In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence in education can personalize learning, support teachers, and help students recover from COVID-era learning loss. They discuss innovative teaching methods, the role of educators in an AI-driven classroom, and practical solutions to close learning gaps.

Learn more about AFPI | https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence in education can personalize learning, support teachers, and help students recover from COVID-era learning loss. They discuss innovative teaching methods, the role of educators in an AI-driven classroom, and practical solutions to close learning gaps.
Learn more about AFPI | https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Elaine Parker sits down with Erika Donalds of the America First Policy Institute to examine the future of education in America. 

How AI Is Transforming Education and Closing Learning Gaps

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/c1943c17-ff19-43c9-b078-b3b800421a16/transcript

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. They discuss how to evaluate college options, the real cost of student debt, and whether today’s degree programs deliver long-term value. The conversation also explores affordable alternatives to traditional four-year colleges—including community colleges and trade schools—and examines the role government policies play in shaping education costs and outcomes. A must-listen for anyone navigating college decisions or concerned about the future of higher education.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. They discuss how to evaluate college options, the real cost of student debt, and whether today&rsquo;s degree programs deliver long-term value. The conversation also explores affordable alternatives to traditional four-year colleges&mdash;including community colleges and trade schools&mdash;and examines the role government policies play in shaping education costs and outcomes. A must-listen for anyone navigating college decisions or concerned about the future of higher education.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Campus Reform's Emily Sturge break down the changing landscape of higher education and what it means for students and families. 

College Choices, Student Debt, and Smarter Paths to Higher Education

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ff410537-a9b5-4d05-b55f-b3b600427358/transcript

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- and lower-income households, they unpack the economic forces making financial security harder to achieve. Erik explains the most common 401k mistakes, how Federal Reserve policies are shaping retirement outcomes, and what workers can do now to strengthen their long-term financial position. He also outlines retirement plan options for small businesses, offers his economic outlook heading into 2026, and shares actionable insights from his new book, Who’s Eating Your Pie? Whether you're a business owner, a saver, or someone feeling the pressure of today’s economy, this episode delivers practical strategies to help you protect—and grow—your financial future.

Purchase Erik's Book HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Eating-Your-Pie-Essential/dp/1637630557

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- and lower-income households, they unpack the economic forces making financial security harder to achieve. Erik explains the most common 401k mistakes, how Federal Reserve policies are shaping retirement outcomes, and what workers can do now to strengthen their long-term financial position. He also outlines retirement plan options for small businesses, offers his economic outlook heading into 2026, and shares actionable insights from his new book, Who&rsquo;s Eating Your Pie? Whether you're a business owner, a saver, or someone feeling the pressure of today&rsquo;s economy, this episode delivers practical strategies to help you protect&mdash;and grow&mdash;your financial future.
Purchase Erik's Book HERE | https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Eating-Your-Pie-Essential/dp/1637630557

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with financial expert and author Erik Weir to break down the growing challenges facing American workers as they try to save for retirement. From inflation eroding purchasing power to the widening gap between high earners and middle- and lower-income households, they unpack the economic forces making financial security harder to achieve. 

Retirement Crisis on Main Street: Inflation, 401k Mistakes, and Smart Planning with Erik Weir

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/905345ab-b856-4cff-821e-b3b1003bb42c/transcript

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses. They discuss skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the promise of association health plans, the powerful role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and why Congress must shift its focus from political gamesmanship to real solutions. Dr. Price shares his insider perspective on how market-driven healthcare reforms can lower costs, expand access, and give small business owners the relief they need.

In this episode of&nbsp;Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses. They discuss skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the promise of association health plans, the powerful role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and why Congress must shift its focus from political gamesmanship to real solutions. Dr. Price shares his insider perspective on how market-driven healthcare reforms can lower costs, expand access, and give small business owners the relief they need.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz sit down with former Congressman Dr. Tom Price to break down the growing healthcare crisis facing small businesses.

Small Business Healthcare Crisis: Dr. Tom Price on Rising Premiums, PBMs, and Market-Driven Solutions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/1f00215a-9e15-4e16-9a0f-b3af012e5b76/transcript

How AI Is Transforming Education and Closing Learning Gaps

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