetics. The hosts raise questions about the moral implications of AI decision-making, particularly when conflicting rules are involved. Throughout the discussion, they contemplate the intersections of AI, consciousness, beauty, and human experience, prompting listeners to reflect on these complex and philosophical topics.

    Math Beyond Numbers: Nurturing Imagination in Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 32:02


    The episode discusses the role of imagination in mathematics, emphasizing its creative and boundless nature. They explore topics such as complex numbers, exponents, and creative visualization techniques, highlighting how imaginative thinking leads to innovative discoveries and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The conversations underscore the importance of embracing creativity and exploring math from various perspectives.

    Beyond the Numbers: The Role of Imagination in Problem Solving

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 35:19


    In the podcast, hosts Dave and Brian discuss metaphysics and the concept of dimensions from both a philosophical and a physicist's perspective. They explore the idea of non-physical existence, questioning the nature of dimensions beyond the traditional spatial dimensions. They ponder topics such as time as the fourth dimension, the challenges of understanding non-physical aspects, and the role of imagination, faith, and trust in contemplating these complex ideas. The discussion emphasizes the importance of evidence and trust in belief systems while acknowledging the intriguing and incomprehensible nature of the world, as expressed in Einstein's quote.

    The Power of Imagination: From Fixed Math to Growth Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 31:46


    In this podcast episode, hosts Brian and Dave discuss the power of imagination in mathematics and life. They emphasize how embracing imagination transforms math from a fixed discipline to a growth-oriented, creative endeavor. The conversation delves into the significance of exploring various perspectives, exercising creative skills, and understanding the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Through examples and quotes, they highlight the joy, beauty, and hidden treasures that imagination can bring, both in mathematics and in the broader context of life.

    Bridging the Seen and Unseen: Unraveling the Concept of Non-Physical Realities

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 32:04


    In this episode, the hosts discuss philosophical concepts related to human existence, specifically focusing on the idea of ontology, the study of reality and being. They explore the possibility of a non-physical or spiritual part of human beings, challenging listeners to imagine their own non-physical selves. The hosts draw connections to real-world experiences, including personal losses and emotional moments, highlighting the difficulty of contemplating these concepts in the face of mortality. Despite the challenges, they emphasize the importance of considering these ideas and question the possibility of a non-physical aspect to human existence, leaving the listener to ponder the nature of their own being.

    Math's Evolution: From Discovery to Creation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 33:00


    In this podcast episode, the Dave and Brian discuss the fundamental concepts of math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They explore how these operations relate to negative numbers and rational numbers and encourage a deeper understanding of math as an action and rotation on a number line. They also touch on the philosophical debate of whether math is discovered or invented.

    From Chimes to the Cosmos: Seeking Patterns and Purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2023 32:46


    In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the connection between mathematics, music, and the search for meaning in the universe. They explore the idea of patterns and purpose in our existence, especially through the lens of music, and question whether the universe's origins hold deeper meaning. The episode encourages listeners to ask meaningful questions to gain a deeper understanding of life.

    Tuning into Numbers: The Mathematical Secrets of Melody

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 35:03


    In today's episode, we explore the fascinating connection between math and music. Join us as we uncover the hidden mathematical patterns in melodies and harmonies and discover how math influences the way we experience sound.

    The Journey to Infinity: Exploring the Beginnings of the Universe and Our Cosmic Existence

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 32:45


    We pose some interesting questions about the nature of the universe, whether it had a beginning and what is our place as humans in this gigantic space we occupy. The goal is for it to be a thought-provoking discussion to encourage you to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

    How Did the Number e Arrive? How Is It Connected to the Natural Log?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 31:21


    The discovery of the number e and its connection to the natural log and the mega story of math.

    The Joy in Math and Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 30:59


    There are beautiful patterns all around us. The process of discovering and understanding these patterns brings joy and meaning to our lives.

    The Infinite Side of Math and Eternal Side of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 23:53


    Thinking about things that continue forever can be mind blowing, but it can also bring joy when you see the patterns that appear in math.

    Math Is Like Entering a Narnia Type World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 28:01


    Many people have negative thoughts regarding math. Dave and Brian share how math comes alive and brings joy to life.

    Exploring the Intersection of Math and Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 27:09


    Brian and Dave started Salt Solutions together in 1995. They are back together again. Now working on a website and doing podcasts.

    An Eternal Probe Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 2:18


    Audio trailer of the upcoming Eternal Probe series. Watch the video trailer on YouTube. Join with us for Season 1: An Eternal Probe. The goal for our journey is to ask questions that will probe your thinking into what may be possible.

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