Making the Grade Podcast
Making the Grade is a podcast about executive function—how we manage time, energy, emotions, and goals in real life. Hosted by former educators turned executive function coaches, we explore the brain-based skills that drive success both personally and professionally.
Each episode features real stories from entrepreneurs, overwhelmed professionals, parents, and experts in executive function. We dive into the habits, challenges, and strategies that help people build (or rebuild) motivation, focus, organization, and emotional regulation.
Why do so many of us feel stuck, even when we’re trying our best? What does success really look like—and how do we get there on our own terms?
The pressures of modern life are real, but so are the solutions. Making the Grade offers honest conversations, practical tools, and a reminder that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself every day.
Subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear!
https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function
Making the Grade Podcast
From Overwhelmed to Organized: Building Better Habits with Abel Castaneda
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 transform through 1:1 coaching. Each guest shares how executive function systems, goal-setting, and mindset have helped them grow personally and professionally.
Abel talks about the realities of running a business, balancing client work, productivity, and personal habits while continuing to grow. He shares how working with MTG Frameworks helped him reduce distractions, improve focus, and create systems that support both his business and daily life.
Throughout the conversation, Abel emphasizes the importance of relationships, listening, and simplifying complex financial topics so business owners can feel confident and supported. He also shares practical habits that have helped him stay productive and avoid burnout.
We talk about:
- Building better habits to reduce overwhelm and stay focused
- The impact of screen time and simple ways to stay more productive
- Why relationships and listening are key in business growth
- How executive function systems support consistency and clarity
- The value of simplifying finances for business owners
- Small daily habits that improve workflow and reduce stress
Whether you’re a business owner, high-performing professional, or someone looking to improve your productivity and organization, this episode offers practical insights on habits, mindset, and creating systems that actually work.
Guest Spotlight
Abel Castaneda | Owner, APEX Advantage Bookkeeping
A bookkeeping professional with 20+ years in the financial industry, Abel helps business owners stay organized, understand their numbers, and grow with confidence through simple, clear financial systems and support.
Website: apexadvantage.pro
Instagram: apex_advantagebookkeepingllc
Find us Here!
🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)
