Math Therapy

Vanessa Vakharia, aka The Math Guru

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 worry, no calculators or actual math were involved in the making of this podcast ;)

  1. FEB 5

    How math can help prison inmates turn their lives around w/ Christopher Havens

    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 Project (including how to volunteer/mentor inmates)March 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 Christopher after a positive recommendation from the state Pardons & Clemency boardPetition on Change.org to grant Christopher clemencyArticle on Christopher's research in Scientific AmericanArticle on Christopher's story in Popular MechanicsContact 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

    40 min
  2. JAN 29

    What neuroscience actually says about gender & math w/ Sarah McKay

    Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) 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 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 Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email Math Therapy: Text the Podcast More Math Therapy: Get the book: Corwin, Amazon Audiobook: Audible, Spotify Merch store: Shop here

    47 min

Trailers

4.8
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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 worry, no calculators or actual math were involved in the making of this podcast ;)

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