In this series of posts, we’ll be featuring mathematical video and streaming channels from all over the internet, by speaking to the creators of the channel and asking them about what they do.
We spoke to Stephen Welch, of Welch Labs, which among many other projects runs a YouTube channel of maths and science videos.
Channel title: Welch Labs
Link: youtube.com/@WelchLabsVideo
Topics covered: Math, science, and machine learning
Average video length: 20 minutes
Recommended videos: The most beautiful equation in math, explained visually [Euler’s Formula], “Imaginary Numbers Are Real” series (particularly Part 1: Introduction), Manhattan Project/Oppenheimer Series.
What is your channel about, and when did it start?
I try to explain complex math, science, and machine learning topics as clearly as possible, and bring in human narratives and storytelling to really drive things forward. I started way back in 2014 when I became frustrated with the available resources out there on Neural Networks – so I made and posted my own video. The next morning I woke up and it had 1,000 views – which blew mind!
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I’m Stephen Welch. I loved math and science as a kid, but fell out of love with it in college – I think mostly because of how things were taught – it really frustrated me. I eventually realized that I really do love math and science, but they way it was taught was a “dry technical husk” to quote Gregory Chaitin **of the real thing – Welch Labs is my attempt to make this better. I did Welch Labs on the side for a long time, and went full time just last year – it’s me and a couple freelancers right now.
Who is the intended audience for the channel?
Enthusiastic high schoolers, college students, and really anyone interested in this stuff with some level of technical background.
What is a typical video like?
I target one video per month, and videos are typically around 20 minutes. I try to ask the most compelling and clear question I can, and answer it as effectively as possible. I use a blend of overhead “hand drawing” graphics and digital animations, many using manim.
Why should people watch your channel?
I really care about he history/context, and hope that shines through in the writing – I spend a ton of time on research. I want you to walk away understanding a really compelling set of deeper “why’s” around the topic.
What are some highlights of the channel so far?
My most successful video is quite old and little embarrassing now, but still popular – it’s on imaginary numbers. I covered Euler’s formula last year, and I think this came out pretty well. I also have a Neural Scaling video that I think came out pretty well.
What exciting plans do you have for the future?
Long term, I really want to make a dent in education. Step one is for me to make a viable enough business our of Welch Labs for me to be able to continue to do this full time – YouTube is a powerful way to reach a large audience, and will likely be at the core of Welch Labs for a long time.
More broadly though – I absolutely love books, and have one book out now that goes along with my Imaginary Number series (currently only available in the US). It’s sold pretty well – people seem to really enjoy it. I’m working on an AI book this year – it should be out in December. After I’m able to build up a body of work like this, I’d like to take a swing at curriculum or other types of more formal involvement in our education system. I really think we can do so much better with math and science education- and I’m excited to play a role!