Future of Education Podcast: Parental guide to cultivating your kids’ academics, life skill development, & emotional growth

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. This is a story about creativity, hustle, and rewriting the rules of success.

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 wild opportunities, this is a conversation about building a future that doesn't follow the traditional playbook.

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 alternative education is gaining traction.

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 episode offers key insight.

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 the state of education as a whole.

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, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what student-led innovation can really look like.

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 on motherhood and education.

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 features questions from student hosts who get the inside scoop on what it really takes to build a YouTube empire through gaming.

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 building a brand, Nicole opens up about the lessons she's learned and the values that drive her work today.

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, personalized learning experience. If you're curious about how alternative education actually works in practice, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the leading models.

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 about the future of education, this episode offers key insights into the changing landscape of learning.

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 safe space for other girls online. Ashley encourages her audience to keep going, even when faced with challenges like depression and anxiety, and creates a supportive community for young girls to feel heard and understood.

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 journey from filming videos as a kid to amassing millions of subscribers, and how his school experience shaped his journey.

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 “America's Got Talent” to building a massive online following, Sofie shares the story behind her rise and the lessons she's learned along the way.

In Part 2 of our conversation, MacKenzie sits down with her daughter, Sloane, to dive into the business side of influencing. Sloane is a student at Alpha High School, entrepreneur, and TikTok creator with nearly 2 million followers. Sloane shares how she turned her platform into a business, why she believes teenage girl influencers are outpacing tech bros, and her mission to help other young creators do the same.

In this episode of Future of Education, MacKenzie sits down with her daughter, Sloane—a high school student, entrepreneur, and TikTok creator with nearly 2 million followers. Sloane shares her journey through different educational environments, from spending most of her life at Alpha to a brief stint in public school. We discuss the key differences between traditional school and Alpha's unique approach, how her peers reacted to her TikTok success, and what it takes to juggle school, business, and social media.

In this episode, we sit down with Jorge 'Horchata' Soto, a renowned YouTuber with over 3 million subscribers. Jorge shares his educational journey—from his school experiences and decision to leave college, to working at Walmart, and ultimately building a successful YouTube channel focused on school-related content. Join us for an inspiring conversation about unconventional paths, creativity, and the evolving role of education in today's world.

Welcome back to Part 2 of our discussion on kids' mental health with Natalia Rodriguez, founder of CREATE Kids Edu. CREATE is a charity that develops materials designed to strengthen the body-brain connection through somatics and memory techniques. Tune in as we explore how these innovative approaches can support children's well-being and learning.

Natalia Rodriguez is the founder of CREATE Kids Edu, a charity focused on improving the mental and emotional health of children. In this episode, she shares the science behind managing emotions and how physical symptoms of stress can be managed using simple tools!

In part 2 of this podcast episode, Paige weighs in on the state of American education. Paige's daughter Anthem joins us as well, sharing her experience as a Kindergartener at Alpha.

Welcome back to part 2 with Alonzo Mourning- NBA Hall of Famer, 7 time NBA All-Star, and "original "Beast" of the Miami Heat." In this episode, we discuss the state of education in the United States and how Alonzo has dedicated his life to helping at-risk youth in Miami.

Joining us on the podcast, Alonzo Mourning is an NBA Legend - Hall of Famer, 7 time NBA All-Star, and "original "Beast" of the Miami Heat." He discusses his experience growing up in a broken home and the people who poured into him as a child, ultimately leading him to altruistic endeavors. He now spends his time serving at-risk kids with his foundation, the Mourning Family Foundation, which "focuses on youth development through advocacy, education and enrichment".

Nadine has been a student at Alpha since Kindergarten. Now, at 10 years old, she's several grades ahead in every academic subject and thriving at school. She shares her experience excelling in academics, arts, entrepreneurialism, personal finance, and more.

World Famous Minecrafter BIONIC, with 7 million YouTube subscribers, talks of his journey to success. He shares the life skills he has developed along the way and explains why gaming, streaming, and related hobbies are not a waste of time for kids today.

Mike of Nitro swimming talks of how one of his young friends was told to "find another sport" in the 9th grade by a coach. That student didn't give up, became a top swimmer in High School, then college, then won Gold at the Olympics. His high school then named a natatorium after him on the very spot he was told to "find another sport." Coach Mike also shares how to help your student manage their time to be successful in both sports and academics.

Mike of Nitro Swim is one of those rare individuals that changes every life he touches. With a passion and joy that is infectious, he explains how his coaching philosophy applies to every kid, regardless of swimming ability. His techniques are transferable to any sport, even as a teacher in the classroom. Mike Koleber founded Nitro Swimming in 2006 and now reaches thousands of students every week in various locations across Austin, Texas.

Part 2 of MacKenzie's enlightening conversation with Claire Denault, one of the leading Homeschool voices in the US. In this convo Claire discusses why parents are turning to Homeschooling, the academic rigors of actually Homeschooling, and what methods to use. MacKenzie and Claire discuss best tips and practices for Homeschooling families and also how to get started. Claire Denault is the personality behind the well-known Homeschooling social media account Live.Leaf.Learn.

Join MacKenzie and Claire Denault, of the well-known social media account Live.Leaf.Learn, as they discuss homeschooling. Claire grew up homeschooled, and is now choosing that lifestyle for her son. She couldn't read until age 12 yet entered college at age 15.

Educational psychologist and author, Dr. Michele Borba, delves into the importance of fostering resilience and life skills in children. Drawing from her expertise in character development and empathy, Dr. Borba shares insights on helping children thrive in today's complex world. Tune in to learn practical strategies for nurturing resilience and preparing children for success in life. Show NotesConnect With: Dr. Michele Borba: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Youth Entrepreneurship Advocate, Brian Weisfeld, shares insights on empowering young minds through entrepreneurship. With a background in building businesses and a dedication to teaching essential life skills, Brian discusses the importance of encouraging kids to start their own businesses and how parents can support young entrepreneurs at home. Show NotesConnect With: Brian Weisfeld: Website // LinkedIn 2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

VP of Education at Valhallan Esports Training, Chris Baarstad, delves into the positive impact of gaming on children's lives. Exploring how esports can teach valuable life skills to kids through competitive gaming, Chris sheds light on the educational benefits of this rapidly-growing youth esports franchise. Show NotesConnect With: Chris Baarstad: Website // LinkedIn 2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

VP of Education at Valhallan Esports Training, Chris Baarstad, delves into the importance of supporting kids' interest in gaming. Exploring how esports can teach valuable life skills to youth, Chris sheds light on the positive impact of competitive gaming in education. Discover more about fostering children's passion for gaming and its educational benefits in this insightful discussion with Chris Baarstad. Show NotesConnect With: Chris Baarstad: Website // LinkedIn 2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Kevin Daniels and Jonathan Taylor, Co-Founder and Community Development Specialist at Fun in Motion Toys, delve into driving children's interest in STEM learning. There has been a growing recognition of the importance of STEM education in preparing students for the challenges of the future. Traditional methods of teaching these subjects rely heavily on textbooks and lectures, but players like Fun In Motion Toys are now exploring innovative ways to bridge the gap between play and STEM learning. Today, Kevin and Jonathan discuss enhancing STEM learning through physical activity. Connect With: Kevin Daniels: Website // LinkedIn 2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Kevin Daniels and Jonathan Taylor, Co-Founder and Community Development Specialist at Fun In Motion Toys, delve into driving children's interest in STEM learning. When children are engaged in play, they're not just having fun, they're actively absorbing information, testing boundaries, and developing critical skills. This natural curiosity and desire to explore is the foundation for a love of learning, and STEM fields in particular. Today, Kevin and Jonathan discuss drawing kids to STEM through unique concepts and play.Connect With: Kevin Daniels: Website // LinkedIn 2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Tyler Nicholls, Founder at Kudosy, delves into developing financial literacy in children. Encouraging good money habits early on is crucial, but how do we effectively incentivize these behaviors? The Kudosy platform offers a risk-free environment where kids can practice money management and where parents can observe, acknowledge, and reward their responsible financial choices. Today, Tyler discusses how to incentivize kids' good financial behavior.Connect With: Tyler Nicholls: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Tyler Nicholls, Founder at Kudosy, delves into developing financial literacy in children. Despite its importance for family stability and a healthy economy, financial literacy isn't prioritized in the traditional school system. This means the responsibility falls on parents to equip their children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the world of personal finance. Today, Tyler discusses building good financial habits in kids.Connect With: Tyler Nicholls: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Founder and Director at News Literacy Lab, Jodie Jackson, delves into the impact of media on mental health, emphasizing the use of positive psychology to enhance young people's well-being through their media consumption. Understanding the influence of media on mental health is crucial for fostering a positive digital environment for the younger generation. Join Jodie as she shares insights on promoting media literacy and mental well-being among children. Show NotesConnect With: Jodie Jackson: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

David Vinca, Founder and CEO of SparkSpace, delves into gamified learning. In a classroom of over 30 students, teachers face challenges in providing individualized instruction at varying academic levels. However, solutions like eSpark use a combination of assessments, educational games, and student interests to create engaging learning experiences that meet each child where they are. Today, David discusses getting playful with K-5 math and reading.Connect With: David Vinca: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

David Vinca, Founder and CEO of SparkSpace, delves into gamified learning. Excessive social media use has been associated with negative mental outcomes for younger children; however, not all screen time is unhealthy. Platforms like Roblox provide valuable opportunities for children to learn and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and perseverance. Today, David discusses how Roblox can be used as a learning tool.Connect With: David Vinca: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Dr. Christopher Bonn, Leadership Consultant at OrCam, delves into personalized AI and learning support. The escalating teacher shortage is particularly concerning for students with learning challenges like dyslexia, who often require individualized support. However, personalized AI holds the potential to empower teachers and foster a more inclusive learning environment where students of all abilities can thrive. Today, Dr. Bonn discusses personalized AI for overcoming learning challenges.Connect With: Dr. Christopher Bonn: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Dr. Christopher Bonn, Leadership Consultant at OrCam, delves into assistive technology in education. The current teacher shortage crisis in public schools demands immediate attention. With an estimated 405,000 vacancies nationwide and a potential doubling within five years, urgent action is required. Fortunately, assistive technologies present a viable solution to tackle this issue and provide support for diverse learning needs. Today, Dr. Bonn discusses utilizing assisted technology in school districts.Connect With: Dr. Christopher Bonn: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn

Kelly Davenport, CEO and Network Founder at Freire Schools, delves into destigmatizing therapy for students. When children are dealing with trauma, emotional, and mental issues, the academics will inevitably suffer. Freire Schools takes a unique approach to education, aiming to educate the whole child by offering therapy services for students and families. Today, Kelly discusses how we can destigmatize therapy for students. Connect With: Kelly Davenport: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter2Hr Learning: Website // LinkedInI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn