Heart Of It

Every meaningful friendship has a story, and mine with architect and designer Josh Held began nearly 50 years ago. From carefree summers at camp to fraternity brothers in college, and now as lifelong friends navigating careers, family, and the changing seasons of life, this relationship has been built over decades. In this episode of Heart of It, we reflect on that journey while exploring Josh's passion for architecture and design ...

In this episode of Heart of It, Scott Bennett sits down with longtime friend and President of Wealth Advisory, Debra Tagg, for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the relationships that shape our lives. Debra reflects on the evolution of her career, sharing what it was like building a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated industry and how those experiences helped define her leadership style and pu...

Some conversations feel less like an interview and more like catching up with someone who has been part of your story for years. In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime friend, Shawn Heilbron, Athletic Director at Stony Brook University, for a candid conversation about where we came from, the experiences that shaped us, and the lifelong bond we've shared through our love of sports. Shawn reflects on his journey from our early da...

Some conversations stay with you long after they end. This episode of Heart of It is one of them.

Tara Storch, founder of Taylor's Gift, whose life changed forever after the tragic loss of her daughter, Taylor. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Tara and her family faced one of the most difficult decisions any parent could ever make: honoring Taylor's wishes by saying yes to organ donation. That single decision transformed ...

Scott has longtime friend, Brett Greenstein, partner at Greenstein Daniel Casting, for a thoughtful conversation about career journeys, creative leadership, and the evolving future of entertainment.

Brett shares the story of his largely unplanned path into the world of casting, one that ultimately led him to a position where he helps shape major productions and influences some of Hollywood’s most important creative decisions. ...

Episode nine of Heart of It features a candid and relatable conversation with Randi Rubenstein, founder of Mastermind Parenting, as she shares the experiences and insights that shaped her into one of the most respected voices in modern parenting. In a discussion that feels more like two lifelong friends catching up than a formal interview, Randi opens up about the journey that shaped her passion for helping families navigate the ch...

In this powerful episode of She’s Always a Woman to Me, I sit down with my longtime friend, Dr. Eric Jacoby, an accomplished OB/GYN whose career has been built around understanding and caring for women through some of the most personal and important moments of their lives. What begins as a conversation between friends including stories from years spent playing golf together  quickly evolves into a thoughtful discussion a...

In this episode of The Heart of It, I sit down with Joe Zavala pitmaster, entrepreneur, and the force behind Zavala's Barbecue, for a conversation that goes far beyond brisket and smoke. Joe’s journey into Texas barbecue isn’t traditional; it’s a path shaped by grit, curiosity, and pivotal moments that forced him to rethink purpose, success, and what really matters. What emerges is a story of resilience, humility,...

In this episode of The Heart of It, we sit down with Rabbi Brian Strauss for an engaging and personal conversation about the path that led him to the rabbinate. He shares the pivotal moments, influences, and inner pull that guided his decision, offering listeners a candid look at what it really means to choose a life of spiritual leadership. From early inspirations to the realities of modern-day ministry, Rabbi Strauss reflects on ...

In this episode of The Heart of It, I sat down with Victoria Tollossa to unpack what it really means to build a personal brand in today’s world. Victoria’s journey is anything but linear—rooted in brand marketing, shaped by her time as a singer (including a Grammy nomination), and now evolving into a powerful voice on personal positioning and authenticity. What stood out most is how her diverse experiences didn&rs...

On this episode of The Heart of It, Scott welcomes someone who has known him since the days when the planning was mostly meant to figure out which restaurant they would share a meal, Jodi Gershoni. Now the founder of College Unlimited, Jodi has turned her passion for helping students into a mission: guiding families through the maze, madness, and occasional melodrama of the college admissions process. Scott and Jodi take a walk dow...

On this episode of the podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend Ivan Zweig and we cover everything from cleats to custom boots. We talk about the work ethic that drove him to become an exceptional baseball player, the discipline it takes to compete at a high level, and how those lessons didn’t stay on the field. Ivan shares how the habits that made him successful in baseball, consistency, resilience, and a refusal to blame...

Episode 2 of Heart of It, Scott welcomes not just a respected physician, but a dear friend, his fraternity brother and personal doctor, Dr. Reuben Elovitz. The conversation blends trust, history, humor, and deep respect, making this dialogue as personal as it is insightful

In this episode, Dr. Elovitz unpacks what modern healthcare really requires from patients, not just doctors. We talk about changing trends, the future of med...

No Hands No Problem is a powerful and inspiring conversation with Desmond Blair, whose life story challenges conventional ideas about limitation and ability. Born without traditional hands, Desmond was raised by a mother who never allowed his physical difference to become an excuse. From an early age, he discovered a deep passion for art and refused to let anything stand in the way of his creative drive. 

In this episode, Desmo...

Join Scott and Jon as they sharing some food for thought, and thoughts on the food with Dallas restaurateur Greg Katz.  From Beverley’s, Clifton Club, Green Point Seafood, to the new Claremont Bar & Grill, Greg traces his winding path from South Africa to Dallas kitchens, New York dining rooms, and ultimately back to the Big D where building neighborhood spots that feel instantly “classic” defines Katz Br...

This week, Jon and Scott welcome WFAA meteorologist Jesse Hawila — a storm chaser, science communicator, and all-around weather authority who’s been a familiar face in Dallas for nearly a decade. From chasing tornadoes on the plains to guiding viewers through North Texas’ most intense weather, Jesse shares his lifelong passion for meteorology, his thoughts on climate change, and how he stays grounded while raising...

It’s back-to-school week on Playground Foreground—and who better to join Scott and Jon than their youngest guest yet, high school senior Macy Gutow.

Macy shares her inspiring story of founding Gaga’s Butterflies, a nonprofit created in honor of her grandmother to bring joy to senior residents in Dallas. She opens up about leadership, independence, and how service has shaped her journey—alongside the excitemen...

In this episode, Jon and Scott sit down with Drew Ricciardone, a recent Harvard grad and newcomer to Dallas who brings a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, economic development, and the spirit of small business. Drew opens up about growing up in Arkansas and how the women who raised him—his grandmother and mother—instilled a deep respect for business ownership through their boutique. That early exposure planted the ...

In Episode 19 of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon and Scott welcome Jamey Newberg, creator of the beloved Newberg Report, for a conversation that covers way more than just baseball (though there's plenty of that too).

Jamey shares how his passion for minor league baseball became a creative outlet in the ‘90s—starting as an email thread that morphed into one of the most trusted fan-driven publications in the spo...