Math Therapy
Math Therapy explores the root causes of math trauma, and the empowering ways we can heal from it. Each week host Vanessa Vakharia, aka The Math Guru, dives into what we get right and wrong about math education, and chats with some of today’s most inspiring and visionary minds working to make math more accessible, diverse, and fun for students of all ages. Whether you think you’re a "math person" or not, you’re about to find out that math people don’t actually exist – but the scars that math class left on many of us, definitely do. And don’t w...
Taking my own advice
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Things have been a little crazy over here so Math Therapy is going to take a couple weeks off to catch our breath, but we will be back later this month to get you fired up for back to school!
In the meantime, here are a few ways you can get your Math Therapy fix:
Vanessa was recently interviewed on the Modern Math Teacher podcastShe was also featured on episode 2 of the 3-part series on math anxiety called Heart Work by Imagine LearningMath Therapy Roulette! Go t...Fluency & Flexibility aren't the math F-bombs you think they are w/ Christina Tondevold
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One of the most misunderstood words in math ed right now is "fluency", so Vanessa invited an expert on the podcast to demystify it: educator Christina Tondevold. Christina calls herself a "recovering traditionalist" - she committed to stop teaching students in the same ineffective ways she was taught as a student.
They discuss a ton of practical strategies you can bring to your classroom, such as:
showing students how connected math is (in class and in their lives)building fluency on 3 balanced pillars: efficiency, accuracy, and f...Math Therapy Masterclass Part 2: How to start next year with confidence
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Today we bring you part 2 in Vanessa's two part Math Therapy Masterclass on how to start the coming school year with renewed confidence - for yourself and for your students!
In part 1 she shared 4 exercises/experiences you can try this summer (check it out here ICYMI), and she's back with 4 more:
5) practice being bad at something
6) find a mindset/psychology book/podcast (suggestions below)
7) try Duolingo Math
8) face your math trauma as a grown up
Let us know if you...
Math Therapy Masterclass Part 1: How to start next year with confidence
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Summer is a great time for some much needed rest after the school year, but it also provides some rare quiet time for reflection and personal projects. For many of us, that includes preparing for an even better year ahead - and that often starts with feeling more confident about math.
So Vanessa assembled this 2-part mini-masterclass to walk you through 8 tiny exercises you can try this summer, starting today with:
don't do it alone - find a math friendreplace "proving" with "improving"build an evidence f...Why math class might be more stressful than air travel w/ Cathy Marks Krpan
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Prior to spontaneously recording this convo between sessions at CAMT in Fort Worth, TX recently, Vanessa and today's guest Cathy Marks Krpan had only really spent time together while frantically travelling through airports trying to make their connections.
And in between panicked pleas to airport golf carts and documenting every detail on Instagram, one thing kept coming up - how the stress and uncertainty of air travel held so many parallels with the anxiety we feel in math class.
Cathy has an incredibly warm & empathetic a...
What 3 viral trends tell us about math trauma in 2026
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As her Screen Time app will confirm, Vanessa spends way too much time online - so when trends involving math pop up, you can be sure she has commented, shared, ranted, and made her own version.
Sadly, most of these “trends” involve negative stereotypes around math ability. These cliches are also extremely gendered, specifically directed at women and girls.
So today she discusses 3 recent viral trends and what we can do to flip the script (click the links for examples):
“I'm creative ... bc I suck at...Math in prison, chaotic podcast energy, and the legend of Sister Beth (summer mailbag)
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Summer is officially ON, so it's a great time to hear from YOU in another mailbag episode where Vanessa reads the texts you've sent us!
This batch pulls together a few threads from episodes we've released over the last few months - some will make you laugh, and some might make you tear up just as Vanessa did when reading them out.
And if you want to send us a message about the podcast or about something you'd like Vanessa to discuss over the summer...
Math anxiety, vulnerability, and the secrets to building student confidence w/ Amy Johnston
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Today's episode truly puts the "therapy" in Math Therapy! Vanessa chats with her friend Amy Johnston, a psychotherapist and empathic deep thinker, to discuss how trauma takes root in us, how it transfers through generations, and how being vulnerable about our own experiences can help us inspire students to rewrite their own narratives.
This is a truly heartfelt conversation exploring questions like:
Why your own math trauma is actually your greatest teaching superpowerHow to use strategies like narration real-time in the classroomHow intergenerational trauma is like a...How to get fired up about teaching (even if the system has crushed your spirit) w/ Chase Orton
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Vanessa recently took one step closer to her dream of hosting a Netflix show, recording the first ever live Math Therapy interview!
For her session last week at Leander ISD's annual Math Joy Conference in Texas, she interviewed self-proclaimed "chaos-driven non-compliant educator" Chase Orton - and you can now hear their extremely unfiltered conversation in front of a room full of teachers whose gasps are VERY audible throughout!
Chase and Vanessa share a fearlessness in calling out the education as it is, and in this c...
3 essential study skills to make exams less stressful for everyone w/ Deena Kara Shaffer
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Exam season is upon us, but NOBODY PANIC! Today's guest, learning strategist Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, joined Vanessa to share some simple but game-changing study tips to help you get through exams without breaking a sweat.
They discuss:
what actually is learning, and what does and does not count as studyingwhy we get trapped trying to perfect to-do lists & how to prioritize betterhow we can all use AI tools ethically to support our learning (not replace it)This episode is for anyone (students, teachers, parents) w...
The unexpected text that turned my day around (and may turn yours around too)
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Last week Vanessa ended her episode saying the podcast would be taking this week off while she was on vacation, but it might not surprise you that she is not exactly "good" at vacation .. so while she's definitely taking some much needed time off, she also could not resist recording this short episode after receiving a very unexpected and beautiful text from Timothy Jones, an inmate with the Prison Mathematics Project.
Our podcast is available through prisons across the US, and Timothy was moved to write in...
How I talked my way out of an anxiety spiral
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Vanessa reflects on her recent self-described "meltdown episode" in which she talked herself down from a panic spiral. She was nervous to share something so messy & vulnerable, but the response was incredible - so many of you identified completely with her feelings. (Turns out tax season is a real trigger for us all!)
Today, she shares some of her own observations once she had de-escalated, as well as some of the feedback and perspective she received - and most importantly she details what helped her actually get o...
Anxious about math? You may be the best person to teach it w/ Heidi Sabnani
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Everyone's finally talking about math anxiety - in students, parents, and anyone that goes into a panic at the mere mention of the word "math". But one group is often overlooked: math teachers!
Many teachers find themselves having to teach math whether they planned to or not, and often without even being trained on the material themselves. But don't panic! Today's guest, teaching coach Heidi Sabnani, has a step by step process to turn that math anxiety into a classroom strength. She joined Vanessa to discuss:
Is m...Why smart people still feel out of control (and what to do about it)
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Ever feel like you don't know how to take your own advice? Like you've learned all the strategies but can't seem to actually use them? Like no matter how hard you try to get your life in order, it just seems to get more complicated?!
Well Vanessa certainly does, and (at the encouragement of her producer) she hopped on the mic and let it all out in one of her most honest and vulnerable episodes yet.
With the help of her calculator stuffie and her tr...
Math is a spiritual practice & here's the proof w/ Edward Doolittle
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500 BC: Pythagoras may not have even existed, but a number-worshipping / bean-hating (yet vegetarian?!) cult definitely did.
1600 AD: Johannes Kepler lays the mathematical foundation for Newton's theory of gravity while innovating in both astronomy and astrology (and also inventing the genre of sci-fi in his spare time).
April 2026: Vanessa learns these stories and more watching Dr Edward Doolittle deliver a fascinating keynote in Saskatoon and impulsively convinces him to be on Math Therapy! So they sat down the next day to...
It’s never too late to change your relationship with math
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Ever since we introduced the above link to text the podcast, Vanessa has been obsessed with getting listeners to do so. And guess what - tons of you have! So today she reads a bunch of them on a range of topics like:
the problem with labels like "gifted"gaining math confidence later in lifeneuroplasticity and thinking processeswho is Sister Beth?! (seriously, we need to send her a book)Also, you can now not only text us but leave us a voicenote! Just hit the link at the...
This will change the way you think about calculators w/ Curtis Brown
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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:
How students can take ownership of their learningThe relationship between cognitive load and math anxietyHow handheld tools can fuel learning (and focus!)Have you got strong feelings on calculators or know someone...
Why we haven't fixed math education (even though we know how) w/ Steve Leinwand
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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:
accepting people's full selves in math so they don't have to code-switchhow to ma...This will change how you show up as a leader w/ Alison Mello
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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:
why PD often fails teachers and what to do about ithow to be a great leader - both for teachers and administratorshow to give and receive effective feedbackAnd as ment...
The way you talk about math matters, even if you don’t teach it w/ Kylie Fraser
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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...
Refresher: Predicting the Oscars with math w/ Ben Zauzmer (Oscarmetrics)
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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...
The best scientists follow the data AND their hearts w/ Imogen Coe
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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:
how our "math identity" impacts our entire self-worthhow our sense of belonging relates to representationshould scientists be emotional or creative?how qu...How a music studio is just like math class w/ Devon Lougheed
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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:
what risk-taking in the studio can teach us about learning maththe difference between process and outcomeimposter s...How to change your life by changing your story w/ Gorav Menon
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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:
What makes someone a gr...9 surprising reasons math scores are dropping
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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:
Kids are raised differently nowKids are more distracted nowMath anxiety has never been strongerMental health challenges are more commonMath feels irrelevantThe value of grades has changedLearned helplessnessAdults are more anxious tooSchool hasn't caught up to realityDid she miss any? Let us know below!
Contact us:
Vanessa Vak...How math can help prison inmates turn their lives around w/ Christopher Havens
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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 s...
What neuroscience actually says about gender & math w/ Sarah McKay
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A lot of brain-related questions often come up on this podcast, like:
Is there a difference in math ability between genders?Is there even such a thing as a "math brain"?What about the left brain right brain / math vs creativity debate?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...
How believing in someone can change their life w/ Jo Boaler’s first student Sue Besant
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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 ne...
Don’t let math define your entire self-worth w/ Shelby Strong
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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:
What’s the danger of defining your self-worth by being good at one thing?When does enthusiasm/passion cross the line into gatekeeping?Why are we vilifying algorithms right now?Why do we shame teachers for just trying their best?Why is systemic change so har...Can asking for help backfire?
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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:
When do tools help vs. hinder?Does process matter if the outcome is good?Are mathematical an...2026: The Year of Student Engagement!
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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 heard (democratize engagement)They don't know...How Netflix saved both Christmas and math
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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 wee...
How to make "show your thinking" less anxiety-inducing
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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:
Explain what thinking actually meansNormalize that the thought process isn't always quickGive prompts that invite students into a conversationOuter process - talk it out before writing it downModel your o...Math Therapy's 100th (& most manic) episode!
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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 (with a cameo from OG MT producer Sabina Wex) as they reminisce and argue about:
The (mostly) true origin story of Math TherapyWhere the “final 2 questions” came fromFave past episodesDream future guestsIf ChatGPT listens to our showWhether you've been listening from the start or just finding this show now, thank you...
How to believe in yourself when nobody else will w/ Taylor Telfer-Thompson
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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:
how being "bad" at math really felt & how she decided to rewrite her narrativesmall supports that made a hu...Hard truths teachers need to hear from parents w/ Cat and Nat
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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 go...
Why we can’t binge-learn math like Netflix w/ Rob Baier
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*call-out before we get into today's ep* - If you or a colleague/parent/student has a story about incorporating the absurd 6-7 phenomenon into actual learning, we need you! Seriously, send us a brief text or a voicenote via Instagram DM or email. We've heard some stories and want to do an episode about enhancing learning by reaching kids through their interests (no matter how ridiculous we think they are...)
On today's episode w/ Rob Baier:
Vanessa often goes into ou...
What the Blue Jays taught us about math education
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This past weekend, hearts across North America shattered as the plucky underdog Toronto Blue Jays lost to the LA Dodgers in extra innings of the deciding Game 7 of the Major League Baseball World Series. And if none of those words matter to you at all - then you and Vanessa have much in common!
However, as a self-admitted bandwagon jumper, even though she was down in the US on a math ed conference tour, she was all in on this series and sucked a bunch of colleagues i...
How to turn anxiety into empowerment
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Most episodes, Vanessa is chatting with colleagues about the root causes of math anxiety/trauma and exploring how math education can change to avoid causing them.
But as long as math remains a 4-letter word for some, we need some practical coping strategies! So today, Vanessa details 5 ways you can flip anxious math moments into empowering ones - for teachers, parents, and students.
Learn how to:
Trade control for curiosityAdmit what you don't knowNot be afraid to follow tangents in classCoregulate before y...An unfiltered debate about "natural ability"
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Sometimes an interview fires us up so much here at Math Therapy HQ, that we end up debriefing and debating it long after the guest has signed off - at which point producer David says to host Vanessa "we should have recorded THAT too!"
So today, we actually did! We kept the mics rolling after interviewing last week's guest, Dr. Raj Shah, resulting in a discussion on the mechanics of memory & aptitude and a spirited debate as David pushed back against Vanessa's war on the words "natural a...
