Welcome to Digits, a biweekly podcast about numbers and us. Documentary stories about ourselves, our world, our universe—guided by a curiosity for math and numbers. Hosted by James Simenc.

Welcome to Digits!

Maine hasn't elected a new governor with majority support in over 50 years. A 2016 citizen referendum proposes a solution, and a new website brings the power of social choice theory to the people.

#1 The Vote

The marathon world record stands at 2 hours 2 minutes and 57 seconds. Is it possible for a human to run the race in less than 2 hours flat? Part 1--the marathon's surprising history, and how to build the perfect distance runner.

#2 The Impossible Marathon, Part 1

The marathon world record stands at 2 hours 2 minutes and 57 seconds. Is it possible for a human to run the race in less than 2 hours flat? Part 2--the Kalenjin, Kenya's super-runners.

#3 The Impossible Marathon, Part 2

All of western civilization counts by tens. But what if there was a better way? A way to make basic arithmetic simpler, and multiplication tables easier to memorize? Enter number twelve.

#4 The Dozenalist Manifesto, or Twelve is the New Ten

Entomologist Dr. Justin Schmidt is known as "The King of Sting" for good reason. After decades spent subjecting himself to ant, wasp, and bee stings, the Schmidt Sting Pain Index is the bible of insect stings. Or perhaps it's a connoisseur's guide.

Digits Podcast