Best Middle School Math Podcasts (2025)

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#139: Tis the Season Real-World Math Students Actually Care About (Seasonal Edition 🍁❄️) 7:07

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2d ago7:07

7:07

Want to boost engagement during the fall slump or pre-holiday chaos? This episode shares real world math activities and projects that actually grab student interest—including seasonal ideas for fall and winter. This episode dives into real world math applications that connect to seasonal events like football, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Winter…

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Sometimes the Soccer Ball Kicks You! 18:37

4d ago18:37

18:37

Episode Description: After soccer practice, Max and Molly stumble onto a new mystery when Max’s soccer Coach hands out bizarre “Zen” playbooks filled with riddles and impossible strategies. As they calculate the odds of success on the field, the pair begins to suspect Coach might be a secret Mole. Math Concepts: • Probability and the Multiplication…

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Five Key Strategies To Engage Middle School Students with Naneka Brathwaite 18:29

2d ago18:29

18:29

Middle schoolers are a different set of students, and it is important to consider how best to engage them in their learning. National Director, Naneka Brathwaite, joins this episode to unpack five key strategies to engage middle school students: make progress visible, fuel autonomy with real choice, keep content relevant to age, build discourse for…

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Halloween: Spooky Finances Edition with Lori Atwood, CFP 41:25

2d ago41:25

41:25

Therapists talk about everything except money, and that cost could be leaving you with money anxiety. Too many therapists feel financially drained even while helping others heal. The truth is, avoiding your numbers only fuels money anxiety and keeps you from the financial empowerment you deserve. In this Halloween: Spooky Finances Edition with Lori…

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Behavioral Management: The Secret Curriculum with Dr. Anita Archer 30:28

4d ago30:28

30:28

Today we sit down with Dr. Anita Archer to unpack how clear, compassionate behavior systems transform a room from reactive to ready. The big shift isn’t about control; it’s about removing guesswork so students know what to do and teachers can teach. To begin, Dr. Archer dives into why behavior management is important. From there, she breaks down ho…

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Mole Playing or Role-Playing? 18:34

11d ago18:34

18:34

Episode Description: Max and Molly suspect their teachers, Mr. Avogadro and Mr. Zimmer, of plotting to change history—only to discover the two are secretly obsessed with role-playing games! Their investigation takes them back to 13th-century France, where they explore Carcassonne’s ancient walled city, stomp grapes, and calculate area, circumferenc…

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Rewriting Success: How to Build a Life That Truly Matters (with Andrew Gissel) 45:30

8d ago45:30

45:30

https://www.madetomatter.coach/ What happens when you realize the success you’ve been chasing isn’t the fulfillment you’ve been longing for? In this conversation, Adam Landrum sits down with Andrew Gissel — a high-achieving professional who walked away from a predictable path to build a life and business that align with his purpose. Together, they …

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The Healer’s Exit Plan: Identity, Legacy & What Comes After the Chair 1:00:06

9d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

What if leaving the char wasn’t the end of your career, but the beginning of your healing? If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and exhaustion, this conversation is for you. In this raw and unfiltered episode, we sit down with Gabrielle Juliano Vilani, a licensed clinical social worker who built and sold a seven-figure group practice, only to …

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#138: What Mastery Based Looks Like in a Modern Math Class 9:34

9d ago9:34

9:34

Want to try mastery based grading but stuck with a traditional grading scale? In this episode, Kristen breaks down how to bring mastery into your classroom without overhauling your entire system. You’ll learn: ✅ What mastery really means (hint: it’s not perfection) ✅ How to use a 4-point rubric—even in a 100-point gradebook ✅ How to implement maste…

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Normalizing Feelings: Finding Your Best Self, Every Day with Shannon Allison 14:49

10d ago14:49

14:49

Feelings walk into class before backpacks do. We sit down with first grade teacher Shannon Allison to explore how simple, repeatable SEL moves turn big emotions into teachable moments and stronger learning. Instead of treating social emotional learning as an add-on, Shannon shows how to weave it into routines that students can use right away and th…

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A Wrinkle in Time Travel 18:35

18d ago18:35

18:35

Episode Description: Max and Molly suspect that Mr. Avogadro’s student book club may be a front for Mole recruitment. Using Math to calculate reading goals, averages, and even a new “Suspicion Number” system inspired by mathematician Paul Erdős, they try to narrow down suspects. But when they overhear Mr. A and Mr. Z talking about “burrows” and “al…

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We are NOT Family: Leadership Resets for Therapists 44:12

18d ago44:12

44:12

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#137 AI Tools That Save Math Teachers 5+ Hours a Week (Especially During Progress Report Season) 11:11

16d ago11:11

11:11

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The Power of Personalized Professional Learning with Stephanie Lawkins 12:58

18d ago12:58

12:58

In today's episode, Stephanie Lawkins, Vice President of Educator Success at Curriculum Associates, joins to share how rethinking professional learning (PL) to create a more personalized approach creates a much stronger outcome and experience for educators. Instead of long, generic sessions, we explore how role-aware design, data, and smart recomme…

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A Hard Day’s Mole 16:46

25d ago16:46

16:46

Episode Description: Max and Molly follow a tip that the POGs’ delivery recruits are meeting up at a Beatles’ concert in Liverpool, 1960. There, they not only enjoy seeing the Fab Four rise to fame but also discover their old teammate Katrina has been unwittingly working for the enemy through a mysterious “Spoon” app. Can they convince her to becom…

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I Don't Have Time: The Shawshank Conundrum 42:18

26d ago42:18

42:18

If you’ve ever whispered I don’t have time while drowning in back-to-back sessions, paperwork, and payroll, you’re not alone. The truth is, most clinicians stay stuck in therapist burnout and therapist fatigue, convincing themselves they’ll “figure it out later.” But later never comes. In this conversation, we unpack the Shawshank Conundrum - the h…

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#136 AI Classroom Policy: Should You Create One for Your Math Class? 8:49

23d ago8:49

8:49

AI is already here—are your students using it responsibly? In this episode, Kristen breaks down how to write a simple but effective AI classroom policy that works in a secondary math setting. You’ll learn: ✅ What every policy should include (even if your school doesn’t have one) ✅ How to teach AI literacy without going full-on computer science ✅ Pr…

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#18. Superintendents Speak: Choosing to Use Opportunity Culture Design, on Fast Timeline 13:50

26d ago13:50

13:50

In the first of an occasional “Superintendents Speak” series, Superintendent Rodney McNeill of Greene County and Superintendent Rodney Peterson of Person County discuss why they chose to use Opportunity Culture® models in their districts, and why they elected to have their districts go through a fast-track design workshop together in the spring, to…

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Strategies for Older Striving Readers with Lisa Mucci 13:41

25d ago13:41

13:41

Literacy is a lifeline for academic success and lifelong opportunities. For older students still struggling with reading, targeted intervention powerful and transformative. In this conversation with Lisa Mucci, Curriculum Associates' Impact Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction, we explore practical, evidence-based strategies that can make an im…

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Molecraft! 17:47

1M ago17:47

17:47

Episode Description: Max and Molly attempt to infiltrate the POGs by applying for a mysterious “Mole job” that sends them 2 million years back to Olduvai Gorge. There, they discover Homo habilis, early human tools, and the dangers of altering history—better known as “The Butterfly Effect.” Using Math to calculate volume, they dig a hole to bury a s…

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Redefining Fitness in Midlife with Luke Depron 40:49

1M ago40:49

40:49

Most men hit their 40s and think health is a downhill slide. But what if the second half of life could be your fittest, most energized season yet? In this episode of Made to Matter, host Adam Landrum sits down with Luke Depron, nutrition and fitness coach and founder of The Fitmen Project. Luke helps men in midlife break free from unsustainable “qu…

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Retreats, Rest & Revenue: The Dual Life of a Clinician-Entrepreneur 58:14

1M ago58:14

58:14

Feeling fried, curious about therapist retreats, or secretly dreaming of side hustles for therapists that will actually restore you? We get it - and we made this episode for clinicians who want rest and revenue without the shame spiral. We sit with Amy Johnston, founder of The Exhale Collective, to unpack how a practicing clinician builds therapist…

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#135- Project-Based Learning Lesson Plan Ideas for Any Secondary Math Class 14:18

1M ago14:18

14:18

Want to bring more relevance into your math class without reinventing the wheel? This episode breaks down project-based learning lesson plan ideas you can use right now—aligned to standards and built for real-world engagement. You’ll learn: ✅ What PBL really looks like in a math class ✅ Examples of PBL lessons for linear, quadratic, exponential, an…

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Literacy Success Strategies with Amanda Carpena 10:23

1M ago10:23

10:23

Amanda Carpena, Senior Manager of Enablement Operations at Curriculum Associates, joins today's episode to discuss how schools like KIPP New Jersey and Mat-Su Alaska achieved remarkable reading growth through three strategic shifts anyone can implement! Rather than focusing on deficits, these successful schools reframed their approach to Tier 1 ins…

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I Spy With My Little Eiffel 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

Episode Description: Max and Molly are sent to Nazi-occupied Paris in 1941, where they team up with legendary entertainer and undercover spy Josephine Baker. Together, they climb the Eiffel Tower, use trigonometry to calculate distances, and smuggle secrets hidden in sheet music. Along the way, they learn how “hiding in plain sight” can be the most…

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Delegation Disasters & Hiring Heartbreaks 47:03

1M ago47:03

47:03

When it comes to running a therapist business, nothing derails growth faster than the wrong hire. In this episode, we get real about the delegation problems, the bad hires, and the lessons that cost us time, money, and plenty of sleep. From missed calls to admin chaos to leaders who looked great on paper but wrecked the culture, we’re unpacking the…

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#134 Real-World Math Applications: Make Math Feel Relevant Again 10:52

1M ago10:52

10:52

Listen in as we reveal the secret to using Real-World Math Applications to Make Core Content Feel Relevant Again. Let’s face it—students want to know when they’ll actually use the math they’re learning. In this episode, Kristen shares how to make your lessons more meaningful with real world math applications—even if you’re stuck with a strict pacin…

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Voice Technology with Amelia Kelly 13:25

1M ago13:25

13:25

The power of voice technology in education lies not just in its convenience, but in its ability to understand every child, regardless of accent, dialect, or background. In this enlightening conversation with Amelia Kelly, VP of Data Science at Curriculum Associates and head of AI Labs, we explore the fascinating intersection of linguistics, artific…

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The Great Call of China! 19:18

2M ago19:18

19:18

Episode Description: When a flyer leads Max and Molly to new POG activity, Aunt M sends them to the Great Wall of China in 1601. There, they discover that what locals think is a terrifying “monster” is actually a POG transmission antenna. With the Commander eager to take credit, Max and Molly must rescue a strange printout that deepens the koan mys…

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Navigating Midlife Transitions with Purpose | Justin Almas 36:20

2M ago36:20

36:20

What happens when the framework you’ve built your life on no longer fits? In this episode of Made to Matter, host Adam Landrum sits down with Justin Almas, a former executive pastor who left ministry to step into the uncertain, often disorienting, world of midlife transition. Now a coach for men, Justin helps others navigate the very journey he’s w…

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Freedom Isn’t Found in the Exit (And Scaling Doesn’t Have to Kill You) 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

Freedom after selling your practice isn’t guaranteed - and scaling doesn’t have to break you. In this episode, we unpack what happens when “I’ll feel free after the exit” meets real life. We explore why peace comes from boundaries, systems, and aligned choices - not the transaction - while showing how a growing practice can actually create space. A…

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#133 Active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion 10:24

1M ago10:24

10:24

Are you looking for active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion in math class? Tired of asking a question and hearing crickets? In this episode, Kristen shares active teaching strategies that actually get students talking. Inside you'll learn: ✅ Why passive instruction is killing engagement ✅ 3 go-to talk strategies you can us…

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Building Connections in Literacy Classrooms with Kheshana Woods 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

In today's episode, Kheshana Woods, National Director at Curriculum Associates, shares her profound insights on creating a true "home away from home" for students in literacy classrooms. Drawing from her experience as a classroom teacher, Kheshana paints a vivid picture of what belonging looks like. "When children know you love them, when you take …

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There’s No Place Like Nome! 17:22

2M ago17:22

17:22

Episode Description: Max, Molly, and Rufus are pulled into one of Alaska’s most legendary true stories: the 1925 Serum Run to Nome, Alaska. Teaming up with mushers like Wild Bill Shannon, Leonhard Seppala, and famous sled-dogs Togo and Balto, they brave blizzards, ice, and exhaustion to help deliver life-saving medicine. Along the way, they use Mat…

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#17. For Big Results, Go Big with Teaching Teams 17:38

2M ago17:38

17:38

Should districts and schools considering redesigned staffing wade in, or dive in? Hear what superintendents and district leaders have told us over the past decade about their thoughts on how to best improve student learning growth and teacher careers.By Public Impact

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The Realities of Being a Mom Boss 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

Being a mom therapist means wearing more hats than most people can imagine - and switching between them in the blink of an eye. In this raw and real episode, we talk candidly about balancing motherhood and career, and how we manage the mental load without completely burning out. We dig deep into the lived experience of being a mom therapist in toda…

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#132 Student-Centered Teaching in Math Class 12:42

2M ago12:42

12:42

Let's dive into Student-Centered Teaching: How to Build Autonomy Without Losing Control in your Math Class! Ready to shift your math class from teacher-led to student-driven? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what student-centered teaching looks like—and how to create autonomy without chaos. You’ll learn: ✅ What student-centered really m…

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Engaging Middle Schoolers with Taylor White Brown 9:38

2M ago9:38

9:38

Keeping students, especially those in middle school, engaged can be difficult. Taylor White Brown, a teacher from Mississippi, joins today's episode to share simple yet powerful strategies that transform classroom dynamics without creating extra work for teachers while still focusing on student engagement. Taylor's approach begins with a refreshing…

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#131 Real-World Math Projects Your Students Will Actually Care About 8:07

2M ago8:07

8:07

Not all real-world math is created equal. In this episode, I’m breaking down what makes a math project actually relevant to your students—and how to make math feel meaningful without needing a full curriculum rewrite. You’ll learn what students really care about, how to design your first spark of engagement, and how to use AI tools to help personal…

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Bunker Down! 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

Episode Description: While erasing doodles for extra credit, Max and Molly stumble across a secret message from Aunt M hidden in the margin. It leads them to Burlington Bunker, a Cold War-era underground city in Corsham, England, where mysterious Morse code transmissions are being sent—possibly by the POGs or their underground allies, the Moles. Wi…

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How to Lead with Purpose: Lessons from Leadership Coach Adam Tarnow 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

What does it take to lead well—not just in your career, but in life? In this episode of the Made to Matter podcast, Adam Landrum sits down with Adam Tarnow—leadership coach, consultant, author, and host of How to Lead with Clay Scroggins and Adam Tarnow. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to lead with purpose in today’s world. From …

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Scale, Sell, or Stay: How to Know What’s Next for Your Practice 54:05

2M ago54:05

54:05

When the walls feel tighter than ever, that crossroads of deciding to scale, sell, or stay is real - and confusing. In this episode, we unpack the deeply personal, strategic, and emotional decision every practice owner faces: whether to scale therapy, sell, or stay - and how aligned practice management can help you make the right call for your life…

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#130- 3 Must-Have Classroom Routines That Actually Work in Secondary Math 10:38

2M ago10:38

10:38

Ready to stop managing behavior and start supporting student thinking? In this episode, we’re breaking down the three essential classroom routines every secondary math teacher needs—especially if you're trying to run a student-centered classroom without constant chaos. You’ll learn how to start class with purpose, build student talk into your every…

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Why Research Matters with Kate Gasaway 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

Ever feel like you're teaching on an island? Kate Gasaway's conversation about the power of educational research might be exactly what you need to build connection and advocate for your students. For busy educators wondering how to begin engaging with research without becoming overwhelmed, Kate offers practical advice: start with summaries and conc…

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#129- Student Engagement Strategies That Actually Work in Math Class 8:49

2M ago8:49

8:49

What does student engagement really look like in a math classroom? Spoiler: it’s not quiet rows, silent worksheets, or step-by-step compliance. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my Holt student teaching placement—the moment I realized math class could be so much more—and walking through real engagement strategies you can use right now. You’…

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The Unsinkable Max & Molly 20:32

2M ago20:32

20:32

Episode Description: When Max and Molly receive a mysterious telegram, it sends them straight to the North Atlantic—just in time for the Titanic disaster. Luckily, they are aboard the RMS Carpathia – the ship that came to the rescue of the Titanic’s passenger. Using math, maritime history, and quick thinking they are able to help with one of the gr…

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From Insurance Agency to Middle School Math: How Shannon Harvey Reinvented His Second Half of Life 41:38

2M ago41:38

41:38

What happens when a successful business owner decides to walk away from comfort, security, and decades of hard work… to step into the unknown world of middle school teaching? In this episode of Made to Matter, Adam Landrum sits down with longtime friend Shannon Harvey to talk about his radical midlife career transition — from running a successful A…

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Scaling Without Selling Your Soul: Building a Business That Loves You Back 1:07:02

2M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Therapist burnout doesn’t start with big breakdowns - it starts with tiny betrayals of your time, your energy, and your vision. In this episode, we get real about the emotional toll when you scale therapy practices, the identity shifts that come with leadership, and how to build a business that actually loves you back. We don’t just talk about how …

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Group Practice - Business Growth or Burnout Multiplied? 53:37

2M ago53:37

53:37

Ever wonder if you're the only one silently struggling while running a practice? You're not. This episode dives deep into the raw reality of therapist burnout - and what comes after. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our personal journeys through therapist burnout, the emotional toll of leadership, and the hard-earned lessons we’ve learn…

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Burned Out, Broke, and Brilliant: How We Got Off the Chair 56:21

2M ago56:21

56:21

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, stuck in the grind of growing your therapy businesses, or secretly questioning your career while leading others - this episode is for you. We’re talking about the real cost of therapist burnout, what no one tells you about running therapy businesses, and how we finally stepped away from the chair (em…