Math Therapy cover art

Math Therapy

Math Therapy

By: Vanessa Vakharia aka The Math Guru
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About this listen

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 ;)

© 2026 Math Therapy
Mathematics Personal Development Personal Success Science
Episodes
  • How a music studio is just like math class w/ Devon Lougheed
    Feb 26 2026

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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 math
    • the difference between process and outcome
    • imposter syndrome - we all feel it!
    • the secret to progress - celebrate the wins, no matter the size

    About 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 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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    27 mins
  • How to change your life by changing your story w/ Gorav Menon
    Feb 19 2026

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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 great storyteller?
    • How storytelling connects to therapy
    • How labels affect us
    • How we can change our stories

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

    More Math Therapy:

    • Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
    • Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
    • Merch store: Shop here
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • 9 surprising reasons math scores are dropping
    Feb 12 2026

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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:

    1. Kids are raised differently now
    2. Kids are more distracted now
    3. Math anxiety has never been stronger
    4. Mental health challenges are more common
    5. Math feels irrelevant
    6. The value of grades has changed
    7. Learned helplessness
    8. Adults are more anxious too
    9. School hasn't caught up to reality

    Did she miss any? Let us know below!

    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
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
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