1. Backstory:

- Introduction: Back in October 2019, Ryan Warren and I cooked up this idea called "Math w/ Joi.", a subgenre of the larger series “Look, So”, that tackled academic quandaries and gave succinct answers in a casual tone. We wanted to embark on something pretty cool: changing the way people see math.

- Context & Challenges: Our mission was deeply personal as someone who struggled with math growing up: to make people like me – those who just aren't friends with math – feel understood. We wanted to uncover the real, often hidden, reasons behind why we carry this dislike for math. It wasn't just about solving equations or getting the right answers; it was about digging into the roots of our discomfort and addressing that narrative. We wanted to make it relatable, no matter how much it made my brain hurt.

2. Ideation & Brainstorming:

- Concept Development: Our first episode was like an excavation into why I and so many others dread math. We dug into some root psychology to get to the real meat behind the fear. From there, we began piecing together a loose script while the majority of the video would be ad-libbed.

- Key Insights: We aimed for a mix of voices to create a safe space where everyone could talk about their math fears.

3. Strategy Development:

- Strategic Planning: We wrote an outline from the eyes of someone who's not a math fan, with someone who is as a guiding perspective. We then put it out there in small video chunks and social media posts. Oh, and we sparked conversations on Twitter as well.

- Targeted Approach: It was all about bringing together different folks, from tutors and current students to anyone who felt lost in the math maze, to have a chat and lend support.

“Look, So” episode shot and edited by me

4. Implementation & Structuring:

- Execution Process: We took those video bits and paired them with lively discussions on Twitter under the official PrepMatters account. It was like a virtual support group for math haters and lovers.

- Structural Framework: The plan was to create dialogue under the PM banner where folks could share, ask, and get help with beating those math blues.

5. Progress & Milestones:

- Achievements: We got people talking, sharing and helping each other out through webinars, Twitter Spaces and live threads. Math wasn't just numbers anymore; it became a story of overcoming fear.

- Results & Impact: Through these chats, we built a small but powerful digital community that converted to clients or faithful viewers of future content.

6. Conclusion & Reflection:

- Lessons Learned: There’s room to be afraid and also be acknowledged. Creating an intentional platform to voice all sorts of views from math-loving to math-hating was eye-opening to just how important having those conversations out loud can be.