Heart Of It

In this special episode of Heart of It, Scott sits down with Alison Conklin, Editor-in-Chief of Bonus Days Magazine, who recently interviewed Scott for a story in the magazine’s latest issue. What began as an interview quickly became something much more personal.

The next episode of Heart Of It is a really fun conversation between two friends who go way back. Ben Rogers and I grew up in Richardson, attending different schools in RISD, and this conversation brought back a lot of memories from those e years and the unlikely path that eventually led Ben to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Dallas sports radio. We talk about growing up in North Texas, and the twists and turns that shaped Ben’s journey—including his experience at the University of North Texas, where he ultimately earned his degree and which he looks back on as an important part of his story.

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 Texas Volunteer nominee, shares why she chose to get involved with organ donation advocacy and how her service initiative, A Hopeful Heart, was inspired by the memory of her cousin Birdie, who passed away at just three years old. Elle and her family have turned their loss into a mission to keep Birdie’s memory alive and encourage others to consider the life-changing impact of organ donation. What starts as an interview quickly becomes a much more personal conversation about purpose, family, loss, and hope.

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 a profession that, until recently, I had never fully appreciated for its depth, artistry, and impact.

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 purpose.

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 days together to building an exceptional career in college athletics, sharing the lessons, relationships, and purpose that have guided him every step of the way.

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 heartbreak into hope, giving the gift of life to others and ultimately inspiring a mission that has impacted countless families.

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.

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 led her to become 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 challenges of raising children today. Having known each other since summer camp, the chemistry and trust between Scott and Randi create an authentic conversation filled with honesty, humor, and practical wisdom that every parent can appreciate.

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 about empathy, intimacy, relationships, and the unique complexity of the female body.

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, and a deep commitment to people.

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 how purpose, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility have shaped his journey. Along the way, we explore the balance between tradition and individuality, and how he has learned to meet the evolving needs of his community while staying grounded in timeless values.