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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 discuss topics like:

• how spirituality (in any form) can help us bring our whole selves to math
• what the whole world can learn from Indigenous understandings of math
• the power of storytelling in learning

About Edward:

Dr. Edward Doolittle, (Kanyenkehake [Flint Nation = Mohawk] from Six Nations in southern Ontario) is Associate Professor of Mathematics at First Nations University of Canada, a federated college of the University of Regina. His interests range from probability (particularly in relation to partial differential operators) to Indigenous mathematics and the educational possibilities afforded by those different views of mathematics.

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)

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 life
• neuroplasticity and thinking processes
• who 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 top of this description and we may include your text/voicenote on a future episode.

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)

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 learning
• The relationship between cognitive load and math anxiety
• How handheld tools can fuel learning (and focus!)

Have you got strong feelings on calculators or know someone who does? Let us know below and share this episode!

Episode links:

• Connect with TI Calculators on Instagram or Facebook
• Listen to Curtis's podcast Room To Grow

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

More Math Therapy:

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