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 l

Making the Grade Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Christine and Georgia, with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Christine and Georgia hosts Making the Grade Podcast, a business show with 55 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #54

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

  Aug 19, 202624 minS4

  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!)

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #53

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

  Jul 15, 202635 minS4

  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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #52

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

  Jun 17, 202649 minS4

  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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #51

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

  May 20, 202631 minS4

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p><b>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.</b></p><p><b>This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients and collaborators connected...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #50

  From Overwhelmed to Organized: Building Better Habits with Abel Castaneda

  Apr 15, 202633 minS4

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>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.</p><p>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...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Making the Grade Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.