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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

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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

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 Day
• Christopher's Jan 13th, 2026 statement after being denied clemency
• Oct 27th, 2025 interview with Christopher after a positive recommendation from the state Pardons & Clemency board
• Petition on Change.org to grant Christopher clemency
• Article on Christopher's research in Scientific American
• Article on Christopher's story in Popular Mechanics

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