FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake Melnick

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Have you ever considered how intellectual inequality in education might be a root cause of socioeconomic disparity? Join us as we dive deep into this thought-provoking issue with our guest, John Mighton, the founder of Jump Math. We take a hard look at intellectual inequality, a hidden yet pervasive issue in our society, and discuss how promoting intellectual equality in schools can eradicate it within two years. John brings a unique perspective, weaving in the power of mathematics, innovation, and optimal learning into this urgent conversation.

What if the key to unlocking your potential was simply altering your mindset? We explore how negative beliefs about one's abilities can inhibit success and discuss ways to shift this mindset. With John's insights, we discuss the role of perseverance and resilience in innovation, sharing personal stories and experiences to bring this point home. We examine the importance of analogy in mathematics and writing, and managing connections between seemingly disparate domains of knowledge can lead to major scientific progress. 

We also highlight the transformative work done by Jump Math in underrepresented communities and its commitment to equalizing opportunities for intellectual growth. As we wrap up our thought-provoking conversation, we're left with a deeper understanding of the power of mindset and the importance of addressing root causes in order to promote intellectual equality. Join us on this journey and be part of the change.

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The music for this episode, "Doctor"  is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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Ever wondered why some people are naturally good at math while others struggle ? Get ready to debunk the myth of the 'math gene' as we chat with one of Canada's most distinguished innovators, John Mighton. A self-taught mathematician, John takes us on a fascinating journey from his diverse background in mathematics, literature and theatre, to his innovative approach in teaching mathematics. Discover how his time as a consultant for Good Will Hunting help to shift his perspective on learning and education.

Immerse yourself in an enlightening conversation about the art of effective math teaching. We shed light on the 85% rule for optimal learning and how to create an ideal learning environment that caters to both fast and slow learners. Delight in the realization that these research-supported teaching techniques extend beyond classroom walls and significantly impact the business world. Understand how motivation plays a pivotal role in learning, particularly for those who have a hard time keeping up.

Finally, join us as we touch upon the integral role of mathematics in fostering social justice and creating an equitable learning environment. We explore the dynamics of power relationships in classrooms, delve into creating positive mindsets for learning, and stress the importance of efficient research - supported teaching methods. Learn how helping students make their own discoveries can exponentially boost their confidence and motivation and their mindset for innovation and learning This episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights for educators, students, executives and anyone intrigued by the transformative power of mathematics and innovation.

Blog post for this episode

The music for this episode, "Doctor"  is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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Welcome to a new season of For What It's Worth that promises to be a whirlwind journey through the world of innovation, music, and social issues. Our first guest is John Mighton, whose contributions to the fields of Mathematics, Literature, Drama, Education and Social Entrepreneurship are nothing short of extraordinary. His charity organization JUMP Math  is changing how we can create intellectual quality in our society through the teaching of mathematics.

Can you imagine a world governed by Artificial Intelligence?   Eric Montiero, a robotics engineer, analytics executive, and author, paints a fascinating picture of this future through his novel, ALMA

But the excitement doesn't stop there. We'll be diving deep into the affordable housing crisis, dissecting this complex problem from varied perspectives. We'll share the heartwarming story of musician Douglas Cameron, who lost his cherished Gibson guitar, only to find it in an extraordinary project, One Guitar, 100 Hands, by the multi-talented George Tierney. You'll also meet Edwin Morris, founder of Pioneer Knowledge Services, who explores the critical role of knowledge management in non-profit organizations. If you love thought-provoking discussions, inspiring stories, and engaging guests, join us next week for an exciting kickoff to Season 5 of For What It's Worth.

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The music for this episode, "High Water"  is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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As we are set to begin Season 5 of  #ForWhatitsworthwithBlakeMelnick, we figured it's time to update the show trailer for the benefit of our new listeners prior to the launch of  the new season. 

The show began in June 2020 and oh what changes have occurred since that time ... The storming of the U.S. capitol; The impeachment of President Trump; The war in the Ukraine, and the advent of A.I. as a commercial product ...and we've been there through it all.

We are really excited about Season 5 of the show and I can't wait to tell you all about it shortly ...For What it's Worth.

Music for the new show trailer, #restingplace (the instrumental version) is written and performed by our past artist in residence #HeatherGemmell

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Welcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, called #TakeFive, the final episode of Season 4 of the show.

Thanks to all the wonderful guests we've had on the show this season -  #DrTomCarey #DrTerrySoleas #StephenCohos, #DrRuthBackstrom, #TomPowers and #SueSiri . And my special thanks to you, our listeners. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Without YOU there would be no show.

We'll be back again with the start of Season 5 towards the end of September. Season 5 is shaping up to the best season ever.

We will be releasing the trailer for Season 5 shortly to give you a little "taste" of what you can expect ... For What it's Worth

The music for this episode, "Follow You Down"  is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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This Week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, our next instalment of #WhatWereWatchingReadingandListeningto on #TheSpaceinbetween.

As in the past, I'm joined by my co-host, #CameronBrown to discuss our recommendations for what to watch; what to read, and what to listen to as the Summer draws to a close.

We have some great picks for you - #TeskeyBrothers, #AlwaysattheCarlyle #InsideMan and many more ...For What it's Worth.

Accompanying playlist https://spotify.link/v46xVcjBnCb

The music for this episode, "High Water"  is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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This week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick,  the next installment in our series #ManyFacesofInnovation, #EyesWideOpen  - my interview with #SueSiri, Founder  and CEO of #IrisBooth.

Often times good ideas "die on the vine" so to speak, because at the time the idea was conceived, there was no context to which it could be applied.

 In some cases, the right context might be the right market condition. In others, it might be the lack of funds and expertise for development. Or it might be an outlier idea. In many cases, however, it might something right in front of us; a new twist on an old theme, or an idea that no one knew they needed ...For what it's worth

This episode is dedicated to #HughSegal who passed away yesterday at the age of 72. Hugh was a guest on For What it's Worth in 2020 - in the early days of the show. He was smart, passionate and  pragmatic and taught me a great deal about the need to look after all the health and welfare of all our citizens in a way that it benefits this beautiful country of ours ... RIP Hugh Segal.

For those of you that are unfamilar with #HughSegal and the contributions he made to Canada, check out the 2-part interview with Hugh called #ComesaTime from 2020

Part 1 - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/6641008

Part 2 - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/6777250

Link to the episode blog post

The music for this episode, "Bible Thumpin' Sundays and  "Night Falls"  is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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This week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the trailer for our up and coming episode, the next instalment in our series #TheManyFacesofInnovation, called #EyesWideOpen with my guest #SueSiri, Founder of #IrisBooth.

Sometimes the opportunity for innovation is right in front of us. It's not necessarily an idea that's new to the world ...sometimes it's a better mousetrap ...Check out the trailer and join us for the next episode to hear Sue's  story ....For What it's Worth

The music for this episode, "How Come I Gotta" is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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This week on  #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick , part two of my interview with Dr. #RuthBackstrom author of #IgnitingaBoldNewDemocracy .  In part one, Dr. Backstrom and I discussed the context for change; the eroding belief that our democracy can provide for the needs of all our citizens. 
In part two, we pick up from where we left off and focus our conversation on the impact of the Reagan years, technology, social media, and the need to re-imagine education.   For what it's worth.  

Blog Post for this episode

The music for this episode, "How Come I Gotta" is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

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This week on #ForWhatitsWorhwithBlakeMelnick, Part 1 of my interview with Dr. #RuthBackstrom, author of the recently published book #IGNITINGABOLDNEWDEMOCRACY: Empowering Citizens Through Game-Changing Reforms. 

In Part 1 of our interview, Dr. Backstrom discusses her background  and the motivation for wanting to write her book; The root causes of the dysfunctional state of Democracy in the U.S. and Canada; The disconnect between the political system and the needs of citizens and the power of ideas to ignite large scale change....For What it's Worth

Blog Post for this episode

The music for this episode, "How Come I Gotta" is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron

You can find out more about Douglas by visiting our show blog and by listening to our episode, #TheOldGuitar

Support the show

review us on Podchaser
Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
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Email us: [email protected]