Future of Education Podcast
MacKenzie Price
The Future of Education Podcast is the place to find out what's happening in schools. Our guests are wide and varied, from educators, entrepreneurs, athletes, celebrities, influencers and most importantly-our students! They all have one thing in common- they are passionate about reinventing education to make it relevant and efficient. Our host, MacKenzie Price, is the Co-Founder of 2hr Learning (2hourlearning.com) and some of the top-performing schools in the country. 2 Hour Learning is a groundbreaking school model that is reshaping the landscape of K-12 education. It's powered by AI technology, enabling schools to provide personalized curriculum to students. Our K-12 schools perform in the top 2% nationwide by leveraging this personalize model to help students love school, learn twice as much, and build life skills. MacKenzie is at the forefront of educational transformation, striving for a balanced and enriching learning experience for every child. She graduated with a BA in Psychology from Stanford University and resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two daughters. The Future of Education podcast is produced by 7 Lyons Media (7LyonsMedia.com). Please send press inquiries to mkp@2hourlearning.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 19, 2025 • 17min
S2E289: 4 Skills Kids Need to Thrive in the AI Era
In a world where 65% of today's kids will work in jobs that don't exist yet, the discussion revolves around adapting to a changing landscape. MacKenzie emphasizes the need for agency, enabling kids to thrive in chaos and pivot calmly in the face of job displacement. The podcast critiques traditional schooling for fostering helplessness and advocates for mastery-based learning. Creative problem-solving is presented as a teachable discipline, while emotional intelligence is highlighted as a crucial skill that surpasses automation.
Dec 17, 2025 • 37min
S2E288: Student Spotlight: The 4th Grader Exploring Quantum Physics
A 4th grader shares her surprising journey into quantum physics and her love for learning at an innovative school. She contrasts her traditional NYC classroom with her new environment, where fewer rules spark creativity. Jaya discusses the joy of shorter, focused learning days and how AI-driven tools personalize education. Financial literacy is taught through engaging activities like Budget Battles. With passion projects leveraging AI, she aims to simplify complex topics for peers, proving that kids can embrace big ideas.
Dec 12, 2025 • 13min
S2E287: The Real Reason It’s So Hard to Hire Great Teachers
The podcast reveals the struggles of hiring great teachers in today's schools. MacKenzie outlines the overwhelming responsibilities teachers face, from academic duties to emotional support, compounded by low pay. She discusses a transformative approach at Alpha Schools, where guides focus on facilitating learning rather than traditional lecturing. With AI enhancing education, guides motivate and connect with students. Innovative roles like the Dean of Parents help alleviate burdens, allowing guides to prioritize student needs and deserve better compensation.
Dec 10, 2025 • 12min
S2E286: Debunking the Nonprofit Fantasy
MacKenzie Price explores the surprising limits of nonprofit education, suggesting it hinders innovation. She makes the case for how capitalism can drive transformative change in schools. By revealing Alpha School's for-profit model, she challenges common misconceptions and explains how profit motives can attract top talent and ensure quality. She also critiques the exclusivity of private schools while advocating for broader access through innovative strategies. Finally, MacKenzie hints at an upcoming free access plan for her educational platform.
Dec 5, 2025 • 25min
S2E285: Audience Q+A: Honest Answers to Your Biggest Questions
A casual Q&A unveils a treasure trove of insights! MacKenzie shares her journey launching a school from a garage, driven by her passion for her daughters. She discusses the need for mastery-based learning and the potential of AI to personalize education. Strict phone policies emphasize responsibility, while small schools focus on relationship-building. Exciting expansion plans and innovative homeschool options are on the horizon. Join the movement and discover how to shape the future of education!
Dec 3, 2025 • 15min
S2E284: The Powerful Focus Strategy Alpha Students Use Every Day
Struggling to find focus? This discussion reveals the Pomodoro focus strategy that Alpha students swear by! Aheli, a freshman, shares her experiences using timed work blocks to conquer math and creative projects. Tips abound on minimizing distractions and maximizing productivity, like keeping phones away and choosing the right seats. Discover how short breaks prevent burnout and enhance flow, plus the method's surprising benefits even for ADHD. Learn to refresh effectively during breaks and adapt the strategy for any age. Focus could be just a timer away!
Nov 26, 2025 • 24min
S2E283: The Truth About the SAT: Mindset Matters More Than IQ (Part 2)
Mindset is everything when it comes to the SAT, according to Elle, who improved her score dramatically. She shares effective prep resources like YouTube channels and emphasizes understanding concepts over rote memorization. They discuss mental strategies, including timing techniques and the importance of practice schedules. Elle also covers reading hacks to boost comprehension and strategic guessing tips for tougher sections. Ultimately, they remind listeners that college isn’t the sole measure of success.
Nov 24, 2025 • 15min
S2E282: The SAT Isn’t About Intelligence… Here’s How to Win (Part 1)
This discussion tackles the SAT, revealing it’s more about preparation than intelligence. Elle, who scored an impressive 790 in math, shares insights on flipping the 'not a math person' narrative. They explore effective prep timelines, dissect common misconceptions about practice scores, and highlight the importance of mastering fast math for better performance. The duo emphasizes that the SAT represents a controllable aspect of college applications, making it accessible for any motivated student.
Nov 22, 2025 • 19min
S2E281: (Part 2) The Skill Kids Need but Rarely Learn… Feedback 101 with Guide Emily
Explore the art of feedback as MacKenzie and Emily share actionable strategies for teaching kids how to give and receive it effectively. They discuss the balance of high standards with unconditional support and offer practical tips that can be incorporated at home. Discover the importance of viewing feedback as a gift for personal growth and the role of resilience in receiving critique. Learn how to model receptivity to feedback as parents and transform communication dynamics while fostering an environment where kids feel empowered to grow.
Nov 19, 2025 • 25min
S2E280: Building Capable Kids Through The Feedback Formula - With Guide Emily (Part 1)
Guide Emily, a high school guide at Alpha in Austin, shares her insights on nurturing essential feedback skills in students. She emphasizes the importance of feedback as a core life skill that enhances adult success and builds confidence. Listeners will learn about the radical candor framework, which balances care and challenge. Emily also provides a step-by-step method for giving actionable feedback, demonstrating its positive impact through real student stories. This episode is packed with practical strategies for students, parents, and educators alike.
