PALM BEACH COUNTY is arguably the greatest place to live, work, learn and raise a family. However, many of our urban communities are showing signs of their lack of attention. To reverse the decline, redevelopment has been the most effective method for updating and improving the urban environment. My guest today, Steven Michael, CEO of Banyan Group, has proven to be a visionary in urban development, Steven was instrumental in pioneering the revitalization of Atlantic Avenue west of Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. His early leadership sparked the significant growth that continues to shape this burgeoning market. Steven and I talk about the importance of redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of our community and to attract investment. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, has seen life changed (and continuing to change) in the shadows of a world pandemic (which put a pause on our lives for over a year), smartphones (which, it could be argued, have rewired the brains of the Gen-Z generation), and, perhaps most impactful, the burgeoning technology of Artificial Intelligence. How this is changing the way people communicate, interrelate and think is truly important to understand. My guest in this episode, himself, a Gen-Z’er, is Ethan MacCowan. Normally, he acts as a producer here at Podpouli, the studio in Boca Raton where we’ve been recording our episodes for the last few years. It is interesting to hear how he perceives the dynamics of these events on him as a member of a group of individuals becoming viewed as the “Anxious Generation,” with good reason! Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY prides itself on being a great place to live, work and play. The fact is, some parts of our community are in need of an upgrade. Communities like Boca Raton, which is currently celebrating its centennial anniversary, have recognized the need to redevelop blighted areas to attract visitors and residents. My guest for this episode is Scott Brenner. Scott has over 35 years of experience in South Florida's commercial real estate market. He excels in commercial development, property management, brokerage, receivership, and banking. Scott and I talk about the importance of redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of our community and to attract investment. After focusing on the areas adjacent to Mizner Park, attention is now focused on the “municipal campus,” a 30 acre area including an antiquated City Hall complex. Listen to the plans air redevelopment of this area incorporating municipal, residential and commercial development along with green spaces for residents to enjoy. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY prides itself on providing a nurturing environment for our children. In previous episodes we’ve addressed educational opportunities available and explored the challenges posed by food insecurity and homelessness. My guest today, Renée Layman, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with almost thirty years of experience in mental health. As President and Chief Executive Officer for Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) since 2013, she has spearheaded significant initiatives in child and family mental health–specifically related to trauma-informed care and the prevention, awareness, and healing of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Layman, was recently appointed as President of Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. As a children’s mental health leader in our community, Renée has a legacy of promoting and protecting the mental health of children. She is a passionate advocate for child and family mental health, bringing innovative programs and services for some of the most pressing issues facing vulnerable children and families in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, Center for Child Counseling has grown to fill critical gaps in children’s mental health in Palm Beach County, using a public health approach that focuses on prevention and early intervention. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic. 

PALM BEACH COUNTY offers an abundance of educational opportunities for our children. As a community, we must ensure we provide a solid foundation of education for our children to allow them to thrive and achieve to their full potential. My guest, Monica Gupta, brings a unique perspective, forged in the intensity of the courtroom and tempered by the joys and challenges of raising children. As a former prosecutor and attorney, she's driven by a deep desire to equip the next generation with the tools for critical thinking and resilience. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, embraces legal immigration. The infusion of capital (both intellectual and monetary) benefits our country. We are a country founded on the hard work of the people who came to the United States for a better life. However, over the past few years, the lack of effective controls over the onslaught of illegal migration has caused many to see immigration in a negative light. My guest in this episode, Al Zucaro, is an immigration attorney with experience in attracting immigrants who are seeking to build wealth and employment opportunities in our country. We talk about the new $5 million citizenship “gold card” being proposed by President Trump as well as the EB-5 program for foreign nationals committed to building a business in the United States. Learn more about the opportunities available for legal immigration supporting our vibrant economy.

PALM BEACH COUNTY has the third highest incidence of trafficking in Florida and Florida has the unenviable title of third highest incidence of trafficked people in the nation. Combating these gruesome statistics are a number of our “home grown” nonprofit agencies. My guest today. Alex Ortiz, is the Director of Development and Regional Advocate at FLITE (Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education Center). The agency was created in 2009 through a partnership of the Community Foundation of Broward, the United Way of Broward and the Junior League of Fort Lauderdale. Its mission is to guide children aging out of the dependency system, and other vulnerable youth, for a successful journey to independence through housing, education, employment, health & wellness and a system of care coordination. These children and young adults are right here in our community and FLITE has expanded its services into Palm Beach County. Learn more about how you can help FLITE help these at risk individuals.

PALM BEACH COUNTY is home to a large number of residents with close ties to Israel. Relatives and friends who have made aliyah (the process of moving to Israel and becoming an Israeli citizen). As a result, the acts of brutality visited on Israeli citizens (many of the civilians) hit particularly hard for our community. Multiple opportunities to help our brothers and sisters in Israel have been provided to our residents. One such opportunity is to provide support to the Sky Riders Association. This group is providing assistance, including overcoming the challenges of moving from military service back to their civilian life. My guests, Alisa Chesler and Heidi Horowitz, speak about the impacts of the war on the Israeli people. Sky Riders are a special unit of soldiers flying drones onto the battlefield. Learn more about how you can help by visiting www.Skyriders53.org

PALM BEACH COUNTY depends on residents’ willingness to help govern our community. Be it a club, condominium, homeowners association, a village, city or town, special taxing district or the county. This doesn’t even scratch the surface as the state and federal government require citizens to step forward and accept the responsibilities of elective office. My guest today accepted the call by our governor to step into a county commission seat vacated by an individual appointed to another government position. Michael Barnett is no stranger to the political process, having previously served as the chair of the Republican Party of Florida Palm Beach County. We talk, in this episode, about his reaction to the governor’s call and his experience as one of seven members of the County Commission. Interesting insights and a great opportunity to gain insights into the political process.

PALM BEACH COUNTY is a place where over 1 million people call home. It’s a community, rich in resources, including recreational and cultural amenities. Residents view themselves as fortunate to live in such a vibrant community of great wealth and abundance. However is it enough to be living an “good life” or should we be striving to be better? In Hebrew the term “Tikkun Olam” means to repair the world .. leaving it better than we found it. My guest today, speaks about this idea of being better. Anne Shoshana Deakter is a life coach, spiritual leader and author and has embraced the teachings of Kabbalah to transform her life and, in her book, You Aren’t Here to be Good, You Are Here to be Better, she offers tools to use during difficult times and make life more meaningful as you reclaim purpose and fulfillment in a world gone crazy. Take a listen, Shoshana’s prescription for living a fulfilling life..