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
31 episodes
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...
EP 13: Jimmy Elliott on Golf, Family, and Life’s Biggest Wins
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...
EP 12: Jon and Scott Go "Clubbing": Meet the Guys Behind Golf Roots
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 ti...
EP 11: Jon and Scott Talk Basketball, Education, and Too-High Socks with Rolando Blackman
From the Playground to the ForegroundEP 11: Jon and Scott Talk Basketball, Education, and Too-High Socks with Rolando BlackmanThis week, Jon and Scott are joined by Rolando Blackman—a legendary Maverick and four-time NBA Al...
EP 10: Jon and Scott Talk Mascots, Mega Millions, and Southwest Airlines with Chris Priebe
From the Playground to the ForegroundEP 10: Jon and Scott Talk Mascots, Mega Millions, and Southwest Airlines with Chris PriebeThis week, Jon and Scott are joined by Chris Priebe—Managing Director of Finance at Southwest Ai...
EP9: Jon and Scott Review the Front 9 with Ron Corning
From the Playground to the ForegroundEP9: Jon and Scott Review the Front 9 with Ron CorningWe moved playgrounds—the week our guest decided not to show! Luckily for Jon and Scott, our producer Ron Corning knows a thing or tw...
EP8: Jon Switches Seats, Scott Designs Stationary, and Chad Pinson Warms Hearts
From the Playground to the Foreground"EP8: Jon Switches Seats, Scott Designs Stationary, and Chad Pinson Warms Hearts"In this episode, Jon and Scott try out a new seating arrangement. But both bring props! The...
EP7: Jon Loves the Library, Scott Could Probably Start a Fire, and Charlie Caulkins Auctions Art
From the Playground to the ForegroundEP7: Jon Loves the Library, Scott Could Probably Start a Fire, and Charlie Caulkins Auctions ArtIn this episode, Jon and Scott discuss the Cowboys, Boy Scouts, and the differences between real es...