

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

Aug 29, 2025 • 13min
S2E257: Alpha High Student Spotlight: Maddie's Musical, Written and Performed by Teens
As one of Alpha’s most veteran students, Maddie is living proof of our unique learning model's efficacy. For the past three years, she’s dedicated her afternoons to her “masterpiece project”- an original musical written and performed entirely by teens. In this episode, Maddie and MacKenzie dive into the creative journey, what it takes to stick with a big idea, and how Alpha makes room for students to find and focus on what they truly love.

Aug 28, 2025 • 36min
S2E256: Why One-Size-Fits-All Fails in Both Medicine and Education, With Dr. Dalian Carabello
In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Dr. Dalian Caraballo, a board-certified family medicine physician and Alpha parent, to explore the surprising parallels between healthcare and education. Together, they unpack why one-size-fits-all models fail in both fields and how personalized approaches can transform outcomes for kids.

Aug 22, 2025 • 20min
S2E255: Turning Class Time Into Career Time: A Conversation With Student CEO Elle
A teen CEO discusses how a unique learning environment helped her craft an AI-powered dating advice app for teens. The conversation dives into how high school students balance academics with creative pursuits and the challenges of modern dating shaped by social media. Amid the complexities of superficial connections, the app emphasizes healthy relationships and communication skills. The discussion also highlights the importance of entrepreneurial experiences in high school, promoting personal growth over traditional college pressures.

12 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 33min
S2E254: Our Unconventional Report Card Alternative: Check Charts Explained
Traditional report cards are facing criticism for being ineffective. A novel alternative, Check Charts, is introduced to measure academic and life skills more holistically. These charts not only track progress but also engage parents in their children's learning. The discussion emphasizes fostering resilience, teamwork, and creativity in young learners through various projects like chess tournaments. Collaborative learning is highlighted as a way to boost motivation and competence among students, making education more meaningful.

Aug 11, 2025 • 32min
S2E253: Live Audience Q+A With Stanford’s Dean Dan Schwartz (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, Dan Schwartz, Dean of Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, tackles pressing questions from parents about AI's role in education. He emphasizes the necessity for adaptability in teaching and the importance of fostering critical thinking skills amidst misinformation. Concerns about AI impacting writing skills and academic integrity are discussed, alongside a unique program promoting civil discourse. The conversation also delves into the future of education, exploring the evolving role of teachers and the implications of AI on higher education costs and social equity.

Aug 8, 2025 • 32min
S2E252: Live Episode: Dean of Stanford Dan Schwartz on Learning in the Age of AI (Part 1)
Dan Schwartz, the Dean of Stanford's Graduate School of Education, dives into the future of learning with a spotlight on AI's role in education. He discusses personalized learning, emphasizing how AI can transform students from passive recipients to proactive creators. Schwartz also explores innovative teaching methods like project-based learning, showcasing projects that inspire creativity, especially in girls. The conversation offers insights into balancing technology with a strong foundational understanding in the evolving educational landscape.

Aug 2, 2025 • 21min
S2E251: Things Parents Wish Were True...But Aren't (Part 2)
In this insightful discussion, the hosts tackle unrealistic assumptions parents have about education. They emphasize quality interactions over quantity when it comes to school socialization. Summer learning strategies, including engaging app-based platforms, are suggested to keep kids excited about learning. The conversation also highlights the importance of nurturing individual passions and explores the concept of Ikigai for career fulfillment. Finally, they address misconceptions around the costs of innovative educational programs and the necessity for adequate funding.

Jul 29, 2025 • 31min
S2E250: Things Parents Wish Were True...But Aren't (Part 1)
Parents often hold onto myths about education, like the necessity of classic literature and the effectiveness of pure intrinsic motivation. The discussion reveals the benefits of screen time in fostering personalized learning and challenges traditional educational norms. Ideas about using rewards to engage students are explored, suggesting that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation can coexist. The speakers advocate for a diverse approach to literature and emphasize individual learning needs, pushing for more adaptable educational experiences.

5 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 25min
S2E249: Behind the Scenes: Summer Tour, Charter School Plans, and Why Alpha Isn’t Free
Join the engaging conversation as MacKenzie shares highlights from her adventurous summer tour, connecting with families eager for a fresh education model. Discover the challenges of selecting the right cities for new schools, with real estate hurdles along the way. Explore how guides play a crucial role in motivating students and the shared aspirations parents have for better educational experiences. They discuss the push for innovative, skills-focused education while tackling the financial aspects of making these opportunities accessible.

Jul 23, 2025 • 25min
S2E248: Teachers 2.0 - With Guide Bryan and Student Eddy (Part 2)
In Part 2, Alpha Guide Bryan and student Eddy return to dive deeper into what makes learning at Alpha so different. They talk about the power of student-led workshops, how Alpha builds confidence through real-world challenges, and what it looks like when students take charge of their own growth.