Math and Magic with Matt Baker

In this episode, mathematician and award-winning magician Matt Baker explores the fascinating intersection of mathematics and magic, revealing how mathematical principles, intuition, and storytelling create unforgettable illusions. From a mind-reading trick based on the classic concept of “casting out nines” to his groundbreaking research on the Riemann–Roch theorem for graphs, Baker demonstrates how creativity and pattern recognition drive both mathematical discovery and magical performance.

Chapters

00:00 The Interplay of Math and Magic

04:58 Aesthetic Connections in Math and Magic

08:57 Balancing Family, Math, and Magic

12:34 The Impact of Magic on Mathematical Thinking

16:32 The Art of Clarity in Communication

16:44 A Live Magic Demonstration

25:14 Intuition and Pattern Recognition in Math

30:03 The Riemann-Roch Theorem for Graphs

41:42 The Role of AI in Mathematics and Magic

50:21 The Art of Communicating Mathematics

50:47 The Magic of Math and Performance