The Stacking Benjamins Show – Episode SB1715 Summary: "How to Make Better Decisions Using Math" (with Ted Dintersmith)

Release Date: July 30, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and OG delve into the transformative power of math in making informed financial decisions with special guest Ted Dintersmith, an economist and education innovator. The conversation, rich with insights and practical advice, explores how rethinking math education and applying mathematical concepts can lead to better personal and financial outcomes.

1. Introduction to Ted Dintersmith

The episode kicks off with Joe and OG introducing Ted Dintersmith, highlighting his passion for making math enjoyable and relevant. Ted is recognized for his collaboration with the late Sir Ken Robinson and his efforts to revolutionize education through his book and documentaries.

2. The Parable of Outdated Education

Timestamp: [07:00 - 12:00]

Ted shares a compelling parable about a fictitious nation, Stagnatia, which clings to an obsolete driver training curriculum. This curriculum emphasizes irrelevant skills like cleaning carburetors and sending smoke signals—skills that are no longer applicable in modern times. The story underscores the dangers of relying on outdated educational practices that do not equip students with relevant, real-world skills.

Ted Dintersmith [11:47]: "School is not only doing good things, it's actually doing damaging things. I think math, in many ways, is a poster child for failed priorities because we teach a body of obsolete math that was useful before computers."

3. Critique of Traditional Math Education

Timestamp: [12:00 - 32:00]

Ted critiques the traditional math curriculum, arguing that it focuses on rote memorization and outdated concepts that are no longer necessary in the age of computers and AI. He shares a personal anecdote about his son's struggle with a simple machines exam, illustrating how standardized testing can stifle creativity and genuine understanding.

Ted Dintersmith [16:20]: "It's all about teaching kids what's going to be on the test, not what's important to learn."

Ted emphasizes the need for a math education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and practical application, enabling individuals to make better decisions in their personal and professional lives.

4. Key Mathematical Concepts: Prediction and Probability

Timestamp: [17:20 - 32:00]

Ted introduces two fundamental mathematical concepts—prediction and probability—and explains their significance in everyday decision-making.

• Prediction: Understanding how to forecast future events based on past data is crucial for personal budgeting, investment planning, and business strategy.

  Ted Dintersmith [20:33]: "If you look at my food budget, maybe I should look at how many times a week I'm eating out versus eating at home and what those cost differences are."

• Probability: Grasping the likelihood of various outcomes helps individuals make informed choices and avoid cognitive biases that can lead to poor decisions.

  Ted Dintersmith [23:49]: "People's instincts on probability are often very far afield from what really deserves to be put front and center."

By mastering these concepts, listeners can enhance their financial literacy and make more strategic decisions.

5. The Role of Statistics in Daily Life

Timestamp: [32:00 - 43:00]

Ted explores how statistics play a pivotal role in understanding and interpreting the world around us. He uses examples like the Moneyball approach in baseball and walk score statistics of cities to demonstrate how statistical analysis can lead to better outcomes.

• Moneyball: Revolutionized baseball by focusing on undervalued statistics to build competitive teams.

  Ted Dintersmith [35:11]: "They began to really rethink and look at what statistics are revealing, what statistics are powerful."

• Walk Scores: Highlight how cities like San Francisco and Eureka Springs rank high in walkability, influencing real estate and lifestyle decisions.

Ted also critiques the U.S. News & World Report college rankings, revealing how institutions manipulate data to climb rankings, which often do not reflect the true quality of education.

Ted Dintersmith [39:33]: "These rankings are unbelievably great... we have to dig in and understand what assumptions are being made to produce that number."

6. The Intersection of AI and Math

Timestamp: [44:00 - 45:10]

The discussion shifts to the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its reliance on mathematical principles. Ted highlights how AI's improving math capabilities can be harnessed for better decision-making but also warns of the importance of understanding the underlying math to effectively utilize AI tools.

Ted Dintersmith [44:12]: "I'm like, nope... it's up to you to say... These are tools and if you're worried about it being wrong, take that into your own hands and figure out how to make sure you fact check it."

7. Listener Question: Independent vs. Bank Financial Advisors

Timestamp: [55:00 - 67:30]

A listener poses a question comparing independent financial advisors to bank-affiliated financial advisors. Joe and OG, along with Ted, dissect the differences:

• Independence: Often ambiguous, as many advisors linked to large firms claim to be "independent" without clear distinctions.

• Affiliation with Big Companies: Provides more oversight and standardized practices but may come with rigid compensation structures and incentives that prioritize product sales over client needs.

• Compensation Structures: Independent advisors may offer personalized services without the pressure to sell specific products influenced by corporate incentives.

OG [58:38]: "It's a math mindset. They'll start to look at the world differently. They'll question the numbers they get."

The hosts conclude that the best choice depends on the individual's needs and emphasize the importance of building a trusting relationship with a financial advisor who genuinely prioritizes the client's interests.

8. Concluding Remarks and Resources

Ted promotes his book, "Aftermath," which serves as a curriculum to teach practical math for everyday decision-making. He shares his vision of creating a math-literate population capable of critical and informed discussions.

Ted Dintersmith [45:44]: "If this book is at all helpful toward that goal, I will feel quite gratified."

The episode wraps up with Ted discussing his documentaries aimed at transforming education, including "Most Likely to Succeed" and the forthcoming "Multiple Choice." These films highlight innovative educational approaches that align with real-world skills and foster creative thinking.

Notable Quotes

• Ted Dintersmith [16:17]: "I think it's borderline criminal. So I said, darn, I'm writing a book about this."

• OG [22:49]: "Just you have your hands so much more on the trigger with what seem like short term decisions that have this long term impact."

• Ted Dintersmith [32:32]: "You know, these are tools and if you're worried about it being wrong, take that into your own hands and figure out how to make sure you fact check it."

Resources Mentioned

• Ted Dintersmith’s Book: Aftermath – A guide to practical math for better decision-making. Available at www.aftermaththebook.com.

• Documentaries:

  • "Most Likely to Succeed" – Explores innovative education systems.
  • "Multiple Choice" – Upcoming film focused on career-based learning and its impact on education.

• Educational Initiatives:

  • What School Could Be: whatschoolcouldbe.org
  • Ted’s Website: teddintersmith.com

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how math, when taught and applied correctly, can significantly enhance personal and financial decision-making. Ted Dintersmith’s insights challenge traditional educational paradigms and advocate for a more practical, engaging, and relevant approach to teaching math. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a math mindset, critically analyze statistics, and seek out financial advisors who prioritize their best interests.

For more details, guides, and resources discussed in this episode, visit stackingbenjamins.com.