Future of Education Podcast

Evie and Mara, two sisters who attend our very own GT School, return for Part 2 of the conversation. They discuss what it's like using AI at school, how they stay motivated, and Mara shares an impressive physical feat.

In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Evie and Mara, two sisters who attend our very own GT School. They share what it’s like to be in a program designed for gifted and talented students, how they both got into chess, and even show off a surprising memorization feat!

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with Daniel Puder, former WWE star and undefeated MMA fighter, for a raw look at the early struggles that shaped him. From being bullied and placed in special ed to cleaning toilets just to afford a gym membership, Daniel shares how adversity fueled his grit and drive. He opens up about going to juvie, facing mental health challenges, an...

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with Gabi Immelman, the co-founder & CEO of Mindjoy, to explore how AI-first tools can revolutionize education. They discuss surprising indicators of true school innovation, why student motivation matters more than teacher performance, and how many schools are failing to create the meaning and connection young people need to thrive.

In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Alpha Guide Bryan and his student, Eddy, to discuss the role of Guides at Alpha. They share insight into Alpha’s unique life skills workshops, how students are taught to take ownership of their learning, and what school looks like with no teachers!

Alpha students Ella and Eva join MacKenzie to talk about their mental health app for teen girls, built as part of a school project- but that’s just the beginning. They dive into the unique ways Alpha emphasizes motivation models, including a system where students earn customized rewards for hitting academic goals. From building real-world tools to boosting confidence in and out of the classroom, t...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Rourke, a 12-year-old student at Alpha, we dive deeper into what life is really like at school. 

In this episode, MacKenzie chats with Rourke, a 12-year-old Alpha student who moved from New York City to Austin, Texas to attend our flagship location of Alpha School. Rourke shares what her traditional school experience was like in Manhattan, what made her family choose Alpha, and how the two models compare from a student’s point of view.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Alpha dads, MacKenzie asks the dads to reflect on their biggest parenting wins, proud moments, and yes—their most memorable fails. They also share honest feedback about Alpha, what they love, and where they think there’s still room to grow. It’s a candid, thoughtful conversation about raising kids in a world that’s changing fast.

Blazify has over 3.6 million subscribers on YouTube—but he’ll be the first to tell you school didn’t teach him how to get there. In this episode, he opens up about growing up, how video games taught him real-life skills, and everything he had to learn outside the classroom to build his business. Now he’s branching out beyond YouTube, even launching his own chocolate product that’s sold in Walmart....

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with Kendall Maynard—a small-town girl, straight-A student, and rising influencer with over 2 million followers on TikTok. Kendall shares how playing soccer shaped her discipline, why dreaming big matters even when you're from a tiny town, and how her sudden social media success has opened doors she never imagined. From work ethic to wil...

In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with three Alpha dads to hear why they chose a different path for their kids' education. They reflect on their own school experiences, what stood out about Alpha’s model, and how their children have grown since making the switch. From academics to confidence and independence, these dads open up about what really matters when choosing a school—and why alternativ...

In Part 2 of our conversation, MacKenzie sits down again with Alpha Guide Jawaan to explore how artificial intelligence is used inside the classroom at Alpha. They discuss how A.I. supports Alpha’s 2-Hour Learning model, what it can and can’t replace, and the evolving role of teachers in an A.I.-powered school. If you’ve ever wondered whether technology can take the place of a real educator, this...

In this episode, MacKenzie is joined by Jawaan, a Guide at Alpha School. With years of experience teaching prior to joining Alpha as a Guide, Jawaan brings a powerful perspective on what’s broken in the education system—and what’s possible. He shares how Alpha’s model challenges conventional norms, what he’s learned from working inside a system designed to reinvent learning from the ground up, and...

In Part 2 of our conversation with NFL linebacker Demario Davis and his wife Tamela, we dive deeper into how life skills shape everything—from parenting to performing under pressure on the football field. They share how these lessons show up in their homeschool approach, their family life, and Demario’s career in the NFL.

Welcome to Part 1 of our Student Spotlight series! Meet Alex, an Alpha High student who's turning heads with his innovative mental health project: an A.I.-powered therapy plushie. In this episode, Alex shares the inspiration behind the idea, how Alpha's unique learning environment supports the process, and the real impact this project could have on emotional wellness. From concept to prototype, th...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Nicole Trunfio, model, entrepreneur, and founder of Bumpsuit, we shift the focus to her life at home. Nicole opens up about raising her kids, the values she prioritizes as a parent, and how she thinks about education in today’s world. From balancing career and motherhood to rethinking traditional school systems, Nicole shares a grounded and thoughtful perspective...

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with YouTuber Typical Gamer to talk about his journey from student to gaming entrepreneur. With over 15 million subscribers, he shares what school was like for him, how he turned his love for video games into a full-time career, and what advice he has for kids—and their parents—navigating the world of gaming today. This episode also feat...

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with NFL linebacker DeMario Davis and his wife Tamela to discuss their journey from professional sports to homeschooling their five children. They share insights into their approach to parenting, the reasons behind their decision to homeschool, and how their unique backgrounds influence their educational philosophy.

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with Nicole Trunfio- former model and founder of BUMPSUIT- to talk about her journey from the fashion world to entrepreneurship. Nicole shares how becoming a mother inspired her to design functional, stylish maternity wear and how she balances running a growing business with raising a family. From the glamor of modeling to the grit of bu...

In Part 2 of The Rise of Alternative Schooling Options , MacKenzie and producer Jay shift from exploring the broader landscape of microschooling to a closer look at 2hr Learning—the innovative education model MacKenzie founded. They break down how 2hr Learning operates, what makes it different from traditional school, and why it's resonating with students and families seeking a more efficient, per...

In this episode, MacKenzie and podcast producer Jay explore the growing shift toward microschooling, an innovative education model that includes approaches like Montessori and other learner-centered methods. They break down what sets these alternatives apart, how they compare to traditional schooling, and why more families are embracing them. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious abou...

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with Ashley Barnes, a mental health advocate and TikTok creator with over 2.6 million followers. Ashley shares her journey of overcoming bullying and mental health struggles, and how her dad has always been her greatest supporter. She discusses how her school experience shaped her perspective on mental health and how she strives to be a...

In this episode of Future of Education , MacKenzie sits down with Noah Boat, co-creator of loveliveserve , a YouTube channel with over 8 million subscribers . He shares how his parents' open-minded support helped him turn his creative ideas into a career. Despite working traditional jobs, they gave him the freedom to experiment and grow. Noah shares how that foundation shaped his success, the jour...

Sofie Dossi’s journey to fame was anything but traditional. Homeschooled from a young age, she had the freedom to pursue her passion for contortion—an unconventional path that led her to viral success. In this episode, we dive into how her parents fully supported her unique talent, how homeschooling shaped her career, and what it takes to turn an unexpected skill into a thriving business. From “Am...