Intersecting Us

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.

Intersecting Us

  • Investing in Others: The Love That Fosters Personal Fulfillment

    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

    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.

    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

    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

    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.