Episodes
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the State of Florida, is going to the polls for Early Voting. Our voters are faced with a number of important decisions. In addition to the hotly contested presidential race, down ticket races and potential challenges to the state constitution are up for the voters to decide. My guest today, Armand Grossman, is no stranger to the political process (both as an elected official and as a president of the Boca Raton Republican Club). Listen and learn why South Florida is fortunate to have Armand and others within our community ready to support the democratic process.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY is often referred to as our piece of paradise. Post COVID, many of our friends and family from up north have made the move to south Florida to put decaying infrastructure and crime in their rear view mirror. My guest, Pam Dubin, and I speak about how our community is being transformed by these new arrivals. Our conversation is wide ranging and I trust you will find it interesting interesting.
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Episodes manquant?
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, long believed to be a liberal (Democrat) stronghold is moving right of center. The shift, seen during the gubernatorial race two years ago (where Governor DeSantis won decisively) will likely continue as transplants from the Northeast skew right in their political beliefs. On this episode, our guest, Bryan Rudnick, presents a well reasoned analysis of local and national political sentiments and offers his personal forecast on the results of the upcoming election. Listen and learn why Florida has quickly transformed itself from a purple state to bright red with a few blue pockets showing signs of change.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, is faced with a number of important decisions as they go to the polls this November. The general election offers voters candidates for president with sharply different views of our road forward. The down-ticket races are also very important to the governance process. Today’s episode offers listeners an opportunity to hear from two candidates vying to be our next Florida State Representatives. Anne Gerwig and Meg Weinberger offer their views on public service and their reasons for taking on the challenges of a political campaign. Democracy relies on citizen participation .. as candidates and educated voters. Listen and learn why South Florida is fortunate to have such well prepared resi read to serve our community.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY relies on its residents to provide intelligence and leadership at all levels of governance. Be it their Condominium or HOA board, volunteering on a committee or advisory board or taking the step of seeking public office. The task of campaigning can be daunting and it’s not for the weak of heart. My guest on this episode, Peggy Gossett-Seidman has served our community as a commissioner of her town council and, ultimately, as a state legislator for the past two years. As a freshman, she has successfully “brought home the bacon!” We review her impressions of the legislative process which can sometimes be tough to watch! As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY residents are taking the time to educate themselves on the candidates vying for their vote and on trying to understand the rationale behind the ballot questions. The cheerleaders for the Democrat and Republican parties are its Committeemen and Committeewomen. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with the newly elected Committeeman (Joe LaFauci) and Committeewoman (Jodi Schwartz). While they have not yet assumed office, they have some fresh ideas on how to improve voter knowledge and participation in elections. As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY residents are voting! Vote by Mail ballots our out, Early Voting begins on October 21st and the General Election will be on November 5th. In this Episode we take a look at one of our “local” races - School Board District 5. We talk with Gloria Branch. The School District of Palm Beach County is the 10th largest district in the USA with over 170,000 students speaking multiple languages. The District employs over 22,000 employees in and supporting 182 schools. It’s a big task educating such a diverse student population. We discuss with Gloria how she sees the school district remaining on mission and competitive with the other choices available for educating our students. As always, I hope you find our conversation informative.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY residents are preparing for the upcoming General Election. In Episode 100 we focused on the ballot questions being presented to voters for an up or down vote. Six potential amendments to the Florida Constitution and, in Palm Beach County, one local initiative to extend the 1/2 penny sales tax for schools. In this Episode we take a look at one of our “local” races - County Commissioner District 5. We talk with John Fisher - a retired Captain in our Fire Rescue Services. John is passionate about traffic safety as a result of his past work. I hope you find our conversation informative.
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Palm Beach County is preparing to go to the polls as the General Election approaches. First, let me say it’s good to be back as we record our 100th episode. During my hiatus, I mounted an unsuccessful campaign to challenge our incumbent Member of Congress. It wasn’t meant to be but the experience was quite educational and I will say more about this in the future. In Episode 100 we focus on the ballot questions being presented to voters for an up or down vote. Six potential amendments to the Florida Constitution and, in Palm Beach County, one local initiative to extend the 1/2 penny sales tax for schools. (The base state sales tax rate in Florida is 6%. Local tax rates in Florida range from 0% to 2%%, making the sales tax range in Florida 6-8 percent). It’s welcome you back and I hope you find this episode interesting and informative.
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Episode 99 is an opportunity to continue our celebration of the arts. Last month Arlene Herson and Shari Upbin, two well known members of our community with a deep sense of purpose in ensuring the Arts gets its due, spoke about the National Society of Arts and Letters and its mission of assisting promising young artists through competitions, financial assistance, master classes, mentoring and providing career opportunities. The Festival of the Arts Boca has, for the past 17 years brought top artistic talent to Boca Raton's Mizner Park Amphitheatre Our guest, Joanna Marie Kaye has, since 2014, played a pivotal role in the evolution of this weeklong event. This year the Festival celebrates the centenary of Henry Mancini,presents a full orchestration of Jaws (as scored by John Williams), and makes room for a night to feature the talents of "future stars" at the 19th annual competition. Arts and culture continue to thrive in Palm Beach County. Listen to how you can be part of the 18th edition of this great artistic display.
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Episode 98 is a celebration of the arts. While we continue to emphasize STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), no less important to a well rounded education is the inclusion of the Arts (STEAM). My guests for this episode are Arlene Herson and Shari Upbin, two well known members of our community with a deep sense of purpose in ensuring the Arts gets its due as we teach our children skills they will need to compete in a global marketplace. The National Society of Arts and Letters assists promising young artists through competitions, financial assistance, master classes, mentoring and providing career opportunities. Through its 17 chapters (representing all regions of the US), NSAL members are engaged professionally in the arts and actively support the work of young artists. I hope you enjoy our talk and then, perhaps, watch one or more of Arlene's celebrity interviews, currently available on YouTube.
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Episode 97 is an opportunity to bring back my loving life partner as she discusses her, just published, book. Pamela Weinroth is the proud author of "Steal the Style," a virtual "how-to" for people looking for champagne fashion on a beer wallet. As many of you know, we are out and about on a regular basis to attend events in Palm Beach County to support the many nonprofit agencies doing their best to help residents in need. Whereas I am able to change my tie and shirt and go off to another event, Pamela is always looking for something new to catch the eye without putting us into debt. Thus, she learned how to stretch her dollars as she acquired eye-catching fashion. Her book explains the steps she takes to remain fashionable without going into hock. I hope you enjoy our talk and then, perhaps, purchase her book on Amazon so she'll have more money to continue her pursuit of the perfect gown!
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Episode 96 is a mixed bag of topics. Pamela Higer-Polani is my guest. During today's conversation we touch upon several subjects including estate planning, community volunteerism and Israel. Pamela is an attorney, licensed to practice in the United States and Israel (where she and her Israeli born husband lived and started their family). We talk about the terrorist attack of October 7th and the resulting war in Gaza and its deep personal impact on Pamela. We also talk about her initiative to bring funding and awareness to families addressing Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's and related diseases. These incurable affiliations can devastate a family. We also talk about Pamela's concierge legal practice which focuses on end of life planning including wills, trusts, long term care and ways to ensure dependents are cared for beyond our own lifetime. Have a listen.
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Episode 95 is my opportunity to talk with my former City Council colleague, Constance Scott, to catch up with her and her associate, Karen Corcoran, as they embark on a new initiative addressing mental and physical wellbeing. The maintenance of balance in one's life is essential to a feeling of well being and happiness. Constance is a former AFAA certified fitness instructor and personal trainer and practices Transcendental Meditation and breathing exercises for better connectivity to peace and spiritual growth. Karen is a therapist, educator, mental health specialist and an addiction treatment professional focusing on adult and adolescent mental health and psychotherapy. Together they are quite a team addressing issues of mind and body. Have a listen.
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Episode 94 provides an opportunity to take a step back and consider retirement and ways to ensure adequate financial planning provides for lifetime security. My guest, Tom Archer, has for over 37 years, served as a trusted financial advisor to the nation's most affluent families. His clientele boasts numerous Fortune 500 families, including an impressive roster of 25 billionaires, as well as renowned celebrities and entertainers. Additionally, Tom expertly manages the financial lives of over 200 professional athletes, diligently focusing on wealth accumulation, preservation, and asset protection. While you may not be a millionaire, understanding the concept of "wealth planning" can help preserve your estate for a fulfilling retirement and provide a legacy for future generations. Have a listen.
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Episode 93 takes a look at how the State of Florida, and in particular, Palm Beach County, has taken steps to make the inner workings of government more transparent and ethical. Our guest today, Dr. Peter Cruise, teaches ethics at Florida Atlantic University and is an appointed member of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics. When individuals do not trust the veracity of their public officials they cannot trust the decisions made. Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine law provides a right of access to governmental proceedings at both the state and local levels. This has provided a great deal of transparency into the working of our governmental bodies. Likewise, regular financial disclosures by elected and appointed public officials prevents undue influence being exerted on decisions made by our public bodies. Listen to our conversation about how the decisions of our public officials are made in a fair and open fashion.
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Episode 92 is an opportunity to address the continuing waves of anti-semitism, especially as the war in the Middle East brings those sentiments to the surface. My guest is Eric Rozenberg. He is a Belgian-born American citizen, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and podcaster. From organizing projects for Fortune 500 companies in over fifty countries to volunteering to protect the Jewish community in Brussels, Eric has developed an ability to connect the dots, face reality, and take action in difficult situations. Fiercely independent and passionate about geopolitics, he is an avid reader and never shies away from expressing his opinion, even (or especially) if it is not politically correct. He happily lives in South Florida with his wife, Elsa; their three daughters, and their dog, Simba.. Listen to our conversation about his views on this topic of concern.
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Episode 91 Episode 91 is an opportunity to, again, highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of many within our community. Often this has resulted in residents establishing what I like to call, "home grown nonprofit agencies." We have, and will continue to, shine the spotlight on these endeavors. However, today's guests have turned their "entrepreneurial spirit" into businesses generating jobs and income while meeting a need.
My first guest is Brian Howie. Thanks to Brian we have this platform to present our podcasts. Podpopuli is a growing network of studios, throughout the US, dedicated to offering an infrastructure and technical expertise to communicate. We appreciate his support and friendship and as we approach our 100th episode, we recognize without Podpopuli we wouldn't be connected.
Our second guests "Lady" Ashley Bacon and her husband, John, have taken party planning to the next level. They help make memories out of significant milestones. Be it a birthday, engagement, graduation or whatever, Ashley and John create and design beautiful and fun parties. Listen to how these individuals are making our community a fun place to live, work, learn, play and celebrate.
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Episode 90 focuses on how our non profit agencies work together to help our community's most vulnerable. Today's conversation focuses on the Fuller Center and the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. Ellyn Okrent is the CEO at Fuller Center. She has been a guest previously discussing the services they provide as a source of childcare and early education for many within our community who work each day. She is joined by Craig McDonald of the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. He's chairing the upcoming 36th Annual Golf Club Tournament at Boca Lago Golf & Country Club on November 3rd for the benefit of the Fuller Center, the Club's Foundation, their Foundation Scholarship Program - Teacher of the Year and other Board approved initiatives. It is gratifying to see organizations work together rather than operating in silos. Listen to these two individuals working to make our community a great place to live, work, learn & play.
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Episode 89 focuses on how the changing demographic in South Florida over the past decades has provided opportunities for shared experiences. It was not too long ago that South Florida was viewed as the place people went to retire and live their "golden years." This is, of course, a wonderful place to retire but many families have relocated to South Florida to enjoy the wonderful weather, recreational amenities and relaxed lifestyle available year-round. This has created a diversity of ages that can offer great opportunities. Several weeks ago we highlighted an intergenerational program where children and retirees at an adult day care program can do joint activities. My guests today also are offering an opportunity for musicians from 10 - 90+ to make music together. The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra was founded by Lorraine Marks. Together with her husband, Robert Field, they have nurtured this opportunity for young and old to make beautiful music together. Listen to their excitement about this wonderful organization.
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