Policy Changes Lives is a weekly seasonal podcast that spotlights how the states are using thoughtful education policies to change students' lives for the better. From back-to-school in September through November, experts from the ExcelinEd team share their expertise and interview policymakers, educators and researchers about transformative K-12 policies. Each week, we explore a different topic related to states' education policies, such as early literacy, math, the teacher pipeline, funding, the digital divide, education choice, reimagining learning, school accountability and college and career pathways. In a nutshell: Policy Changes Lives is designed to inform and engage policymakers, educators and advocates about the latest trends in K-12 education policy. Why should you listen? You'll learn about the latest trends in K-12 education policy. You'll hear from policymakers, educ
Pitch Analysis
Required Pod Score for this show. PitchCentric checks your profile against host openness, topical fit, and audience signals before you generate a pitch.
Contact path
Verified email
Booking probability
19%
Guest openness
Selective
Verified email on file
80/100
Required Score
Sign up to generate a grounded pitch for Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast.
What is Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast?
Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast is a education podcast hosted by ExcelinEd, with 13 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.
About the host
ExcelinEd hosts Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast, a education show with 13 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 #2
From classrooms to careers: Georgia’s new playbook for ROI | Ian Caraway
Sep 17, 202627 minS2026
In this episode of Policy Changes Lives , host and Managing Director of Policy at ExcelinEd, Adriana Harrington , sits down with Ian Caraway of the Georgia Governor’s Office and the new lead of the Office of Education and Workforce Strategy to explore how states can better connect K-12 education and workforce systems to improve outcomes for students and employers. Ian and Adriana discuss the high-level recommendations from a soon-to-be-released governance report and why strong state-level coordination is essential to building clearer pathways from the classroom to college, careers and the workforce. The conversation also highlights an important shift in how states can think about education policy—not as a collection of disconnected programs, but as a coordinated system designed to help students build valuable skills, pursue meaningful opportunities and meet the needs of a changing economy. For policymakers and education leaders, the episode offers a practical takeaway: better pathways require better governance—and better governance requires knowing what works. Georgia’s approach demonstrates how states can bring education and workforce leaders together, use data to measure results and focus investments on programs that deliver meaningful value for students, families and employers. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AI, screen time and what it means for young learners | Michael B. Horn
Sep 10, 202629 minS2026
In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, hosts and ExcelinEd ‘s VP of Policy Cara Candal and ExcelinEd’s Policy Director of AI and Ed Tech Ji Soo Song sit down with education expert Michael B. Horn to explore what happens when young learners increasingly interact with educational technology and artificial intelligence. Together, they unpack the complicated questions surrounding screen time and AI exposure, examining how a student’s developmental stage, the content they encounter and the context in which technology is used can shape both its risks and its potential benefits. The conversation also looks beyond simply asking whether students should spend more or less time on screens. Horn and our hosts discuss how educators and policymakers can ensure technology enhances learning rather than distracts from it, while addressing important concerns around student privacy, accountability and responsible use. For policymakers, educators and parents navigating the rapidly changing role of AI in education, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how to embrace innovation while keeping student learning and well-being at the center. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re back for a new season! Here’s what to expect.
Sep 3, 20262 minS2026
A new season of Policy Changes Lives is here! This fall, ExcelinEd is bringing together state leaders and education policy experts to explore the ideas shaping what’s next for students—from responsible AI and stronger college and career pathways to the next frontier of math and literacy policy. We’ll also tackle some of the biggest challenges facing states and communities, including declining enrollment, tighter budgets, teacher retention, school schedules, local governance and accountability. Plus, listeners will get a front-row seat to a special conversation from ExcelinEd’s National Summit on Education and, to close the season, a look ahead at the education policy trends states should be watching in 2027. Across every episode, we’ll focus on practical ideas, emerging state strategies and student-centered policies that can help more students succeed. Follow Policy Changes Lives and join us for the 2026 season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Education policy trends to watch in 2026 | Patricia Levesque
Dec 11, 202556 minS2025
In this season finale of Policy Changes Lives , ExcelinEd VP of Policy Cara Candal sits down with ExcelinEd CEO Patricia Levesque to break down the most important education policy trends state leaders need to watch as 2026 approaches. From new efforts to strengthen middle-grade literacy to a rapid expansion of math policy reform, Patricia walks through where states are headed—and why foundational skills will continue to dominate legislative agendas. The conversation also explores rising interest in postsecondary return-on-investment, updated accountability and data systems, workforce-aligned pathways, digital distraction policies like phone-free schools, and what states can expect as AI tools reshape classrooms and policymaking. Cara and Patricia reflect on the biggest themes from the 2025 season and discuss how governors, legislators and education chiefs can prepare for a policy year defined by both urgency and opportunity. If you want to understand the landscape heading into 2026—and what it will take to drive meaningful impact for students—this episode is the perfect place to start. Remember to join the conversation on social media. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BONUS: Key takeaways you missed from sessions at the National Summit on Education
Dec 4, 20251h 10mS2025
Couldn’t make it to the 2025 National Summit on Education—or just couldn’t be in three strategy sessions at once? In this special bonus episode, host Dr. Cara Candal pulls together some of the most important ideas, quotes and policy takeaways from across the Summit’s strategy sessions and mainstage conversations. Across three days, state leaders, practitioners and advocates dug into the big questions driving education policy right now: How do we close achievement gaps in reading and math? What does real college and career readiness look like? How should states rethink funding, school choice, civics, and digital learning for a new generation of students? Cara takes you behind the scenes, weaving together clips from multiple sessions and connecting them to the practical realities facing governors, legislators and state agencies in the year ahead. To listen to the full 2025 ExcelinEd National Summit on Education strategy session audios as well as our keynotes from the main stage, visit our YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj48WE9RS6E&list=PLamKh0vaiRJOqVYjpgynniKnpJ5bjJ3rh Remember to join the conversation on social media. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Every question we get asked before someone starts their trial.
If you have a concern about deliverability, AI quality, data privacy, or whether this will actually work for your specific situation, it's probably answered below.
What is the difference between Founder Solo and Founder Pro?
Founder Solo gives you 50 AI pitches per month using the credit model (Standard pitches cost 1 credit, Enriched pitches cost 2). Founder Pro raises that to 200 credits per month and adds full Booking Probability access, unlimited Magic Match, Apollo enrichment credits, and data export capabilities. Both plans use the same credit system, so you can stretch your monthly budget further by using Standard-mode drafting.
How do agency tiers work?
Agency tiers have no base fee. You pay per managed client and per talent profile. Agency Standard is $199 per client per month; Agency Pro is $399 per client per month. Both add $39 per talent profile per month. Your own team's user seats are always free.
What is a talent profile?
A talent profile represents one person (founder, executive, or spokesperson) you are booking onto podcasts. It includes their bio, topics, headshots, and outreach history. Team plans include 5 profiles; agency plans are pay-as-you-go.
Can I switch plans later?
Yes, at any time. Upgrades take effect immediately; downgrades apply at the end of the current billing period. Contact support if you need help migrating between plan families.
Do you offer a free trial?
Every paid plan includes a 15-day free trial. Your card is saved at signup but you will not be charged until day 16. Cancel any time from your dashboard.
What happens if I cancel?
You keep access until the end of your current billing period. No charges after that. Your data is retained for 30 days in case you reactivate.
Is the 20% annual discount automatic?
Yes. Select Annual on the pricing toggle and the discounted price is applied automatically at checkout. The annual price shown is the full year cost.
What if I have more than 50 profiles or 20 clients?
That is our Enterprise tier. Contact our sales team and we will build a custom plan with volume pricing, a dedicated account manager, and SLA guarantees.
