Heart Of It

Scott Bennett
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Biweekly

Heart of It is a heart-focused conversation series born from Scott Bennett’s life-saving heart transplant in the spring of 2023. After surviving that experience, Scott was inspired to seek out meaningful conversations, moments he calls “heartbeat moments” that allow his new heart to shine a spotlight on extraordinary guests.  Each episode features people he knows well and others he’s meeting for the first time, diving into pop culture, sports, education, and mission-driven work. Together, they explore what inspires them, the impact of their journeys, and the experiences shaping their lives. Along the way, listeners also learn a little more about what makes Scott’s new heart beat...authenticity, curiosity, and deep gratitude at the center of every conversation. The episodes will leave you smiling and sometimes crying. The conversations are real, the exchanges filled with connection, and the topics vary; you never know what you might learn, but one thing is certain: there is a whole lot of heart that drives this series.

  1. 4d ago

    The Good Book

    I never intended to write a book. In fact, when the idea first surfaced, it felt more like something I should do than something I actually wanted to do. But as I began writing My New Heart Says, I realized this story needed to be told and that the process itself was going to be part of the healing. What started as a chore became unexpectedly cathartic, giving me a chance to reflect on my life, my heart transplant, the people who shaped me, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. In this episode of Heart of It, I’m joined by two people who were instrumental in making the book possible: Jackie Haley of Dream To Author and Stephen Goldblatt, founder of Partners In Crime. Jackie brought a proven methodology and accountability to a process I had never experienced before. Her system, resources, and ability to keep me committed transformed an overwhelming goal—“write a book”—into a series of manageable steps. Stephen brought something entirely different: years of knowing me, a deep friendship, and an incredible understanding of the heart behind the story. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case, I hope you absolutely do. Stephen’s design captured the essence of My New Heart Says in a way that only someone who truly understood me and the journey could have. Together, Jackie and Stephen helped turn an idea into something tangible and something I’m incredibly proud to share. This conversation is about much more than writing and designing a book. We talk about what Jackie and Stephen learned about me through the process, what I learned from each of them, and how creating this book opened all of our eyes to things we might not have discovered otherwise. We explore what it’s really like to write a book when you’ve never written one before...the doubt, the commitment, the surprises, and ultimately the incredible feeling of seeing your story come to life. It’s an uplifting and inspirational conversation, and if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe someday I should write a book,” I hope this episode gives you the push to stop thinking about it and start doing it.

    The Good Book

  2. Sep 17

    Heart to Heart

    In this special episode of Heart of It, Scott sits down with Alison Conklin, Editor-in-Chief of Bonus Days Magazine, who recently interviewed Scott for a story in the magazine’s latest issue. What began as an interview quickly became something much more personal. Alison and Scott discovered that they share an extraordinary connection: both are heart transplant recipients who were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and given a second chance at life through the generosity of an organ donor. Two people who had never met suddenly found themselves comparing experiences, discoveries, side effects, emotions—and the remarkable ways a new heart can change not only your life, but your perspective on it. Their conversation goes far beyond the mechanics of transplantation. They talk about what it means to receive a gift you can never repay, the responsibility they feel to make the most of the lives they have been given, and the desire to honor their donors by using their stories to create meaning and inspire others. At times, it feels like looking in a mirror—hearing someone else describe experiences that are deeply familiar yet almost impossible to explain to someone who hasn't lived them. This is a conversation about gratitude, purpose, generosity and the complicated but beautiful relationship between organ donation and transplantation. Alison and Scott explore how something as unlikely and life-altering as a diagnosis can ultimately lead to connection, purpose and a renewed appreciation for every day. It’s a perspective on the power of organ donation you may never have considered and a reminder of just how much one person's generosity can live on in another.

    Heart to Heart

  3. Sep 2

    Talk Talk

    The next episode of Heart Of It is a really fun conversation between two friends who go way back. Ben Rogers and I grew up in Richardson, attending different schools in RISD, and this conversation brought back a lot of memories from those e years and the unlikely path that eventually led Ben to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Dallas sports radio. We talk about growing up in North Texas, and the twists and turns that shaped Ben’s journey—including his experience at the University of North Texas, where he ultimately earned his degree and which he looks back on as an important part of his story. We also get into the unconventional way Ben has continued to build his career beyond radio, from his role as a partner in Rollertown Beerworks in Frisco to his new media venture with Haymaker. We talk about my departure from the Dallas Cowboys as the Wounded Cowboy movement was getting started, the early Ben & Skin days, and why I think there are some very big things ahead for the Cowboys this year. It’s a wide-ranging conversation filled with stories, laughs, memories, and a great deal of friendship, and we finish with a fun round of rapid-fire questions that reveal another side of Ben.

    Talk Talk

  4. Aug 19

    Effort Worthy Of A Crown

    This episode of Heart of It is an unexpected conversation between two people who had never met, but quickly discovered they were connected by a shared mission: shining a bright light on organ donation and transplantation. Elle Rylee, a Miss Texas Volunteer nominee, shares why she chose to get involved with organ donation advocacy and how her service initiative, A Hopeful Heart, was inspired by the memory of her cousin Birdie, who passed away at just three years old. Elle and her family have turned their loss into a mission to keep Birdie’s memory alive and encourage others to consider the life-changing impact of organ donation. What starts as an interview quickly becomes a much more personal conversation about purpose, family, loss, and hope. There is much more to this conversation than organ donation. Elle opens up about her perspective on pageants and what the experience means to her, the unique responsibility young people have to navigate an increasingly complicated social-media world, and the importance of being thoughtful about what we put into the world. Then comes one of those completely unexpected Heart of It moments: Elle and Scott discover they had the exact same favorite class and professor at UT, a small connection that perfectly captures the spirit of the conversation. Two people from different generations and different experiences discovering just how much they have in common. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that you never really know where a conversation will take you or what connections you might discover when you simply take the time to listen. From Birdie’s legacy and Elle’s commitment to organ donation to pageants, social media, education, and the experiences that shape who we become, this is a conversation filled with unexpected intersections. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that a single story, shared with purpose, can create hope far beyond the person who first lived it.

    Effort Worthy Of A Crown

  5. Aug 5

    A Designer's Eye

    Every meaningful friendship has a story, and mine with architect and designer Josh Held began nearly 50 years ago. From carefree summers at camp to fraternity brothers in college, and now as lifelong friends navigating careers, family, and the changing seasons of life, this relationship has been built over decades. In this episode of Heart of It, we reflect on that journey while exploring Josh's passion for architecture and design a profession that, until recently, I had never fully appreciated for its depth, artistry, and impact. Josh shares how architecture is about far more than buildings. It's about creating experiences, shaping the way people move through space, harnessing the power of natural light, and balancing creativity with function. Our conversation has challenged me to look differently at the world around me, reminding me that behind every thoughtfully designed space is a vision, a process, and countless intentional decisions. Like so many guests on Heart of It, Josh expanded my perspective and reinforced one of the greatest gifts this podcast has given me, the opportunity to keep learning. It's proof that curiosity has no age limit and that, despite the old saying, you really can teach an old dog new tricks.

    A Designer's Eye

  6. Jul 19

    A Wealth of Knowledge

    In this episode of Heart of It, Scott Bennett sits down with longtime friend and President of Wealth Advisory, Debra Tagg, for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the relationships that shape our lives. Debra reflects on the evolution of her career, sharing what it was like building a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated industry and how those experiences helped define her leadership style and purpose. Debra also shares her unique philosophy of wealth advising, one that extends far beyond financial planning. Her mission is to empower clients with the confidence to make informed decisions in every aspect of their lives, creating clarity and peace of mind through every stage of life. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Debra recalls the loss of her father, someone she was incredibly close to, and the meaningful advice Scott shared with her during that difficult time. Filled with authenticity, mutual respect, and genuine friendship, this episode is a powerful reminder that the greatest conversations often happen at the intersection of professional success and personal connection.

    A Wealth of Knowledge

  7. Jul 8

    The Cult of Personality

    Some conversations feel less like an interview and more like catching up with someone who has been part of your story for years. In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime friend, Shawn Heilbron, Athletic Director at Stony Brook University, for a candid conversation about where we came from, the experiences that shaped us, and the lifelong bond we've shared through our love of sports. Shawn reflects on his journey from our early days together to building an exceptional career in college athletics, sharing the lessons, relationships, and purpose that have guided him every step of the way. We also take an honest look at the rapidly changing landscape of college sports. Shawn offers an insider's perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's athletic programs—from the evolving role of money and NIL to the constant pressure to remain competitive in a new era. At the heart of it all, though, is what continues to drive him, building meaningful relationships with student-athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field. It's a conversation about friendship, leadership, change, and staying true to your values, no matter how much the game evolves.

    The Cult of Personality

  8. Jun 26

    Turning Pain into Purpose

    Some conversations stay with you long after they end. This episode of Heart of It is one of them. Tara Storch, founder of Taylor's Gift, whose life changed forever after the tragic loss of her daughter, Taylor. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Tara and her family faced one of the most difficult decisions any parent could ever make: honoring Taylor's wishes by saying yes to organ donation. That single decision transformed heartbreak into hope, giving the gift of life to others and ultimately inspiring a mission that has impacted countless families. Tara shares the story of that devastating day with remarkable honesty and courage. She reflects on how she and her family found clarity amid overwhelming pain, knowing that organ donation was exactly what Taylor would have wanted. Rather than allowing tragedy to define their future, they chose to create purpose through service, establishing Taylor's Gift to support donor families, raise awareness about organ donation, and provide compassionate grief resources to those navigating profound loss. This conversation carries a unique perspective because of the connection Tara and I share. As someone whose life was saved through a heart transplant, I represent the other side of the donation journey. Our stories intersect through a decision made by another family during their darkest moment. Together, we explore the extraordinary bond between donor families and recipients—two people connected by completely different circumstances, yet forever united by an incredible act of generosity. Throughout the episode, Tara speaks openly about the role her faith has played in sustaining her, the importance of community during grief, and how purpose can emerge from life's greatest challenges. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others are evident in every part of our conversation. Whether you've been personally touched by organ donation, know someone who has, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and humanity, this episode offers a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the capacity to create light for others.

    Turning Pain into Purpose
See All (41)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Heart of It is a heart-focused conversation series born from Scott Bennett’s life-saving heart transplant in the spring of 2023. After surviving that experience, Scott was inspired to seek out meaningful conversations, moments he calls “heartbeat moments” that allow his new heart to shine a spotlight on extraordinary guests.  Each episode features people he knows well and others he’s meeting for the first time, diving into pop culture, sports, education, and mission-driven work. Together, they explore what inspires them, the impact of their journeys, and the experiences shaping their lives. Along the way, listeners also learn a little more about what makes Scott’s new heart beat...authenticity, curiosity, and deep gratitude at the center of every conversation. The episodes will leave you smiling and sometimes crying. The conversations are real, the exchanges filled with connection, and the topics vary; you never know what you might learn, but one thing is certain: there is a whole lot of heart that drives this series.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Bennett
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Heart Of It
  • Show Website
    Heart Of It

You Might Also Like