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!

Whether you’re a Dallas diner, a hospitality nerd, or just hungry, this one’s packed with candid stories, industry insights, and plenty of heart.

Be sure to follow Greg and his team on IG at @katzbroshospitality 

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.

The conversation goes beyond forecasts, touching on caregiving, authenticity in media, and why weather has a way of connecting us all. Along the way, there’s plenty of humor — fortune cookies, football predictions, and even a spirited debate about rainbows and heavy metal.

If you’ve ever been fascinated (or terrified) by Texas weather, this episode delivers insight, laughter, and a new appreciation for the science — and personalities — behind the forecast.

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, a nonprofit created in honor of her grandmother to bring joy to senior residents in Dallas. She opens up about leadership, independence, and how service has shaped her journey—alongside the excitement (and stress!) of college applications and senior year traditions.

Scott and Jon also swap stories about music, one-hit wonders, school lunches, and even get Macy’s take on Taylor Swift and private vs. public education. It’s a thoughtful and fun multi-generational conversation that reminds us what it means to grow up—on the playground, in the foreground, and everywhere in between.

🎧 Listen now — and don’t forget to subscribe here.  AND watch and subscribe on. YouTube Channel!

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.

With Jon and Scott offering insights from decades of experience in the Dallas business scene, and Drew representing a new generation of entrepreneurs, this episode becomes a cross-generational conversation about what drives success here.

🎧 Listen now — and don’t forget to subscribe here.  AND watch and subscribe on. YouTube Channel!

#DallasBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HarvardGrad #UPS #BusinessDevelopment #FromThePlaygroundPodcast #DFWCommunity #NewToDallas #DallasPodcast

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).

Jamey shares how his passion for minor league baseball became a creative outlet in the ‘90s—starting as an email thread that morphed into one of the most trusted fan-driven publications in the sport. What began as stress relief from his day job as a trial attorney has become a Texas baseball staple.

They also dig into a surprising curveball: artificial intelligence. As an adjunct law professor at SMU, Jamey reflects on how AI is reshaping both legal education and the future of journalism. It’s a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation with a few aha moments and plenty of laughs along the way.

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #JameyNewberg #NewbergReport #BaseballLife #MinorLeagueMagic #TexasBaseball #SMULaw #AIinEducation #PrintJournalism #DallasPodcast #BaseballAndBeyond

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.

Matt shares the moving story of Cody Richardson, a young man who faced a traumatic childhood in foster care and found stability and compassion through The Arc. When Cody tragically passed away in his mid-20s, Matt made the life-changing decision to donate his organs—an act of generosity that saved lives, including Scott Bennett's.  Yes, Scott received Cody's heart! 

What began as Scott’s effort to thank a donor’s family has evolved into a deep and lasting connection with Matt, who has spent decades championing disability rights after his own daughter was born with severe disabilities. Today, he continues to lead with empathy, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy.

This episode is a tribute to legacy, connection, and the very best of humanity—showing how two people, brought together by chance and tragedy, are now working side-by-side to raise awareness for organ donation and disability advocacy.

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #TheArcOfMississippi #OrganDonation #DisabilityAdvocacy #PodcastWithHeart #DisabilityRights #HumanityInAction #MakeADifference #DallasPodcast

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 redefining what excellence looks like in women’s sports. 🏐🔥

They dive into her journey to SMU, the shifting landscape of college athletics in the age of NIL, and why women’s sports deserve a lot more spotlight than they get. Plus, Sam shares her thoughts on the mental side of the game—and why it’s key to long-term success, whether you’re chasing titles or just trying to survive Tuesday.

And yes, the episode includes a very serious debate during the hat-pull segment about the movie Cast Away. Spoiler: Jon is wrong, and we’re not letting it go. 🎬🏐

Smart, funny, and full of spikes (figuratively and literally)—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen or watch now and catch all episodes at the link in bio.

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #SamErger #SMUVolleyball #DallasPodcast #WomenInSports #CollegeAthletics #NILEra #MentalHealthMatters #VolleyballLife #CoachEnergy #DFWPodcasts #WomenCoaches #CastAwayMovie

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.  

From teacher pay, to private school vouchers, school safety, and why HPISD must invest in excellence to stay on top—they cover a lot of ground. And of course, some good laughs about their school days together! 

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
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📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content  

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #JeannieStone #EducationMatters #TeacherPay #HPISD #DallasPodcast #BuildingGreatBrands

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, and meaningful conversation.

They swap stories from their own school days, shout out favorite teachers, and talk about why top teacher pay is more important than ever—especially as Jon campaigns for the HPISD board.

It’s also Day 711 since Scott’s heart transplant, and of course he brings a “prop” to commemorate the milestone (because of course he does).

Plus, Megan shares proud mom moments from watching her son Drew Timme rise through college hoops and into the NBA—yes, that Drew Timme.

Heartfelt, hilarious, and a little nostalgic—this one’s got it all.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
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* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content  

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #TeacherPayMatters #MeganTimme #DrewTimme #SchoolBoardVoices #ScottBennett #JonAltschuler #DallasPodcast #HPISD #EducationMatters #ReunionVibes

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 his hometown.

Their conversation spans continents and classrooms, as Tyler shares how his global experiences have shaped his perspective on life, learning, and the role of educators today. From the rise of AI in schools to the constant battle over phones in the classroom, they tackle the big questions facing education—just as Jon announces his run for the Highland Park ISD Board of Trustees.

It’s a thoughtful, timely, and often funny conversation about where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
* Apple Podcasts
* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content  

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #TylerHerbst #DallasPodcast #EducationMatters #PhonesInClass #HPISD #WorldTraveler #Teacher #FullCircleMoments