Heart Of It

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. Sh...

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 donat...

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 mos...

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 f...

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...

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 o...

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...

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 ex...

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 pro...

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, resil...

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 cha...

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...

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” def...

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 groun...

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—alongsid...

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 earl...

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-...

In one of the most powerful episodes of From the Playground to the Foreground yet, Jon and Scott sit down with Matt Nalker, Executive Director of The Arc of Mississippi—an organization fighting every day for the rights and dignity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  But Scott has an especially personal connection to Matt. Matt shares the moving story of Cody Richard...

In this episode, Jon and Scott welcome Samantha "Sam" Erger, Head Coach of SMU Women’s Volleyball—and a true force on and off the court. From leading her team to NCAA tournament success to mentoring All-Americans and Pro League draftees, Sam is redefining what excellence looks like in women’s sports. 🏐🔥 They dive into her journey to SMU, the shifting landscape of college athletics in t...

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground , Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett catch up with former classmate and ex-RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone for a smart and lively conversation about what makes a great brand—whether it’s a truck stop or a school. Hint: Top pay is an important ingredient. And when the conversation turns to teacher pay in HPISD, Jeannie’s reaction to where...

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground , Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett are joined by former classmate and current Richardson ISD school board member Megan Timme —and it’s a reunion packed with laughs, memories, and meaningful conversation. They swap stories from their own school days, shout out favorite teachers, and talk about why top teacher pay is more important than ever—e...

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground , Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett welcome longtime friend and former classmate Tyler Herbst —a Dallas native, world traveler, and now a high school geometry teacher back in his hometown. Their conversation spans continents and classrooms, as Tyler shares how his global experiences have shaped his perspective on life, learning, and the role...

Mazel Tov! 🎉 It’s Episode 13 of From the Playground to the Foreground, and in honor of this podcast milestone, we’re calling it our Bar Mitzvah Episode. But instead of reading from the Torah, we’re talking with Jimmy Elliott—the guy who took on a Bryson DeChambeau challenge and won big! But while his golf game is impressive, Jimmy’s biggest victories happen off the course. He opens up about what...

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett chat with Golf Roots co-founders Ben Stromberg and Jake Hoffman about how their Dallas-based startup is making golf more accessible—one used club at a time. From heartfelt stories about building lasting relationships through golf (looking at you, grandpa) to Larry David donating his clubs, it’s a conversatio...

From the Playground to the Foreground EP 11: Jon and Scott Talk Basketball, Education, and Too-High Socks with Rolando Blackman This week, Jon and Scott are joined by Rolando Blackman—a legendary Maverick and four-time NBA All-Star. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Buzzsprout 📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for m...