Making the Grade Podcast

Making the Grade Podcast

Making the Grade is an education podcast for current & former teachers to share notes, define success & assess their own happiness in the classroom and beyond. Throughout history in the US, teaching has been an essential profession that supports the next generation. However, as the world continues to evolve, the education system seems to be years behind in many ways.“Making the Grade” explores the metrics of success in the modern-day classroom with current and former educators. We dive into the challenging circumstances teachers face, & the unrealistic standards that many feel they need to live up to in order to thrive. Schools are now seeing alarming shortages where jobs used to be highly competitive. Why are teachers leaving the field at an unprecedented rate? How has our view of teachers changed over time? What do educators in the field want us to know about their hopes, hardships & dreams? The problems in education may seem endless, but so are the possibilities. Listen, laugh, and leave our episodes empowered to define your own success as an educator & an individual. Be sure to leave us a review & subscribe if you like what you hear!

Recent Episodes

53
July 15, 2026

Building Businesses, Leading Teams & Prioritizing What Matters: A Conversation with Sergey Kuperman

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a business while balancing family life, leadership, and your own well-being? On this episode of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia sits down with her husband, entrepreneur and deVINE Naturals co-founder Sergey Kuperman, to discuss his journey from sales to entrepreneurship, growing deVINE Naturals from a single storefront into multiple retail locations, and how systems, habits, and self-care have shaped both his business an...
52
June 16, 2026

From Burnout to $50M: Brendan Nixon on Building a Real Estate Brand by Being Yourself | S4ep52

Send us Fan Mail Making the Grade PodcastSeason 4, Episode 52 Brendan Nixon In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine sit down with Brendan Nixon, founder of Homes by Brendan Nixon and a top-producing Boston-based realtor with over $50 million in sales. Known for building his business through authentic relationships, creative content, and community-driven events, Brendan shares his journey from a cubicle SEO job he hated, to a sales role at Toast, through a pandem...
51
May 19, 2026

From Hospitality to High-End Events: Building Systems, Balance & Meaningful Experiences with Tammy Golson Fallon | Season 4

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia sits down with Tammy Golson Fallon, founder of Tammy Golson Events and the Boston Planners Dining Club. Known for creating elevated weddings, corporate events, and curated industry experiences across New York City and New England, Tammy shares her journey from working in hospitality and at The New York Times to building a respected event planning business rooted in genuine connection, creativity, and thoughtful guest ex...
50
April 15, 2026

From Overwhelmed to Organized: Building Better Habits with Abel Castaneda

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia sits down with Abel Castaneda, owner of APEX Advantage Bookkeeping, who brings over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Based in Nebraska, Abel shares his journey from working in corporate finance to building his own bookkeeping business, driven by his passion for helping others understand and take control of their finances. This episode is part of Season 4, where MTG Frameworks highlight clients who trans...
49
March 18, 2026

Season 4 Episode 49: Real Estate, Discipline, and Long-Term Success

Send a text In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Christine and Georgia sit down with Maryanne Betso, a Certified Global Luxury Specialist with over 24 years of experience in real estate. Based in Connecticut, Maryanne shares her journey from corporate finance to becoming a successful real estate professional while raising three young children and building a long-term career in a highly competitive industry. This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients, we’ve worked...
48
Feb. 17, 2026

Season 4 Episode 48: Plan Smarter, Stress Less with Will Young - Executive Function Strategies

Send a text In Season 4, Episode 48 of the Making the Grade Podcast, Christine sits down with Will, a financial planning and wealth management professional who helps individuals and families approach retirement with clarity and confidence. Will began working with MTG Frameworks through executive function coaching and has since extended the support to a team member, integrating EF systems more fully into his business. Will shares how he simplifies complex financial decisions, minimizes t...
1
Jan. 28, 2026

Season 4 Premiere: Behind the Scenes of Luxury Travel Planning & Executive Function

Send us a text In the Season 4 premiere of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia sits down with Catherine, a luxury travel advisor specializing in honeymoons, destination weddings, and thoughtfully designed leisure travel. Catherine shares how she transitioned from mental health therapy into luxury travel, what really happens behind the scenes of travel planning, and why executive function skills like organization, flexibility, and emotional regulation are essential in high-demand, client-fac...
46
Dec. 17, 2025

Rewiring Routines, Expanding Impact: Executive Function in Real Life & Season 3 Finale

Send us a text Rewiring Routines, Expanding Impact: Executive Function in Real Life & Season 3 Finale As MTG wraps up Season 3 of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine reflect on just how much has grown, shifted, and expanded over the past year as they enter their 4th season of the show. This season explored practical executive function skills including time management, motivation, emotional regulation, planning, and follow-through. One core takeaway emerged again and again: mos...
45
Dec. 3, 2025

Unleashing Curiosity in Classrooms with Olivia Odileke

Send us a text S3 EP 45 | Season 3 Episode 45: Unleashing Curiosity in Classrooms with Olivia Odileke How do you spark curiosity, inspire engagement, and create those unforgettable “aha!” moments in learning? On this episode of Making the Grade, Georgia sits down with Olivia Odileke, CEO of Kampus Insights, curiosity coach, professional development designer, and author of Unleashing Curiosity: Empowering Fearless Educators to Engage and Inspire. Olivia believes that wonder is the secret sauce...
44
Nov. 19, 2025

The Executive Function Guide to Teaching Multilingual Students: Trauma, Communication, and Brain-Based Learning

Send us a text S3 EP 44 | Season 3 Episode 44: The Executive Function Guide to Teaching Multilingual Students: Trauma, Communication, and Brain-Based Learning What does it really take to reach, teach, and connect with English Language Learners and their families? On this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia sits down with Andrea Bitner - EL Teacher, Author, Professor, and PD Partner - who has dedicated 25 years to helping educators and multilingual learners build bridges...
43
Nov. 5, 2025

Why Multilingual Learners Struggle with Executive Function: A Conversation with Dr. Dana Goodier

Send us a text 🎙️ S3 EP 43 | Season 3 Episode 43: Why Multilingual Learners Struggle with Executive Function: A Conversation with Dr. Dana Goodier In this episode of Making the Grade, hosts Christine and Georgia sit down with Dr. Dana Goodier, an accomplished educator, author, and podcast host with over 25 years of experience in the field. Dr. Goodier has taught World Languages and English, served as an administrator at both the middle and elementary levels, and completed her Doctorate in ...
42
Oct. 15, 2025

Honoring Our Brains: Iris Wong on Executive Function, Neurodivergence, and Growth

Send us a text S3 EP 42 | Season 3 Episode 42: Honoring Our Brains: Iris Wong on Executive Function, Neurodivergence, and Growth What does it mean to honor your brain, your body, and your story while raising a family and supporting others? For Iris Wong, it means blending her work as a bilingual SLP, executive function coach, and author with the lived experience of being a neurodivergent adult and parent. On this episode of Making the Grade, Georgia sits down with Iris Wong, a bilingual Speec...
41
Sept. 17, 2025

Executive Function Skills for College Success: Howard Freedman on Planning, Organization & Financial Aid

Send us a text S3 EP 41 | Season 3 Episode 41: Executive Function Skills for College Success: Howard Freedman on Planning, Organization & Financial Aid Have you ever felt like the stress of planning and paying for college is too much to organize, prioritize, and manage - leaving you wondering if higher education can ever feel affordable and achievable? On this episode, Georgia & Christine sit down with Howard Freedman, financial aid consultant, author of Making College Happen, and lon...
40
Aug. 20, 2025

Rocks First: Executive Function Advice with Dr. Curt Merlau

Send us a text S3 EP 40 | Season 3 Episode 40: Rocks First: Executive Function Advice with Dr. Curt Merlau Have you ever felt like you're constantly juggling priorities - but the most important things always seem to slip through the cracks? On this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine sit down with Dr. Curt M., an educator turned education consultant who now leads a national team at Resultant - a data and technology firm that helps schools and agencies use the right data,...
39
July 16, 2025

Teachers Deserve It: a Conversation with Rae Hughart, Founder & Educator

Send us a text MAKING THE GRADE S3 EP 39 | Season 3 Episode 39: Teachers Deserve It: a Conversation with Rae Hughart Have you ever felt like your to-do list is never-ending—or that your inbox has gotten past the point of no return? On this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Rae Hughart, a classroom teacher turned national speaker, professional development designer, and founder of Teachers Deserve It (TDI)—a professional learning company built by educators, for...
38
June 18, 2025

Hack your Brain: Rewire your Routines for Success with Executive Function Coaches, Georgia & Christine

Send us a text MAKING THE GRADE S3 EP 38 | Season 3 Episode 38: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & Christine Making the Grade is celebrating two incredible years of podcasting with a fresh new chapter. As the show evolves, listeners can look forward to a deeper dive into the executive function skills that help people thrive—for educators and beyond. This season, each episode will spotlight a specific skill such as time management, motivation, or emotion regulation, and the highligh...
37
Jan. 15, 2025

Season 3 Preview + Executive Function Updates: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & Christine

MAKING THE GRADE S3 EP 37 | Season 3 Preview + Executive Function Updates: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & Christine Making the Grade Podcast is kicking off Season 3 with a heartfelt update from the hosts! In this special episode, they reflect on nearly 2 amazing years of podcasting, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their process and celebrating the journey. Along the way, they share exciting personal and professional updates—Georgia is expecting a baby next month, and the Making the Grad
36
Dec. 11, 2024

Mental Health Support & Open Parachutes: a Conversation with Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hayley Watson

S2 EP 036 | Mental Health Support & Open Parachutes: a Conversation with Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hayley Watson In this next episode, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist shares how she has dedicated her career to supporting student mental health through innovative programs and resources. Hayley’s journey from globetrotting psychologist to mental health advocate and program developer is a testament to her passion for empowering both students and educators to thrive i
Nov. 13, 2024

Educator Forever: a Conversation with Teacher Career Coach, Lily

S2 EP 035 | Educator Forever: a Conversation with Teacher Career Coach, Lily In this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever. Lily, a former classroom teacher, created Educator Forever to empower educators to explore fulfilling careers outside the traditional classroom setting. With a passion for helping teachers redefine their careers, Lily has guided countless educators on a path to discovering flexible, impactful roles that lever
34
Oct. 16, 2024

Challenging the Status Quo of Leadership Practices: a Conversation with Principal & Podcast Host, Tyler

S2 EP 34 | Challenging the Status Quo of Leadership Practices: a Conversation with Principal & Podcast Host, Tyler Have you ever felt disconnected from your day to day life: in the classroom, at home, or even just “off”? On this next episode of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia & Christine chat with Canadian principal, Tyler, about how his how his journey into the education field led him to becoming a principal, obtaining a doctorate degree in educational leadership, and creating the Elemental E
33
Sept. 11, 2024

S2 EP 33 l Balance Your Teacher Life: a Conversation with Author & Teacher Coach, Grace Stevens

S2 EP 33 | Balance Your Teacher Life: a Conversation with Author & Teacher Coach, Grace Stevens Making the Grade Podcast is kicking off the school year with a well-timed conversation with author, Grace Stevens. After 20 years as an elementary school teacher, Grace realized that she needed to take an active role in her mindset, habits & approach to continue to enjoy teaching. Grace combines her signature mantra, "Your energy teaches more than your lesson plans," with two decades of study in behav

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