In one of the most powerful episodes of From the Playground to the Foreground yet, Jon and Scott sit down with Matt Nalker, Executive Director of The Arc of Mississippi—an organization fighting every day for the rights and dignity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). But Scott has an especially personal connection to Matt.

Matt shares the moving story of Cody Richardson, a young man who faced a traumatic childhood in foster care and found stability and compassion through The Arc. When Cody tragically passed away in his mid-20s, Matt made the life-changing decision to donate his organs—an act of generosity that saved lives, including Scott Bennett's. Yes, Scott received Cody's heart!

What began as Scott’s effort to thank a donor’s family has evolved into a deep and lasting connection with Matt, who has spent decades championing disability rights after his own daughter was born with severe disabilities. Today, he continues to lead with empathy, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy.

This episode is a tribute to legacy, connection, and the very best of humanity—showing how two people, brought together by chance and tragedy, are now working side-by-side to raise awareness for organ donation and disability advocacy.

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #TheArcOfMississippi #OrganDonation #DisabilityAdvocacy #PodcastWithHeart #DisabilityRights #HumanityInAction #MakeADifference #DallasPodcast

In this episode, Jon and Scott welcome Samantha "Sam" Erger, Head Coach of SMU Women’s Volleyball—and a true force on and off the court. From leading her team to NCAA tournament success to mentoring All-Americans and Pro League draftees, Sam is redefining what excellence looks like in women’s sports. 🏐🔥

They dive into her journey to SMU, the shifting landscape of college athletics in the age of NIL, and why women’s sports deserve a lot more spotlight than they get. Plus, Sam shares her thoughts on the mental side of the game—and why it’s key to long-term success, whether you’re chasing titles or just trying to survive Tuesday.

And yes, the episode includes a very serious debate during the hat-pull segment about the movie Cast Away. Spoiler: Jon is wrong, and we’re not letting it go. 🎬🏐

Smart, funny, and full of spikes (figuratively and literally)—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen or watch now and catch all episodes at the link in bio.

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #SamErger #SMUVolleyball #DallasPodcast #WomenInSports #CollegeAthletics #NILEra #MentalHealthMatters #VolleyballLife #CoachEnergy #DFWPodcasts #WomenCoaches #CastAwayMovie

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett catch up with former classmate and ex-RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone for a smart and lively conversation about what makes a great brand—whether it’s a truck stop or a school. Hint: Top pay is an important ingredient. And when the conversation turns to teacher pay in HPISD, Jeannie’s reaction to where the district ranks is somewhat unexpected.

From teacher pay, to private school vouchers, school safety, and why HPISD must invest in excellence to stay on top—they cover a lot of ground. And of course, some good laughs about their school days together!

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
* Apple Podcasts
* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #JeannieStone #EducationMatters #TeacherPay #HPISD #DallasPodcast #BuildingGreatBrands

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett are joined by former classmate and current Richardson ISD school board member Megan Timme—and it’s a reunion packed with laughs, memories, and meaningful conversation.

They swap stories from their own school days, shout out favorite teachers, and talk about why top teacher pay is more important than ever—especially as Jon campaigns for the HPISD board.

It’s also Day 711 since Scott’s heart transplant, and of course he brings a “prop” to commemorate the milestone (because of course he does).

Plus, Megan shares proud mom moments from watching her son Drew Timme rise through college hoops and into the NBA—yes, that Drew Timme.

Heartfelt, hilarious, and a little nostalgic—this one’s got it all.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
* Apple Podcasts
* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #TeacherPayMatters #MeganTimme #DrewTimme #SchoolBoardVoices #ScottBennett #JonAltschuler #DallasPodcast #HPISD #EducationMatters #ReunionVibes

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett welcome longtime friend and former classmate Tyler Herbst—a Dallas native, world traveler, and now a high school geometry teacher back in his hometown.

Their conversation spans continents and classrooms, as Tyler shares how his global experiences have shaped his perspective on life, learning, and the role of educators today. From the rise of AI in schools to the constant battle over phones in the classroom, they tackle the big questions facing education—just as Jon announces his run for the Highland Park ISD Board of Trustees.

It’s a thoughtful, timely, and often funny conversation about where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
* Apple Podcasts
* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #TylerHerbst #DallasPodcast #EducationMatters #PhonesInClass #HPISD #WorldTraveler #Teacher #FullCircleMoments

Mazel Tov! 🎉 It’s Episode 13 of From the Playground to the Foreground, and in honor of this podcast milestone, we’re calling it our Bar Mitzvah Episode. But instead of reading from the Torah, we’re talking with Jimmy Elliott—the guy who took on a Bryson DeChambeau challenge and won big!

But while his golf game is impressive, Jimmy’s biggest victories happen off the course. He opens up about what truly matters most—his family—and the perspective he’s gained after his child faced a life-threatening medical condition.

It’s a conversation about resilience, gratitude, and the moments that define us. Plus, of course, some great golf stories. ⛳️🎧

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
* Apple Podcasts
* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#FromPlaygroundToForeground #GolfStories #JimmyElliott #FamilyFirst #GolfWins #DallasPodcast

In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett chat with Golf Roots co-founders Ben Stromberg and Jake Hoffman about how their Dallas-based startup is making golf more accessible—one used club at a time. From heartfelt stories about building lasting relationships through golf (looking at you, grandpa) to Larry David donating his clubs, it’s a conversation that proves golf can unite generations, break barriers, and even bring a little celebrity flair to the game. Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a deep dive into how these young entrepreneurs are changing the game—literally.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
* YouTube
* Apple Podcasts
* Spotify

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content

👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you enjoyed the episode!

#GolfForEveryone #LarryDavidClubs #DallasPodcast #MakingGolfAccessible #GolfRoots

From the Playground to the Foreground
EP 11: Jon and Scott Talk Basketball, Education, and Too-High Socks with Rolando Blackman

This week, Jon and Scott are joined by Rolando Blackman—a legendary Maverick and four-time NBA All-Star.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Buzzsprout

📲 And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/playgroundforeground

👍 Like, Comment, and Share this video if you enjoyed the episode!