Shows
The PhotowalkDocumenting the LA firesI’m joined on the show by the photojournalist Ted Soqui, regarded by his peers as a visual historian of modern American life. His career spans four decades, capturing pivotal moments like the 1992 LA riots and the city’s relentless wildfires. His striking images have been featured in national and global media, telling raw, powerful stories. Ted will share the unique challenges and dangers of covering the 2025 LA fires, offering insight into life on the frontlines with a camera. From the mailbag and contributions to the show, Vicky Robb brings us a thought-provoking quote from a famous Mexi...2025-01-241h 33
360 Yourself! With Jamie NealeEp 262 How To Retain Our Inner Child - Faraz AyubFaraz trained at the acclaimed Nottingham TV Workshop, which has produced some of the UK’s finest acting talent including Samantha Morton, Jack O’Connell and Vicky McClure.He is a series regular in the Channel 4 drama SCREW playing ‘Ali’, created by Rob Williams and directed by Tom Vaughan. Described by The Guardian as a “warm, witty welcome to hell…an impeccably observed show,” the darkly comic drama follows the lives of a group of prison officers and shows us what life is like on the wing.Faraz also takes the lead role of ‘Adam’ in the upcoming BFI/Film4 feature SKY...2024-11-1744 min
360 Yourself! With Jamie NealeEp 261: Creating Happiness & Not Wanting It - Nathalie ArminNathalie is a new rising star of TV drama, and is set to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Nicola Walker, Suranne Jones and Vicky McClure. She portrays Leila Hassoun-Kenny, a rigorous CPS lawyer leading the case against the accused. She stars alongside Adeel Akhtar (Sherwood), Joe Dempise (Game of Thrones) and Michael Socha (The Gallows Pole). The story will once again centre around a hotly contested criminal trial that divides the nation and takes place in the full glare of the media spotlight.
Made by World Productions (Vigil, Line of Duty, Save Me) for...2024-11-1051 min
More or Less: Behind the StatsNHS waiting lists, Voter ID and measuring divorceThe government has trumpeted a big fall in those waiting over 18 months for hospital treatment in England. But total numbers on waiting lists have hit a new high. Also we look at how much impact the introduction of Voter ID had on turnout in May's English local elections. We ask whether Portugal really has a divorce rate of 94%. And we remember mathematician Dr Vicky Neale of Oxford University, who has died at the age of 39.
The government has trumpeted a big fall in those waiting over 18 months for hospital treatment in England. But total numbers on waiting lists have...2023-05-2428 min
Last WordNewton Minow, Vicky Neale, Lois Keith, Gerald RoseMatthew Bannister onNewton Minow, who was just 35 when he was appointed chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission by President John F. Kennedy. He gave a famous speech describing TV as a “vast wasteland” and helped to set up the Public Broadcasting Service.Vicky Neale, the mathematician who responded to her diagnosis with cancer by launching a podcast discussing the role of maths in cancer research. Lois Keith, who campaigned for equal rights for disabled people.Gerald Rose, the children’s book illustrator who won the Kate Greenaway Medal for his wo...2023-05-1927 min
DiscoveryThe problem of infinite Pi(e)Pi is the ratio between a circle’s diameter and its circumference. Sounds dull – but pi turns out to have astonishing properties and crop up in places you would never expect. For a start, it goes on forever and never repeats, meaning it probably contains your name, date of birth, and the complete works of Shakespeare written in its digits.Maths comedian Matt Parker stuns Adam with his ‘pie-endulum’ experiment, in which a chicken and mushroom pie is dangled 2.45m to form a pendulum which takes *exactly* 3.14 seconds per swing.Mathematician Dr Vicky Neale explains how we c...2022-10-3126 min
Curious CasesThe Problem of Infinite Pi(e)Hungry for pi? Chow down on this! Pi is the ratio between a circle’s diameter and its circumference. Sounds dull – but pi turns out to have astonishing properties and crop up in places you would never expect. For a start, it goes on forever and never repeats, meaning it probably contains your name, date of birth, and the complete works of Shakespeare written in its digits. Maths comedian Matt Parker stuns Adam with his ‘pie-endulum’ experiment, in which a chicken and mushroom pie is dangled 2.45m to form a pendulum which takes *exactly* 3.14 seconds per swin...2022-09-0635 min
Notes in the Margin10 Books I Have Read + LovedThis week Vicky is flying solo because of organisation issues so she decided to share 10 books she’s read and loved recently. If you’re wondering what to read, and how to read, and whether you should be reading books on writing or just books—tune into this episode and sort out your reading plans for the next couple of months. Enjoy! Key Takeaways: [0:45] Vicky is going solo this week! And the podcast name is changing! [2:10] If you want to write a book, you need to also read! [2:35] The more dive...2022-07-2818 min
New Books in EducationVicky Neale, "Why Study Mathematics?" (London Publishing Partnership, 2020)Students and their families face a consequential choice in whether to pursue a degree, and in what area. For those considering mathematics programs, the choice may be particularly fraught: A gulf separates the exploratory and experimental mathematics done by professionals from the computational training of most secondary schools, and this can obscure the meanings of program options. Meanwhile, cultural anxieties and stereotypes can dissuade students who would flourish in mathematical careers. This despite mathematical professionals being among the most satisfied and well-compensated in their careers.In Why Study Mathematics? (2020), Vicky Neale provides a compact guide to this junc...2021-11-0554 min
New Books in Science, Technology, and SocietyVicky Neale, "Why Study Mathematics?" (London Publishing Partnership, 2020)Students and their families face a consequential choice in whether to pursue a degree, and in what area. For those considering mathematics programs, the choice may be particularly fraught: A gulf separates the exploratory and experimental mathematics done by professionals from the computational training of most secondary schools, and this can obscure the meanings of program options. Meanwhile, cultural anxieties and stereotypes can dissuade students who would flourish in mathematical careers. This despite mathematical professionals being among the most satisfied and well-compensated in their careers.
In Why Study Mathematics? (2020), Vicky Neale provides a compact guide to this juncture, which i expe...2021-11-0554 min
New Books in MathematicsVicky Neale, "Why Study Mathematics?" (London Publishing Partnership, 2020)Students and their families face a consequential choice in whether to pursue a degree, and in what area. For those considering mathematics programs, the choice may be particularly fraught: A gulf separates the exploratory and experimental mathematics done by professionals from the computational training of most secondary schools, and this can obscure the meanings of program options. Meanwhile, cultural anxieties and stereotypes can dissuade students who would flourish in mathematical careers. This despite mathematical professionals being among the most satisfied and well-compensated in their careers.In Why Study Mathematics? (2020), Vicky Neale provides a compact guide to this junc...2021-11-0554 min
New Books in ScienceVicky Neale, "Why Study Mathematics?" (London Publishing Partnership, 2020)Students and their families face a consequential choice in whether to pursue a degree, and in what area. For those considering mathematics programs, the choice may be particularly fraught: A gulf separates the exploratory and experimental mathematics done by professionals from the computational training of most secondary schools, and this can obscure the meanings of program options. Meanwhile, cultural anxieties and stereotypes can dissuade students who would flourish in mathematical careers. This despite mathematical professionals being among the most satisfied and well-compensated in their careers.In Why Study Mathematics? (2020), Vicky Neale provides a compact guide to this junc...2021-11-0554 min
Philosophical TrialsVicky Neale on 'Why Study Mathematics?' and the Twin Prime Conjecture | Episode 11Dr Vicky Neale is the Whitehead Lecturer at the Mathematical Institute and Balliol College at the University of Oxford. She is also a Supernumerary Fellow at Balliol and the author of two great books aimed at general audiences, namely ‘Closing the Gap’ and ‘Why Study Mathematics?’. Vicky Neale is a great communicator of Mathematics. She was given an MPLS Teaching Award in 2016 and she also won an award for being the Most Acclaimed Lecturer in MPLS in the student-led Oxford University Student Union Teaching Awards 2015.Follow her on Twitter: @VickyMaths1729 For some clear proofs of...2021-06-0842 min
Let's Go Kickass TodayLoving Your Work with Anna Neale, Jane Perrone and Virginia MendezA monthly podcast talking to inspirational people from the fields of Music, Adventure and Culture. In this episode I interview the multi talented Anna Neale about 20 years in the music industry and the advice she has, gardening and plant journalist, author and podcaster Jane Perrone, about her love for all things green (and she rates my plants too) and Virginia Mendez about her love for gender equality and The Feminist Shop. Produced, presented and edited by Vicky Carter. Logo Design by: Hannah Eachus Jingle by: Nicola T Chang2021-02-151h 05
The Numberphile PodcastWhy Study Mathematics - with Vicky NealeDr Vicky Neale's latest book is about why people should study mathematics - but why did SHE study mathematics?
Dr Neale's website - with links to her work and books and craft
Why Study Mathematics - book on Amazon
Vicky's author page on Amazon
Vicky's craft, including the prime bracelets
Support Numberphile on Patreon like these people do
With thanks to
MSRI
Podcast Transcripts2020-12-0845 min
The Numberphile PodcastWhy Study Mathematics - with Vicky NealeDr Vicky Neale's new book is about why people should study mathematics - so that begs the question, why did SHE study mathematics?2020-12-0745 min
Middle Grade Ninja95 Author Victoria BondVictoria Bond and I discuss ZORA AND ME: THE SUMMONER, the third book in her trilogy with coauthor T.R. Simon, and the collaboration that made it possible. We talk about Zora Neale Hurston, writing historical fiction, and depicting the ugly truth of America’s racist past in literature for younger readers. We also chat about zombies, money in publishing (and the lack thereof), Vicky’s time as an assistant in a literary agency, Stephen King, John Keats, actual ghost stories, and so much more.
Victoria Bond is a writer and professor. Her novel, Zora and Me, co-written with T.R. S...2020-11-071h 06
The Secrets of MathematicsOxford Mathematics Newcastle Public Lecture: Vicky Neale - in MathsMathematics has no place for emotion, its practitioners are positively unemotional. True? Well, no. In fact 10 out of 10 untrue. Mathematics and mathematicians are also on the emotional rollercoaster. Vicky Neale is one of them. The Oxford Mathematics Newcastle Public Lecture was a partnership with Northumbria University and the latest in our series of lectures outside Oxford as we spread the word about mathematics and mathematicians around the UK and beyond.
Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures are generously supported by XTX Markets.2019-11-2744 minThe Secrets of MathematicsOxford Mathematics Open Days Part 2. Pure Mathematics at OxfordIn this talk Vicky Neale gives a glimpse of the undergraduate Pure Maths courses through the lens of elliptic curves. Our Open Days are intended to give an insight in to Maths at Oxford, whether you are a potential applicant or are just curious.2019-07-1027 minThe Secrets of MathematicsOxford Mathematics Student Lectures: An Introduction to Complex Numbers - Vicky NealeMuch is written about life as an undergraduate at Oxford but what is it really like? As Oxford Mathematics's new first-year students arrive (273 of them, comprising 33 nationalities) we thought we would take the opportunity to go behind the scenes and share some of their experiences.
Our starting point is a first week lecture. In this case the second lecture from 'An Introduction to Complex Numbers' by Dr. Vicky Neale. Whether you are a past student, an aspiring student or just curious as to how teaching works, come and take a seat.2019-01-2250 minMore or Less: Behind the StatsA Girl's First Time, Shark's Stomachs, Prime numbersFirst sexual experience - checking the facts
A short film for the Draw A Line campaign has made the claim that one in three girls first sexual experience is rape. This seems shockingly high, but what is the evidence? Is it just for the UK or a global figure? We go back to the reports that were used to source the claim, and find the research has been misinterpreted.How long can a shark go for without eating?
A recent episode of Blue Planet II stated that after a large meal a Sixgill shark might not have...2018-01-2623 min
In Conversation: An OUP PodcastVicky Neale, “Closing the Gap: The Quest to Understand Prime Numbers” (Oxford UP, 2017)Today I talked to Vicky Neale about her new book Closing the Gap: The Quest to Understand Prime Numbers (Oxford University Press, 2017). The book details one of the most exciting developments to happen in the last few years in mathematics, a new approach to the Twin Primes Conjecture. The story involves mathematicians from five different centuries and probably every continent except Antarctica. Vicky does a great job of telling not only what the problem is and how work on it has proceeded, but also how mathematical research has evolved given the resources available in the twenty first century. If you...2017-12-1255 minNew Books in MathematicsVicky Neale, “Closing the Gap: The Quest to Understand Prime Numbers” (Oxford UP, 2017)Today I talked to Vicky Neale about her new book Closing the Gap: The Quest to Understand Prime Numbers (Oxford University Press, 2017). The book details one of the most exciting developments to happen in the last few years in mathematics, a new approach to the Twin Primes Conjecture. The story involves mathematicians from five different centuries and probably every continent except Antarctica. Vicky does a great job of telling not only what the problem is and how work on it has proceeded, but also how mathematical research has evolved given the resources available in the twenty first century. If...2017-12-1255 minThe Secrets of MathematicsClosing the Gap: the quest to understand prime numbers - Vicky NealePrime numbers have intrigued, inspired and infuriated mathematicians for millennia and yet mathematicians' difficulty with answering simple questions about them reveals their depth and subtlety. Join Vicky to learn about recent progress towards proving the famous Twin Primes Conjecture and to hear the very different ways in which these breakthroughs have been made - a solo mathematician working in isolation, a young mathematician displaying creativity at the start of a career, a large collaboration that reveals much about how mathematicians go about their work.
Her new book "Closing the Gap: the quest to understand prime numbers" has recently been published...2017-10-2444 min
Start the WeekThe Mathematical Mind with Cedric VillaniOn Start the Week Tom Sutcliffe finds out what goes on inside the mind of a mathematician. Cédric Villani explains the obsession and inspiration which led him to being awarded the Fields Medal, 'the mathematicians' Nobel Prize' in 2010. Zia Haider Rahman combines pure maths, investment banking and human rights in his exploration of how abstract theory can impact on real life. Vicky Neale reveals the beauty of prime numbers, while the director Morgan Matthews finds love in his film x+y at the International Mathematics Olympiad.
Producer: Katy Hickman.2015-03-0942 min
A History of IdeasVicky Neale on the Mathematics of BeautyMathematician Vicky Neale is keen to explain why mathematics is beautiful but also to work out whether beauty can itself be explained mathematically. There is a rich tradition of thought here going all the way back to the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, whose understanding of mathematical relationships sits at the origins of western music. Vicky talks to guitar technician Eltham Jones and to Prof Thomas Johansen from the philosophy faculty in Oxford.This programme is part of a week of programmes looking at the history of ideas around Freedom.2014-11-1911 minA History of IdeasWhy Are Things Beautiful?A new history of ideas presented by Melvyn Bragg but told in many voices.Melvyn is joined by four guests with different backgrounds to discuss a really big question. This week he's asking 'Why are things beautiful?'Helping him answer it are Mathematician Vicky Neale, historian of science Simon Schaffer and philosophers Barry Smith and Angie Hobbs.For the rest of the week Vicky, Simon, Barry and Angie will take us further into the history of ideas about beauty with programmes of their own.Between them they will examine the...2014-11-1711 min
RSDS RADIO SOCIETÀ DEI SOGNIeMelvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Euler's number, also known as e. First discovered in the seventeenth century by the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli when he was studying compound interest, e is now recognised as one of the most important and interesting numbers in mathematics. Roughly equal to 2.718, e is useful in studying many everyday situations, from personal savings to epidemics. It also features in Euler's Identity, sometimes described as the most beautiful equation ever written. With:Colva Roney-DougalReader in Pure Mathematics at the University of St AndrewsJune Barrow-GreenSenior...2014-09-2545 min
In Our TimeeMelvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Euler's number, also known as e. First discovered in the seventeenth century by the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli when he was studying compound interest, e is now recognised as one of the most important and interesting numbers in mathematics. Roughly equal to 2.718, e is useful in studying many everyday situations, from personal savings to epidemics. It also features in Euler's Identity, sometimes described as the most beautiful equation ever written.
With:
Colva Roney-Dougal
Reader in Pure Mathematics at the University of St Andrews
June Barrow-Green
Senior Lecturer in the History of Maths at the...2014-09-2545 min
In Our TimeeMelvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Euler's number, also known as e. First discovered in the seventeenth century by the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli when he was studying compound interest, e is now recognised as one of the most important and interesting numbers in mathematics. Roughly equal to 2.718, e is useful in studying many everyday situations, from personal savings to epidemics. It also features in Euler's Identity, sometimes described as the most beautiful equation ever written. With:Colva Roney-Dougal
Reader in Pure Mathematics at the University of St AndrewsJune Barrow-Green
Senior Lecturer...2014-09-2545 min
In Our Time: ScienceeMelvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Euler's number, also known as e. First discovered in the seventeenth century by the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli when he was studying compound interest, e is now recognised as one of the most important and interesting numbers in mathematics. Roughly equal to 2.718, e is useful in studying many everyday situations, from personal savings to epidemics. It also features in Euler's Identity, sometimes described as the most beautiful equation ever written. With:Colva Roney-Dougal
Reader in Pure Mathematics at the University of St AndrewsJune Barrow-Green
Senior Lecturer...2014-09-2545 min
The Infinite Monkey CageNumbers Numbers EverywhereNumbers, Numbers everywhere...The Infinite Monkey Cage is back for a new series of witty, irreverent science chat. Over the coming six weeks, presenters Brian Cox and Robin Ince will be joined on stage by scientists and some well known science enthusiasts including Stephen Fry, Ross Noble, Katy Brand and Ben Miller to discuss a range of topics, from what makes us uniquely human, to whether irrationality is, in fact, genetic.In the first episode of the new series, Brian and Robin are joined by comedian and former maths undergraduate Dave Gorman, maths enthusiast and...2014-07-0745 min
Pod AcademyMaths isn’t standing stillMathematician Vicky Neale, senior teaching associate in the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics in the University of Cambridge and director of studies at Murray Edwards College, is excited.
She’s been watching some recent breakthroughs that mathematicians around the world have been making in a huge and open collaboration on an ancient mathematical problem. Neale tells Adam Smith how she is now building the news into her work that aims to improve the ways maths is taught.
This podcast is produced and presented by Adam Smith
Adam Smith: I’m liste...2014-03-0324 minIn Our TimeFermat's Last TheoremMelvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Fermat's Last Theorem. In 1637 the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat scribbled a note in the margin of one of his books. He claimed to have proved a remarkable property of numbers, but gave no clue as to how he'd gone about it. "I have found a wonderful demonstration of this proposition," he wrote, "which this margin is too narrow to contain". Fermat's theorem became one of the most iconic problems in mathematics and for centuries mathematicians struggled in vain to work out what his proof had been. In the 19th century the French...2012-10-2542 minIn Our Time: ScienceFermat's Last TheoremMelvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Fermat's Last Theorem. In 1637 the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat scribbled a note in the margin of one of his books. He claimed to have proved a remarkable property of numbers, but gave no clue as to how he'd gone about it. "I have found a wonderful demonstration of this proposition," he wrote, "which this margin is too narrow to contain". Fermat's theorem became one of the most iconic problems in mathematics and for centuries mathematicians struggled in vain to work out what his proof had been. In the 19th century the French...2012-10-2542 min