Best Math Trauma Podcasts (2025)

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Vanessa Vakharia — From Failing Math to becoming The Math Guru, a Rock Star, and a Mission to Heal Math Trauma 39:46

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15d ago39:46

39:46

In this episode of Forks, we sit down with Vanessa Vakharia, founder of The Math Guru, bestselling author of Math Hacks and Math Therapy, and frontwoman of the indie rock band Goodnight Sunrise. After failing math twice in high school, Vanessa was convinced she “just wasn’t a math person.” Years later, she’s built a movement around proving that bel…

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Ep. 12 Tarpon Springs FL Mayor John Koulianos Pt. 1: Meatballs to Marathons at age 65! 34:00

9h ago34:00

34:00

What if your mayor swapped lamb and meatballs for marathons and tofu — and never looked back? In this candid and inspiring conversation, Tarpon Springs Florida Mayor John Koulianos shares how watching a single documentary and listening to his 9-year-old daughter completely changed the trajectory of his health — and maybe even saved his life. If you…

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Sally Ann Hall and Sci Fi Movies – EP 849 59:59

4h ago59:59

59:59

Sally Ann Hall (@meSallyAnn and FunnySallyAnn.com) is a comic with her first album and special coming out - look for “Pretty Dead Wife” picked five Sci Fi movies that had some wild socialmes sages. Spoilers galore for five movies from 2012-2018. And then GalaxyQuest. Heh. Fun. PreDestinationThe EndlessJupiter AscendingHunger Games FranchiseGalaxy Q…

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SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO: From Comedy Store Roots, Nerves With De Niro & Learning to Slow Down 1:25:24

1d ago1:25:24

1:25:24

Sebastian Maniscalco (The Irishman, About My Father) joins us this week for an unfiltered conversation about chasing approval, the grind of stand-up, and learning to slow down. Sebastian opens up about growing up with immigrant parents, bombing in his early sets, and the nerves of auditioning for Scorsese before eventually working with Robert De Ni…

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The Trophy Wife That Built An Empire: Coco Austin 1:31:06

4d ago1:31:06

1:31:06

Bunnie sits down with the iconic Coco to talk about her 30-year modeling career, which began in 1997 and helped pave the way for curvy women long before the Kardashians made it mainstream. Coco opens up about her evolution from modeling to motherhood, sharing how she stays hands-on and sets an example for her daughter, Chanel. The two dive deep int…

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Ask, Tell, Confess: Bunnie Took A Dump While WHO WATCHED? 20:52

5d ago20:52

20:52

On this episode of Ask, Tell, Confess, the Coven catch up on life updates — including the year-and-a-half journey of building a brand new barndominium. Bunnie opens up about her first visit, which took an unexpected turn when a yellow jacket sting triggered major anxiety and a full-blown panic attack. Despite the rocky start, the crew still found t…

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18. Critical Trauma, Mental Health, and Education with Dr. Chantal Figueroa 1:03:43

43m ago1:03:43

1:03:43

In this episode we converse with Chantal Figueroa, Ph.D., a researcher, educator, and strategist that specializes in designing evidence-based programs meant to support the mental health and wellbeing of Latine peoples. Dr. Figueroa is the co-editor of the book titled Dis/ability in the Americas: The Intersections of Education, Power, and Identity. …

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TBT: Meeting Snoop and Dolly 52:39

6d ago52:39

52:39

Throwback Thursday The trio is back and ready to spill it all! Bunnie shares hilarious Thanksgiving and after-party stories, including unforgettable moments with Dolly Parton and Snoop Dogg. Hailee reveals her latest man-related ick, and the girls dive into Butterball turkeys, Tesla robots, the Come Here Cowboy music video, and their upcoming merch…

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What the Blue Jays taught us about math education 1:09:19

9h ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) This past weekend, hearts across North America shattered as the plucky underdog Toronto Blue Jays lost to the LA Dodgers in extra innings of the deciding Game 7 of the Major League Baseball World Series. And if none of those words matter to you at all - then you and Vanessa have much in common! However, as…

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Ep. 11 We Let Kids Play Games in Class — Here’s What Actually Happened 11:00

7d ago11:00

11:00

Everyone says learning should be serious. We disagree. When we let kids play games in class, something incredible happened—focus improved, confidence soared, and even the quietest students found their voice. The games weren’t a break from learning; they were part of the learning. In this Straight Talk: Plant the Change episode, Michele Fasnacht sha…

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Douglas Widick dorks out about The Beatles – EP 848 1:03:37

1d ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Douglas Widick (@DouglasWidick and .com) … I remember SOME things about the Beatles and learn other things. It’s really fun. Enjoy. Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I beli…

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KRISTEN SCHAAL: Bob's Burgers Family, Becoming Unbreakable & Simpson's Easter Eggs 1:26:56

8d ago1:26:56

1:26:56

Kristen Schaal (Last Man on Earth, Bob’s Burgers) joins us this week to share her unfiltered journey through the highs and lows of Hollywood. From crashing on couches in New York and making comedy for no money, to finding her voice on South Park and building family on Bob’s Burgers, Kristen’s story is one of persistence and originality. Along the w…

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Maury Povich: Open Relationship? Insulting Muhammad Ali, IVF Journey & More! 53:42

10d ago53:42

53:42

Step into the world of daytime TV royalty as Bunnie is joined by the legendary Maury Povich. In this candid conversation, Maury takes us through his unforgettable journey from the newsroom to becoming a cultural phenomenon, thanks to outrageous teen drama and those iconic “You are NOT the father!” moments. He shares standout memories — including a …

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Ask, Tell, Confess: Webcam Girls Tell Us Their Strangest Requests 30:05

13d ago30:05

30:05

On this episode of Ask, Tell, Confess, the Coven dives into a chaotic mix of laughs, confessions, and outrageous stories. The conversation revolves around makeup mishaps, Halloween costume fails, and their brand-new live show We Saw It Online, streaming soon on Twitch and YouTube. Things take a wild turn as they unpack bizarre fetishes—from a man w…

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TBT: Ghost of Kevin James 1:04:20

14d ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Throwback Thursday Bunnie and the girls are back with plenty of chaos to catch up on! They kick things off with a CMA Awards recap—complete with the mysterious Kevin James sighting—before diving straight into “Boogergate,” the viral pick seen ‘round the world. Bunnie weighs in on the Jeffree Star TikTok drama, Meme relives her spray tan disaster, a…

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How to turn anxiety into empowerment 27:25

7d ago27:25

27:25

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Most episodes, Vanessa is chatting with colleagues about the root causes of math anxiety/trauma and exploring how math education can change to avoid causing them. But as long as math remains a 4-letter word for some, we need some practical coping strategies! So today, Vanessa details 5 ways you can flip an…

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Ep. 10 Kari Bagnall Pt. 1: Why Monkeys Don’t Belong in Labs, Zoos, or Homes 37:53

14d ago37:53

37:53

What happens when a monkey raised as a pet or in a lab finally tastes freedom—and why does it matter to you? In a world where exotic animals are still bought as pets and tested in labs, this episode reveals the heart-wrenching and inspiring journey of Kari Bagnall and her 197 rescued primates—and what we can learn about empathy, education, and syst…

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NYPD BLUE and Cindy Caponera – EP 847 59:44

9d ago59:44

59:44

Cindy Caponera (@cindycaponera) is a comedy writer and she LOVES NYPD Blue and I learn why. WHY? I was once (positively) compared to Sipowitz … so there. You will love. Donateto The Dork Forest if you like the show. The paypal email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and venmo is@jackiekashian. There is MERCH: ⁠⁠www.JackieKashianStore.com⁠⁠ is the direct…

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BARBARA CRAMPTON: Horror Queen Roots, Family Fractures, and Speaking Your Truth 1:10:31

15d ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, From Beyond) joins us this week to open up about her journey from cult horror icon to truth-seeking storyteller. Barbara shares what it was like growing up in a carny family, the fractured reality of her parents’ marriage, and how she eventually found closure with her father. We also talk about her early soap opera da…

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Ask, Tell, Confess: Do Our Loved Ones Really Send Signs From The Afterlife? 35:43

20d ago35:43

35:43

In this episode of Ask, Tell, Confess, the Coven opens up about their personal experiences and beliefs surrounding the afterlife. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as they share powerful signs from loved ones who’ve passed—vivid dreams, familiar songs, and unexpected symbols like daisies and red cardinals. Blending humor, heart, and hope, the…

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TBT: Chelcie Lynn - Murder By Trauma 1:08:31

21d ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Throwback Thursday Comedian Chelcie Lynn drops by to channel her outrageous alter ego and take on one of the most haunting true crime stories of all time — the case of Aileen Wuornos. You might recognize Aileen from the film Monster, where Charlize Theron delivered an Oscar-winning portrayal of her dark and tragic life. Dubbed “The Damsel of Death,…

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An unfiltered debate about "natural ability" 19:33

15d ago19:33

19:33

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Sometimes an interview fires us up so much here at Math Therapy HQ, that we end up debriefing and debating it long after the guest has signed off - at which point producer David says to host Vanessa "we should have recorded THAT too!" So today, we actually did! We kept the mics rolling after interviewing l…

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Ep. 9 Charlie Ward: From Heisman to Healing - Ward’s Health Reset 34:46

21d ago34:46

34:46

What happens when a Heisman Trophy winner and pro athlete suddenly suffers a stroke in his 40s—despite being in peak physical shape? If you’ve ever wondered why healthy habits aren’t enough or questioned the real impact of stress, diet, and lifestyle on long-term wellness, this episode sheds light on how even the fittest among us aren’t immune to h…

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Linda Marcus Smith and bank robberies in the 1980’s – EP 846 56:41

21d ago56:41

56:41

Linda Marcus Smith (@lindamarcussmith) is a NY comic and has been a teller during four different bank robberies. It’s a crazy reminder of how people BANKED in the 1970s and 1980s. Before ATM’s and when you’d just write a check without ID. Nuts. Enjoy. Donate to The Dork Forest if you like the show. The paypal email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and …

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KRISTIN KREUK: Smallville Memories, Facing Rejection & Midlife Reflections 1:06:38

23d ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Kristin Kreuk (Smallville, Burden of Truth) opens up in this week’s episode about the surprising turns of her career and the lessons learned along the way. From the sting of being fired from a pilot to the unexpected path that led her to Smallville, Kristin reflects on rejection, resilience, and finding her voice. She also talks about midlife healt…

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Why Did Bunnie Just Give This Away For Free?? 54:27

25d ago54:27

54:27

In this episode, the Coven open up about their big transition from Patreon to YouTube, revealing new channels — “Dumb Blonde Pod” for podcast content and “Bunnie XO” for lifestyle streams. Bunnie celebrates hitting over 21,000 subscribers in just a few days, and the group dives into the creative freedom and fresh energy that comes with the move. Th…

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Ask, Tell, Confess: Murder, Math Class & Midnight Spirits 22:24

27d ago22:24

22:24

On this episode of Ask, Tell, Confess, the Coven dive into spine-chilling listener stories perfect for spooky season. From a former math classmate turned murderer to the eerie fact that you might walk past 16 killers in your lifetime, things take a dark turn fast. One listener recounts the horrifying moment a murderer showed up at her door, while o…

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TBT: Menendez Murders - Abuse & Atrocity 1:49:24

28d ago1:49:24

1:49:24

Throwback Thursday Bunnie and Meme are coming in hot with a deep dive into the infamous Menendez brothers case. With receipts, notes, and a whole lot of opinions, they unpack Lyle and Erik’s dark family history, years of abuse, and the media circus that followed. The duo breaks down Ryan Murphy’s latest docuseries — calling out what it nailed and w…

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Why math sucks and how to fix it w/ Raj Shah 53:58

24d ago53:58

53:58

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) What is memory? Are different brains good at memorizing different things (like math vs music)? Is memorization even a good way to learn? Why don’t we teach math like we teach reading? Why do we love puzzles and escape rooms but hate math class? Is it possible to make math learning fun?? Will Vanessa ever l…

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Ep. 8 Is the Way We Teach Math Setting Kids Up to Fail? 15:02

28d ago15:02

15:02

Why do so many kids hate math? Maybe it’s not math they hate — maybe it’s how we teach it. We’ve turned curiosity into pressure and mistakes into failure. It’s time to change that. Welcome to Straight Talk: Plant the Change — where compassion meets the classroom. In this powerful episode, you’ll discover: • Why traditional math requirements are dam…

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Visible Mending and Generational Promise in Learning 53:00

23d ago53:00

53:00

For our season's final episode, I wanted to bring as many of our episode themes together as possible. To make it even more interesting, the conversation takes place outside of education – as an institution – almost entirely. But so many of our concepts for this season show up – kindness, accountability and restorative processes, where public love s…

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EMILY DESCHANEL: Life After Bones, Putting Family First & Strength in Vulnerability 1:13:25

30d ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Emily Deschanel (Bones, Animal Kingdom) joins us this week for a heartfelt and revealing conversation about stepping out of the shadow of a legacy role, balancing family with career, and embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. Emily talks about the highs and lows of working on Bones for over a decade, the unexpected adjustments of life aft…

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Nancy Norton and Trauma comedy – EP 845 57:13

29d ago57:13

57:13

It’s comedy! It’s trauma. It’s Tromedy! Nancy Norton (@nancynorton) is a great comic and life time NURSE and wants to get inside the traumatic stuff in lives and make it funny. It’s fascinating. You will loveDonate to The Dork Forest if you like the show. The paypal email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and venmo is@jackiekashian. There is MERCH: ⁠⁠ww…

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Ghosts, Goodbyes & Fresh Starts 59:11

1M ago59:11

59:11

On this week’s episode, the Coven dives into a mix of personal stories, wild discoveries, and big career updates. They kick things off with a body language expert’s take on a recent lie detector test before opening up about health struggles and family losses. A spooky twist unfolds as they recount eerie experiences on a piece of land they’re consid…

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Ask, Tell, Confess: Ghost Poop, Bad Trips & Botched Surgeries 32:10

1M ago32:10

32:10

On this episode of Ask, Tell, Confess, the Coven shares a wild mix of stories you won’t believe. From a prank involving “ghost poop” that actually stopped a wife from drinking, to a gruesome surgery mishap where a woman’s lip was accidentally sewn into her taint — nothing is off-limits. The group dives into chilling tales, including a haunted salon…

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17. Disrupting Master Narratives through Disabled Voices and Access Intimacy with Dr. David Hernández-Saca 1:07:42

1M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

In this episode we converse with David I. Hernández-Saca, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Northern Iowa. The conversation explores what truly matters, the role of healing, disability consciousness, immigration and citizenship, and disrupting master narratives, "common sense," and labeling pr…

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TBT: Carly Gregg: Honor Roll to Homicide 47:21

1M ago47:21

47:21

Throwback Thursday It’s October — and you know what that means: Murder Mystery Month. This week, Bunnie and Meme dive into the chilling true crime case of Carly Gregg, the 14-year-old honor student whose story stunned the internet. From FYP fame to national headlines, the March 2024 case left millions questioning how a straight-A teenager could bec…

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Math ed needs more conversations like this w/ Pam Harris 46:23

1M ago46:23

46:23

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply) Today's ep ended up in a different place than Vanessa expected when she first sat down to chat with Pam Harris, founder of Math Is Figureoutable. Their first real interaction was on the DebateMath Podcast; Pam insisted that learning algorithms/shortcuts can actually hold students back from true learning, w…

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Ep. 7 Jane Velez-Mitchell Pt. 1: The Journalist Who Walked Away to Tell the Truth 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

Ever feel like your passion makes you the odd one out—until the world finally starts to catch on? If you’ve ever been dismissed for standing up for animals or living plant-based, Jane Velez-Mitchell’s story will resonate. She’s lived the rejection, fought through burnout, and built a movement when no one was listening. · Learn how Jane transformed …