In this episode, Jon is joined by the brilliant Rob Eastaway, whose books, puzzles and radio appearances have helped hundreds of thousands of people see the beauty in everyday maths. They explore how curiosity drives mathematical thinking, why written methods can sometimes obscure understanding, and what we can learn from the history of numbers — from Roman numerals to Elizabethan clocks.

Rob shares stories from Maths Inspiration, his nationwide programme of interactive theatre shows for teenagers, and talks about the importance of connecting maths to real life, real surprises and real joy. They also discuss how puzzles, games and magic tricks can open doors for pupils (and parents!) who may not think maths is “for them”.

With reflections on AI, problem solving, cognitive load, and why estimation is still one of the most powerful skills we can teach, this is a wide-ranging, warm, and genuinely inspiring conversation.

In this episode:

How Rob first got hooked on maths puzzle
Why everyday maths matters more than written methods
Linking curiosity, surprise and mathematical understanding
The real story behind Roman numerals and old clocks
What makes Maths Inspiration so powerful
Supporting parents with maths anxiety
Why puzzles need to be pitched carefully
The problem with exam “problem solving”
How maths — and maths assessment — might evolve in an AI world

https://robeastaway.com/

https://mathsinspiration.com/

Get in touch: primarymathspodcast@twinkl.co.uk

How to See Maths Everywhere - Rob Eastaway’s Guide for Teachers