It’s easy to feel like we have to manage everything - our students, our colleagues, our classrooms, our kids, and sometimes even how others think or respond. But what if some of that weight isn’t actually ours to carry?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Gary Williams about The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and the simple but powerful idea behind it: letting people be who they are, while focusing on what we can control. We explore what this looks like in teaching, leadership, and everyday relationships, and how this shift can reduce stress while increasing clarity and presence.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or over-responsible, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on boundaries, agency, and showing up with intention.

Show notes can be found at https://amidonplanet.com/episode140/

What if mathematics education were about more than solving problems or passing tests? What if it were part of helping people live fuller, richer lives?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Francis Su about his book Mathematics for Human Flourishing and the deeper purposes of learning (and teaching) mathematics. Drawing on philosophy, lived experience, and years of teaching mathematics, Francis invites us to see math as a discipline that cultivates curiosity, creativity, perseverance, hope, and ultimately love.

We explore how mathematics can nurture these virtues that support human growth, why belonging matters in mathematics classrooms, and how teachers can help students experience math as meaningful rather than merely procedural.

If you care about the teaching and learning of mathematics in ways that honor both intellectual rigor and human dignity, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Plus, the Physical Media of the episode, Fargo.

Show notes can be found at https://amidonplanet.com/episode139/

AI tools are showing up everywhere in education, but most teachers don’t have the time to experiment with every new platform that promises transformation.

In this episode, I talk with Ken Rafanan about his work co-hosting TERC Tech Talks, a video podcast series that tests AI tools so educators don’t have to. We explore what happens when you move from reacting to AI hype to actually putting tools through their paces. Ken shares what he’s learned about discernment, practical implementation, and how hosting these conversations has shaped his own thinking about teaching and learning.

If you’re trying to make wise decisions about technology without chasing every new trend, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and grounded insight. Plus, the Physical Media of the Episode, the movie, Swingers.

Show notes for the episode can be found at amidonplanet.com/episode138.

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