In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we sit down with Chef Neil Herekar, a creative force in the South Florida culinary scene and the sous chef at Space of Mind—an innovative school in Delray Beach where learning takes on bold, flavorful forms.
A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Neil brings world-class technique and deep cultural appreciation to everything he creates—from sophisticated tapas plates to transformative educational experiences. Whether he’s curating menus at local events or mentoring students through food, his work is a masterclass in how cuisine can build connection, identity, and confidence.
We talk about his journey through some of the country’s top kitchens, his role in launching different restaurants and kitchens, and how culinary expression can be a tool for both celebration and social change. Neil shares what it means to bring intention into the kitchen, why collaboration fuels his creativity, and how food can serve as both a career path and a lifeline for young people discovering who they are.
This conversation explores how one chef is nourishing his community—one dish, one student, and one shared table at a time.
Whether you're a foodie, educator, or just curious about the intersection of purpose and passion, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with flavor and heart.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we sit down with Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson Jr., a visionary community leader and the Founding Director of the EJS Project—a nonprofit organization in Delray Beach, Florida, dedicated to empowering youth and challenging systemic inequities.

A lifelong resident of Delray Beach, Dupree’s personal journey is deeply intertwined with the community he now serves. From growing up in underserved neighborhoods to leading one of Palm Beach County’s most impactful youth development initiatives, his story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of giving back.

Under Dupree’s leadership, the EJS Project has become a sanctuary for teens across Palm Beach County, offering mentorship, advocacy, and real opportunities for growth. He opens up about the early challenges that shaped him, the founding vision behind EJS, and the importance of building trust, truth, and leadership among young people—especially in communities historically left behind.

We explore what it takes to dismantle systemic barriers, create safe and affirming spaces for youth of color, and why community-rooted solutions are essential for lasting change. Dupree also reflects on the significance of the EJS Project’s upcoming 10-year anniversary, and the lessons he’s learned along the way about sustainable activism, equity, and the quiet power of consistency.

Whether you're passionate about social justice, youth development, or simply want to be reminded of how one person can drive meaningful change, this conversation is an unforgettable look at leadership with heart.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, a pioneering developmental and behavioral pediatrician who has dedicated her life to understanding and supporting children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Aronson-Ramos shares the journey that led her to become one of South Florida’s most trusted voices in pediatric mental health. From founding her own specialized practice to leading early intervention programs at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, her career has been defined by a deep commitment to early diagnosis, individualized care, and empowering families through education and advocacy.

We dive into the science and sensitivity behind working with children on the autism spectrum—what early signs to look for, how the diagnostic process has evolved, and why a holistic, family-centered approach is key to long-term success.

Dr. Aronson-Ramos also reflects on the challenges parents face when navigating school systems, healthcare providers, and societal misconceptions, and offers grounded, compassionate advice for those walking that path.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, clinician, or simply curious about the world of autism and developmental care, this episode offers a thoughtful, expert-led look into the systems that support—and sometimes fail—children with special needs.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we sit down with William “Billy” Hoover, former Deputy Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), for a candid and compelling conversation about life behind the scenes of federal law enforcement. With a career spanning decades and a résumé that touches nearly every level of American policing—from small-town deputy to the second-highest office in the ATF—Billy brings a rare perspective on justice, leadership, and the complexity of public service.

From his early days as a sheriff’s deputy in rural Virginia to navigating the pressures of national operations at the ATF, Billy shares the pivotal experiences that shaped his approach to law enforcement. We dive into his time leading field divisions across the country, overseeing firearms training, and ultimately serving as the ATF’s Deputy Director during one of its most scrutinized eras.

Billy also opens up about the challenges and controversies that come with leadership in a high-stakes environment, including his role during the fallout of Operation Fast and Furious—a moment in his career that tested both his values and his resilience.

This episode offers a rare window into the human side of federal law enforcement. Whether you're curious about the realities of policing, the evolution of firearm regulation in America, or the weight of decision-making at the national level, Billy’s story is filled with honesty, hard-earned insight, and a deep sense of duty. Tune in for a powerful discussion on integrity, accountability, and what it means to serve.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Ali Kaufman, the visionary Founder and CEO of Space of Mind (SOM), a groundbreaking educational initiative that’s redefining what it means to learn. Ali has spent years crafting a school environment where academics and life skills go hand-in-hand, cultivating creativity, self-discovery, and social learning in an innovative and engaging way.

Ali's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a relentless problem-solver and idea-maker, she founded Space of Mind in 2004 with the mission of helping students (and people of all ages) get "uncluttered and unstuck" while embracing their unique strengths. Guided by her own experience navigating the world, Ali's vision for education goes beyond traditional test scores—she believes in empowering individuals to be their best, not the best.

With a background in management, communications, public service, and youth programming, Ali’s holistic approach to education is informed by her deep commitment to social justice and community-building. In this episode, Ali opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of creating “social homeschooling,” and the moments of inspiration and frustration that shape her work.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about innovative approaches to learning, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and lessons that will leave you thinking differently about the future of education. Don’t miss Ali’s reflections on how her work is sparking change in communities and helping students thrive in ways that go far beyond the classroom.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Shaina Wizov, the dynamic voice behind Take A Bite Out of Boca, your go-to guide for all things South Florida. From the best restaurants and wellness brands to hidden gems in local shopping and fitness, Shaina has her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the community. For over a decade, she’s been the trusted resource for locals and visitors alike, offering expert recommendations and insider knowledge that make her a must-follow for anyone looking to explore the vibrant scene of Boca Raton and beyond.

After moving to South Florida, she quickly became enchanted by the local food scene, and Take A Bite Out of Boca was born. What started as a personal blog has since evolved into a platform where Shaina shares authentic reviews, event coverage, and valuable insights, all while supporting local businesses and showcasing her love for South Florida’s thriving culture.

In addition to content creation, Shaina excels at connecting people to brands, businesses, and experiences they’ll love. Whether it’s hosting events, providing social media strategies, or driving visibility for brands, Shaina’s ability to attract and engage audiences is second to none. She’s also an advocate for healthy living, openly sharing her journey with food sensitivities and championing the importance of accessible alternatives for all.

Join us as Shaina shares her story of blending passion, work, and community to build a successful career in the world of blogging and digital marketing. This episode is packed with inspiration and insights for anyone looking to build their own brand or explore the world of food, fitness, and lifestyle.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Paul Gillespie, one of the most respected wrestling coaches in New York State history. With a career spanning decades, Paul has transformed the sport at the high school level, earning a reputation for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to his athletes. With a career coaching record of 540-127-2, Paul’s influence goes beyond the mat—he’s shaped lives, guided young athletes through their challenges, and built championship-caliber programs that have left a lasting impact.

Paul began his coaching journey in 1975 at Long Beach High School, where he turned a struggling wrestling program into one of the state’s best, winning 17 conference and Nassau County championships and coaching seven individual state champions. His commitment to developing athletes extended beyond the sport itself—he was known for recruiting students from the halls of the middle and high schools, serving as a mentor to many who needed guidance and confidence.

In addition to his work at Long Beach, Paul has coached at multiple schools, including Oceanside and Wantagh High Schools, where he continued to build on his success and develop youth programs that have influenced the next generation of wrestlers. His accolades include being named National High School Wrestling Scholastic Coach of the Year in 2013, Nassau County Coach of the Year nine times, and induction into the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Beyond wrestling, Paul has also made an incredible impact in his community. After serving as a lifeguard for over five decades, he retired as the Chief Lifeguard for the City of Long Beach. In his 15 years as chief, under his leadership, there were no drownings while lifeguards were on duty during beach season. His mantra, "Everyone that comes to the beach goes home from the beach," guided his approach to safety and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy of service and commitment to the community.

Join us as Paul reflects on his incredible journey, his approach to coaching and mentoring, and the ways wrestling has shaped his life and the lives of countless athletes. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, or someone inspired by the power of mentorship, this episode is full of wisdom and insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we’re joined by Madi Wald, a Metaphysical Minister and expert in the Transformative and Healing Arts. Madi has spent over a decade honing her practice and has been guiding individuals, couples, families, and organizations since 2018 to discover their truest selves and transform their lives. Her work revolves around the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, and how we can use that understanding to bring harmony and wellness into every area of our lives.
Through her approach, Madi teaches how the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health impacts our experience of life. She dives into the importance of nervous system regulation, helping us to restore balance and access the pure potential within. With an emphasis on the Universal and Metaphysical Laws, she encourages listeners to embrace their wholeness, align with their highest truth, and navigate life’s journey with intention and integrity.
Tune in to explore the power of self-awareness, the energy of the chakras, and how aligning our inner state can shift the course of our relationships, career, health, and beyond. If you’re ready to reconnect with your true essence and create lasting transformation, this episode is for you.