In this conversation, Eugenia Cheng discusses the importance of making math accessible and engaging for everyone, particularly those who have been discouraged by traditional education methods. She emphasizes the intersection of math and art, the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues with numbers, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of equality and fairness in society. Cheng also highlights the significance of mentorship and the impact of gender dynamics in mathematics, advocating for a more inclusive approach to learning and appreciating math as a creative and thoughtful discipline.Takeaways Many people are put off math due to early education experiences. Math and art should not be pitted against each other. Creativity is essential in STEM fields. Numbers can oversimplify complex realities. Understanding inequality requires recognizing its nuances. Context matters in mathematical reasoning. We often forget important details in data interpretation. Math can be appreciated without full understanding. Building confidence in math is crucial for everyone. Mentorship plays a vital role in academic success.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mathematical Laziness 04:21 The Journey of a Mathematician 06:57 Creativity in Math and Art 09:33 Understanding Inequality through Math 11:57 The Dangers of Simplifying with Numbers 15:07 Political Debates and Mathematical Perspectives 17:15 The Importance of Context in Math 17:44 Category Theory and Abstraction in Math 20:29 Neutrality and the Gray Areas of Equality 24:02 Exploring Equality and Its Nuances 25:17 Mathematics in Real-World Contexts 28:49 The Intersection of Math and Marginalized Voices 32:39 Overcoming Gender Bias in Mathematics 35:28 The Role of Gut Instinct in Math 37:54 The Surprising Aspects of Writing a Book 42:51 Building Confidence in Math for Everyone 46:15 Rethinking Fairness and Structural ChallengesFollow Eugenia on Twitter, BlueSky, and on her Website Subscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter, BlueSky, and InstagramBecome a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com