What the heck is this?


Well, let’s start by breaking it down. Are we talking about the podcast part? Or the “Fermi Problem” part? The podcast part is easy to answer – A podcast is a feed of audio content generated by two weirdos who like talking about stupi math problems.

Oh, you wanted to know about the “Fermi Problem” part? To quote wikipedia:

In physics or engineering education, a Fermi problemFermi quizFermi questionFermi estimate, or order estimation is an estimation problem designed to teach dimensional analysis or approximation of extreme scientific calculations, and such a problem is usually a back-of-the-envelope calculation. The estimation technique is named after physicist Enrico Fermi as he was known for his ability to make good approximate calculations with little or no actual data. Fermi problems typically involve making justified guesses about quantities and their variance or lower and upper bounds.

Wikipedia

So basically, in this podcast, we’re going to pick a ridiculous dimensional analysis problem each week, and try to reason through an answer live. No internet. No references, no calculators. Just wild guessing and stupid debates! Join us!


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