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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 hard to enact and adapt to?
• What does rock star Dave Grohl teach us about math?
• And finally, is a hot dog a sandwich?!

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 Lament by Paul Lockhart
• Erdős number (the "6 degrees of Kevin Bacon" of math)

About 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 Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Text the Podcast

More Math Therapy:

• Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
• Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
• Merch store: Shop here

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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 and creative thinking similar?
• What is the ultimate core purpose of education?
• Is AI making us more productive or more lazy?

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 Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Text the Podcast

More Math Therapy:

• Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
• Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
• Merch store: Shop 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):

1. They don't feel heard (democratize engagement)
2. They don't know how to engage (explain what it is)
3. They think there's no point (create more entry points)
4. Their needs aren't met (don't take it personally)

Let 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 Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Text the Podcast

More Math Therapy:

• Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
• Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
• Merch store: Shop here