The Palm Beach Current

What does it really take to support a child's mental health before a crisis begins? On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, host [host name] sits down with Renee Layman, CEO of the Center for Child Counseling, for an important conversation about the growing youth mental health crisis—and why prevention, not just treatment, is the key to healthier families and communities.

Renee explains how adverse childhood experiences, social media, screen time, and increasing levels of anxiety are affecting today's children, while offering practical strategies parents can implement immediately. From recognizing the warning signs that a child may need professional support to creating healthier technology habits and building stronger family connections, this episode is filled with actionable advice grounded in decades of experience.

The conversation also explores how schools, pediatricians, and communities can work together to identify concerns earlier, the role artificial intelligence may play in expanding access to mental health resources, and why just 15 minutes of undivided attention each day can have a lasting impact on a child's emotional well-being.

Whether you're a parent, educator, caregiver, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on helping children build resilience before challenges become crises.

What does it really take to successfully own and manage rental property in one of the country's hottest real estate markets? On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, Chris sits down with Greg Ross-Smith, General Manager of PMI Palm Properties, to unpack the realities of property management in Palm Beach County. Greg shares his unique journey from South Africa to England, Australia, New York, and ultimately Jupiter, Florida, where he now helps property owners protect their investments and achieve true peace of mind.

The conversation dives into the growing rental market, why more homeowners are choosing to rent instead of sell, and the biggest misconceptions first-time investors have about owning rental properties. Greg explains the value of professional property management, from emergency maintenance and tenant communication to legal compliance, HomeWatch services for seasonal residents, and strategies that help investors maximize long-term appreciation.

You'll also hear expert advice on tenant screening, fair housing laws, underwriting investment properties, and why treating real estate like a business is essential for long-term success. Plus, Greg shares some of his favorite local spots and resources that make Palm Beach County feel like home.

Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor, a first-time landlord, or simply curious about the Palm Beach housing market, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you protect your property and grow your investment with confidence.

As hurricane season approaches, access to clean drinking water becomes one of the most overlooked essentials. On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, host Chris sits down with Jeff Szur, founder and CEO of Altitude Water, to explore how innovative atmospheric water technology is changing the way communities prepare for natural disasters.

Jeff shares how Altitude Water's systems create clean, mineralized drinking water directly from the air, providing families, businesses, and disaster relief organizations with water independence when traditional infrastructure fails. From supporting communities in Maui after the wildfires to bringing clean water to villages across Africa and developing hurricane response solutions throughout Florida, Jeff explains the science behind atmospheric water generation and why preparation—not reaction—is the key to staying safe.

The conversation also covers practical hurricane preparedness tips, the importance of community during emergencies, the future of sustainable water technology, and how American-made innovation is helping solve one of the world's most critical challenges.

Whether you're preparing for storm season, interested in sustainability, or simply curious about the future of clean water, this episode offers an eye-opening look at one of our planet's most valuable resources.

What does success really look like? According to leadership coach and Jupiter Coffee owner Vince Mahtani, it's not about titles, status, or material success—it's about becoming the best version of yourself and making a positive impact on the people around you.

On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, Vince shares his remarkable journey from dreaming of living in Jupiter as a teenager to building a life centered on purpose, family, faith, and service. He and host Chris explore the difference between coaching and therapy, why so many professionals struggle with identity and burnout, and how redefining success can transform your relationships, career, and personal fulfillment.

The conversation also dives into Vince's entrepreneurial path with Jupiter Coffee, his passion for helping leaders, husbands, fathers, and business owners find clarity, and why small, intentional changes can create extraordinary results over time.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, searching for greater purpose, building a business, or simply looking for inspiration to live more intentionally, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead a meaningful life.

In this episode of The Palm Beach Current, we sit down with Dr. Anna Elton—relationship expert, licensed marriage and family therapist, clinical sexologist, and author of The Formula of Desire—to explore what really keeps love, intimacy, and connection alive in long-term relationships.

Drawing from her work with more than 700 couples and years of research, Dr. Elton explains why love and desire aren't the same thing, how healthy relationships can slowly shift into "roommate" territory, and the small, intentional habits that can help couples reconnect before it's too late. She shares the science behind attraction, responsive desire, communication, physical touch, and the surprising ways technology can quietly erode intimacy.

The conversation also covers modern dating, relationship myths, the importance of staying curious about your partner, and practical strategies couples can begin using today—from daily check-ins to rebuilding emotional and physical connection over time.

Whether you're dating, newly married, or have been with your partner for decades, this insightful conversation offers research-backed advice and actionable takeaways for building stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why desire naturally changes in long-term relationships
• The difference between love and attraction—and why they often get confused
• How communication patterns can strengthen or weaken intimacy
• Practical habits that help couples reconnect emotionally and physically
• The impact of technology, dating apps, and modern life on relationships
• Simple exercises to create more connection, gratitude, and passion every day

The world's biggest soccer teams don't choose their training camps by accident—and Palm Beach Gardens earned its place on the global stage. In this World Cup edition of The Palm Beach Current, host Chris sits down with longtime coach and Palm Beach County soccer pioneer Gary Walker to uncover the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how England, Portugal, Real Madrid, Uruguay, and other international powerhouses found their way to South Florida.

Gary shares his 50-year journey growing the game in Palm Beach County, from coaching local youth teams and founding the Palm Beach Soccer Academy to creating the Palm Beach Cup, one of Florida's premier youth soccer tournaments. He also reveals the relationships, persistence, and unexpected twists—including a near-deal with David Beckham's Inter Miami facilities—that ultimately convinced England's national team to train in Palm Beach Gardens ahead of the World Cup.

The conversation explores what it takes to host elite international teams, from world-class facilities and player security to the lasting impact these visits have on the local soccer community. Gary also discusses his vision for the future of soccer in Palm Beach County, including attracting more international clubs and building the region into a premier global soccer destination.

Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan, a Palm Beach local, or simply love hearing the untold stories behind major sporting events, this episode offers an inside look at how one passionate advocate helped put Palm Beach Gardens on the international soccer map.

How does a neighborhood beer hall become the epicenter of World Cup excitement in South Florida?

On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, host explores the incredible rise of Das Biergarten in Jupiter as one of the premier destinations for soccer fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Joined by owner and manager Alex Marquez, the conversation dives into how years of dedication to the soccer community transformed the venue into a packed, electric gathering place for fans from around the world.

Alex shares the story behind Das Biergarten's soccer roots, from opening early for obscure international matches to hosting standing-room-only crowds for the biggest games in the world. He discusses the unique atmosphere that brings together fans of different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, creating a celebration that goes far beyond sports.

The episode also covers the business side of managing a World Cup hotspot, including handling massive crowds, keeping up with demand, and planning a large-scale World Cup Final block party complete with live music, family activities, food, and a giant outdoor screen. Alex also reflects on the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, the impact of stars like Lionel Messi, and what a deep U.S. World Cup run could mean for the future of the sport.

Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan, a local business enthusiast, or simply curious about the energy surrounding the World Cup, this episode offers an inside look at how one local establishment became the place to watch the beautiful game.

In this episode:

• How Das Biergarten became Palm Beach County's soccer headquarters
• The unique culture and community of World Cup fandom
• Managing explosive growth during a global sporting event
• The future of soccer in America
• Upcoming events, including the World Cup Final celebration and DasToberfest

⚽🍻 Tune in for a conversation about sports, community, entrepreneurship, and the unforgettable atmosphere that only the World Cup can create.

From Medellín to the World Cup: Chickadee's Journey of Music, Resilience, and Reinvention

On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, we sit down with singer, songwriter, producer, author, and entrepreneur Chika Di, who recently made the move from California to Palm Beach. Born and raised in Colombia, Chika Di shares her remarkable journey from overcoming childhood adversity to building a thriving career as an independent Afro-Latin and Electro-Latin artist in the United States. [1]

Chika Di opens up about blending her Colombian roots with modern electronic influences, turning music into a sustainable business through sync licensing, and landing placements with major brands and networks including Telemundo, Hulu, Disney, and McDonald's. She also discusses the inspiration behind her World Cup collaboration, the creative process behind her songwriting, and how music has served as both a healing tool and a source of empowerment throughout her life.

The conversation dives into her upcoming book, I Am the Phoenix, a deeply personal account of surviving violence in Colombia, finding hope through creativity, and embracing the American dream. Along the way, Chika Di shares valuable lessons on perseverance, authenticity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of continuing to show up—even when no one seems to be watching.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own challenges, this inspiring episode is a powerful reminder that resilience, passion, and hard work can transform even the most difficult circumstances into something extraordinary.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Her journey from Colombia to the United States

• Building a career as an independent artist

• The business side of music and sync licensing

• Her World Cup collaboration with Telemundo

• Turning personal struggles into powerful songs

• The inspiration behind her upcoming book I Am the Phoenix

• Why consistency and visibility create opportunities

• Lessons on resilience, healing, and following your dreams

On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, Ruth Mageria CEO of Cros Ministries joins me to discuss hunger and ways to help in Palm Beach County.

On this episode of The Palm Beach Current, Amy Angelo joins me to talk about local coffee, emerging trends and the best breakfast deal in town