Heart Of It
Heart of It is a heart-focused conversation series born from Scott Bennett’s life-saving heart transplant in the spring of 2023. After surviving that experience, Scott was inspired to seek out meaningful conversations, moments he calls “heartbeat moments” that allow his new heart to shine a spotlight on extraordinary guests.
Each episode features people he knows well and others he’s meeting for the first time, diving into pop culture, sports, education, and mission-driven work. Together, they explore what inspires them, the impact of their journeys, and the experiences shaping their lives. Along the way, listeners also learn a little more about what makes Scott’s new heart beat...authenticity, curiosity, and deep gratitude at the center of every conversation.
The episodes will leave you smiling and sometimes crying. The conversations are real, the exchanges filled with connection, and the topics vary; you never know what you might learn, but one thing is certain: there is a whole lot of heart that drives this series.
Episodes
38 episodes
Effort Worthy Of A Crown
This episode of Heart of It is an unexpected conversation between two people who had never met, but quickly discovered they were connected by a shared mission: shining a bright light on organ donation and transplantation. Elle Rylee, a Miss Tex...
A Designer's Eye
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 ...
A Wealth of Knowledge
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 refle...
The Cult of Personality
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...
Turning Pain into Purpose
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 unimaginab...
Lights, Camera...Actor!!
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...
The Parent Jedi
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...
She Is Always A Woman To Me
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 impo...
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All About the Smoke
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 traditio...
Keeping The Faith
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 ...
The Most Important Brand...Yours!
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...
College Admission, Career, and Connection
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,...
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Baseballs, Golf Balls, Having a Ball
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 ...
The Best Medicine
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...
No Hands No Problem
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 allowe...
EP 23: It's the PGFG Kitchen Confidential with Dallas Restauranteur Greg Katz!
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 ...
EP 22: Forecasting Life with Jesse Hawila
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 ...
EP 21: Back to School with Macy Gutow
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, ...
EP 20: A Fresh Take on Business in Dallas with Drew Ricciardone
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 ...
EP 19: 🎙️ Baseball, Briefs & Bytes — A Conversation with Jamey Newberg
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).J...
EP 18: Heart, Humanity & Hope — A Conversation with Matt Nalker of The Arc of Mississippi
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 p...
EP 17: 🎙️ Power Plays, Mental Health & Volleyballs Named Wilson with Coach Sam Erger
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...
EP 16: 🎙️ Building Great Brands — In Business, In Schools, and In Life with Dr. Jeannie Stone
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 ...
EP 15: 🎙️ Classmates, School Boards & Slam Dunks with Megan Timme
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...
EP 14: Full Circle with Tyler Herbst – 🎒🌍 World Travels, Teaching, and the Future of Education 📚🧠
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...