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While you spent thousands of hours studying math in high school, odds are you never use any of it. There is math that really matters – it’s just not covered in school. Just as Freakonomics made us rethink economics, Aftermath does the same for math. Today’s guest, Ted Dintersmith, is a bestselling author, education advocate, and former venture capitalist who believes math has been weaponized—and it’s time to set things right. If you’re curious about the math you missed, and how it can empower you, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why most high school math is irrelevant — and what truly matters instead
2. The impact of standardized testing on creativity and curiosity
3. How mathematical thinking can help students interpret real-world data
4. The role of AI in reshaping math learning and career readiness
5. Practical ways schools and parents can rethink accountability and purpose

✨ Episode Highlights

[00:02:29] Ted introduces Aftermath and the shift from formulas to ideas
[00:07:08] Why estimation skills matter more than test prep
[00:15:48] The hidden costs of standardized math testing
[00:26:12] AI and automation forcing a reset in math priorities
[00:39:39] Portfolios and creativity as new measures of learning
[00:50:21] Restoring creativity in schools inspired by Ken Robinson 

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