Embracing Stuckness: Ben Orlin on Productive Problem Solving in "Math for English Majors"

This week, I’m excited to welcome Ben Orlin to the show to discuss his new book, Math for English Majors: A Human Take on the Universal Language. Ben is a math educator, writer, and the creator of Math with Bad Drawings, a blog and book series that makes math more accessible, humorous, and relatable. His latest book approaches mathematics as a language—one that everyone can learn, even those who’ve struggled with it in the past.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Math as a Language: Ben explains how understanding math as a form of communication can help break down barriers to learning and make it more intuitive.
• Where Students Get Stuck: Ben shares key moments where people tend to disconnect from math, such as fractions and algebra, and offers insights on how to reframe those challenges.
• The Concept of Stuckness: Drawing from his teaching experience, Ben discusses how learning to sit with and work through being “stuck” is crucial not just in math but in any problem-solving endeavor.
• Breaking the Math Stigma: Many people carry negative experiences with math from school. Ben talks about how reframing math through storytelling, humor, and play can make it more engaging and approachable.
• Curiosity as a Learning Tool: Instead of focusing on getting the “right” answer, Ben emphasizes how curiosity and exploration can make math more enjoyable and meaningful.

Ben’s work challenges the idea that math is only for “math people” and instead presents it as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and deeper understanding. Whether you’ve loved math or avoided it at all costs, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to engage with numbers in a more human way.

Learn more about Ben and his work at MathWithBadDrawings.com and follow him on social media @MathWithBadDrawings. Math for English Majors is available now wherever books are sold. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by math, this conversation is for you!

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