In this episode, Ed interviews Jeff Bekos, a dedicated advocate and community leader whose life was transformed by his daughter's health crisis.

Jeff shares the harrowing journey of his daughter Hailey, who faced a rare autoimmune disease that led to a long stay at the Ronald McDonald House. The conversation explores the critical role of community support, the importance of kindness, and the lessons learned through adversity.

Jeff's commitment to helping others and his engagement with the Ronald McDonald House charity highlights the impact of compassion in times of crisis.

In this conversation, Jeff shares his inspiring journey of cycling across the country to raise awareness and funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities, driven by his family's personal experiences. He discusses the challenges he faced, the memorable moments along the way, and the unexpected blessings that emerged from his journey.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of community support, kindness, and the need to help one another, reflecting on how his mission has impacted not only his life but also the lives of many families in need.

To learn more about Jeff, and his mission to raise over $1 million dollars for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, click below.

https://onedadsmission.org/

In this episode of the From the Hart podcast, Ed Hart interviews John Forsyte, the president and CEO of the Pacific Symphony.

They discuss Forsyte's long tenure at the symphony, the emotional power of music, the role of conductors as leaders, and the importance of community engagement and music education.

Forsyte shares insights on how the symphony adapted during the pandemic, the significance of philanthropy in the arts, and the transition of leadership within the organization.

They also explore the impact of youth programs and the future direction of the Pacific Symphony, concluding with reflections on the importance of the arts in nurturing creativity and emotional well-being.

Learn more about the Pacific Symphony and John at https://www.pacificsymphony.org/

You can connect with John via his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnforsyte/

"As long as I have a breath in my body, I will have music in my heart."

In this episode, Ed interviews Amber Jeanseau, a singer-songwriter and owner of the Jeanseau Group Marketing and Communications Agency. They discuss Amber's journey in music, her influences, and the importance of human connection. The conversation delves into the interplay between creativity and business, the significance of education, and the challenges of personal growth.

Amber shares her new podcast, Coming Un-Binged, which focuses on finding balance in life amidst chaos. The episode concludes with Amber's aspirations for her music career and the impact of support systems in overcoming challenges.

You can contact Amber, hear more of her music, and learn about her many talents by clicking here https://amberjeanseau.com/

In this episode of the From the Hart podcast, Ed Hart interviews Bart Robley, a talented drummer, educator, and author. They discuss the importance of drumming in music and its parallels to leadership in organizations. Bart shares insights on adaptability in both music and business, the impact of teaching, and the gratitude he feels for his career. The conversation highlights the role of rhythm in our lives and the importance of helping others achieve their goals through music education.Bart can be reached at https://bartrobley.com/

They discuss the foundation's mission to connect senior citizens with youth to promote literacy and mentorship. Janice shares her lifelong passion for service, her experiences in community engagement, and the transformative impact of intergenerational relationships.

The conversation also highlights the challenges and adaptations made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the creation of a virtual Lifelong Learner Series for volunteers. The importance of maintaining a strong organizational culture and the positive feedback from parents and teachers about the program's effectiveness are also emphasized.

In this conversation, Ed and Janice discuss the power of small actions in education, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of community service on children's literacy. They explore the evolution of their reading programs, the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of empathy and kindness in literature.

Janice shares her personal journey through loss and love, highlighting the mentors who have inspired her. The conversation concludes with a call to action for community involvement and the future goals of the Empowering Readers initiative.

She discusses the role of mentorship in her career and the challenges faced in adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of public relations, particularly with the rise of social media. In this conversation, Ed and Paula explore the impact of the pandemic on personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling.

They discuss how experiences during the pandemic have shaped their perspectives on introversion and extroversion, the lessons learned, and the significance of living with heart. They also delve into defining success beyond material achievements, emphasizing the value of making a difference in others' lives.

You can contact Paula at https://www.sterlingpublicrelations.com/

And on her Instagram

@sterlingpr

or on her LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulasteurer/

00:00 The Journey Begins: 17 Years in PR

07:40 Understanding PR: Misconceptions and Realities

14:45 Niche Markets: Wealth Management and Nonprofits

18:10 Making a Difference: The Nonprofit Perspective 22:49 Mentorship and Inspiration: Shaping the Future 28:06 Challenges in PR: Adapting to Change

29:55 Navigating Introversion and Extroversion Post-Pandemic

32:14 Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

36:48 Living with Heart: Authenticity in a Divisive World

42:23 The Power of Storytelling

50:26 Defining Success: Authenticity and Impact

56:58 What's in Your Heart?

She emphasizes the importance of passion and personal preference in choosing and enjoying wine. Monika also highlights the significance of packaging and branding in the industry, as well as the impact of regulations and the evolving craft spirits movement.

Elling discusses the field of nutritional psychology and its impact on mental health. She shares her personal experience with nutrition and how it influenced her performance as a successful division 1 collegiate tennis player at Rutgers University.

She emphasizes the importance of eating well and listening to your body. The conversation then shifts to the role of nutrition in the wine industry and the connection between socialization and wine consumption.

Monika highlights the negative impact of processed foods and the importance of homemade meals. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the discipline and mindset developed through sports and how it translates to success in other areas of life.

00:00 Introduction to Monika Elling and her experience in the drinks industry

01:58 Becoming a wine expert and the accidental journey into the industry

04:48 Challenges and attrition in family-owned businesses in the wine industry

06:18 The glamour and challenges of the wine industry

08:03 The impact of regulations on the wine and spirits industry

09:51 Understanding wine ratings and the concept of weight in wine

11:43 The diversity of wine regions and the importance of pairing

14:30 The role of packaging and branding in the wine and spirits industry

20:21 The close-knit nature of the wine industry and its historical significance

23:42 The similarities and differences between the wine and spirits industries

26:16 The critical role of packaging and branding in the buying decision

29:00 The challenges of expanding into new markets in the wine and spirits industry

30:56 Introduction to Nutritional Psychology

36:02 The Connection Between Nutritional Psychology and the Wine Industry

38:10 The Social Component of Wine Consumption

40:32 The Negative Impact of Processed Foods

45:12 The Discipline and Mindset of Sports

Or on her website at https://www.fmg.nyc/

He also talks about his book on generative AI and its impact on various industries. Cohan highlights the similarities and differences between the internet boom of the 90s and the current AI boom, emphasizing the importance of creating value and being adaptable in the face of technological advancements.

He explores the positive and negative implications of AI in education and business, and shares insights on how businesses can leverage AI to improve efficiency and overcome creative blocks. In this conversation, Peter and host Ed Hart discuss the potential applications of generative AI and its impact on various industries. They explain how generative AI can be used to overcome creative block, increase productivity in sales and customer service, and accelerate sales growth.

Cohan also shares insights on how private investors can use AI in their investment strategies. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of curiosity and learning in embracing AI and adapting to its advancements.

You can reach Peter at https://www.babson.edu/about/our-leaders-and-scholars/faculty-and-academic-divisions/faculty-profiles/peter-cohan.php

She emphasizes the importance of connection, joy, and self-management in leadership. Jan also discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry and offers advice for young women entering the family business.

She highlights the significance of learning from mistakes, trusting employees, and fostering growth and development within the company. Steiner discusses the importance of gaining different perspectives and surrounding yourself with experts in order to succeed in business.

She also emphasizes the value of peer groups and mentors in providing wisdom and guidance. Jan shares her insights on self-management, choosing joy, and the need for skilled tradespeople.

She introduces TradeWorks USA, an organization focused on creating awareness and opportunities in skilled trades.

Jan's big goal is to see more people recognize the potential and joy in pursuing a trade.

https://tradeworksusa.com/

You can email Jan at [email protected] or call her at 619-800-6779

Stephanie Szostak, an actress, writer and Give An Hour Ambassador, discusses her career, imposter syndrome, and the power of acting. She shares her experiences working with famous actors and the different styles of acting she has encountered.

Stephanie also talks about her personal journey of self-discovery and mental health, which led her to write a book called 'Selfish: Step into a Journey of Self-Discovery to Revive Confidence, Joy, and Meaning.' The book is a playbook that helps readers remember and apply the lessons they have learned in their personal growth journey.

In this conversation, Stephanie discusses her book 'The Selfish Workbook' and the importance of creating a personal playbook for well-being. She shares how the book came about and the impact it has had on individuals and book clubs. Stephanie also talks about the exercises in the book, such as identifying your greatest achievements and admiring others, and how they can help in self-reflection and personal growth. She mentions her upcoming app that will allow users to have their playbook on their phones. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of making an impact and connecting with others through her work.Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome is common when doing something new or out of your comfort zone.
• Acting allows for self-expression and exploration of different facets of oneself.
• Working with different actors reveals the diversity of working styles and approaches.
• The essence of a person comes through in their work, whether it's acting or leadership.
• Mental health and self-discovery are important aspects of personal growth.
• Creating a playbook or journal can help remember and apply lessons learned. Creating a personal playbook can help in self-reflection and personal growth.
• Identifying your greatest achievements and admiring others can provide valuable insights into your values and goals.
• Having an impossible future exercise can help clarify what is truly important to you and guide your actions.
• The goal is to make an impact and connect with others through your work.
• Stephanie is working on an app that will allow users to have their playbook on their phones.

You can reach Stephanie, and get a cope of her book, at https://stephanieszostak.me/

You can also find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-szostak-86556b213/