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It’s Not Just Numbers

It’s Not Just Numbers

By Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal, Jard Nijholt

It’s Not Just Numbers is a podcast about mathematics and its human side. Each episode begins with our guests’ own stories: how they came to maths, what drew them in, and what fills their time outside it. We then explore a mathematics-related theme, from research and teaching to academic life and the wider role mathematics plays in society, while making space to question common stereotypes and misconceptions about maths and mathematicians.

If mathematics has ever sparked your curiosity, or if you have ever wondered what it is really about, this podcast is for you!

Opinions are our own.
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S2E01 - Good mathematics problems, with Serte Donderwinkel and Steffen Müller

It’s Not Just NumbersNov 03, 2024
00:00
01:24:07
S3E04 - Becoming a teacher with Heleen van der Ree and Gerrit Roorda

S3E04 - Becoming a teacher with Heleen van der Ree and Gerrit Roorda

In this episode, Heleen van der Ree (NVvW – Dutch Association of Teachers in Mathematics) and Gerrit Roorda (Teacher Educator, University of Groningen) join us in a conversation around what it means to become a high school mathematics teacher.

Together, we discuss their personal transitions into math education and the day-to-day realities of their roles. We explore the rewards and challenges of standing in front of a classroom, the importance of fostering problem-solving skills, and the space for innovation and creativity.

Wether you are curious or you are interested in it for your future career, in this episode you will find plenty of information, including the various pathways students in the Netherlands can take to start a rewarding teaching career.


Episode links:


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Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Apr 11, 202601:14:11
S3E03 - Postdoc life with Lara Vicino and Armin Pirastehzad

S3E03 - Postdoc life with Lara Vicino and Armin Pirastehzad

In this episode we sit down with Lara Vicino and Armin Pirastehzad to discuss what it is like to become a Postdoctoral Researcher. The life of a researcher is often romanticized, but what really happens the day after you defend your PhD? With the help of our guests, we explore the transition from PhD life to being an independent researcher, and what it takes to navigate that shift.


Episode links:


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Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Mar 18, 202601:08:22
S3E02 - Student associations, with Remco de Jong and Ilinca Antonache

S3E02 - Student associations, with Remco de Jong and Ilinca Antonache

In this episode we get to know Remco de Jong and Ilinca Antonache, board members of the mathematics and physics study association FMF. Together we get to understand what are study associations at Dutch universities, how they differ from student associations, and what is like to run one.


Episode links:


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Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Feb 18, 202601:06:23
S3E01 - And we are back! With Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

S3E01 - And we are back! With Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

Welcome to the new year, and to a fresh season of It’s Not Just Numbers! We’re kicking things off with a special episode to meet your new hosts. What drives them inside and outside the classroom? How did they find their way to mathematics, and what brought them to where they are today? Join us as we explore their stories and their journey into mathematics.



Links from the episode:

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Produced by Marcello Seri, Jamara Admiraal and Jard Nijholt

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Jan 15, 202644:33
S2E10 - Teaching mathematics in high school with Maarten de Witte

S2E10 - Teaching mathematics in high school with Maarten de Witte

The last episode of this season, is also the first of a new sub-series that we would like to keep exploring in the future: teaching mathematics at school.

Maarten de Witte, a former student at our mathematics bachelor and school teacher since three years, shares his experience teaching in Dutch high school. With him we start exploring the rewards and the challenges of the job and the differences between teaching at school or at university.

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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Jul 27, 202551:14
S2E09 - The afterMath2 with Josselin Kooij and Marit van Straaten

S2E09 - The afterMath2 with Josselin Kooij and Marit van Straaten

We come back to the question of S2E05: you have studied mathematics... now what? We met our old friend (and former co-host) Marit van Straaten and our former student Josselin Kooij, to talk about the possibilities for mathematicians that don't pursue a career in academia.

After getting to know them, with their motivations to study math and their hobbies (mainly sports!), we focus on their careers. Their different seniority levels allow us to span across many topics, with both a fresh and an experienced eye, in an episode that we hope will clarify many of your doubts on what to do to look for a job as mathematicians, and plenty of useful tips for when you interview for a position!

We plan to do a few more of these, so if there is anything that you would like to discuss in the next episodes, let us know in the comments (or sending us a message).


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Jul 13, 202501:11:45
S2E08 - Actively learning mathematics with Brendan Kelly
Jun 23, 202547:31
S2E07 - Mathematics outside mathematic departments, with Davide Grossi and Jorge Perez
May 26, 202501:22:28
S2E06 - Proofs and proof assistants with Sander Dahmen and Jim Portegies

S2E06 - Proofs and proof assistants with Sander Dahmen and Jim Portegies

What is a proof? And what is a proof assistant? Isn't writing proofs what mathematicians are supposed to do themselves? In this episode, Sander Dahmen and Jim Portegies, will help us explore these questions and introduce us to the fascinating world of fomralizing mathematics. Of course, after taking our time to get to know them better.

"I always wanted to turn this around and say there's nothing wrong with being not smart in mathematics and it should be okay if you work on a proof, to not understand it, to struggle with it. So if you do a computation, make three extra steps, it should be okay to give yourself that time." Wouldn't you agree? Listen to this episode to find out where this quote came from and let us know yuor first experiences with proofs.

Links for the episode:


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Apr 27, 202501:28:21
S2E05 - The afterMath with Sven Bootsma, Max Lein, Oscar Koster

S2E05 - The afterMath with Sven Bootsma, Max Lein, Oscar Koster

You have studied mathematics... now what? In this episode we talk to Sven Bootsma, Max Lein and Oscar Koster about the possibilities for mathematicians that don't pursue a career in academia.

After getting to know them, with their motivations to study math and their hobbies (mainly sports!), we focus on theie career in industry after having studied mathematics . In this long episode we span across many themes and discuss how a mathematician can find a job in industry, what the differences are with working in academia and how students could go about choosing a career after their studies.

This episode is packed with insights and interesting suggestions but only scratches the surface of this interesting discussion, leaving many additional question unanswered waiting for a future afterMath2 episode!

So let us invite you to join us in a future recording: if you are a mathematician and you are not working as an academic, especially if your job is different from the ones that we heard about in this episode, please send us a mail!

And if there is anything that you would like to discuss in the next episodes, let us know in the comments (or sending us a message).

Links for the episode:


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Mar 30, 202501:48:27
S2E04 - What does it mean to do research with Pinar Kilicer and Hildeberto Jardón Kojakhmetov
Feb 03, 202501:25:14
S2E03 - Illustrating mathematics, with Constanza Rojas-Molina and Martin Skrodzki

S2E03 - Illustrating mathematics, with Constanza Rojas-Molina and Martin Skrodzki

In this episode we talk with Constanza Rojas-Molina and Martin Skrodzki about illustrating mathematics. From pseudonyms and hobbies to careers where their illustrative work is indispensable, we talk about their development as artists and mathematicians and how to encourage others to use their creativity when it comes to mathematics.

A special episode, exploring the relations between mathematics, art and how the two can empower each other and influence research, teaching and public engagement.


There are lots of links for this episode:


Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions for our guests :)


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Jan 05, 202501:45:14
S2E02 - What mathematicians really do, with Ekin Özman and Bart Besselink

S2E02 - What mathematicians really do, with Ekin Özman and Bart Besselink

In this episode we are joined by Ekin Özman and Bart Besselink to discuss what are the work days of a mathematician at a univerisity like. With their help we get a little panoramic on what a career in mathematics looks like and what are the expectations, the priorities and sometimes the compromises that it requires.

As usual, the episode touches upon a great variety of topics, don't miss it!


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Dec 01, 202401:14:09
S2E01 - Good mathematics problems, with Serte Donderwinkel and Steffen Müller

S2E01 - Good mathematics problems, with Serte Donderwinkel and Steffen Müller

We are back with an episode on what makes mathematical problems interesting. In the studio with us, for this impossible topic, are Serte Donderwinkel and Steffen Müller: together we explore what we find interesting in mathematical problems, how beauty affects our taste, and how the way we present the problems influences the interest around them.

As usual, the episode touches upon a great variety of themes, don't miss it!


Episode links:


This was probably the episode with the largest amount of preliminary reading in the history of this podcast. The theme has been widely discussed and it is very interesting to see the various different points of views, with their differences and commonalities. We leave our reading list here for posterity:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Anna de Bruijn

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Nov 03, 202401:24:07
S1E10 - What does it take to be a Professor? With Henk Broer and Harry Trentelman

S1E10 - What does it take to be a Professor? With Henk Broer and Harry Trentelman

For the the last episode of this season, we are joined by Henk Broer and Harry Trentelman, two emeritus professors at our Institute.

They share their views on how the mathematical landscape has evolved over the past forty years, sharing with us their insights and their hopes for the future. During the episode we touch upon a great variety of themes, don't miss it!


Episode links:

If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Aug 04, 202401:22:00
S1E09 - Doing a PhD in Mathematics

S1E09 - Doing a PhD in Mathematics

For the ninth episode, we are joined by three Mathematics PhD students from our institute: Anne-Men Huijzer, Dijs de Neeling and Armin Pirastehzad.

They share their perspective as final year PhD students in Mathematics, answering some questions from our listeners and sharing their views on what is like to pursue a doctorate, including some obstacles they encountered and many useful tips for current and perspective students.


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Jul 04, 202401:20:03
S1E08 – Studying Mathematics, the students’ perspective

S1E08 – Studying Mathematics, the students’ perspective

Welcome to the eight episode! This time we are joined by two Mathematics students, Naná Giadresco and Anna de Bruijn. They share their perspective as Mathematics students, as we discuss studying and teaching during the pandemic, expectations about studying Maths and who will be the co-host next year!


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Jun 03, 202401:22:13
S1E07 - Probability vs Statistics with Gilles Bonnet and Marco Grzegorczyk

S1E07 - Probability vs Statistics with Gilles Bonnet and Marco Grzegorczyk

Welcome to the sixth episode of It's Not Just Numbers! For this episode we challenged a probabilist, Gilles Bonnet, and a statistician, Marco Grzegorczyk, to sit in the same room and explain us the commonalities and differences among their disciplines.


As usual we get to know our guests and then we head straight into the theme of the episode, exploring what probability and statistics are about and their complementary relationship, paving the road for some interesting future episodes.


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

May 03, 202401:11:32
S1E06 - Mathematics in the "real" world, with Cristóbal Bertoglio and Juan Peypouquet

S1E06 - Mathematics in the "real" world, with Cristóbal Bertoglio and Juan Peypouquet

Welcome to the sixth episode of It's Not Just Numbers! Complementing last month’s episode, we are joined by Cristóbal Bertoglio and Juan Peypouquet to discuss the multifacet world of applied mathematics.


We discuss why communicating as a researcher is more important than most people realise, and the idea that people cannot switch between different fields within mathematics.


Episode links:

If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording.

Apr 01, 202401:28:21
S1E05 - "Pure" Maths, with Oliver Lorscheid and Jaap Top

S1E05 - "Pure" Maths, with Oliver Lorscheid and Jaap Top

Welcome to the fifth episode, where we focus on so-called 'pure' mathematics, together with our guests Oliver Lorscheid and Jaap Top.

We discuss the term 'pure' mathematics,  the relation to applied mathematics, and a question mathematicians might come across often: why should we care about mathematics that is not immediately applicable?

Other topics of discussion are how our guests were drawn to mathematics, and how to change students' perspectives on mathematics in high school. Or is just focussing on students not enough?


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the friends of FSE Radio for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording. Consider giving their podcast a go: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wi0YWwEQiZHyNDEYG2KHz

Mar 03, 202401:20:32
S1E04 - Talking maths to strangers, with Julian Koellermeier and Roland van der Veen

S1E04 - Talking maths to strangers, with Julian Koellermeier and Roland van der Veen

Welcome to our fourth episode, on public engagement with mathematics.

Sitting with us are Julian Koellermeier and Roland van der Veen, which will share what drove them to mathematics and their deep passion for engaging with adults and kids outside our university bubble.

We will discuss the importance of time and reflection, the role of grants in our research, the many advantages of learning how to communicate mathematics to broader audiences despite the lack of support of it.


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen for allowing to use its podcast recording facilities for this episode

Feb 04, 202401:16:04
S1E03 - Teaching mathematics, with Tamás Görbe and Cecília Salgado

S1E03 - Teaching mathematics, with Tamás Görbe and Cecília Salgado

Welcome to our third episode, on teaching mathematics.

Sitting with us are Tamás Görbe and Cecília Salgado, which will share their enthusiasm for mathematics and for teaching. The discussion is broad and ranges to a number of themes that will overlap also with future episodes.

We will discuss the impostor phenomenon or impostor syndrome, how it affected us in different ways and in different stages of our careers, and how this relates to our approaches to teaching. The enthusiasm of our guests is contagious and I hope it will transpare from the recording!


Episode links:


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


= = = { 0 } = = =

Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the friends of FSE Radio for allowing us to use their equipment for this recording. Consider giving their podcast a go: https://betastuf.nl/other/fse-radio/

Jan 08, 202401:11:53
S1E02 - Studying mathematics, with Alef Sterk and Henk van Waarde

S1E02 - Studying mathematics, with Alef Sterk and Henk van Waarde

Welcome to the first "real" episode of the podcast, where we meet Alef Sterk and Henk van Waarde and talk to them about the transition from high school to university. In our discussion we get to know them and explore their experience in studying mathematics and their recommendations for newcoming students.

This episode features a very personal discussion that leads us to the myth of the mathematical genius and led us to talk about mathematics as a subject for everybody, where the personal effort and the courage to learn from making mistake are the key to success.


Episode links:

- Alef Sterk webpage: https://www.math.rug.nl/~alef/

- Henk van Waarde webpage: https://henkvanwaarde.github.io/


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


= = = { 0 } = = =

Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

= = = { 0 } = = =

Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Univeristy of Groningen, for allowing us to use their podcast recording facilities

Dec 03, 202348:28
S1E01 - A pilot with your hosts

S1E01 - A pilot with your hosts

Welcome to the first episode of Not Just Numbers!

As you can hear, this episode started as a pilot for us to learn how the equipment works. In this conversation, we introduce ourselves and share our far from linear paths to mathematics, discussing both our work, our experience of doing mathematics. Towards the end we touch upon what it is like to do a PhD in mathematics.


If you liked this episode, please spread the voice sharing it with your friends or on your social media.


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Produced by Marcello Seri and Marit van Straaten

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Illustrations by Henrieke Krijgsheld

The podcast soundtrack is derived from the royalty free track Starving by OctoSound and used in agreement with pixabay license https://pixabay.com/music/funk-starving-170377

We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Univeristy of Groningen, for allowing us to use their podcast recording facilities

Nov 10, 202330:31