S2E247: From Special Ed to Undefeated MMA Fighter: Daniel Puder’s Story (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this conversation, MacKenzie returns with Daniel Puder, retired professional wrestler and fellow education pioneer. Daniel shares how his school model focuses on life skills, emotional development, and real-world readiness. The two also explore what the future might look like for kids who grow up learning with A.I. versus those who don’t, and how Daniel approaches parenting in a fast-changing world.

Evie and Mara, two sisters who attend our very own GT School, return for Part 2 of the conversation. They discuss what it's like using AI at school, how they stay motivated, and Mara shares an impressive physical feat.

In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Evie and Mara, two sisters who attend our very own GT School. They share what it’s like to be in a program designed for gifted and talented students, how they both got into chess, and even show off a surprising memorization feat!

In this episode of Future of Education, MacKenzie sits down with Daniel Puder, former WWE star and undefeated MMA fighter, for a raw look at the early struggles that shaped him. From being bullied and placed in special ed to cleaning toilets just to afford a gym membership, Daniel shares how adversity fueled his grit and drive. He opens up about going to juvie, facing mental health challenges, and ultimately finding his own unconventional path to success.

In this episode of Future of Education, MacKenzie sits down with Gabi Immelman, the co-founder & CEO of Mindjoy, to explore how AI-first tools can revolutionize education. They discuss surprising indicators of true school innovation, why student motivation matters more than teacher performance, and how many schools are failing to create the meaning and connection young people need to thrive.

In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Alpha Guide Bryan and his student, Eddy, to discuss the role of Guides at Alpha. They share insight into Alpha’s unique life skills workshops, how students are taught to take ownership of their learning, and what school looks like with no teachers!

Alpha students Ella and Eva join MacKenzie to talk about their mental health app for teen girls, built as part of a school project- but that’s just the beginning. They dive into the unique ways Alpha emphasizes motivation models, including a system where students earn customized rewards for hitting academic goals. From building real-world tools to boosting confidence in and out of the classroom, this episode gives a front-row look at what happens when students take the lead.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Rourke, a 12-year-old student at Alpha, we dive deeper into what life is really like at school. 

In this episode, MacKenzie chats with Rourke, a 12-year-old Alpha student who moved from New York City to Austin, Texas to attend our flagship location of Alpha School. Rourke shares what her traditional school experience was like in Manhattan, what made her family choose Alpha, and how the two models compare from a student’s point of view.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Alpha dads, MacKenzie asks the dads to reflect on their biggest parenting wins, proud moments, and yes—their most memorable fails. They also share honest feedback about Alpha, what they love, and where they think there’s still room to grow. It’s a candid, thoughtful conversation about raising kids in a world that’s changing fast.