This week on The Interview, Leslie sits down with Mayor Scott Singer of Boca Raton, Florida—a longtime friend and a leader making headlines for his bold vision and steady hand in public service.

Scott shares the story of leaving New York to return to South Florida, what motivated him to first run for City Council, and how his passion for creating jobs and opportunities has shaped Boca Raton into a thriving community. From recruiting businesses and lowering taxes to spearheading transformative infrastructure like Brightline high-speed rail, Scott offers a masterclass in what it means to lead with both vision and pragmatism.

They also dig into big-picture themes: how cities can rebound from decline, why public safety and strong business foundations are essential, and the lessons Scott has learned from fellow mayors nationwide.

This conversation goes beyond policy and politics. At its core, this episode is about vision, service, and the impact one leader can have on an entire community.

If you’ve ever wondered how cities reinvent themselves, how mayors make decisions that shape daily life, or what leadership looks like when done well — this episode will give you a front-row seat.

🎧 Stream the full episode now — and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie for more behind-the-scenes from our guests.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

• Go to ⁠www.tenmiledistillery.com⁠ and use code "THEINTERVIEW" for 10% off your order of award-winning spirits

Earlier this summer, as part of our Summer Travel Series, we featured Newport, Rhode Island through the lens of celebrated photographer Nick Mele.

This week, we’re back with part two of our conversation, turning to Nick’s career journey, creative process, and signature style that blends timeless elegance with humor.

Often referred to as a modern-day Slim Aarons, Nick has carved out a space as one of today’s most distinctive visual storytellers — capturing Newport’s coastal charm, the vibrancy of Palm Beach society, and the whimsical details that bring luxury culture to life.

In this episode, Nick opens up about the winding road to becoming a fine art photographer:

• How bartending at 30 with a young family sparked his rediscovery of photography

• What he learned from working with legendary society photographer Patrick McMullan

• Why access and authenticity became his competitive edge in an oversaturated market

• How humor transformed into a cornerstone of his signature style

• What’s next as he expands further into fine art and lifestyle photography

  
  

If you’re passionate about creativity, photography, luxury culture, and the art of storytelling, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Stream the full episode now — and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie for more behind-the-scenes from our guests.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

• Go to cozyearth.com and use code “INTERVIEW” for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more.
• Go to www.tenmiledistillery.com and use code "THEINTERVIEW" for 10% off your order of award-winning spirits

This week on The Interview with Leslie Heaney, we’re traveling back to the sandy shores of Long Island with Sarah Wetenhall, a life-long summer resident in and around East Hampton and the co-owner and CEO of The Hedges Inn in East Hampton and The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.

Back in 2016, Sarah and her husband Andrew, took over The Colony Hotel (an iconic hotel that had formerly been owned by her father-in-law) - blending the Colony’s timeless style with modern luxury, creating designer collaborations, resurrecting the celebrated Swifty’s restaurant, and curating experiences that keep guests coming back year after year.

Now, the Wetenhalls have brought that same philosophy to The Hedges Inn in East Hampton, transforming the historic 13-room inn into a boutique luxury escape. From private beach setups and partnerships with Volvo for guest transportation to menus inspired by local farm stands, Sarah is redefining what “full-service” means in the Hamptons.

In this episode, Sarah and I talk about everything from the renaissance of The Colony Hotel and now The Hedges under her and her husband’s ownership, to all of her favorite spots in and around East Hampton.   Our conversation covers all of Sarah’s favorite restaurants, spots for families, places to shop, amazing events in the area in the summer and fall and all of the incredible outdoor activities available from visiting one of the most beautiful beaches in America - Main Beach in East Hampton - to getting paddle board lessons from an adorable instructor!  

Whether you’re dreaming of a late summer or early fall getaway to East Hampton, or learning more about this female business leader who has revitalized two iconic hotels, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

Stream it now! And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Go to cozyearth.com and use code “INTERVIEW” for 40% off
best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more.

Tenmile Distillery is home to the award-winning Little Rest Whisky -- All Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

• Cozy Earth: use code “INTERVIEW” for 40% off
  best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more.
• Tenmile Distillery: All Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout.
  

Our next stop in the Summer Travel Series takes us to the Rockies for a deep dive into one of Colorado’s most glamorous and adventure-filled destinations: Aspen, CO.

Joining me is my good friend, resident, entrepreneur, and founder of Alicia Adams Alpaca, Alicia Adams—whose luxurious alpaca pieces are just as warm and beautiful as she is.

From sipping coffee at a café with “New York water” bagels to hiking breathtaking trails like American Lake and Smuggler, Alicia shares the best ways to experience Aspen year-round. Alicia reveals her favorite places to stay, from iconic spots like The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome to charming boutique hotels, and talks about the outdoor adventures that make Aspen so special, including paddle boarding on Stillwater, mountain biking, fly fishing, and the must-do Wednesday night rodeo in Snowmass.

This episode covers Aspen’s incredible food and drink scene, from cozy breakfasts and sushi with a view to insider cocktail spots, along with the best places to shop, like cowboy boots and hats at Kemo Sabe or unique finds at Carl’s Pharmacy.

Alicia even gives us a taste of Aspen’s cultural side, with music festivals, the Aspen Ideas Festival, and the peaceful John Denver Sanctuary.

Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a winter ski trip, this episode is your backstage pass to experiencing Aspen like a local.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

It’s hard to believe this summer marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws—the film that launched the summer blockbuster, introduced a then-unknown Steven Spielberg, and forever changed the way we look at the ocean… and for some of us, even swimming pools!

Beyond the suspense, the unforgettable score, and one of the best movie lines of all time—“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”—Jaws had some unintended side effects. It fueled a global fear of sharks, spiked shark tournaments, and contributed to decades of overfishing.

Today, I’m so excited to welcome someone who’s been there since the beginning—Wendy Benchley, widow of Jaws author Peter Benchley. From the writing of the book to the movie’s smashing box-office success, Wendy had a front-row seat. She has since dedicated her life to shark advocacy and ocean conservation.

Wendy is a world-renowned environmentalist, co-founder of the Peter Benchey Ocean Awards, board member of WildAid, and a Co-Executive Producer of Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story – a brand-new documentary diving into the film’s legacy.

Wendy and I talk about the powerful legacy of Jaws - not only as a film - but more importantly as a vehicle that has shown light on sharks and why they are such a critical part of our ocean’s ecosystem - one that must be advocated for and protected. Thanks in large part to her work, shark fin soup consumption in China is down an estimated 70–80%. The United Nations is now considering a resolution to protect marine life from overfishing on the high seas.

Wendy is brilliant, passionate, and a true force for change. Whether you’re a Jaws fan or simply care about the future of our oceans, this is a conversation—and a documentary—you won’t want to miss.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

EPISODE SPONSORS:

• Corroon: Beautiful things for the well- traveled - Interview listeners get 20% off with the code "theinterview"
• Tenmile Distillery: Award-winning whisky - Interview listeners get 10% off with the code "THEINTERVIEW"

Our Summer Travel Series continues this week with a stop in one of the most beautiful places in the country: Jackson Hole, Wyoming. And who better to guide us through it than Lela Rose — the iconic American fashion designer who somehow makes fly fishing, glamping, and entertaining look impossibly chic.

In this conversation, Lela shares how she got started in the fashion world and how her creative life has evolved to include the Lela Rose Ranch, an old log cabin-turned-boutique in Wilson, WY, and two books on entertaining: Prêt-a-Party and Fresh Air Affairs.

We talk about what to pack for a trip to Jackson, where to stay, her favorite local hikes, the best place to dine outdoors, and who to call if you want to try your hand at fly fishing. (She even sleeps outside every night in her own glamping tent — #goals.)

Lela is a living, breathing reminder that creativity has no limits. Her love of vintage Western wear, her eye for beautiful design, and her zest for outdoor living all come together to paint a vivid picture of what life can look like when you blend style with nature.

She’s a modern-day superwoman with an infectious spirit, and by the end of our talk, I was ready to book a flight and show up on her porch. This is truly one of the most joyful and inspiring episodes yet — I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

EPISODE SPONSOR: Tenmile Distillery: Use code "THEINTERVIEW" for 10% off all orders

This week on The Interview, we continue our Summer Travel Series with a sun-soaked stop in the Hamptons—home to ocean breezes, classic Americana, and the ever-iconic Wölffer Estate Vineyard.

I’m joined by the remarkable Joey Wölffer—entrepreneur, designer, equestrian, Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer of Wölffer Estate.

Together with her brother Marc, husband Max Rohn, and winemaker Roman Roth, Joey took over the family business in 2013, launching the now-famous Summer in a Bottle Rosé—a Hamptons essential that sells out each year and has become the fastest-growing rosé in NYC.

In this episode, Joey shares what makes this corner of the world so magical—from sunset cocktails at the vineyard to her favorite restaurants, stores and beaches. We also talk about the amazing wines and work of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, meeting her husband on the train out to the Hamptons, balancing motherhood with all else that she does, and all of the wonderful and special things about this area of the world where she grew up spending her summers. Joey is self-deprecating, funny and smart - her love and knowledge of this part of the world shines through every part of our conversation.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Hamptons or just daydreaming of drinks at her vineyard or perfect beach sunsets, you’ll want to hit play on this episode.

Stream the episode now wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram ⁠@TheInterviewWithLeslie⁠

EPISODE SPONSOR: Tenmile Distillery: Use code "THEINTERVIEW" for 10% off all orders

I’m briefly pausing my “Summer Travel Series” to explore a topic that’s gaining national attention: ketamine and ketamine therapy.

You may have heard ketamine mentioned in the news—whether in connection with the death of Friends actor Matthew Perry, or Elon Musk publicly endorsing it. But beyond the headlines, there’s an emerging body of evidence showing that, when used therapeutically, ketamine can be life-changing for those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or alcohol use disorder.

On a more personal note, I’ve had several friends undergo ketamine therapy with remarkable results. Their experiences sparked my curiosity and led me to explore this cutting-edge treatment in greater depth.

That curiosity brought me to Nushama, a licensed ketamine therapy clinic in midtown Manhattan, where I sat down with two seasoned psychedelic psychotherapists: Eric Stoneberg and Anisa Stechert.

Between them, they’ve treated thousands of patients—ranging from 9/11 first responders and veterans to teenagers battling eating disorders and adults living with anxiety.

In this episode, we cover it all: what ketamine is, which conditions it treats (including some powerful patient stories), how it rewires trauma in the brain, who qualifies as a candidate, and what a typical experience looks like at a clinic like Nushama.

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, I invite you to listen with an open mind. This conversation sheds light on a promising new tool in the mental health toolbox—one that could transform the way we approach healing.

Stream the episode now wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

EPISODE SPONSORS:

• Cozy Earth: Use code "INTERVIEW" for 40% off all orders
• Tenmile Distillery: Use code "THEINTERVIEW" for 10% off all orders

We are finishing off this week with a conversation with renowned photographer and co-author of the acclaimed book, A Newport Summer, Nick Mele.

Regarded as the Slim Aarons of our time, Nick is a summer resident of Newport. As someone who also spends time in the summer in Newport, I loved comparing notes with Nick about all of his favorite secret spots.

Nick and I cover everything from walks, beaches, restaurants, places for cocktails, and all of the fantastic activities you can only do in Newport - from visiting Gilded Age Mansions to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, to coffee on mansion lawns on Sundays, to kayaking in the harbor to hear the Newport Folk Festival. 

Nick and I spent so much time discussing his impressive career before we got to our talk about Newport that I have decided to release that part of the conversation—about Nick’s work and career—later this summer.  But in the meantime, here is Nick sharing all of his insider tips on one of the all-time greatest summer towns - Newport!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!

EPISODE SPONSORS:

• Tenmile Distillery: Use code "THEINTERVIEW" for 10% off your order
• Cozy Earth: Use code "INTERVIEW" for 40% off your order

I am very excited to bring you my third installment of this summer series. Today, we are featuring one of the world's favorite islands, Nantucket. 

Ashley McCormick, founder & CEO of the lifestyle brand ASHA, who is a life-long summer resident of Nantucket and who just opened a new ASHA store there this summer, is going to share with us all of her favorite spots to visit. 

In this episode, we discuss her favorite restaurants, places for lunch, coffee, and cocktails, great outings for kids, and her top picks for places to stay.

We also share her favorite beach - keep it between us since she's afraid it will get discovered and become too crowded - but it's Ladies! 

ASHA is also a sponsor of Nantucket by Design, so if you're in Nantucket now or planning a visit this week, be sure to buy tickets! 

Our conversation made me want to jump on the next ferry!  After listening to this, you'll be right there with me!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!