In this episode, we delve into the world of place-based mathematics education with Guadalupe I. Lozano, author of Grounded in Place: A Culturally Affirming Precalculus Curriculum, the first chapter in the TODOS Antiracist Mathematics Education book. New host, Dr. Shakiyya Bland joins Shari Kaku to discuss the importance of integrating cultural narratives and community connections into math teaching and exploring how these elements can transform educational experiences. Dr. Lozano shares insights on creating a curriculum that builds from students' identities and the land they inhabit, offering a fresh perspective on the role of mathematics in our lives. Dr. Lozano also mentions a few other pieces of her writing: A forthcoming book called Being and Becoming to Change the World, not Toward Embodying Critically Conscious Mathematics Teaching and a forthcoming book chapter available now, Towards Embodying Critical Conscious Mathematics Teaching: Tools, Craft, and Practices, that extends on this work and is availably here. And, the Season 5 Episode 3 Transcript Available here. 

In this episode of the TODOS Podcast, Theodore Chao and Shari Kaku engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Will Tidwell about the intersection of mathematical modeling and social justice. Dr. Tidwell was part of the authorship team of Drs. Cynthia O. Anhalt, Ricardo Cortez, and Brynja Kohler who wrote Chapter 4, “Enacting Antiracist Teaching Practices Through Mathematical Modeling” for the TODOS Book, “Antiracist Mathematics Education”. Listen as they explore the historical context of Native American land rights, delving into a conversation around how mathematical modeling can illuminate societal injustices and engage educators to foster critical thinking. Join us as we honor Native American History Month and reflect on the transformative power of culturally relevant mathematics education. Full Transcript of S5E2.

In this first episode of Season 5 of the TODOS podcast, hosts Theodore Chao, Shakiyya Bland, and Shari Kaku introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds in education and advocacy. They delve into the theme of Antiracist Mathematics Education, which connects to the recent book published by TODOS. And they emphasize the importance of community engagement and diverse perspectives in shaping math identity. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling and personal narratives in education, and the hosts express excitement for future discussions and collaborations within the TODOS community. Welcome to Season 5! Episode 1 Transcript.

In this reflection episode of the TODOS podcast, hosts Theodore Chao and Shari Kaku discuss their experiences and insights from focus on Asian American identity within mathematics education. They explore the impact of the Teaching for Justice Conference, the implications of the model minority stereotype, and the importance of storytelling in mathematics education. This emotional conversation highlights personal narratives, the challenges faced by Asian American mathematics educators, and the need for community and social-emotional learning in math education. Thank you for joining us on our journey into podcasting and telling stories long hidden in our field.

Transcript can be found here. 

In this powerful episode of the TODOS Podcast, legendary mathematics educator Susie Håkansson opens up about her Chinese American identity and what it was like growing up as a Toisan American in 1940s–50s Los Angeles. A pioneering leader with over 60 years of leadership in mathematics education, Susie shares how her cultural identity shaped her journey as a teacher, mentor, and advocate. Tune in to hear deeply personal reflections on invisibility, resilience, and how one woman helped build a more just and equitable world in mathematics education. This is our last interview episode of the season, an interview that we've been wanting to do for more than 20 years!  

Transcripts for this episode are in this folder. 

Dr. Niral Shah joins the TODOS Podcast to explore the complexities of Asian American identity in mathematics education. Reflecting on his experiences as a South Asian student and teacher, Shah unpacks how racialized narratives like the model minority myth both hypervisibilize and dehumanize Asian learners. He introduces the metaphor of a “bubble level” to describe how racial discourse positions Asian and Black students at opposite ends of a spectrum, with whiteness centered as the norm.

The conversation delves into Shah’s research on race and STEM, including his Harvard Educational Review article “Asians Are Good at Math” Is Not a Compliment, and is informed by thinkers such as Vijay Prashad, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Zeus Leonardo. Shah also shares a parenting story about his son calling out white supremacy on the playground, offering a vision of anti-racism grounded in nuance and empathy.

This episode addresses classroom practice, intra-Asian diversity, anti-Blackness, and the importance of moving beyond binaries to humanize all students.

Episode transcript is here. Reflection transcript is here. 

In this powerful episode, Dr. Richard Velasco shares his journey from Guam to the U.S. mainland and back—through teaching, research, and a deep sense of purpose. As a Filipino Guamanian mathematics educator, Richard reflects on growing up in a U.S. territory, navigating racialized spaces in predominantly white communities, and now leading a groundbreaking data science project that centers indigenous values and local knowledge in Guam and Saipan. We talk about military occupation, decolonizing data, the meaning of Inafa’maolek, and what it truly means to give back.

Transcripts are available here. 

What does it mean to build authentic, sustaining communities as a math educator—and why is it so hard to find those spaces? In this episode, we talk with Bobson Wong, a high school math teacher, local and national educational leader, and author of The Math Teacher’s Toolbox, about his ongoing journey through teaching, identity, and advocacy.

Bobson reflects on how community has played a central role in his growth as an educator—from finding support through Math for America to pushing for systemic change at the state level in New York. He introduces a powerful three-part vision of community: spaces for emotional support, spaces for professional development, and spaces for enacting educational policy. We also dig into the isolation many teachers face, the invisibility of Asian American educators, and the importance of being able to show up fully—without having to explain yourself.

Along the way, Bobson shares how ideas about language, culture, and yes, bean soup, inform his thinking about what it means to teach, to lead, and to stay connected. If you’ve ever craved a deeper sense of belonging in your work, this episode is for you.

Transcripts are available here.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned mathematician Francis Su to explore the intersections of Asian American identity, mathematics, and visibility. As the first non-white president of the Mathematical Association of America and author of Mathematics for Human Flourishing, Francis shares his personal journey—from grappling with stereotypes to discovering the joy of mathematics through inquiry and community.

We also discuss the model minority myth, the power of belonging in math spaces, and why math should be about human connection, not just achievement. Plus, we chat about about red bean buns, childhood nostalgia, and food memories!

To learn more about Francis's work and to get a copy of his book (in multiple languages), go here: https://www.francissu.com/

Transcripts for this podcast can be found here. 

What happens when three Asian American women math educators come together to reflect on their journeys, activism, and the role of mathematics in justice? In this powerful episode, Dr. Kari Kokka—math educator, social justice advocate, and former high school teacher—joins hosts Shari Kaku and Michelle Lo for an inspiring conversation about searching for our own stories, math identity, and community organizing.

From her experiences growing up in diverse San Jose, to teaching in New York, to her deep commitment to solidarity and reparations work, Dr. Kokka shares how mathematics can be a tool for justice. Join us for a discussion covers everything from Asian American identity in math education to the importance of centering students’ voices and lived experiences in the classroom.

And to learn more about the many resources on this episode, check out these links:

Red Cards for knowing our immigrant rights:
https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

SEARAC: https://searac.org/

Tsuru for Solidarity: https://tsuruforsolidarity.org/

Social Justice Math Resources: www.mathsocialissues.com

A Love Letter to Women, Femme, and Nonbinary Critical Scholars of Color: Theorizing the Four I’s of Love in SiSTARhood by Kari Kokka, Rochelle Gutiérrez, and Marrielle Myers (the article, so email Dr. Kokka if you would like a copy)

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10778004241269909?download=true&journalCode=qixa)  

Critical Math Drop Podcast: www.criticalmathdrop.com