Making the Grade Podcast

Hosted by Christine and Georgia

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Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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

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55 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 5424 min

S4 EP 54 | Taking a Chance, Finding Your Creative Path & Building a Career on Your Own Terms: A Conversation with Chris

Send us Fan Mail S4 EP 54 | Taking a Chance, Finding Your Creative Path & Building a Career on Your Own Terms: A Conversation with Chris Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a creative career while balancing family life, freelancing, and the many demands of everyday life? On this episode of Making the Grade podcast, Christine sits down with her husband, freelance animator and motion designer Chris, to talk about his journey into motion design, transitioning from agency work to freelancing, managing creative projects, and finding ways to work that fit how he functions best. They also share a more personal look at Chris's life, including his relationship with Christine, their family, and how they have supported each other through career changes, entrepreneurship, and the different seasons of life. We talk about: Chris's journey into motion design and becoming a freelancer Taking the leap from agency work and building a career on his own terms Managing creative projects, productivity, and different work styles Balancing freelancing, marriage, family life, and raising two young children Taking chances, embracing uncertainty, and finding what works for you Whether you're a creative, freelancer, entrepreneur, or parent, this episode offers practical insights on productivity, work-life balance, and creating a career that works for you. Guest Spotlight Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer Chris is a Boston-based freelance animator and motion designer with over a decade of experience creating work for a wide range of clients. His projects have appeared on television, in theaters, at tech conferences and sports stadiums, and even on President Biden’s Twitter feed. A creative problem solver and team manager, he takes projects from start to finish while balancing animation, production, and client collaboration. Outside of work, Chris is Christine’s husband and a father of two young children. He has supported Christine throughout her freelance journey while navigating their different work styles and sharing an office. He has also helped shape Making the Grade behind the scenes, from the original podcast logo and visual identity to the MTG Frameworks rebrand. Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

July 15, 2026Episode 5334 min

S4 EP 53 l 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 and personal life. We talk about: Building and growing deVINE Naturals from one storefront to multiple retail locations Leading a growing team through delegation, trust, and intentional systems How organization tools like Trello and simple habits reduce overwhelm and improve collaboration Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and fatherhood while protecting what matters most Why self-care, movement, and wellness are essential for productivity and leadership Learning to adapt, embrace change, and grow through every season of business and life Practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable habits without burning out Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, team leader, or someone navigating a busy season of life, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, organization, delegation, work-life balance, and creating systems that support both your business and your well-being. Guest Spotlight Sergey Kuperman | Co-Founder, deVINE Naturals An entrepreneur and co-founder of deVINE Naturals, Sergey has helped grow the Boston-based wellness brand from a single storefront into multiple retail locations, an online marketplace, and a wholesale operation. Passionate about leadership, innovation, and wellness, he shares how building strong systems, empowering a team, and prioritizing personal well-being have helped create a business that continues to grow while adapting to life's changing seasons. Website: deVINE Naturals Socials: devine_naturals | s_kupe Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

June 17, 2026Episode 5249 min

S4 EP 52 l From Burnout to $50M: Brendan Nixon on Building a Real Estate Brand by Being Yourself | S4ep52

Send us Fan Mail Making the Grade Podcast Season 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 pandemic layoff, and into a thriving full-time real estate career rooted in who he truly is. This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients and collaborators connected to MTG Frameworks coaching. Each guest shares how mindset, systems, and executive function strategies support both their personal and professional growth. Brendan talks about letting go of the "right way" to do real estate, embracing his naturally extroverted and creative personality, and building a business that actually fits his life. He shares how going from cold calling burnout to value-driven outreach and event hosting transformed not only his pipeline but his relationship with his work. He also opens up about a major personal transformation losing 104 pounds, prioritizing his health, and building systems that support long-term consistency. Throughout the conversation, Brendan reflects on the power of giving yourself permission to be yourself, trading hustle culture for sustainable habits, and how breaking big goals into bite-size daily priorities changed everything for him. We Talk About: Building a real estate business rooted in relationships, referrals, and authentic content Moving away from cold calling to value-driven, event-based outreach How executive function systems like the "Big Three" daily priorities support focus and follow-through The power of self-awareness in finding the work style that actually works for you Creating intentional guest experiences through community events and curated gatherings Why giving yourself permission to be funny, creative, and real is a business strategy Health, habit change, and the personal transformation that runs alongside professional growth Hitting 1 million views in 90 days by finally letting go of the "realtor mold" Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone navigating burnout and searching for a more sustainable way to grow, this episode offers practical insights on goal setting, outreach, content creation, and building a business and life that actually feels good. Guest Spotlight Brendan Nixon | Realtor & Content Creator, Homes by Brendan Nixon A top-producing Boston-based realtor with over $50 million in sales, Brendan Nixon has been full-time in real estate for nine years. A Bryant University marketing graduate and Connecticut native, Brendan is based in Watertown, Massachusetts and is known for blending genuine personality with smart strategy, hosting community events, creating viral real estate content, and building a brand that feels nothing like the typical realtor playbook. When he's not closing deals, you'll find him weightlifting, running half marathons, fishing, or working on stand-up comedy. Find Brendan: Instagram: @homes_by_brendan_nixon Upcoming Event Talked about in the Podcast: Singles Only: Talk Birdy to Me — July 2026 A golf-themed singles event for ages 25–35 featuring live music, food, drinks, and driving range fun. Keep an eye on Brendan's Instagram for details! About Making the Grade Making the Grade is a podcast hosted by Georgia and Christine, co-founders of MTG Frameworks coaching. Each season, they sit down with clients, collaborators, and creatives to explore how mindset, executive function, and intentional systems support personal and professional growth. Season 4 highlights the real people doing the real work one goal at a time. Take the Free Executive Function Personality Quiz: EF Style Quiz Find us Here! 🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/ 📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

May 20, 2026Episode 5131 min

S4 EP 51 l 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 experiences. This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients and collaborators connected to MTG Frameworks coaching. Each guest shares how mindset, systems, and executive function strategies support both their personal and professional growth. Tammy talks about balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the fast-paced nature of the events industry while staying grounded in authenticity and relationships. She shares how creativity, organization, and adaptability all play a role in executing seamless events and building meaningful industry connections through the Boston Planners Dining Club. Throughout the conversation, Tammy reflects on the importance of collaboration over competition, staying true to your unique strengths, and creating systems that support both your business and personal life. She also shares practical habits, mindset shifts, and lessons learned from years in the luxury events industry. We talk about: • Building a business rooted in relationships and word-of-mouth referrals • Balancing creativity, organization, and real-time problem solving • How executive function systems support event planning and entrepreneurship • The value of authenticity and finding your niche professionally • Creating intentional guest experiences through thoughtful details • Why collaboration and community matter in the events industry • Small habits and self-care practices that support long-term success Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone navigating career pivots and growth, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, organization, creativity, and building a business that feels aligned and sustainable. Guest Spotlight Tammy Golson Fallon | Founder & Creative Director, Tammy Golson Events An event planner and creative director with a background in hospitality and luxury events, Tammy creates thoughtful weddings, corporate gatherings, and curated experiences while fostering connection and collaboration through the Boston Planners Dining Club. Website: tammygolson.com Socials: tammygolsonevents | bostonplannersdiningclub Find us Here! 🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/ 📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

April 15, 2026Episode 5032 min

S4 EP 50 l 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 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!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

March 18, 2026Episode 4937 min

S4 EP 49 l Real Estate, Discipline, and Long-Term Success

Send us Fan Mail 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 with through MTG Frameworks coaching. Each guest shares how executive function systems, structure, and mindset have helped them grow personally and professionally. Maryanne talks about the realities of working in real estate balancing constant client demands, managing uncertainty, and staying productive in a field where success depends on long-term effort and organization. She shares how working with MTG Frameworks helped her refine her systems, stay accountable, and continue leveling up after decades in the business. Throughout the conversation, Maryanne also shares practical habits and lessons she’s learned from over two decades in real estate, including the importance of listening, staying adaptable, and finding systems that work for you. We talk about: The realities of working in real estate and why it requires long-term discipline How executive function systems help entrepreneurs stay organized and consistent Why accountability and structure matter when you work for yourself The importance of listening and problem-solving in client-focused careers What small personal habits (like taking calls on walks or writing quick notes) support productivity Whether you work in real estate, run your own business, or are simply looking for ways to stay more organized and productive, this episode offers practical insights on mindset, systems, and building sustainable success over time Guest Spotlight Maryanne Betso | Certified Global Luxury Specialist Real Estate Professional with 24+ years of experience serving clients across Connecticut. Maryanne specializes in helping clients navigate complex real estate decisions with expertise, organization, and personalized service. Website: maryannebetso.com Instagram: mare_real_estate Find us Here! Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/ Socials | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

February 18, 2026Episode 4833 min

S4 EP 48 l Plan Smarter, Stress Less with Will Young - Executive Function Strategies

Send us Fan Mail 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 tax stress, and helps clients align their money with what actually matters to them. Drawing from behavioral finance, Stoicism, neuroscience, and his training as a superforecaster, Will explains how mindset, emotional regulation, and executive function plays a huge role in long-term financial success. They talk about: How executive function impacts financial decision-making Reducing financial anxiety through clarity and systems Why behavior matters just as much as numbers in wealth planning Using foresight and discipline to navigate uncertainty Aligning money with personal values and long-term goals Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing financial stress, or trying to make smarter long-term decisions, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on money, mindset, and planning for the future. Guest Spotlight: Will | Financial Planning & Wealth Management Professional Focused on retirement planning, tax efficiency, and values-based financial strategies Instagram: unstoppawill Find us Here! 🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/ 📸 Instagram | @mtgframeworks 🎵 Tik Tok l @mtgframeworks 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

January 28, 2026Episode 139 min

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

Send us Fan Mail 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-facing businesses. In this episode, we talk about: Why travel planning takes 40+ hours for the average person How executive function impacts entrepreneurs and service providers Avoiding burnout while managing constant task-switching Systems and brain hacks that actually work The truth about working with a travel advisor How Katherine flew around the world 3.6 times in one year Whether you’re a business owner, planner, overthinker, or someone dreaming of stress-free travel , this episode is packed with practical insights and real-life strategies you can apply immediately. Guest Spotlight: Catherine | Luxury Travel Advisor Specializing in honeymoons, destination weddings & custom leisure travel Instagram: @buns_onthe_run Website: Catherine Whitehouse | Wanderlust Jetsetter Find out more about Making the Grade here Learn more about Executive Function: https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function Find us Here! 🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/ 📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @executivefunctionfix 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

December 17, 2025Episode 4644 min

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

Send us Fan Mail 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: most challenges aren’t about doing more - they’re about how we manage our energy, systems, and brains. Big ideas from Season 3: 🧠 Understand your brain: Executive function awareness changes how people approach work and life. 🔄 Simple systems matter: The most effective strategies are often unglamorous - but sustainable. ⚖️ Balance is built: Support, flexibility, and self-awareness are essential in every season. Season 3 also marked major growth for The Making the Grade Project , including the launch of the Hack Your Brain course and the completion of the team’s first executive function coaching cohort, with more planned for 2026 across multiple industries. What’s next: 🚀 Expanded with 9 new partnerships & renewals 👥 A new instructor supporting children and teens 🎧 Client stories coming to the podcast in 2026 On a personal note, Georgia welcomed a new baby and took maternity leave, while Christine traveled internationally for the first time since becoming a parent - all while making progress on their reading goals ✨ With a growing community - now 3,685 new subscribers across social and email - the MTG team is deeply grateful to every listener, learner, client, and partner who made this season possible. Find out more about Making the Grade here Learn more about Executive Function: https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function-for-educators/ Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

December 3, 2025Episode 4524 min

Unleashing Curiosity in Classrooms with Olivia Odileke

Send us Fan Mail 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 to joyful, meaningful learning. She’s trained over 20,000 educators and created more than 100 micro-inquiry tasks—all to help teachers bring curiosity to life in their classrooms. Olivia shares: ✨ How curiosity can transform classrooms and professional learning experiences 🧠 Her insights on executive function skills in practice, including: Task Initiation – the hardest first step for kids and adults alike Flexible Thinking (“MacGyver Mindset”) – making magic out of unexpected moments Emotional Control – using curiosity to de-escalate and re-engage Prioritization & Planning – leading with inquiry instead of instruction 💡 How she built her business and designed Spark Day PD, a curiosity-driven professional learning experience that brings joy, imagination, and impact to schools 🌴 Fun facts about Olivia: living on three islands, moving to a new country with four kids, and turning leaps of faith into a thriving business Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or lifelong learner, this episode is full of actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and a reminder of the power of curiosity in every classroom. Learn more about Olivia and her work: Book : Unleashing Curiosity: Empowering Fearless Educators to Engage and Inspire Spark Day PD : www.kampusinsights.com Instagram: @fearless.educator Connect with Making the Grade: Learn more about Executive Function: https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function-for-educators/ Website : makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast Instagram : @executivefunctionfix Apple Podcasts: Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and leave a rating!) Support the show Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below: Website: zuppa.tv LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn Follow Making the Grade! Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home Instagram | Making the Grade IG Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

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