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. She Is Always A Woman To Me

    9H AGO

    She Is Always A Woman To Me

    In this powerful episode of She’s Always a Woman to Me, I sit down with my longtime friend, Dr. Eric Jacoby, an accomplished OB/GYN whose career has been built around understanding and caring for women through some of the most personal and important moments of their lives. What begins as a conversation between friends including stories from years spent playing golf together  quickly evolves into a thoughtful discussion about empathy, intimacy, relationships, and the unique complexity of the female body. Dr. Jacoby shares what led him to choose obstetrics and gynecology as his specialty, a field traditionally dominated by women, and explains why being a male physician has actually given him a distinct and valuable perspective. He discusses the importance of listening, trust, and emotional intelligence in patient care, particularly when addressing issues that are often deeply personal and emotionally layered. We also explore the role intimacy plays in healthy relationships and why understanding physical and emotional connection is so important for long-term partnership and overall wellness. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Jacoby brings a grounded, compassionate perspective that reflects decades of experience caring for women across every stage of life. More than just a medical conversation, this episode is about respect, empathy, communication, and friendship. It offers listeners an honest and insightful look at how men can better understand, appreciate, and support the women in their lives.

    35 min
  2. All About the Smoke

    APR 27

    All About the Smoke

    In this episode of The Heart of It, I sit down with Joe Zavala pitmaster, entrepreneur, and the force behind Zavala's Barbecue, for a conversation that goes far beyond brisket and smoke. Joe’s journey into Texas barbecue isn’t traditional; it’s a path shaped by grit, curiosity, and pivotal moments that forced him to rethink purpose, success, and what really matters. What emerges is a story of resilience, humility, and a deep commitment to people. We explore how Joe carved out his place in one of the most competitive culinary cultures in the country. He shares what it felt like to enter that world without a conventional background, how he developed his voice as a pitmaster, and what it means to represent both craft and culture in an authentic way. His perspective challenges the idea that there’s only one path to belonging, showing instead that authenticity can be the ultimate differentiator. At the center of this episode is a life-altering moment. Joe recounts the terrifying experience of helping his child during a choking incident, only to later discover he had bone cancer. That unexpected diagnosis became a turning point, reshaping how he views time, family, and responsibility. It forced a clarity that many of us avoid until we’re confronted with it. As we talk, a shared theme emerges...perspective. Joe reflects on how adversity stripped away distractions and brought focus to what truly deserves attention. We connect on a mutual passion for helping people and a belief that real success is measured by impact, not recognition. Gratitude runs throughout this conversation not as a cliché, but as something earned through challenge and reflection. Joe’s story is a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are often the ones we never planned, and that even the hardest moments can redefine who we are.

    36 min
  3. Keeping The Faith

    APR 17

    Keeping The Faith

    In this episode of The Heart of It, we sit down with Rabbi Brian Strauss for an engaging and personal conversation about the path that led him to the rabbinate. He shares the pivotal moments, influences, and inner pull that guided his decision, offering listeners a candid look at what it really means to choose a life of spiritual leadership. From early inspirations to the realities of modern-day ministry, Rabbi Strauss reflects on how purpose, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility have shaped his journey. Along the way, we explore the balance between tradition and individuality, and how he has learned to meet the evolving needs of his community while staying grounded in timeless values. Beyond the role itself, this episode reveals the person behind the title. With humor and authenticity, Rabbi Strauss opens up about the day-to-day demands of the job, the unexpected challenges, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. We also dive into thoughtful perspectives on customs, prayer, and how these practices translate into meaningful connection in today’s world. Whether you’re deeply rooted in faith or simply curious, this conversation offers a lighthearted yet insightful glimpse into the man under the yarmulke—bringing warmth, relatability, and a renewed appreciation for the heart behind the calling.

    33 min
  4. The Most Important Brand...Yours!

    MAR 23

    The Most Important Brand...Yours!

    In this episode of The Heart of It, I sat down with Victoria Tollossa to unpack what it really means to build a personal brand in today’s world. Victoria’s journey is anything but linear—rooted in brand marketing, shaped by her time as a singer (including a Grammy nomination), and now evolving into a powerful voice on personal positioning and authenticity. What stood out most is how her diverse experiences didn’t distract from her path, they refined it. She shared how each chapter of her career contributed to a deeper understanding of storytelling, audience connection, and ultimately, how we present ourselves to the world. Our conversation centered on a critical shift that personal brand is no longer optional; it’s essential. In a landscape where reputation is constantly shaped in real time, Victoria emphasized that managing your personal brand means owning your narrative rather than letting others define it. But more importantly, we explored the role of vulnerability. True connection, trust, and influence aren’t built on perfection; they’re built on honesty. Leaning into who you are, sharing your story, and showing up consistently creates a brand that resonates far beyond credentials or titles. This episode is a reminder that your personal brand isn’t something you manufacture—it’s something you reveal.

    36 min
  5. College Admission, Career, and Connection

    MAR 6

    College Admission, Career, and Connection

    On this episode of The Heart of It, Scott welcomes someone who has known him since the days when the planning was mostly meant to figure out which restaurant they would share a meal, Jodi Gershoni. Now the founder of College Unlimited, Jodi has turned her passion for helping students into a mission: guiding families through the maze, madness, and occasional melodrama of the college admissions process. Scott and Jodi take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on how their friendship began in college and how the winding roads of their careers led them to very different but surprisingly similar professional paths guiding others. Along the way, Jodi shares practical insight into what today’s college admissions world really looks like (spoiler alert: it’s not the same game it was when they applied). From the pressure students face to the myths parents believe, she explains how thoughtful guidance can turn a stressful process into an empowering one. The conversation mixes humor, nostalgia, and hard-earned wisdom, with Jodi offering perspective on what actually matters in admissions and in life. It’s part reunion, part masterclass, and a reminder that sometimes the friendships formed in college end up teaching you just as much as the classes.

    37 min
  6. Baseballs, Golf Balls, Having a Ball

    FEB 23

    Baseballs, Golf Balls, Having a Ball

    On this episode of the podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend Ivan Zweig and we cover everything from cleats to custom boots. We talk about the work ethic that drove him to become an exceptional baseball player, the discipline it takes to compete at a high level, and how those lessons didn’t stay on the field. Ivan shares how the habits that made him successful in baseball, consistency, resilience, and a refusal to blame the umpire, translated directly into his professional career. We also dive into his most important role, being a proud girl dad, which may be the toughest and most rewarding team he’s ever led. Then there is his newest venture, The Boot Builder, where he creates custom wearable art for your feet. Yes, art you can walk in. It’s a conversation about friendship, grit, reinvention and why hustle never goes out of style.

    34 min

  7. FEB 10

    The Best Medicine

    Episode 2 of Heart of It, Scott welcomes not just a respected physician, but a dear friend, his fraternity brother and personal doctor, Dr. Reuben Elovitz. The conversation blends trust, history, humor, and deep respect, making this dialogue as personal as it is insightful In this episode, Dr. Elovitz unpacks what modern healthcare really requires from patients, not just doctors. We talk about changing trends, the future of medicine, and why personal responsibility is becoming the ultimate prescription. And because even elite physicians need an escape, Dr. Elovitz also shares how he unwinds from the daily rigor of saving lives spoiler...it doesn’t involve a stethoscope.

    36 min

  8. JAN 24

    No Hands No Problem

    No Hands No Problem is a powerful and inspiring conversation with Desmond Blair, whose life story challenges conventional ideas about limitation and ability. Born without traditional hands, Desmond was raised by a mother who never allowed his physical difference to become an excuse. From an early age, he discovered a deep passion for art and refused to let anything stand in the way of his creative drive.  In this episode, Desmond shares how he transformed what many might view as an obstacle into a true superpower. He reflects on the profound influence of his mother and grandmother, the mindset that fueled his success, and what it has meant for him to become a parent himself. This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, accountability, and redefining what’s possible.

    32 min
See All (31)

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
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Heart Of It
  • Show Website
    Heart Of It