Michael sits down with Jane Richardson, executive director of Friends of Foster Children, for a heart first conversation about building stability and joy for kids in Palm Beach County. Jane shares her path into nonprofit leadership and the programs that meet families where they are, including kinship navigators for relatives who step in overnight, a fatherhood program for dads learning to parent, and navigating adulthood support for youth aging out of care. They talk about the recent Impact 1...
We pull up a chair with Tamika Taylor, founder of Impact Achievement Learning Center, whose mission is to give every child a safe place to be seen, supported, and taught to read with confidence. We talk favorites from Lemongrass’s Sex on the Moon roll to taco spots and the perfect chicken wing partner, then shift to family and sports as Tamika shares proud moments from raising four sons, including a New England Patriot. From phonics and fundamentals to character and confidence, we explore how...
Michael sits down with Monica Hadvigerova, founder of Military Recreational Divers, Inc., to explore how ocean therapy and scuba bring healing, resilience, and community to veterans living with PTSD and other invisible wounds. We trace Monica’s journey from pro tennis to combat sports to service, hear the story of her husband’s path from Desert Storm to recovery through the water, and learn how monthly dive charters create connection that lasts well beyond the boat. We also talk family, food ...
In this inspiring episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson welcomes Jessica Williams, Etsy Manager at Her 2nd Chance, a nonprofit based in Boca Raton that empowers women in recovery through paid employment, personal growth, and community support. Jessica shares how the organization provides a one year program rooted in healing and skill building, helping women rediscover confidence and stability through meaningful, creative work. From handmade mugs and candles to pers...
When Diana Sierra first walked into what would become Boca School for Autism, she planned to volunteer. What happened next? A two-minute tour turned into a two-hour conversation that completely changed her life—and the lives of dozens of families. In this episode, we go beyond the classroom to explore how Diana created a school rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and hands-on learning that’s reshaping what education can look like for students on the spectrum. You’ll hear everything from food fa...
Michelle Hendricks went from backyard gardening to leading a movement that’s transforming how South Florida connects with nature. As president of Friends of Loxahatchee, she’s on a mission to protect one of the last wild pieces of the Everglades—while planting seeds of conservation in the next generation. In this inspiring episode, Michelle shares how teen ranger camps, community education, and a whole lot of heart are reshaping the future of environmental stewardship. Plus, we get personal—t...
In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with John Sawdon, Outreach Coordinator at The Volen Center, a powerhouse nonprofit supporting seniors across South Florida. From dementia care and adult day programs to intergenerational playdates and 6,000 monthly meals, John gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how one organization is redefining elder care with compassion, connection, and community. You'll hear touching stories, laugh over a shared l...
In this heart-centered and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Sherry "Shadelle" Henry, the dynamic Executive Director of the HAB Center in Boca Raton. With warmth, wisdom, and a little Jamaican spice (literally!), Sherry shares the personal and professional journey that led her to champion adults with developmental differences and mental health challenges. From her family roots in Jamaica to her husband’s lovingly prepared allergy-safe meals, Sherry’s life is a mosaic of culture, compassio...
In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, host Michael welcomes real estate visionary and humanitarian Frank McKinney for a powerful conversation about passion, perseverance, and purpose. From building multi-million-dollar oceanfront estates to creating self-sustaining villages in Haiti, Frank shares how his unconventional journey—from juvenile detention to ultra-marathon finishes—shaped his mission to uplift others. Frank dives into what it means to be a “p...
In this inspiring episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with Shanna St. John — Executive Director of Nat King Cole Generation Hope — to uncover how she's turning music into a powerful tool for education, healing, and community impact. From her early days in high-end retail to spearheading some of the region’s most meaningful nonprofits, Shanna shares her personal journey and how a lunch meeting with Nat King Cole’s daughters launched her into a mission that now puts instrumen...
What if losing your sight didn’t mean losing your independence? In this must-listen episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with Lisa Stella, Executive Director of Lighthouse for the Blind, to uncover how cutting-edge technology and community programs are empowering the visually impaired to thrive. From AI-powered glasses to culinary training for blind chefs, Lisa shares the incredible ways her organization is changing lives—one innovation at a time. But that’s not all! Lisa sp...
In this heartfelt episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with Eric Robey, former South Florida news anchor turned CEO of the Fuller Center. With a mission to support underprivileged families, Eric shares how the center provides early childhood education, family empowerment programs, and critical resources to help children and parents thrive. We discuss the rising cost of childcare, the challenges facing working families, and how the Fuller Center is bridging the gap for those ...
Welcome to 2025's first episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, where we kick off the "Year of the Non-Profit" with a heartwarming and deeply inspiring conversation with Lisa Murphy, CEO of Open Hearts for Orphans. Lisa’s journey, fueled by love, loss, and an unshakable faith, has transformed the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children around the globe. From her family’s own adoption experiences to building a non-profit that provides medical intervention, basic needs, and adoption assist...
In this memorable finale of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson wraps up 2024 with a bang alongside special guest David Serle—real estate leader, podcast host, and longtime friend. This episode dives deep into stories of friendship, forgiveness, and fun, exploring everything from the best steaks in Tampa to fantasy football grudges and the lessons learned from unspoken expectations. Michael and David share laugh-out-loud moments about their favorite dining adventures, hear...
In this captivating episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, Eitan Esan serves up a feast of stories that blend humor, wisdom, and heart. From crafting mouthwatering kosher dishes like lamb bacon to tailgating with the legendary Bills Mafia, Eitan shares how his passions for food, sports, and family intersect to create a life of meaning and impact. Discover how Eitan balances his role as a financial advisor with his dedication to philanthropy through organizations like Jewish National Fund ...
This episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy features Debbie Levine, CEO of the Boca Raton Police Foundation, as she shares her impactful journey of creating positive change and supporting her community. Debbie discusses her vital role in initiatives like “Breakfast with the Chief” and raising funds for retired police K9s, all while giving back through causes close to her heart, including Myla’s Belief, a foundation dedicated to pediatric cancer support. With personal stories of growing up...
In this captivating episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Lindy Harvey, the powerhouse behind Spirit of Giving. From her early days as a book-loving library worker to leading one of South Florida’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, Lindy’s story is full of passion, humor, and heart. We explore her favorite foodie spots, from poke bowls to hidden gems, reminisce about her Pittsburgh roots, and share some sports banter (don’t mention the Ste...
In this lively episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we welcome the unstoppable Jason Hagensick, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County. From his go-to dishes at NYY Steakhouse to his love for Tex-Mex and his hilarious take on turkey bacon, Jason serves up laughs and stories that will leave you hungry for more. But it's not just about food—Jason dives into his passion for sports, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from FAU's Final Four run and his lifelong devotion to th...
In this electrifying episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we dive into the inspiring world of Erika Yates, the brilliant CEO of Enhanced Enterprises, who effortlessly blends business savvy, family values, and a passion for giving back. Erika takes us on a journey that starts with a chance meeting at a YMCA networking event, leads through her favorite sushi hotspots, and ends with her family preparing for a life-changing mission trip to Ecuador. Along the way, you’ll hear about date nigh...
In this exciting episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we celebrate reaching the top 10% of podcasters worldwide! Michael kicks things off with a shout-out to the show's amazing producer and a quick humblebrag before diving into an engaging conversation with special guest Eric Rosenblum, owner of Southgate Design and stand-up comedian extraordinaire. Eric shares his love for food—especially pizza and sushi—and his journey in comedy, revealing some of his best moments on stage with big na...