Most of us love the ocean, but we don’t always think about what’s actually in it until someone puts it in plain language. Michael Nathanson sits down with Jack Lighton of 4OceanFoundation to talk about ocean bound plastic pollution, why it’s become such an urgent issue, and what it looks like to build real momentum behind cleanup and education.

Jack shares how a childhood sea turtle nesting experience in Tequesta helped shape his path, how his time at Loggerhead Marine Life Center connected him to 4Ocean’s co-founder Alex Schultz, and why the 4Ocean model works like a “duplex” with a public benefit corporation on one side and 4OceanFoundation on the other. They also get into what donors actually fund, what cleanups can look like for everyday people, and the stat that stopped Michael in his tracks about microplastics.

Plus, a quick detour into local favorites like Tampano on Las Olas, New York Prime, and The Butchers Club at PGA National, a nostalgic Book Of Awesome moment about Chicken McNuggets, and an unexpected sports rabbit hole into E1 electric boat racing.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

Some conversations stay with you because they’re honest, human, and rooted in real community care. Michael Nathanson sits down with Shari Kaplan, founder of the Can’t Tell Foundation, to talk about what trauma healing can look like when we stop treating it like a one size fits all problem.

Shari shares the personal turning point that led her to build a trauma treatment protocol and why her work focuses on teens, young adults, and especially kids in foster care. They talk about integrative mental health support, how trauma shows up in the body, and why tools like EMDR, mindfulness, movement, and even self-defense can matter when you’re rebuilding safety and identity.

Along the way, the conversation stays grounded in real life: family dinners, food as comfort and regulation, and how community is built in unexpected places, from sports teams to shared traditions. Shari also shares what the foundation needs most right now, including volunteers to help raise money and support mental health wellness events.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

Michael Nathanson sits down with William Freeman, founder and CEO of People of Purpose, a Florida nonprofit helping returning citizens rebuild their lives with stability, dignity, and real support. William shares how the idea for People of Purpose took shape while he was incarcerated, and how his own reentry experience became the blueprint for mentoring others. They talk about why communities often treat people like their sentence never ended, and how that mindset can push people right back into the prison cycle. You’ll also hear about practical barriers that don’t get discussed enough, like getting a driver’s license, finding housing, and building a real path to employment through support like CDL prep. Along the way, they keep it real with favorite local food spots, family, sports, and why connection matters more than judgment.

William Freeman became a Florida Certified Peer Specialist and now leads People of Purpose, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting returning citizens through reentry, mentorship, and stability resources. Learn more at peoplofpurposefl.org

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

In this special year end episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson looks back on the inspiring nonprofit leaders who pulled up a chair to share how they are changing lives. Michael revisits powerful conversations with organizations like Nations of Coaches, Sofia’s Hope, Denim and Diamonds, the YMCA of Boca Raton, Friends of Foster Children, Impact Achievement Learning Center, Military Recreational Divers Inc, Her Second Chance, Boca School for Autism, Friends of Loxahatchie, the Volen Center, the Hab Center, Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Lighthouse for the Blind and more.

From mentoring college athletes and supporting foster kids to dive therapy for veterans, autism education, adult day programs, music education and global housing and clean water initiatives, Michael highlights the real community impact behind each mission. He also shares practical ways you can help in 2026 through donating, volunteering, sponsoring events, and making introductions so these nonprofits can keep changing lives.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

On this episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson sits down with Jim Good, regional director for Nations of Coaches, to explore how investing in coaches transforms entire teams and communities. Jim shares how this nonprofit ministry walks alongside college basketball coaches across the country with character coaches, faith based support, leadership training, and even marriage retreats designed to strengthen coaches and their families.

They talk about what it really means to serve coaches as people, not just as play callers, how character development shapes student athletes long after the final buzzer, and how the changing landscape of college basketball and NIL impacts players, programs, and mentorship. Jim also opens up about his own coaching journey, learning to love athletes as people first and the ripple effect that has on the next generation.

Listen in for a powerful conversation about purpose, leadership, and building a legacy beyond wins and losses.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

In this episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, Michael Nathanson sits down with Jamie Doherty, president and CTO of R2 Unified Technologies, for a conversation that blends food, family, sports, and heartfelt purpose.

Jamie shares his favorite Boca restaurants, unforgettable sports memories, and what it’s like raising kids, becoming an empty nester, and coaching in the community.

He then opens up about his deep commitment to Sofia’s Hope and how the annual Denim and Diamonds event has grown into a powerful fundraiser supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer. Jamie explains the organization’s focus on research, family care kits, and scholarships for survivors and siblings, and why this cause means so much to him.

If you’re looking for inspiration to give back or get involved, this episode will move you.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

On this episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson sits down with Bryan Hunt, Executive Director of the Peter Blum YMCA in Boca Raton, to explore how a true community hub changes lives. Bryan shares his Jamaican roots and food memories, favorite local spots, and why family dinners matter. Then the conversation turns to impact: youth sports and coaching, teen leadership, swim lessons that lead to the swim team, and vital programs like Livestrong and support for people with Parkinson’s. You’ll hear how FAU athletes inspire kids on and off the court, why donations go directly to people and programs, and what membership dues really cover. The episode also spotlights signature events including Corporate Cup, Breakfast with Santa, Inspiration Breakfast, Healthy Kids Day, Casino Night, Halloween at the Y, and Shoot for a Change. If you care about building confident kids, strong families, and a safer, healthier community, this one will make you want to get involved.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

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 100 award, foster parent night out, emergency bags that offer dignity on day one, and the holiday drives that turn community generosity into real relief. You will also catch local food favorites, a little sports banter, and practical ways to help through time talent and treasures. Listen in and leave inspired to make sure no child feels forgotten.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/