Podcast
Schmooze with Suze
Hosted by Suzie Becker · EN
Hi, I’m Suze. Here with your dose of culture, values and global citizenship- and where we tackle those topics others may consider off-limits.
A little about me, I’m a busy GenX mom who, quite frankly, wanted to grow up like the Brady Bunch… But ended up being raised in the shadow of Schindler’s List. So this means I’ve spent a lifetime navigating these mixed messages we get hit with daily. You know those conversations- where we wonder if it’s safe to speak our minds? Can we share our experiences? Voice our fears and concerns, or should we just keep our mouths shut?
Well, too bad. I need to know! But I’m no expert. So, I’m going to schmooze the experts and get their thoughts. Why? So when we engage with our kids, colleagues, or the countless committees we interact with, we can do it with competence, kindness, confidence, and maybe a bit of humor.
If this sounds like your cup of coffee- welcome to Schmooze with Suze!
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Are We Listening to Foster Youth… or Just Talking About Them? My Guest: Kate Temple-Brown, Founder of The Opportunity Project
1w ago01:00:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThere are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This was one of them.In this episode of Schmooze with Suze, I sit down with Kate Temple-Brown to talk about foster youth, resilience, mentorship, and the uncomfortable reality that too many young people age out of systems without the support, stability, and human connection they deserve.Kate shares the heart behind The Opportunity Project and the work being done through The Performance Academy to create spaces where young people can discover confidence, creativity, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. We talk about what happens when communities stop asking “What’s wrong with these kids?” and start asking “What happened to them?” and “What opportunities have they never been given?”This conversation also explores the larger systems surrounding foster care, including the recent bipartisan Chafee legislation championed by Congressman Aaron Bean, and why legislation only matters if real people are willing to step into the gaps between policy and practice.For me, this episode became a reminder that changing a life rarely starts with a giant moment. More often, it starts with one adult showing up consistently, seeing potential, and refusing to let a young person disappear into statistics.If this episode moves you, please consider learning more, volunteering, mentoring, donating, or simply sharing this conversation. Because the gaps are real. But so is the power of community.✨ Learn More & Get Involved:🎭 The Opportunity Project + The Performance AcademyThe Performance Academy📍 3674 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207📞 (904) 322-7672📧 info@jaxtpa.org🤝 TSI Cares FoundationTSI Cares Foundation📍 6671 Hyde Grove Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32210📞 (904) 503-0131📧 info@tsicaresnetwork.com#SchmoozeWithSuze #FosterYouth #TheOpportunityProject #TSICares #Jacksonville #Leadership #CommunityImpact #Mentorship #CultureAndValues #GlobalCitizenship #BeTheChange Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →What If “Holding It All Together” Is the Problem? My Guest: Suri Robinson, MSW- Founder of After The Burn Co
4w ago00:45:56Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when you’re holding it all together… but quietly falling apart?In this episode, I sit down with Suri Robinson, founder of After The Burn Co, to talk about burnout in a way most people don’t.Not just exhaustion, but disconnection.Not just doing too much, but being too far removed from your own truth.We get into what high-functioning unraveling actually feels like, how emotional neglect shows up in adulthood, and what it really takes to rebuild without performing your way through life.If you’ve ever looked fine on the outside… and felt anything but on the inside… this conversation is for you.Suri Robinson brings a rare and powerful perspective to the conversation around burnout and healing.With a background as a Master of Social Work and trained therapist, Suri understands mental health from a clinical lens. But her story did not stay in theory. It became deeply personal.After reaching a breaking point in her own life, Suri stepped out of the role of provider and into the role of patient, seeking care within a treatment facility and beginning the difficult work of confronting what was no longer sustainable.What followed was not a quick reset, but a full year of intentional healing. A process that required time, distance, and the willingness to step away from the very patterns, environments, and expectations that made it impossible to truly recover.Today, through After The Burn Co, Suri uses both her professional training and lived experience to help others recognize burnout, understand their nervous systems, and reconnect with themselves in a more honest and sustainable way.Her work is not about quick fixes. It is about awareness, accountability, and the long-term process of healing in real life. Follow @aftertheburnco on Instagram.Take your FREE Nervous System Scan Here: https://aftertheburn.co/free-nervous-system-quick-scan/Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →Who Feels the Impact When a City Makes Big Moves? My Guest: Ron Salem, Jacksonville City Council
4w ago00:40:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFrom public service to personal responsibility... From holding the line to making the call...This episode explores what leadership really looks like when the stakes are high and the outcomes shape a city’s future. Not just policy. Not just process. But the weight of decisions that impact real people, real neighborhoods, and the long-term direction of Jacksonville.This is a conversation about what happens behind the scenes. The conversations the public does not hear. The pressure of balancing competing priorities while staying grounded in values. The reality that leadership is not about being liked. It is about being willing to stand in the decision, even when it comes with criticism.We talk about a tenure that spans pivotal moments, including a year as Council President, complex negotiations around the stadium renovation, and ongoing efforts to address mental health through programs that aim to create better outcomes for individuals and the community as a whole.At its core, this episode is about responsibility. The kind that comes with a title, and the kind that exists long after the title is gone. Because leadership is not about performing for the moment. It is about making decisions you can stand by when the moment has passed. And sometimes, it is about accepting that doing what you believe is right may still place you in someone else’s story as the villain.In this episode we sit down with Jacksonville City Councilman Ron Salem, who represents At-Large Group 2 and has been serving since 2019. Most recently, Salem served as President of the Jacksonville City Council (2023–2024). This conversation goes beyond titles and politics… exploring Ron Salem’s journey from lifelong Jacksonville resident to City Hall, what shaped his commitment to public service, and what it truly feels like to lead under pressure when every vote carries lasting consequences. We unpack the complexity behind high-stakes decision-making, alongside his work in mental health and public safety, including coordinated community response efforts. It is also a candid look at leadership and perception- what happens when doing what you believe is right still casts you as the villain in someone else’s story, and where he sees Jacksonville headed next- from infrastructure to economic opportunity, with a sense of grounded optimism.Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →
What If Your Cracks Are The Map To Your Purpose... In A Time Such As This? My Guest: ME
Mar 300:27:35Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSeason 6. Year 3. We’re back.And of course we’re kicking off in my favorite month… March. Women’s History Month. The month of queens, courage, and just enough chaos to keep us humble. And yes… Purim. Because nothing says “spiritual growth” like costumes, hidden miracles, and a plot twist.This episode threads together something I can’t stop thinking about… the Japanese art of kintsugi… repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold. The philosophy is simple and radical: don’t hide the cracks. Honor them. Let the seams shine! Which, frankly, feels very on brand for this moment in history… and for me. We talk about identity and integrity… about how antisemitism is part of a larger braided story that also includes Mizrahi and Sephardi displacement. Different shards. Same vessel. History isn’t neat. It’s fractured. But fractures don’t disqualify us from wholeness… they define how we rebuild.Then we turn to Queen Esther. And here’s what I love most… she didn’t wake up brave. She built bravery. Slowly. Deliberately. A three-day fast. A gathered community. A sober reading of power. No theatrics… just disciplined courage. And the harder truth? Some decrees can’t be erased. They can only be countered. That reframes courage from a cinematic rush into something steadier… responsibility.From there we get practical… because growth without application is just a cute quote on Instagram.Alignment beats autopilot. Your time, your talent, your treasure… they should track with your values and the outcomes you actually want for your family, your city, your world. When old patterns crack… don’t panic. Break with intention. Rebuild with intention. Replace missing shards with gold, silver, platinum… better boundaries, clearer metrics, braver conversations, partnerships that widen the circle instead of shrinking it.And we spotlight one of my favorite local examples of cultural kintsugi… the creatives, neighborhoods, and opportunity highlighted together into something stronger than what existed before. That’s what community repair looks like in real time.If you are craving a compass for complex times… part personal growth, part history, part practical ethics… this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. And then gently… lovingly… nudge you forward.Subscribe. Share it with the friend who needs a little gold in their cracks. And leave a review telling me the one “golden repair” you’re making next.Season 6 is here...Miracles are hidden in plain sight, and perhaps we were born for a time such as this. #SchmoozeWithSuze #ViewsWithSuze #Kintsugi #Esther414 #Purim #Culture #Values #Save #Spend #Invest #Highlight #Grow #RepairDo you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →
Can Tapping Into Spiritual Energies Unlock Personal Transformation? My Guest: Jax Cassidy, Bestselling Author & Intuitive Healer
Dec 12, 202400:40:01Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailUnlock the mysteries of energy, spirituality, and healing with our special guest, Jax Cassidy, a bestselling author and sixth-generation intuitive and shamanic healer. Discover how these concepts transcend cultural and religious boundaries as Jax shares her personal journey of embracing her unique gifts amidst societal pressures. Together, we explore how spiritual energies like prana and chi are universally recognized and how tapping into these energies can lead to profound personal transformation and healing.Across cultures, religions and spiritual traditions, there is a remarkable common thread that connects the understanding of energy, spirituality and healing that aligns with faith, belief and the intangible. Whether it's the Judeo-Christian concept of the Holy Spirit as a guiding force or the shamanic belief in spiritual energies that flow through all living things, many traditions recognize a vital unseen energy that connects everything in the universe. In Hinduism, this energy is known as prana, while in Taoism it is chi. The practice of laying hands for healing in Christianity parallels similar techniques in indigenous cultures, where shamans and healers use their hands to channel energy and restore balance. Both the Kabbalistic tree of life and shamanic practices describe an interconnected web of existence where spiritual forces influence physical reality and the concept of the soul is seen as having the ability to transcend material limitations. This shared understanding points to a universal truth no matter the cultural or religious context, human beings have long recognized the power of unseen energies and the importance of maintaining spiritual balance for health, healing and enlightenment. So what determines the widely accepted from the woo-woo in the belief department, and that's what we're going to tackle today?Journey with us as we explore the transformative power of aligning with one's higher self and purpose. At the heart of this discussion is the idea that free will, faith, and self-love are keys to awakening and achieving one's highest potential. We reflect on how adopting a mindset focused on solutions can shift perspectives and build resilience, while also considering gentle ways to introduce spiritual growth to those unfamiliar with these concepts. Let's nurture global citizenship and compassion as we navigate these enlightening waters.You can find Jax Cassidy on Instagram and TikTok @thelightandbeyondDo you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →Can Conversations Across Faiths Foster Family Beyond Beliefs? My Guest: Hazzan Jesse Holzer
Dec 7, 202400:45:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHow do we bridge the gap between faith and politics, particularly when elections pull us in different directions? Join me, as I chat with Cantor Jesse Holzer from the Jacksonville Jewish Center about the art of loving our neighbors despite our differences. Inspired by the wisdom of the Psalms, we examine how historical narratives can guide us in expanding our concept of family and community. During this holiday season, we delve into strategies for fostering unity and understanding, reminding ourselves that beneath political and religious beliefs, we are all connected as one larger family.Exploring the power of interfaith dialogue, we unpack the shared values, learn from our personal experiences at interfaith meetings, where the simple act of greeting one another with peace speaks volumes. Our conversation challenges the notion that differing beliefs must lead to conflict, placing empathy and respect at the core of these discussions. By urging reflection before response, we hope to cultivate an environment where diverse beliefs can coexist harmoniously.In times of electoral turmoil, how do we deal with conflicting emotions of joy and grief? We tackle this question by discussing the need to acknowledge and validate the emotional complexity within our communities. Drawing on insights from Holocaust survivors, cultural narratives, and remarkable individuals here in Jacksonville, we emphasize resilience, empathy, and hope. Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →What Happens When Ancient Hospitality Meets Modern Education? My Guest: Sel Buyuksarac, Co-Founder River City Science Academy
Dec 7, 202400:41:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when the ancient values of hospitality and community-building meet modern-day education? Join me, as I explore this with Sel Buyuksarac, co-founder of the River City Science Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Sel's journey from engineering to education brings to life the power of systems, emphasizing kindness and inclusion as powerful spiritual expressions. Discover how Sel’s upbringing in a family of educators ignited his passion for fostering global citizenship and community engagement. Through his personal experiences, Sel sheds light on the often-overlooked value of commitment and personal responsibility that fosters bridges within our communities.Together, we discuss the potential of engineering principles to transform educational settings into vibrant, supportive communities. Jacksonville serves as our backdrop, an ideal city for community engagement where positive energy fuels motivation and growth. As Sel shares anecdotes from his path, gratitude emerges as a core theme, alongside faith that inspires and guides his commitment to service. This episode is a celebration of education's transformative power and the enduring impact of hospitality in shaping a more connected and compassionate world.Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →From Conflict to Consensus- Can We Foster Fellowship With Feedback From The Opposition? My Guest: John Delaney, University President & Former Mayor
Nov 28, 202400:56:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFrom the tumultuous political narratives surrounding the Israeli-Gaza conflict to free speech challenges in university settings, this episode ventures into today's most pressing issues post the recent election. Hear stories of protests, disruptions, and the need for ethical leadership in a polarized society. With insights into political strategy and pragmatic leadership, this episode is a compelling call to build bridges and work toward a more harmonious society.What happens when a politician prioritizes understanding over being right?Join me as I sit down with John Delaney, the former mayor of Jacksonville, for an enlightening discussion on bipartisan collaboration. His journey of transforming a divided city by listening to those who opposed him provides a refreshing perspective on political leadership, and we uncover the delicate balance politicians must strike between personal ego and societal justice.We explore the role of media in shaping public opinion, local, state and federal policy intricacies, and the power of dialogue across different viewpoints. Personal growth, influenced by evolving societal contexts, is another key aspect we examine, emphasizing how media can foster understanding in a divided world and why connection and collaboration in community- not on our keyboards- helps us to learn better, so we can build a future worthy of the generations to come!John Delaney’s career exemplifies the potential for pragmatic leadership in both public and private sectors. His ability to work across partisan lines, promote education, and address complex social issues with a balanced perspective has made him an influential figure in Florida’s political and academic spheres and a national example for ethical achievements that serve the greater good. As the nation continues to grapple with rising discord, Delaney’s experience offers valuable insights into how to navigate a divisive landscape and build bridges between competing viewpoints.As a university president, Delaney continued his bipartisan approach, focusing on the role of higher education as a unifying force in a polarized society. At the University of North Florida, he led efforts to enhance the university's diversity initiatives, improve student outcomes, and expand community partnerships. His leadership style emphasized collaboration, whether working with faculty, local businesses, or government officials. Delaney recognized that universities, particularly public institutions, had a responsibility to foster critical thinking and inclusivity while providing students with the tools they needed to navigate complex, divisive issues.At Flagler College, Delaney has continued this legacy of leadership, guiding the institution through changes in the higher education landscape, including increasing calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Flagler has also been grappling with broader societal issues, such as the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses, which Delaney has been vocal about addressing. His focus on maintaining Flagler’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for all students is aligned with his broader values of respect, inclusion, and engagement in societal issues.Subscribe to Schmooze with Suze as we continue to explore culture, values, and global citizenship through thought-provoking conversations.Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →Are Networking Events the Secret to Jacksonville's Thriving Business Scene? My Guest: Liz Grebe, Events Director- Jacksonville Business Journal
Nov 21, 202400:40:55Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn the heart of Jacksonville, where the St. Johns River flows and the vibrant spirit of the community thrives, the Jacksonville Business Journal weaves together the stories of entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries who shape the city's landscape with each printed page and digital pulse,As the Journal celebrates milestones like its 40th anniversary, it champions the entrepreneurial journey, providing the resources and recognition that empower local leaders, and changemakers. With a keen eye on economic development, it keeps the community informed about trends, opportunities, and initiatives that drive growth. In essence, the Jacksonville Business Journal is more than a publication; it is a storyteller, a connector, and a catalyst for progress, nurturing the seeds of innovation that blossom into a flourishing future for Jacksonville. Through its commitment to the community, it helps to create a tapestry of shared success, where every thread strengthens the fabric of this vibrant city.Liz Grebe, Events Director for the JBJ, has been an influential force in shaping the arts and culture scene in Jacksonville, particularly with her work on Downtown Jacksonville's Riverside Arts Market, the vibrant Art Walk and as one of the OG brains behind Porcfest. Today, we’ll not only explore her professional journey but also the personal passions that drive her commitment to making Jacksonville a better place for all. So, whether you're a local or just tuning in to learn more about our city's dynamic scene, you’re in for a treat!Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →From Theater Kid to Outdoor Stage, How Can Creativity Revitalize a Park? My Guest: Liz McCoy, Executive Director of James Weldon Johnson Park
Nov 4, 202400:33:10Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailNestled in the heart of downtown Jacksonville lies a park steeped in history and cultural significance. Originally established as a public square in the 19th century, the park has witnessed the evolution of the city and has served as a gathering place for generations. Throughout its history, the park has been a focal point for community engagement, reflecting the spirit of the city. Also, when you move to Jacksonville with kids, Sweet Pete's Candy Store is a must visit, and it's across the street. We went, we walked, my kids picked the nose for a picture. Truth be told, I think I picked the nose too, and we didn't imagine we would be back. But several years later, at a MOCA opening, I found myself asking, "where is the giant head in Hemming Park?" And that's what we're going to tackle today...In recent years, revitalization efforts have breathed new life into the space, transforming it into a vibrant venue for arts, culture and public gatherings. Today, the park, formerly known as Hemming, is currently James Weldon Johnson Park, standing as a testament to Jacksonville's rich heritage and its commitment to inclusivity and celebration. The park pulses with a spirit of inclusivity and joy, drawing people from all walks of life, and at the helm of this dynamic space is Liz McCoy, the executive director of Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park. Liz has a lifetime of experiences, from producing shows like Blue's Clues Live to navigating the challenges of New York City's bustling art scene, and now offers invaluable insights into career evolution and creative fulfillment. Her story takes a compelling turn in Jacksonville, where she found a new home and community that reinvigorated her passion for the arts. Listen in to uncover how embracing change and seeking new opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.Curious about how urban spaces evolve over time? We discuss the revitalization of James Weldon Johnson Park and the role innovative programming plays in transforming downtown areas into lively cultural venues. Tackling misconceptions about urban safety, we emphasize the importance of a mindset shift to fully embrace the vibrant potential of our cities. https://jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org/events/Tune in to learn from her story and discover how one person's passion can spark widespread community engagement.Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?Want to be a guest on my show or have an Honorable Mensch to nominate?Connect on Instagram @SchmoozewithSuze Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE.Thank you for helping us grow!
Transcribe →