Intersecting Us

by Dave Kester & Brian Rihner

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.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Math and Morality: Bridging the Gap between Numbers and Justice

    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

    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.

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

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

    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

    Discovering Truth: The Role of Mathematics in Understanding Reality

    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

    Permanence: Trusting the Beauty and Truth of Math

    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.