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.
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https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function
Episodes
51 episodes
From Overwhelmed to Organized: Building Better Habits with Abel Castaneda
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 f...
Season 4 Episode 49: Real Estate, Discipline, and Long-Term Success
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...
Season 4 Episode 48: Plan Smarter, Stress Less with Will Young - Executive Function Strategies
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. W...
Season 4 Premiere: Behind the Scenes of Luxury Travel Planning & Executive Function
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...
Rewiring Routines, Expanding Impact: Executive Function in Real Life & Season 3 Finale
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 expand...
Unleashing Curiosity in Classrooms with Olivia Odileke
S3 EP 45 | Season 3 Episode 45: Unleashing Curiosity in Classrooms with Olivia OdilekeHow do you spark curiosity, inspire engagement, and create those unforgettable “aha!” moments in learning?On this ...
The Executive Function Guide to Teaching Multilingual Students: Trauma, Communication, and Brain-Based Learning
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, tea...
Why Multilingual Learners Struggle with Executive Function: A Conversation with Dr. Dana Goodier
🎙️ S3 EP 43 | Season 3 Episode 43: Why Multilingual Learners Struggle with Executive Function: A Conversation with Dr. Dana GoodierIn this episode of Making the Grade, hosts Christine and Georgia sit down with Dr. Dana...
Honoring Our Brains: Iris Wong on Executive Function, Neurodivergence, and Growth
S3 EP 42 | Season 3 Episode 42: Honoring Our Brains: Iris Wong on Executive Function, Neurodivergence, and GrowthWhat does it mean to honor your brain, your body, and your story while raising a family and supportin...
Executive Function Skills for College Success: Howard Freedman on Planning, Organization & Financial Aid
S3 EP 41 | Season 3 Episode 41: Executive Function Skills for College Success: Howard Freedman on Planning, Organization & Financial AidHave you ever felt like the stress of planning and paying for college is t...
Rocks First: Executive Function Advice with Dr. Curt Merlau
S3 EP 40 | Season 3 Episode 40: Rocks First: Executive Function Advice with Dr. Curt MerlauHave you ever felt like you're constantly juggling priorities - but the most important things always seem to slip through t...
Teachers Deserve It: a Conversation with Rae Hughart, Founder & Educator
MAKING THE GRADES3 EP 39 | Season 3 Episode 39: Teachers Deserve It: a Conversation with Rae HughartHave you ever felt like your to-do list is never-ending—or that your inbox has gotten past ...
Hack your Brain: Rewire your Routines for Success with Executive Function Coaches, Georgia & Christine
MAKING THE GRADES3 EP 38 | Season 3 Episode 38: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & ChristineMaking the Grade is celebrating two incredible years of podcasting with a fresh...
Season 3 Preview + Executive Function Updates: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & Christine
MAKING THE GRADES3 EP 37 | Season 3 Preview + Executive Function Updates: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & ChristineMaking the Grade Podcast is kicking off Season 3 with a hea...
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 WatsonIn this next episode, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist ...
Educator Forever: a Conversation with Teacher Career Coach, Lily Jones
S2 EP 035 | Educator Forever: a Conversation with Teacher Career Coach, LilyIn this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever. Lily, a form...
Challenging the Status Quo of Leadership Practices: a Conversation with Principal & Podcast Host, Tyler Comeau
S2 EP 34 | Challenging the Status Quo of Leadership Practices: a Conversation with Principal & Podcast Host, Tyler ComeauHave you ever felt disconnected from your day to day life: in the classroom, at home, or ...
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 StevensMaking the Grade Podcast is kicking off the school year with a well-timed conversation with author, Grace Stevens. After 2...
Failure Free Reading: a Conversation with Author & Reading Researcher Dr. Joe Lockavitch
S2 EP 032 | Failure Free Reading: A Conversation with Author & Reading Researcher, Dr. Joe LockavitchOn the 32nd episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Dr. Joe Lockavitch, a former cla...
Slow Living & Productivity: a conversation with Productivity Coach & Consultant, Dr. Kate Henry
S2 EP 031 | Slow Living & Productivity: a conversation with Productivity Coach & Consultant, Dr. Kate HenryIn Episode 31 of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Dr. Kate Henry, a fo...
Student Advocacy & Activism: a Conversation with Advocate & Consultant, Kristen Flannery
S2 EP 030 | Student Advocacy & Activism: a Conversation with Advocate & Consultant, Kristen FlanneryFor the 30th episode, a local MA teacher shares how she successfully fulfilled her dream of becoming a business o...
Next Step Education: a Coversation with Former Classroom Teacher & Co-Founder, Meghan Schelzi
S2 EP 029 | Next Step Education: a Conversation with Former Classroom Teacher & Co-Founder, Meghan SchelziOn this next episode, a local guest from the Boston podcast scene (thanks Kim!) shares how she successful...
Encouraging Creativity in Early Childhood Education: a Conversation with Pre-K Teacher, Hannah Severson
S2 EP 028 | Encouraging Creativity in Early Childhood Education: a Conversation with Pre-K Teacher, Hannah SeversonIn this episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia & Christine sit down with Hannah, a passion...
Beautiful Stuff Project: a Conversation with Former Teacher & Founding Executive Director, Marina Seevak
S2 EP 027 | Beautiful Stuff Project: a conversation with former teacher & founding executive director, Marina SeevakOn the 27th episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Marina, a former ...
Teacher Career Transition Academy: a Conversation with Co-Founder, Lisa Harding
MAKING THE GRADES2 EP 026 | Teacher Career Transition Academy: a Conversation with Co-Founder, Lisa HardingWith teacher burnout being a buzzword in the news lately, it’s nothing new that teachers ar...