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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scott has longtime friend, Brett Greenstein, partner at Greenstein Daniel Casting, for a thoughtful conversation about career journeys, creative leadership, and the evolving future of entertainment.

Brett shares the story of his largely unplanned path into the world of casting, one that ultimately led him to a position where he helps shape major productions and influences some of Hollywood’s most important creative decisions. His journey serves as a reminder that careers are often built not through perfectly designed plans, but through curiosity, relationships, hard work, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities.

The discussion explores the often misunderstood art of casting. Brett offers insight into what makes a great casting director, the responsibility that comes with identifying talent, and the delicate balance between creative instinct, business realities, and storytelling. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at how casting decisions can fundamentally impact the success of a project and why finding the right person for a role is far more nuanced than many realize.

Scott shares his admiration for Brett’s professionalism, humility, and ability to navigate high-stakes decisions in a constantly changing industry. Their friendship creates an authentic and engaging dialogue that goes beyond Hollywood and touches on broader themes of leadership, trust, and judgment.

The conversation also looks ahead to the future, examining how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies may reshape entertainment. Rather than viewing innovation as a threat, Brett offers a thoughtful perspective on the enduring importance of human creativity, intuition, and connection. Together, Scott and Brett discuss how technology will likely change the tools of the industry while reinforcing the value of uniquely human insight.

The result is a meaningful conversation between two friends about purpose, creativity, and making decisions that matter in a rapidly evolving world.

Episode nine of Heart of It features a candid and relatable conversation with Randi Rubenstein, founder of Mastermind Parenting, as she shares the experiences and insights that shaped her into one of the most respected voices in modern parenting. In a discussion that feels more like two lifelong friends catching up than a formal interview, Randi opens up about the journey that shaped her passion for helping families navigate the challenges of raising children today. Having known each other since summer camp, the chemistry and trust between Scott and Randi create an authentic conversation filled with honesty, humor, and practical wisdom that every parent can appreciate.

Randi explains how her fascination with parenting grew through years of observing family dynamics, working with children, and experiencing parenting firsthand. She became increasingly aware that many parents operate from stress, fear, and pressure rather than connection and understanding. That realization inspired her to develop a unique parenting methodology centered on emotional regulation, accountability, empathy, and connection.

Throughout the episode, Randi discusses how she built Mastermind Parenting into more than a coaching platform. She intentionally created a safe space where parents could feel supported instead of judged. In a world where parenting advice can often feel overwhelming, her approach emphasizes progress over perfection and encourages parents to focus less on controlling behavior and more on building trust and emotional safety within the family dynamic.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation centers around what Randi calls her “golden rule” of parenting: children cannot be responsible for their parents’ behavior. She explains that many family conflicts escalate because adults unconsciously expect children to regulate the emotions of the parent. Randi shares why parents need to take ownership of their emotional responses and model the type of accountability and communication they hope their children will develop.

Episode nine of Heart of It is ultimately a conversation about family, growth, and connection. Filled with insight, vulnerability, and practical takeaways, it offers a meaningful perspective for parents at every stage and serves as a reminder that while parenting may be the hardest job in the world, no one has to navigate it alone.