Shows
From the Playground to the ForegroundEP 19: đď¸ Baseball, Briefs & Bytes â A Conversation with Jamey NewbergIn Episode 19 of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon and Scott welcome Jamey Newberg, creator of the beloved Newberg Report, for a conversation that covers way more than just baseball (though there's plenty of that too).Jamey shares how his passion for minor league baseball became a creative outlet in the â90sâstarting as an email thread that morphed into one of the most trusted fan-driven publications in the sport. What began as stress relief from his day job as a trial attorney has become a Texas baseball staple.They also dig into a surp...2025-07-0654 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 18: Heart, Humanity & Hope â A Conversation with Matt Nalker of The Arc of MississippiIn 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 Mississippiâan 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 lif...2025-06-1750 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 17: đď¸ Power Plays, Mental Health & Volleyballs Named Wilson with Coach Sam ErgerIn this episode, Jon and Scott welcome Samantha "Sam" Erger, Head Coach of SMU Womenâs Volleyballâand 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 womenâs sports. đđĽThey dive into her journey to SMU, the shifting landscape of college athletics in the age of NIL, and why womenâs sports deserve a lot more spotlight than they get. Plus, Sam shares her thoughts on the mental side of the gameâand why itâs key to long...2025-06-0250 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 16: đď¸ Building Great Brands â In Business, In Schools, and In Life with Dr. Jeannie StoneIn 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 brandâwhether itâs a truck stop or a school. Hint: Top pay is an important ingredient. And when the conversation turns to teacher pay in HPISD, Jeannieâs 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 topâthey cove...2025-04-2945 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 15: đď¸ Classmates, School Boards & Slam Dunks with Megan TimmeIn 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 Timmeâand itâs 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 everâespecially as Jon campaigns for the HPISD board.Itâs also Day 711 since Scottâs heart transplant, and of course he brings a âpropâ to commemorate...2025-04-1435 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 14: Full Circle with Tyler Herbst â đđ World Travels, Teaching, and the Future of Education đđ§ In this episode of From the Playground to the Foreground, Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett welcome longtime friend and former classmate Tyler Herbstâa 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 educationâjust as Jon announces his run for the...2025-03-2552 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 13: Jimmy Elliott on Golf, Family, and Lifeâs Biggest WinsMazel Tov! đ Itâs Episode 13 of From the Playground to the Foreground, and in honor of this podcast milestone, weâre calling it our Bar Mitzvah Episode. But instead of reading from the Torah, weâre talking with Jimmy Elliottâthe guy who took on a Bryson DeChambeau challenge and won big!But while his golf game is impressive, Jimmyâs biggest victories happen off the course. He opens up about what truly matters mostâhis familyâand the perspective heâs gained after his child faced a life-threatening medical condition.Itâs a conversation about resilience, gra...2025-02-2046 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 12: Jon and Scott Go "Clubbing": Meet the Guys Behind Golf RootsIn 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 accessibleâone used club at a time. From heartfelt stories about building lasting relationships through golf (looking at you, grandpa) to Larry David donating his clubs, itâs 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...2025-01-3047 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 11: Jon and Scott Talk Basketball, Education, and Too-High Socks with Rolando BlackmanFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 11: Jon and Scott Talk Basketball, Education, and Too-High Socks with Rolando BlackmanThis week, Jon and Scott are joined by Rolando Blackmanâa legendary Maverick and four-time NBA All-Star. đ Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:Apple PodcastsSpotifyBuzzsproutđ˛ And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/playgroundforeground  đ Like, Comment, and Share this video if you enjoyed the episode!2025-01-1456 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 10: Jon and Scott Talk Mascots, Mega Millions, and Southwest Airlines with Chris PriebeFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP 10: Jon and Scott Talk Mascots, Mega Millions, and Southwest Airlines with Chris PriebeThis week, Jon and Scott are joined by Chris PriebeâManaging Director of Finance at Southwest Airlines and Scott's Pre-K classmate. The trio discuss a range of topicsâfrom the College Football Playoffs to high school mascots to Smokey Robinson.đ Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:Apple PodcastsSpotifyBuzzsproutđ˛ And follow us on Instagram @playgroundforeground for more updates and behind-the-scenes content: https://www.instagram...2024-12-1738 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP9: Jon and Scott Review the Front 9 with Ron CorningFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP9: Jon and Scott Review the Front 9 with Ron CorningWe moved playgroundsâthe week our guest decided not to show! Luckily for Jon and Scott, our producer Ron Corning knows a thing or two about podcasting (and moving to Texas and Zsa Zsa Gabor). The trio touches on a wide range of topicsâfrom bar mitzvahs to handwriting to what it is, exactly, that makes a Texan a Texan. To keep up with Ron Corning, follow him on Instagram.đ Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast...2024-11-2647 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP8: Jon Switches Seats, Scott Designs Stationary, and Chad Pinson Warms HeartsFrom the Playground to the Foreground"EP8: Jon Switches Seats, Scott Designs Stationary, and Chad Pinson Warms Hearts"In this episode, Jon and Scott try out a new seating arrangement. But both bring props! Theyâre joined this week by guest Chad Pinsonâthe CEO and Managing Partner of Carr, Riggs & Ingram (a top 25, nationally-ranked accounting & advisory firm). Chad joins the guys for a conversation on cryptocurrency, daylight savings time, and the experience of caring for a son who's undergone a heart transplant.For more info about Chad and his work...2024-10-2538 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP7: Jon Loves the Library, Scott Could Probably Start a Fire, and Charlie Caulkins Auctions ArtFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP7: Jon Loves the Library, Scott Could Probably Start a Fire, and Charlie Caulkins Auctions ArtIn this episode, Jon and Scott discuss the Cowboys, Boy Scouts, and the differences between real estate and art. Theyâre joined this week by guest Charlie Caulkinsâa Vice President at Sotheby's, whose Dallas office she heads up.For more info about Charlie and her work, visit https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/team/charlie-adamski-caulkins.đ Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:* Apple Podcasts: https...2024-10-0736 min
From the Playground to the ForegroundEP6: Jon Had Breakfast, Scott Got a Belt, and Sam Eppler is Running for CongressFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP6: Jon Had Breakfast, Scott Got a Belt, and Sam Eppler is Running for CongressIn this episode, Jon and Scott discuss being celebrated, disagree on the definition of "inertia," and decide that doing anything at a high level is hard. Theyâre joined this week by guest Sam Epplerâa 28-year-old Dallasite whose list of accomplishments includes being the youngest principal in all of Dallas ISD. (Not to mention he's currently campaigning to represent TX-24 in Congress.)For more info about Sam's campaign (and to find his soci...2024-08-2949 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP5: Scott Tries to Park, Jon Stands Corrected, and Ken Malcolmson Talks All Things DallasEP5: Scott Tries to Park, Jon Stands Corrected, and Ken Malcolmson Talks All Things DallasIn this episode, Jon and Scott discuss the importance of civic engagement, the greatness of the Katy Rail, and the cost of garage parking. They're joined this week by guest Ken Malcolmsonâthe CEO of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce who discusses his impressive career, mid-life mindset shift, and contagious love for the city of Dallas. Ken's LinkedInThe North Dallas Chamber of Commerceđ Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform:...2024-08-1552 minFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP4: Scott Sabotages a Gym, Jon Gets a Trophy, and Jennifer Young Talks Work-Life BalanceFrom the Playground to the ForegroundEP4: Scott Sabotages a Gym, Jon Gets a Trophy, and Jennifer Young Talks Work-Life BalanceIn this episode, Jon and Scott discuss work-life balance, the hidden gem of Dallas real estate, and gym equipment larceny. Theyâre joined this week by guest Jennifer Youngâa Louisiana-born Dallasite whoâs learned to balance being a wife and mom with being Sales Leader at Ebby Halliday's North Dallas office. Besides spousal bed-making agreements, the trio unpacks the value of community and the notion of legacy. And Scott and Jennife...2024-07-3133 min
From the Playground to the ForegroundLearning from Uber, the importance of mentorship, and paying the second tuitionIn this episode, we invited SMU basketball standout Jarrey Foster to join the conversation.We discuss how Jon and Jarrey developed a unique and trusted friendship. We dive into how and why Jon and Scott love to mentor people. Through the conversation we learn that mentors can play a pivotal role at any point and both parties in that relationship can find tremendous benefits.Jarrey explains how he is navigating his transition from a man in sport to the next chapter. He calls out that he knows what is most critical is to keep moving f...2024-07-1746 min
From the Playground to the ForegroundA conversation about change and the benefit and concept of necessary sufferingIn this episode, our guest is our longtime friend Brent Beasley and together we tackle the concept of change and how he has handled change throughout his life. From his career to his personal life, Brent joins the show to discuss with us his perspective.You will hear a great book recommendation, how and why Brent went from clergy to a leader in the education sector, and why we call him the bruiser. The conversation tackles challenges in education today, how hard it is to transition from being a man at the center of the stage to one...2024-07-0347 min
From the Playground to the ForegroundA Goldfish, Good Advice, and Letters to the EditorJoin Jon Altschuler and Scott Bennett, two childhood friends who've shared nearly 50 years of memories, as they take you on a nostalgic yet forward-thinking journey with their podcast, "From the Playground to the Foreground." Jon and Scott have grown from carefree kids on the playground to influential industry leaders. They may not always agree on todayâs hot topics, but their enduring friendship is a testament to the power of connection and mutual respect. Based in the heart of Dallas, they share a deep sense of civic pride and community involvement, striving to make their city...2024-06-1722 min