Heart Of It

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’t distract from her path, they refined it. She shared how each chapter of her career contributed to a deeper understanding of storytelling, audience connection, and ultimately, how we present ourselves to the world.

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 down memory lane, reflecting on how their friendship began in college and how the winding roads of their careers led them to very different but surprisingly similar professional paths guiding others.

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 the umpire, translated directly into his professional career.

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

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 Bros Hospitality. Yes, it’s a family affair!

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 two young kids.

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.

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 seed for his own path in business.

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

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.

In this episode, Jon and Scott welcome 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. 🏐🔥

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 the district ranks is somewhat unexpected.