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
Oct 24, 2025 • 17min
S2E273: (Part 2) What Happens When You Switch to Alpha? Aheli’s Catch-Up Story
Aheli's journey from a top public school to Alpha transformed her relationship with learning. She became more engaged, curious, and motivated in a personalized environment. Her newfound enthusiasm led to exciting projects, like developing a mental performance app designed for teens. This app includes tools for managing negative thoughts and turning worries into actionable steps. Aheli even gained confidence through public speaking after giving a TEDx talk. Discover how Alpha's innovative approach links learning to real-life purpose!
Oct 22, 2025 • 21min
S2E272: What Happens When You Switch to Alpha? Aheli’s Catch-Up Story
Aheli shares her transformative journey from a top public school to a personalized learning system. Struggling with significant gaps in math, she utilized AI tutoring to make stunning progress, advancing from fourth to eighth grade in just two months. The discussion highlights her feelings of disconnection in traditional schooling and the newfound passion sparked by meaningful inquiry. Aheli's story emphasizes the importance of recognizing learning gaps and how tailored education can drive success.
Oct 16, 2025 • 27min
S2E271: (Part 2) The Parent Mindsets That Shape Alpha: Parent Tenets Explained
In part two of this two-part series, MacKenzie and producer Jay continue to unpack something we don’t often talk about publicly: Parent Tenets. These are the core beliefs we ask every Alpha parent to buy into- and shape everything we do.From “change is constant” to “high standards are the key to your child’s happiness,” these tenets can be both inspiring and a little uncomfortable. If you’re curious about new ways to think about education, this episode will challenge your perspective and spark fresh ideas.
4 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 19min
S2E270: The Parent Mindsets That Shape Alpha: Parent Tenets Explained
Dive into the intriguing world of Parent Tenets, where core beliefs shape parenting at Alpha. Discover how high standards can lead to happiness through challenge and support. Explore the fine balance between pushing kids and providing adequate support. Learn the importance of letting children struggle productively and the consequences of over-rescuing. Reflect on the need for parental honesty and growth without judgment. This thought-provoking discussion will spark fresh ideas about education and parenting.
Oct 10, 2025 • 20min
S2E269: (Part 2) Confidence Is a Skill: How Kids Can Cultivate Confident Communication with Guide Shaas
In part two of this series on developing the skill of confidence, MacKenzie is joined by Alpha Guide Shaas. Together, they break down exactly how confidence is taught at Alpha, and how the same strategies and principles can be used by anyone listening. From implementing subtle nonverbal techniques to developing and referencing “confidence anchors”, you’ll walk away with tangible tools to help your students or kids speak boldly, step into leadership, and believe in themselves.
Oct 7, 2025 • 19min
S2E268: Confidence Is a Skill: How Kids Can Cultivate Confident Communication with Guide Shaas
Confidence is a vital skill that can be taught, shaping how kids communicate and lead. Techniques like reframing public speaking as bravery encourage engagement. Confidence can be practiced, similar to a muscle, with tools like 'confidence anchors' boosting self-belief. Creative workshops, such as the spicy Hot Ones challenge, transform nerves into pride. Nonverbal communication tips, like power poses and open body language, further enhance delivery. Sharing small wins and fostering vulnerability creates a supportive environment for growth.
Oct 3, 2025 • 18min
S2E267: (Part 2) Alpha Graduate Rhett Jones’ Entrepreneurial Success Story
In this episode, we return to our two-part series with Rhett Jones, an Alpha graduate and entrepreneur who launched his first business while still in high school. Through Alpha’s Masterpiece Program, Rhett set out to build a professional bike park during his senior year- a project that pushed him to raise $350K in just eight weeks, hire a crew of 10 full-time builders, and spend months managing the on-site construction. Today, that bike park is a thriving success, drawing media attention and becoming a popular destination in the community. Rhett’s story is a powerful example of how Alpha empowers students to set audacious goals, gain real-world experience, and graduate ready to run their own ventures. You won't want to miss this episode!!
Oct 1, 2025 • 18min
S2E266: He Built a $350K Bike Park in High School: Apha Graduate Rhett Jones’ Story (Part 1)
This episode kicks off a two-part series with Rhett Jones, an Alpha graduate and entrepreneur who launched his first business while still in high school. Through Alpha’s Masterpiece Program, Rhett set out to build a professional bike park during his senior year- a project that pushed him to raise $350K in just eight weeks, hire a crew of 10 full-time builders, and spend months managing the on-site construction. Today, that bike park is a thriving success, drawing media attention and becoming a popular destination in the community. Rhett’s story is a powerful example of how Alpha empowers students to set audacious goals, gain real-world experience, and graduate ready to run their own ventures. You won't want to miss this series!!
Sep 25, 2025 • 31min
S2E265: (Part 2) Unpacking School Choice and Harvard's "Deep Learning" Theory: A Conversation With Stacy Hock
Stacy Hock, Vice Chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and a dedicated education leader, dives into K-12 education reform. She passionately advocates for school choice, detailing how it expands options for families. Stacy discusses the limitations of current policies on advanced students and the importance of tailoring education to individual needs. She shares insights on the innovative Alpha schools, emphasizing experiential learning and creativity. Finally, she envisions a future of personalized, lifelong learning, encouraging parents to embrace diverse educational paths.
Sep 22, 2025 • 28min
S2E264: K-12 Reform and Red Tape: A Conversation With Stacy Hock
In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Stacy Hock, Vice Chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to discuss the current landscape of K-12 education reform. Drawing on her experience as an education leader and mom of four with kids in public, private, and Alpha schools, Stacy shares her perspective on tailoring education to each child’s unique needs and path. She also digs into the red tape and regulations that often hold schools back, and how reform could open doors for more innovation in learning.
