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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 Podcast
• Watch her TedTalk "Indulge your neurobiology"
• Cimpian Cognitive Development Lab

About 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

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)

Have you ever been so convinced you were bad at something that you didn’t even question it anymore? Not just as an insecurity, but like it was your full identity: “I’m not a math person.” End of conversation.

Well, this episode is about what happens when that story gets completely rewritten.

Sue Besant was a directionless student who was literally & repeatedly told that she would amount to nothing, and math was ground zero for this crushing message.

But one day a new teacher walked into her math class - none other than Jo Boaler. Yes, before teaching at Stanford & writing bestsellers about growth mindset and neuroplasticity, Jo Boaler had her first day in class too!

Jo gave Sue and her classmates something they'd never had before - a teacher who believed in them and told them so. The rest of the story spans decades and time zones, so join Vanessa today as Sue shares how finally learning math gave her the confidence to believe that she was capable of anything she dreamed of.

Related episode:

• Jo Boaler on Math Therapy: Embracing your limitless mind (2023)

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)

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