Math Therapy

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) We cover many hot button topics in math education, but today we're taking on the most literal one ... calculators! Why are they so controversial? When are they helpful and when should we use other tools? On today's episode, Vanessa chats with Curtis Brown from Texas Instruments about those questions and more: Have you got strong feelings on calculators or know someone who does? Let us know below and share this episode! Episode links: TI CalculatorsInstagramFacebookRoom To GrowAbout Curtis: Curtis Brown is a former high school math and AP Statistics teacher who spent five years with the National Math and Science Initiative as a Statistics Curriculum Coordinator. He’s now the Math Segment Manager at Texas Instruments, where he leads content development and serves as a voice for educators in product design. Curtis is a frequent speaker at math conferences and co‑hosts the education podcast Room to Grow. Outside of work, he enjoys kayak fishing, mountaineering with his sons, and spending time with his family. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the PodcastMore Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) If you listen to this podcast, chances are you believe not only that we can fix math education but that we know how to do it. So WHY haven't we yet?! Today's guest Steve Leinwand is a true legend in this space, known for his radical honesty and authenticity in fighting for a better system for all. He joined Vanessa from his vacation (because he can never resist a good rant!) to discuss: andAbout Steve: (Website) Steven Leinwand has been a driving force in math education for nearly 50 years, shaping policy, curriculum, and teaching practices at the highest levels. He's held major leadership roles with organizations like NCTM (National Council for Teachers of Mathematics), and NCSM (National Council for Supervisors of Mathematics). He has advised on national initiatives like the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and worked with organizations like the American Institute for Research, earning multiple national awards along the way. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the PodcastMore Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Leadership. Feedback. Professional Development. Terms that get thrown around a lot - but what do they actually mean? More importantly, how do we develop those tools so they actually make a difference in the classroom?! Thankfully, educator Alison Mello is an expert on leadership in math education, and she joined Vanessa to discuss: And as mentioned in the episode, you can still register for Alison's Get Your Workshop On 2026 (early bird pricing ends March 31st so don't wait!) About Alison: (Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) Alison J. Mello has been in education for 30 years as a classroom teacher, author, national speaker, and math consultant. Alison enjoys developing practical strategies to address issues that districts and teachers face in their schools and classrooms every day. She uses her understanding of leadership, curriculum and best practices to inspire and assist leaders and teachers in elevating and transforming math instruction. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the PodcastMore Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Back in 2020, math teacher (with math trauma) Kylie Fraser found herself in Vanessa's Math Therapy session at the Mighty Peace Teachers Convention in Grand Prairie, Alberta and was stunned how much she saw of herself in Vanessa's story. Flash forward to earlier this month when Vanessa returned to Grand Prairie to deliver the keynote, and 30 minutes before hitting the stage they reunited and impulsively decided to record this convo about what Kylie has been up to in her math journey in the last 6 years! They discussed: On that note - if you know someone that should hear this story, share it! Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the PodcastMore Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) The Oscars are this Sunday, and to be completely transparent, Vanessa hasn't seen any of the nominations. BUT, she is always ready to hand out an award to anyone blending pop culture and math, so today we are bringing you our 2022 interview with Ben Zauzmer, who has been using statistical analysis every awards season to predict the Oscar winners with math! Ben is also Assistant General Manager for the NY Mets baseball team after spending years in MLB baseball analytics - that's right, he is Moneyball IRL! You can check out his predictions for this year below, and you can try to send Vanessa movie recommendations but we all know if they aren't Christmas romcoms they probably won't make her top 10. Ben's 2026 Oscars predictions for Hollywood ReporterBen's 2026 nominee predictions “Oscarmetrics: The Math Behind the Biggest Night in Hollywood”Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Vanessa's mentor and friend, Dr. Imogen Coe, holds many distinctions: Professor of Critical Thinking in Biomedical Sciences, award-winning scholar-activist, former Dean of Science, STEM thought leader, and all-around academic badass. But her finest achievement yet? Being the first returning guest on Math Therapy! Imogen joined us in 2020 to talk about breaking systemic barriers in STEM fields, and she returns today to explore pressing topics like: About Imogen: (Website, Instagram, LinkedIn) Dr. Imogen Coe is a scientist, advocate, and founding dean of the Faculty of Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is internationally recognized for her research in cell biology and for her leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) For the last month, Vanessa and Math Therapy producer David have been in the studio working on their band's next album, and Vanessa couldn't help observing many parallels between making music in the studio and learning math. If you're reading this like "huh?!" ... then today's episode is a must listen! After a day in the studio with our good friend & producer Devon Lougheed, Vanessa sat down with him to discuss: allAbout Devon: (Instagram, Website) Devon Lougheed is a JUNO-winning songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, creative mad scientist and musical schemer, and co-founder of alt-rock band Altered By Mom. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Today's episode is about storytelling. So much of our self-worth and perceived ability come from internal narratives that have been shaped by stories we've either been told or that we tell ourselves - but we have the power to change them! Gorav Menon joins Vanessa to discuss the impact these stories have on our lives, and offers three simple steps to take control of them and unlock our full potential - both in and out of the classroom. They cover topics like: About Gorav: (LinkedIn) Gorav Menon is a tech strategist and co-host of Linen Suit & Plastic Tie, a podcast that explores the power of storytelling in all corners of our lives. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Everyone’s always ranting and raving about why student math scores are dropping, but are they focusing on the wrong reasons? In today's episode, Vanessa details some factors that often get overlooked: Did she miss any? Let us know below! Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Christopher Havens is a mathematician with published research in number theory, but what makes him unique among fellow scholars is his entire career in math has taken place in prison where he is serving a 25-year murder sentence. Math was the catalyst and ongoing foundation for his rehabilitation, and along the way he founded the Prison Mathematics Project which provides resources to inmates across the US. In recognition of his years of rehabilitation, mathematical research, and community building, the Washington State Pardons & Clemency board unanimously recommended his sentence be reduced last year, but last month the request was denied by the state governor. So we thought we'd bring you Vanessa's 2021 interview with Christopher which remains just as thought-provoking and inspiring today. Links: More about the Prison Mathematics ProjectMarch 2023 episode of Math Therapy about our visit to prison for Pi DayChristopher's Jan 13th, 2026 statement after being denied clemencyOct 27th, 2025 interview with ChristopherPetition on Change.orgScientific AmericanPopular MechanicsContact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) A lot of brain-related questions often come up on this podcast, like: And every time, Vanessa says "I need to speak to an expert about this!" Well, when she heard today's guest on the Mel Robbins Podcast talking about brain science and gender, she knew she had found her neuroscientist. Dr. Sarah McKay joins Math Therapy to debunk some common myths around our brains and math abilities, and offers science-backed advice on how to amplify the message that everyone has equal potential to learn math. Links mentioned: Sarah McKay on the Mel Robbins PodcastWatch her TedTalk "Indulge your neurobiology"Cimpian Cognitive Development LabAbout Sarah: (Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) Dr. Sarah McKay is an Oxford-educated neuroscientist, author, and science communicator specializing in women’s brain health, hormones, and lifespan brain development. She’s the author of The Women’s Brain Book and founder of The Neuroscience Academy. She’s passionate about debunking popular myths about the brain—especially when it comes to gender and intelligence. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Have you ever been so convinced you were bad at something that you didn’t even question it anymore? Not just as an insecurity, but like it was your full identity: “I’m not a math person.” End of conversation. Well, this episode is about what happens when that story gets completely rewritten. Sue Besant was a directionless student who was literally & repeatedly told that she would amount to nothing, and math was ground zero for this crushing message. But one day a new teacher walked into her math class - none other than Jo Boaler. Yes, before teaching at Stanford & writing bestsellers about growth mindset and neuroplasticity, Jo Boaler had her first day in class too! Jo gave Sue and her classmates something they'd never had before - a teacher who believed in them and told them so. The rest of the story spans decades and time zones, so join Vanessa today as Sue shares how finally learning math gave her the confidence to believe that she was capable of anything she dreamed of. Related episode: Embracing your limitless mindContact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Whenever Vanessa talks to math educator and coach Shelby Strong, they end up saying "why didn't we record that, it was basically a podcast!" So today we bring you an actual podcast with Shelby, exploring an absolutely bonkers range of provocative questions like: If these question spark something in you, let us know below - and share this episode with someone else that needs to hear it! Things mentioned: A Mathematician's LamentErdős numberAbout Shelby: (Website, Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn) Shelby Strong (Stronger Math) is a math educator and coach who believes math belongs to everyone. She has presented at school districts, regional organizations, and national conferences, including delivering an IGNITE at NCTM in 2024 called "Professional Development Doesn't Have to Suck". Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) As you may know, Vanessa and producer David are in a band together, and they're currently writing songs for a new album. The path through writer’s block and their ups and downs as a collaborative team led to some unexpected debates about the creative process that share surprising parallels with the greater discussion around mathematical thinking. So they hopped on the mic to debate a range of topics like: Finally, Vanessa calls up friend and tech-forward educator Jamie Mitchell (without warning to either him or David) to have him chime in on the debate, and it actually was the most coherent part of the episode. Enjoy and let us know if you want to hear a part 2! Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Happy new year! To get in the mindset for a great 2026, here's a motivating episode about one of last year's hottest topics in math ed: student engagement. Why is it so hard to get students to really engage in the classroom? What does engagement even mean? What can we try differently this year? In this episode, Vanessa explores four reasons students might not engage in class (and offers tips for each): They don't feel heardThey don't know how to engageThey think there's no pointTheir needs aren't metLet us know if these resonate with you or if there are any that we missed, and most importantly have a great start to the school year! Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Five years ago, Vanessa fell head over heels in love with a Christmas movie. The plot twist? This wasn't one of the countless Hallmark romcoms she actually consumes throughout the year - this was a movie about a little girl who literally saves Christmas with math! Back then she interviewed Producer Lyn Sisson-Talbert and Writer/Director David E. Talbert about their groundbreaking Netflix film Jingle Jangle, so we’re resharing the conversation today as Christmas approaches. On that note, we'll be taking a break next week but will be back in your feed Jan 1st to give you some inspiration to make 2026 a great year in the classroom. Until then, happy holidays!! Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Getting students to think is a hot topic - but what does it actually mean? When kids are asked to "show their thinking", can we really blame them for being like "WTF?!?!" Today on Math Therapy, Vanessa explores the surprising number of ways we can define & interpret "thinking", and shares 5 strategies to demystify it in the classroom: How do YOU define thinking? Let us know below! Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Since our humble (and as you'll find out, quite disorganized) start in 2019, Math Therapy has come a long way ... and today we celebrate our 100th episode! Join host Vanessa Vakharia and producer David Kochberg as they reminisce and argue about: Whether you've been listening from the start or just finding this show now, thank you for listening and being part of the change we all want to see in math education. And please please please SHARE this podcast with someone that needs to hear it, and let US know what you want to hear in the next 100 episodes! Past episodes mentioned: What the Blue Jays taught us about math educationPi Day in Prison (Seriously)“Dude Walls” & the lost women of science w/ Katie HafnerDancing on the moon w/ Dr. Merritt MooreCan math predict the Oscars? w/ Ben ZauzmerHow math rehabilitated a murderer w/ Christopher HavensI’m not a math person, don’t @ me w/ BexRecalculating your destiny w/ Miguel EscobarA mathemagical crisis w/ Jonah BabinsContact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Today we follow-up last week's episode with unfiltered celeb moms Cat and Nat (listen here) by interviewing Nat's daughter Taylor! Currently in Grade 11, she's a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, having taken her education into her own hands to overcome a system that literally told her not to bother even trying. This ep is overflowing with real lessons right from a student who's been through it all. Taylor describes: Teachers, parents, and students can all learn so much from Taylor's story, so share this ep with someone who needs to hear it and get in touch below to let us know how it resonated with you! About Taylor: (Instagram, TikTok) Taylor Telfer-Thompson is a high school student who has faced significant struggles with math throughout her education, but has never given up. Her story shows what it looks like to persevere in the face of difficulty, to wrestle with identity, and to keep trying even when math feels impossible. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) From the moment Vanessa met bestselling authors/podcasters Cat and Nat on Breakfast Television, where the 2 moms proudly professed to hate math ... she knew she had to have them on Math Therapy to dig deeper and find out why. They are the definition of unfiltered, so they are a perfect fit! This interview may be uncomfortable for teachers to hear - honestly, it was difficult for Vanessa at times to not be defensive. But the fact is, we need to know what students and parents are really going through; not just in the classroom but in their entire, completely chaotic modern lives. About Cat and Nat: (Website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube) Between the two of them, bestselling authors & podcasters Cat & Nat have seven kids, zero down time, and an unshakable belief that motherhood shouldn’t feel like solitary confinement. Contact us: Vanessa VakhariaInstagramTikTokEmailMath Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the bookCorwinAmazonAudiobookAudibleSpotifyMerch storeShop here