Fear of Numbers, with Rob Eastaway

The history of humans arguing about climate change is often just people throwing large numbers at each other. So it's time for an episode about how we think about numbers, why our brains are prone to falling for dodgy sums dressed up as facts, and how we can all learn to maths up a bit.  

Joining me on this episode is Rob Eastaway - maths author, cricket nerd, and all round nice bloke. You might have heard him on shows like BBC's More or Less, or read his books like Maths on the Back of an Envelope. He's passionate about helping everyone young and old more conquer their fear of maths and to take back a bit of control over those that would use numbers to beguile or bewitch us. 

Loads of people say they have a fear of numbers. Many of us struggle with probabilities, percentages or simply confidence in adding up in our heads. Rob says that's not just bad for our basic life skills, but it leaves us vulnerable to those who would use big numbers to make us believe things that aren't true. 

Let me know your thoughts on the show - hello@yourbrainonclimate.com. 

• Please rate, review and subscribe, and share the show on socials. 
• Please consider chucking this humble indie podcaster a few quid at www.patreon.com/yourbrainonclimate. 

Owl noises = references: 

• 18.22: My episode about Common Sense, with Danna Young, featuring the Monty Hall problem and much more. 
• 29:00: A report I once commissioned challenging the (questionable) sums the then government used to slow down climate action. 
• 34:50: badger costs, including policing. 
• 37:50: Matt Parker mathematically ranks insect stings. 
• 43:27: BBC's More or Less. 

The show is hosted and produced by me, Dave Powell. You can follow the show on instagram @yourbrainonclimate, and I occasionally put up a Substack. 

YBOC theme music and iterations thereof, by me.  Ruth Everett does all other YBOC voices. 

Show logo by Arthur Stovell at https://mondial-studio.com/.