# 221: Hiding in Plain Sight

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2017-11-02
- Length: 1h 08m
- Episode: 221
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/221-hiding-in-plain-sight

## Summary

Author Jimmy Soni, co-author of the biography A Mind at Play, discusses the life and work of Claude Shannon, the founder of information theory and digital circuit theory. Soni explains how Shannon’s unique blend of mathematical theory and practical engineering led to breakthroughs like Boolean algebra applied to circuits and the concept of the 'bit.' The conversation highlights Shannon’s introverted nature, his refusal of public fame, and his playful inventions, such as a roulette-beating wearable device and a mouse solving an electronic maze. Soni details the research process for the book, including interviews with Shannon’s colleagues and the discovery of his correspondence with figures like L. Ron Hubbard and Steve Jobs.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=6) Introduction: Jimmy Soni and Claude Shannon
- [4:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=257) The Origin of A Mind at Play and Shannon's Personality
- [10:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=636) Shannon's Dual Background in Mathematics and Engineering
- [17:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=1075) Boolean Algebra and the Foundation of Digital Computing
- [25:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=1507) Information Theory and the Definition of the 'Bit'
- [33:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=2025) Shannon's Rejection of Fame and Public Acclaim
- [41:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=2470) Research Process: Papers, Interviews, and Steve Jobs
- [53:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight#t=3208) Co-Authoring Dynamics and Writing Challenges

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Creator business](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/creator-business)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Claude Shannon (other)
- Bell Labs (company)
- Boolean algebra (other)
- Steve Jobs (other)
- Apple Computer (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Secret Life of Circuits with lcamtuf / Michał Zalewski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-06-04-the-secret-life-of-circuits-with-lcamtuf-micha-zalewski) (The Amp Hour)
- [Federico Faggin designed the first microprocessor and the capacitive touchscreen. He joins Go/No-Go to argue that AI cannot be conscious, however capable it becomes.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-06-26-federico-faggin-designed-the-first-microprocessor-and-the-capacitive-touchscreen) (Go/No-Go)
- [An Interview with Bunnie Huang (2nd)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-02-17-an-interview-with-bunnie-huang-2nd) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ray Kampmeier | The Humble Transistor](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-10-07-ray-kampmeier-the-humble-transistor) (Being an Engineer)
- [Ep028: Brain Skepticism Turned Up to 11,  Web Browsing in '69,  Verilog For 7400 Logic](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-07-26-ep028-brain-skepticism-turned-up-to-11-web-browsing-in-69-verilog-for-7400-logic) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-11-02-221-hiding-in-plain-sight. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.