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
Jan 11, 2026 • 15min
S2E295: Launching Into Adulthood: Alpha Student Alex’s Real-World Test (Part 2)
How do we actually prepare teens to launch into adulthood? In part two, MacKenzie continues the conversation with Alpha student Alex as they go deeper into the real-life skills teens need to thrive on their own. Building on Alex’s upcoming eight-week experience living independently in a new city, this episode zooms in on the practical and emotional skills required for adulthood- from decision-making and self-management to confidence, resilience, and ownership.
Jan 7, 2026 • 18min
S2E294: Why This Alpha High Schooler Is Living Alone in a New City for 8 Weeks
How do we actually prepare teens to launch into adulthood? In this episode, MacKenzie is joined by Alpha student Alex, who’s cohosting the conversation to provide an inside look into Alpha's philosophy around cultivating real-world readiness in teens.As a high schooler, Alex is taking on a challenge most adults would hesitate to try. He'll be spending eight weeks living on his own in a new city halfway across the country to gain real business experience before graduation. His experience will serve as a case study about what kids truly need before they leave home- and how parents can start building independence, confidence, and autonomy long before senior year.
6 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 19min
S2E293: Fixing Education at the State Level, Part 2: From Policy to Practice
Join Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin, and Mary Cypress Metz from Tennessee's Collaborative on Reforming Education in a deep dive into state-level education reform. They explore the benefits of modular, parent-led education systems and the success of Swiss apprenticeship models. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning education with career pathways, modernizing outdated systems, and addressing literacy gaps in Tennessee. Don't miss insights on enhancing teacher recruitment and redefining student outcomes for a brighter future!
Dec 31, 2025 • 20min
S2E292: Inside Education Reform With Governor Kevin Stitt and Policy Expert Jon Schnur
In this episode, MacKenzie is joined by two leaders on the frontlines of education innovation: Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and national education policy expert Jon Schnur. Jon has worked with presidents across party lines, including Obama, Bush, and Clinton, and is currently the CEO of America Achieves, an organization focused on expanding access to economic opportunity and clear pathways to good jobs.Together, Kevin and Jon share honest insights into the current state of education, drawing from their unique perspectives in government, policy, and on-the-ground reform to explore what it will actually take to create better outcomes for students and communities.
12 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 18min
S2E291: (Part 2) 11 Brain-Based Principles That Actually Make Learning Stick
In Part 2, MacKenzie breaks down eleven learning science principles that reveal how kids really learn. Covering everything from memory and focus to motivation and mastery, this episode explains what the brain needs to learn faster, retain more, and build real confidence. It’s a practical crash course in what makes learning stick and how parents can spot environments that support the brain rather than fight it.
Dec 23, 2025 • 17min
S2E290: 11 Things Your Kid’s Brain Actually Needs
In this episode, MacKenzie unpacks eleven learning science principles that explain how kids actually learn. From memory and focus to motivation and mastery, this conversation breaks down what the brain truly needs to learn faster, retain more, and build real confidence- both in and out of the classroom. Think of this as a crash course in what makes learning stick, and how parents can spot (and support) environments that truly work with the brain instead of against it.
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.
