You’re Not Bad at Math, You’re Just Learning

In this episode, Tay sits down with Pouyan — an engineer, PhD researcher, and creator whose journey spans continents, careers, and deep personal loss. From growing up in Iran to building intuitive robotics systems in Montreal, Pouyan shares how immigration reshapes identity, how grief can shadow (and shape) ambition, and why lowering expectations doesn’t mean lowering your standards.They dive into the realities of PhD life, creativity in robotics, how AI is changing everything (and what it can’t replace), and the quiet discipline required to keep going when nothing feels certain. Pouyan opens up about losing his mother and grandmother, why he still dreams of bringing loved ones back for “just one day,” and the unexpected comfort of learning to release control.This conversation blends engineering, culture, nostalgia, humility, and humor — from Linkin Park to lab automation, from Middle Eastern parents to Montreal winters, from perfectionism to finding your own pace.Why listen: • Hear an honest look at robotics, AI, and what the next generation of innovators actually need. • Explore immigration, belonging, and the strange nostalgia for places you’ve never lived. • Learn how lowering expectations (while keeping high standards) becomes a form of freedom. • Reflect on grief, resilience, and redefining yourself beyond your work. • Laugh about childhood science fairs, Persian food, “inshallah timelines,” and Tay’s show recommendations.A grounded, thoughtful episode for anyone navigating ambition, uncertainty, creativity — or simply trying to become someone they’re proud of, one decision at a time.Send this to anyone you think would enjoy. Then tag @taytalks_pod with your takeaway so we can repost it.✅ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app—so you never miss a TayTalks deep-dive on nonlinear paths and full-circle moments.🎙️ Come for the science and storytelling. Stay for the reminder that purpose often begins where certainty ends.🤍 If this episode resonated:Share it with one friend who needs to hear it.Tag @taytalks_pod with your takeaway so we can repost you.Leave a quick rating on Apple or Spotify, your words help more ambitious humans find the show.