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!
28episodes
Episodes
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What If Your Phone Could Build A City? My Guest: Eric Dunn
3d ago00:55:10Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs a Gen X mom born in 1976, I've had a front-row seat to one of the greatest transformations in human history: a technological revolution. I grew up in a world where advertising was something that happened to me. Companies bought television commercials, radio spots, billboards, and full-page newspaper ads, planning for us to know what was coming. Today, anyone can create a video in their kitchen, wearing sweatpants, and reach millions before dinner. This isn't just evolution; it's a complete rewriting of the rules. My generation remembers both worlds—rotary phones, encyclopedias, and film that had to be developed. We became digital natives, learning technology well enough to teach our boomer parents.But then, our kids arrived, and suddenly we weren't the experts anymore. They navigate apps I've never heard of and communicate through platforms that seem to appear and disappear overnight. I've watched social media evolve from a digital yearbook into one of the most powerful communication tools ever created. Every generation thinks they're living through unprecedented change, but Gen X actually did. We are the bridge generation, old enough to remember life before technology ran everything.Today, I'm excited to discuss the difference between those who use social media to get attention and those who use it to direct attention. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Dunn, who has spent over a decade defining communication in this new era, not through traditional advertisements but through storytelling and authenticity. Eric amassed over 3 million followers on Vine, where he learned a critical lesson: attention is easy to earn, but trust is much harder.Eric's story is fascinating because he could have remained in the world of viral moments but chose to evolve. He became a marketer, a strategist, a nonprofit co-founder, and importantly, a storyteller. Today, we're diving deep into the themes of influence, authenticity, community, and the future of media, exploring what happens when someone uses a camera for something bigger than themselves.Eric currently sits at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community pride in Jacksonville. He's navigated multiple iterations of digital media, from Vine to today's creator economy, while also elevating Jacksonville's parks and businesses.Join us as we unpack Eric's journey, his thoughts on the evolving digital landscape, and how he harnesses his platform for meaningful impact. We'll explore the importance of taking risks, the value of community, and how to build authenticity in a digital age. This conversation is not just for content creators; it's for anyone looking to understand the nuances of communication in our rapidly changing world.Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, marketer, or simply someone wondering how to use your voice for good, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and honest perspective.Connect with Eric Dunn🌐 Website: EricVDunn.comInstagram: @ericvdunn_Facebook: Eric DunnLinkedIn: Eric V. DunnLearn More About Jax Parks🌳 Website: Jax ParksInstagram: @jaxparksFacebook: Jax ParksWhether you're looking for hiking trails, community centers, summer camps, fitness programs, family events, or hidden gems throughout Jacksonville, Jax Parks has something for everyone.Learn More About H.E.A.D. On Youth ImpactVisit Eric's website to learn more about the nonprofit and ways to support its mission of serving children and families throughout Northeast Florida.Because at the end of the day...Your platform isn't defined by how many people are watching. It's defined by where you lead them.#SchmoozeWithSuze #Jacksonville #JaxParks #EricDunn #CreatorEconomy #DigitalMarketing #Community #PersonalBranding #Leadership #DigitalAmbassador #SocialMediaStrategy #JacksonvilleFlorida #PurposeDriven #Marketing #StorytellingIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →Who Helps the People Who Protected Our Freedom? My Guest: Jonathan Richmond, Director of Mission United- United Way of Northeast Florida
3d ago00:42:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFreedom is easy to celebrate. It's surprisingly easy to outsource in our minds until you meet the people who actually stood watch for it.This episode on Schmooze with Suze, I'm joined by Jonathan Richmond, a retired Navy officer whose service didn't end when he hung up the uniform. Today, Jonathan leads Mission United at United Way of Northeast Florida, helping veterans, active-duty service members, and military families navigate one of the most challenging missions they'll ever face: coming home.Leaving military service isn't simply changing jobs. It's leaving behind an identity, a structure, a language, and a community that has shaped every aspect of daily life. Jonathan shares what that transition really feels like and why purpose doesn't disappear. It simply has to be rediscovered.Together, we explore the invisible challenges facing thousands of veterans across Northeast Florida. Housing instability. Employment. Transportation. VA benefits. Mental health. Traumatic brain injuries. Depression. Family stress. We discuss why having hundreds of available programs still leaves many veterans asking the same question:"Where do I even begin?" That's exactly where Mission United steps in.Rather than creating another program, Mission United serves as a trusted navigator, connecting veterans and their families with peer-based care coordinators who understand military culture and can help them access the benefits and community resources they've earned. The program works alongside community organizations, the VA, and local partners to remove barriers and simplify what can often feel like an overwhelming system. Whether you've served, love someone who has, employ veterans, or simply want to become a better citizen, this conversation is a reminder that honoring service doesn't end with applause. It begins with showing up.We also talk candidly about suicide prevention, the warning signs that someone may be struggling, and why asking one difficult question can save a life.If you're facing an immediate mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Florida Lifeline. For non-crisis support such as housing assistance, food, transportation, financial resources, veteran services, and connections to Mission United, simply dial 211. United Way's trained specialists connect callers with local resources every day across Northeast Florida. About Mission UnitedMission United, an initiative of United Way of Northeast Florida, launched in Northeast Florida in 2019 to connect veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families with coordinated health, human, and social services. Rather than duplicating existing resources, Mission United helps individuals navigate them through personalized case management and peer-based care coordination. Mission United assists with: Housing and homelessness prevention Employment and career transition VA benefits navigation Mental health and behavioral health referrals Transportation assistance Financial stability resources Legal assistance referrals Family support Community resource coordination Learn more: Mission UnitedAbout United Way of Northeast FloridaUnited Way of Northeast Florida works to connect people, resources, and ideas to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through partnerships across Northeast Florida, the organization focuses on improving financial stability, health, youth opportunity, and community resilience while operating several vital community services. Programs include:211 Information & Referral 988 Florida LifelineMission UnitedRealSense Free Tax Preparation Community grantmaking and partnerships Volunteer engagement ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) initiatives Need Help?988 Florida Lifeline Immediate mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7. United Way 211 Food Housing Rent and utility assistance Transportation Veteran services Mental health resources Child care Financial assistance Community referrals Dial 211, call 904-632-0600, or text HELLO to 211904 to connect with a trained specialist. Follow United Way of Northeast FloridaWebsite: United Way of Northeast FloridaMission United: Mission UnitedFacebook: FacebookInstagram: InstagramLinkedIn: LinkedInYouTube: YouTubeHashtags#SchmoozeWithSuze #MissionUnited #UnitedWayNEFL #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #Navy #Leadership #Purpose #MentalHealthMatters #VeteranSupport #Transition #Community #Service #Jacksonville #NortheastFlorida #HonorOurVeterans #988 #211 #CultureValuesIdentity #ThankYouForYourService If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →What If Every Person Was a Work of Art Waiting to Be Understood? My Guest: Reese the Poet
3d ago01:09:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSome truths don't arrive wrapped in comfort.They arrive through heartbreak. Through discipline. Through music. Through the quiet decision to become someone better than your circumstances.Hate can be ancient, loud, and deeply personal. Yet every morning we still have to answer one question:Who are we going to be today?This episode on Schmooze with Suze, I sit down with Reese the Poet. Marine Corps veteran, composer, storyteller, spoken word artist, mentor, and living proof that our deepest wounds can become our greatest purpose.If you've ever wondered what authenticity actually means in a world that rewards performance, this conversation goes straight to the nerve.We begin with music. Reese shares his earliest memory of sitting at a grand piano, learning entirely by ear, and the unforgettable Marine Corps Band audition that humbled him in ways success never could.From there, we explore how speeches, church, hip hop, and Def Jam Poetry shaped his voice. Why slowing down helped people actually hear his message. And why performing before hundreds of strangers can sometimes feel easier than being vulnerable with one person who truly knows you.Then the conversation shifts toward survival.Reese opens up about joining the Marine Corps during one of the hardest seasons of his life, learning that "time waits for no man," and confronting one of the most difficult lessons of adulthood.You cannot do everything alone.We also discuss youth mentorship, mental health, loneliness hiding beneath "bad behavior," the healing power of nature and music, and one unforgettable perspective.What if we treated every person like a piece of art we're trying to understand instead of a problem we're trying to solve?It's one of the most moving conversations we've had this season.Whether you're an artist, veteran, educator, parent, mentor, or simply someone trying to make sense of the world, this conversation reminds us that healing rarely happens by accident.It happens one honest conversation at a time.About Our Recording PartnerThis episode was recorded at The Performance Academy (TPA), a Jacksonville nonprofit dedicated to helping young people discover purpose, confidence, and opportunity through the performing arts. TPA offers programs in music, theater, podcasting, film, visual arts, dance, fashion, creative writing, and leadership, creating safe spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing and transformation. Learn more about their mission, youth programs, and ways to get involved at jaxtpa.org. Follow The Performance AcademyWebsite: The Performance AcademyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePerformersAcademy#SchmoozeWithSuze #ReeseThePoet #Poetry #SpokenWord #Authenticity #MentalHealth #HealingThroughArt #MarineCorps #Veterans #Leadership #YouthMentorship #Hope #Resilience #Jacksonville #CreativeCommunity #ArtsMatter #ThePerformanceAcademy #CommunityLeadership #Culture #Purpose #ChooseHope #ViewsWithSuzeIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →What If A City’s Greatest Masterpiece Is Itself? My Guest: Diana Donovan, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville
3d ago00:53:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJacksonville doesn't have a culture problem. It has a visibility problem.If you've ever said, "There's nothing to do in Jacksonville," this conversation may completely change the way you see our city.This week, I'm joined by Diana Donovan, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, for a fascinating conversation about why arts and culture aren't simply entertainment. They're economic development, workforce development, tourism strategy, neighborhood revitalization, and community identity all rolled into one.We explore what really happens when someone buys a ticket to a show. It's never just about the performance. That one evening supports babysitters, restaurants, bartenders, parking garages, security teams, local vendors, stage crews, marketing professionals, and hundreds of small businesses that make Jacksonville work.Diana explains why the creative economy deserves the same attention as any other industry, how public-private partnerships stretch taxpayer dollars, and why cultural organizations should be viewed as businesses creating measurable returns for our community.We also dive into:• Why Jacksonville's arts community is far larger than most residents realize.• How murals, sculptures, and public art strengthen neighborhoods.• Why exposure to the arts creates tomorrow's audiences, artists, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.• How financial literacy, networking, and professional development help artists build sustainable careers.• Why placemaking isn't about decorating a city. It's about helping people feel connected to where they live.The Cultural Council's recent reporting shows that Jacksonville's Cultural Service Grant Program transformed a $3 million public investment into approximately $143 million in economic impact, supporting thousands of jobs, local vendors, and small businesses across our community. Because once you begin to see the creative ecosystem... you can't unsee how much it shapes the future of Jacksonville.Learn More About the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville at the official website:Cultural Council of Greater JacksonvilleExplore:• Grant opportunities • Art in Public Places • Community events calendar • Public art map • Volunteer opportunities • Newsletter signup • Ways to support Jacksonville's creative communityFollow the Cultural Council:• Instagram (@moreartculture)• Facebook• LinkedInLearn More About Diana Donovan• LinkedIn ProfileSee how the Cultural Council is helping shape Jacksonville through:• Artist Grant Pilot Program • Public Art initiatives • Arts Awards • Community partnerships • Creative economy research • Arts advocacyCCGJ News & Media CenterTo better understand the Cultural Council's work, explore its impact reports, research, grantmaking, and economic development initiatives:Arts Research & Impact ResourcesHighlights include: $143 million in economic impact generated through the FY24-25 Cultural Service Grant Program from a $6 million public investment. More than 4,000 local vendors and small businesses supported. Investment in public art, artist grants, cultural nonprofits, and creative workforce development throughout Jacksonville. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who still believes there's "nothing to do" in Jacksonville.One conversation can change a perspective. One perspective can change a city.Question:What piece of art, neighborhood, performance, mural, museum, or Jacksonville place makes you feel like you belong?Hashtags#SchmoozeWithSuze #Jacksonville #DTJax #ArtsMatter #CreativeEconomy #PublicArt #Placemaking #JacksonvilleArts #CulturalCouncil #MoreArtCulture #SupportTheArts #CreativeCities #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #Leadership #Culture #JacksonvilleFlorida #904 #VisitJax #CreativeCommunity #TPA #JaxDanceTheater If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →Is Artificial Intelligence the Greatest Opportunity or Greatest Risk of Our Time? My Guest: Angelina Grissom
2w ago00:43:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe Jetsons promised us flying cars, robot assistants, and futuristic technology that seemed impossible. What they really got right was something simpler.One day, the things that sound ridiculous become normal.Artificial intelligence has crossed that threshold, and for many people, the pace of change feels exciting, confusing, and occasionally overwhelming. That's why I sat down with global technologist, executive AI coach, entrepreneur, and community builder Angelina Grissom to talk about what AI actually means for our lives, our businesses, and our future.Angelina brings a rare combination of technical expertise and human-centered leadership to the conversation. Rather than focusing on hype, she helps people understand how to use AI responsibly, strategically, and safely.In this episode, we explore:• What most people misunderstand about AI today• The truth about privacy, data collection, and always-listening technology• Why "free" AI tools may come with hidden costs• How AI models learn and why that matters for users and businesses• The risks and opportunities of AI-assisted app development• Understanding security, encryption, scalability, and intellectual property in an AI-driven world• The rise of AI agents and what they could mean for the future of work• Why AI auditing and oversight may become some of the fastest-growing career opportunities• How individuals can begin learning AI without a technical background or large budget• Practical ways to build confidence with emerging technologyAngelina also introduces the concept of "vibe coding" using one of the most relatable analogies I've ever heard. An Easy-Bake Oven. Just because something makes building easier doesn't mean you fully understand what's happening under the hood. And when businesses rely on AI-generated products without understanding security, ownership, compliance, or infrastructure, the consequences can be significant.Beyond technology, this conversation is about people.We discuss women entrepreneurs, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the mental load of leadership, charging what you're worth, and the importance of finding communities that challenge and support you. Angelina shares insights from her work with SheEO VIP and explains why connection remains one of the most valuable resources any leader can cultivate.If you're curious about artificial intelligence, concerned about where technology is heading, or looking for practical guidance on staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers both clarity and optimism.The future may be arriving faster than we expected, but as Angelina reminds us, staying human is still our greatest advantage.Connect with Angelina GrissomLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinagrissomSheEO VIPhttps://sheeovip.comAbout Angelina GrissomAngelina Grissom is a global technology leader, executive AI coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical innovation. Through her work helping organizations and leaders navigate artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, she empowers businesses to embrace innovation while maintaining a strong focus on people, trust, and responsible implementation. As the founder of SheEO VIP, Angelina also supports women entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, collaboration, and community-building initiatives designed to help women scale both their businesses and their confidence.#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #HonorableMensch #MeaningfulConversations #StoriesThatMatter #AngelinaGrissom #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIEducation #AIEthics #AISafety #DigitalLiteracy #FutureOfWork #AIForBusiness #WomenInTech #WomenWhoLead #SheEOVIP #InnovationWithHeart #LeadershipMatters #EntrepreneurMindset #TechForGood #HumanCenteredLeadership #FutureReady #CommunityLeadership #JaxPodcast #Jacksonville If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →What If We Judged Women’s Greatness Without A Different Lens? My Guest: Donna Orender
2w ago00:43:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when a player puts up a once-in-a-generation stat line and still gets overlooked?That question sparked this conversation with Donna Orender, one of the most influential voices in sports, business, and women's leadership. It also reveals something deeper about the way women's achievements have often been evaluated through a different lens.In this episode, Donna shares her journey from New York athlete to professional basketball player, sports executive, WNBA President, entrepreneur, and founder. We discuss the early days of women's professional sports, the challenges of building leagues before the world was ready to invest in them, and why progress is almost always driven by people willing to show up before recognition arrives.Donna also shares the vision behind Generation W and the importance of creating environments where women and girls can see what is possible for themselves before the world tells them otherwise.Whether you're passionate about sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, or creating meaningful change, this episode is a reminder that progress often begins with the courage to step onto a court, into a boardroom, or into a conversation where you don't yet see yourself represented.Learn MoreGeneration WGeneration WUpshot LeagueThe Upshot LeagueAbout Donna OrenderDonna Orender is a former professional basketball player, business executive, author, and nationally recognized advocate for women's leadership. She served as President of the WNBA from 2005 to 2010, helping guide a period of significant growth and visibility for women's professional basketball. Following her tenure, she founded Generation W, a platform dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and advancing women through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Through her work across sports, business, and philanthropy, Donna continues to champion opportunities that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #MeaningfulConversations #JacksonvilleVoices #DonnaOrender#GenerationW #UpshotLeague #WomenInSports #WNBA #TitleIX#WomenLeaders #InvestInWomensSports #SportsLeadership#ConfidenceMatters #BreakingBarriers #CommunityLeadership#PeopleWhoInspire #StoriesThatMatter #Changemakers #JaxPodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →How Does LOL Jax Turn Local Talent Into Community? My Guest: Monique Madrid, LOL Jax Film Festival, Filmmaker, Producer, Creative
2w ago00:47:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCities love to celebrate the things you can see. New buildings. New roads. New development. But the strongest infrastructure in any community may be the part that's invisible.The stories people tell. The risks they take. The collaborations that happen when creative people find one another and decide to build something together.In this episode I sit down with filmmaker, producer, festival organizer, and community builder Monique Madrid for a conversation about the creative heartbeat of Jacksonville and the people working behind the scenes to strengthen it.Monique shares her journey into filmmaking and event production, including the unexpected moments that led her to become one of the driving forces behind LOL Jax Film Festival. What began as a passion project has evolved into a growing creative ecosystem where independent film, comedy, music, artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses come together to create something larger than themselves.We also take a deep dive into the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, one of the most exciting creative challenges in Northeast Florida. Monique explains the high-energy kickoff, the required elements every team must include, the pressure of completing a film in just 48 hours, and why the experience has become a proving ground for both new and experienced filmmakers.Along the way, we explore lessons learned from producing events during COVID, adapting through uncertainty, and embracing what Monique describes as her "soft era" of leadership. One rooted in peace, boundaries, authenticity, and sustainable success.Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, filmmaker, community advocate, or someone looking for inspiration to take the next creative leap, this conversation offers practical insight and a powerful reminder that thriving communities are built by people willing to show up and create.Learn MoreLOL Jax Film FestivalLOL Jax Film FestivalJacksonville 48 Hour Film ProjectJacksonville 48 Hour Film ProjectAbout Monique MadridMonique Madrid is a Jacksonville-based filmmaker, producer, and arts advocate dedicated to strengthening Northeast Florida's creative community. Through her work with LOL Jax Film Festival and the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, she has helped create opportunities for emerging filmmakers, performers, and artists to showcase their work, build meaningful connections, and develop their craft. Passionate about collaboration, local storytelling, and supporting independent creators, Monique has become a respected leader within Jacksonville's growing film and arts ecosystem.#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #HonorableMensch #MeaningfulConversations #StoriesThatMatter #CommunityLeadership #PeopleWhoInspire #Changemakers#JacksonvilleVoices #NortheastFlorida #CommunityMatters#LeadershipMatters #PodcastLife #PodcastHost #JaxPodcast #MoniqueMadrid #LOLJax #LOLFilmFestival #LoveOurLocals#JaxFilm #JaxFilmScene #JacksonvilleFilm #FilmFestival#IndependentFilm #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #WomenFilmmakers#48HourFilmProject #CreativeCommunity #SupportLocalArtists#CreativeLeadership #StorytellingMatters #FilmMakersLife#ArtsAndCulture #CreateYourCommunityIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →How Do We Grow Jacksonville Without Leaving People Behind? My Guest: Jimmy Peluso, Jacksonville City Council
Jun 100:52:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCity Hall doesn’t feel dramatic until you realize a single vote can reshape a neighborhood for generations. We sit down with Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso to get past the headlines and into the decisions that actually change daily life: where investment lands, how development gets approved, why some communities thrive while others get ignored, and what it takes to build trust when residents have heard big promises before. We talk leadership through the lens of service. Jimmy shares how the Navy taught him to learn fast in uncomfortable situations, earn respect, and then teach the next person, and how that approach carries into local politics through consistency, responsiveness, and showing up more than once. From community benefit agreements tied to the stadium deal to practical fixes that speed up drainage projects, he explains what wins look like when government is doing its job quietly and well. Housing affordability takes center stage, with a clear-eyed look at why “Jacksonville is affordable” can be true on paper and still feel false on the ground. We dig into tenant protections, the idea of a tenant ombudsman, a landlord registry that helps renters see code compliance history, and the need for better data on corporate ownership and rising prices. We also explore missing middle housing, TIF districts for home repair in legacy neighborhoods, homelessness services, and why light rail and smart infill planning can shape a healthier, more connected city over the next decade. If you care about city council, urban planning, tenant rights, affordable housing, homelessness, transportation, and what community-centered growth actually requires, this conversation is for you. To reach Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso (District 7), use the official contact details below: Official City Hall OfficePhone Number: (904) 255-5207Email Address: JPeluso@coj.netMailing Address: 117 W. Duval St., Suite 425, Jacksonville, FL 32202 District 7 StaffExecutive Council Assistant: Brooks DameAssistant Phone Number: (904) 255-5135Assistant Email: bdame@coj.netOnline and Social MediaCampaign & Political Site: jimmyforjax.comOfficial Facebook Page: Councilman Jimmy Peluso on FacebookTo check further council updates or meetings, verify details directly through the Jacksonville City Council Members page.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →Are We Awake to the Needs Around Us? My Guest: Colleen Rodriguez, CEO of LJD Jewish Family & Community Services
Jun 100:45:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA rent increase doesn’t sound like a siren, but it can be the first crack that breaks a family’s whole scaffolding. Today we sit with that uncomfortable truth and follow it where it leads: to grocery checkout lines, week-to-week hotel rooms, kids trying to hide the same outfit, and seniors on fixed incomes forced to choose between food and medication.I’m joined by returning guest Colleen Rodriguez, CEO of LJD Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) in Northeast Florida. Colleen walks us through what she’s seeing right now in Jacksonville and beyond: the “invisible middle” of ALICE families who are employed but one emergency away from free fall, the rapid growth of homelessness among parents with young children and seniors, and how food insecurity changes depending on whether someone has a kitchen, a microwave, or nothing at all. We even get practical about what actually helps at a food pantry and how to get involved at www.jfcsjax.org including volunteer opportunities and teen foster care birthday lunches.We also connect the dots between affordable housing, out-of-state landlords, and eviction diversion programs that can keep kids in the same school and families in the same home. Then we go deeper into the mental health impact of financial stress and the shame that keeps people from asking for help, plus small, discreet ways communities can support children through schools. Finally, Colleen explains how wraparound services work, and why unrestricted giving to one of the most respected agencies in our community can provide immediate assistance that leads to generational impact.If today's conversation inspires you, I encourage you to learn more about JFCS, volunteer, advocate, or make a donation. Every dollar helps provide food, counseling, emergency assistance, foster care support, senior services, and life-changing programs throughout Northeast Florida.Donate today at:The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services Donation PageLearn more about their work:JFCS Jacksonville Official WebsiteThe work of The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services isn't about solving a single problem. It's about strengthening the foundation that allows people to build stable, healthy, and hopeful lives.Since 1917, JFCS has quietly become one of Northeast Florida's most important safety nets, serving children, families, seniors, veterans, foster youth, Holocaust survivors, and individuals facing food insecurity, housing instability, mental health challenges, and financial hardship. Their mission is simple but profound: helping people help themselves. Whether it's keeping a family housed through eviction diversion, stocking pantry shelves for neighbors experiencing hunger, supporting foster children as they transition into adulthood, providing counseling during life's darkest moments, or educating future generations through Holocaust education and intolerance prevention programs, JFCS meets people where they are and helps them move forward with dignity. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
Transcribe →When One Mission Ends, How Do You Find the Next One? My Guest: Alexa Jenkins, The Periwinkle Crayon
Jun 100:36:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTitles change fast. Identity changes slower. And when you’ve spent years living inside a mission, walking away can feel like you’re leaving part of yourself behind. I’m joined- for the third time- by Alexa Jenkins, former United States Navy commander, a wife and mom who’s now building her next chapter in the corporate world. We get honest about what “reinvention” actually looks like when it’s not a social media makeover, but a real reset of purpose, confidence, and community.Check out the two previous episodes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2041024/episodes/12176107-what-do-pirate-hunting-and-personal-connection-have-in-common-my-guest-alexa-jenkins-united-states-navy-commander.mp3?download=truehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2041024/episodes/13372521-does-personal-leadership-style-impact-public-connection-my-guest-commander-alexa-jenkins-united-states-navy.mp3?download=trueAlexa shares the surprising thing she prioritized most during her military to civilian transition: culture. Not prestige. Not the perfect job title. Culture. We talk about how to find the “ocean” where you thrive, why veterans- and plenty of civilians- get trapped in credentials they don’t even want, and how one person’s belief in you can unlock your next role. Along the way, she breaks down the debrief mindset the military trains so well and why that skill becomes a powerful tool for corporate leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.We also dig into the uncomfortable reality of veteran employment, including the stat that 63% of veterans are underemployed or unemployed, and what needs to change in awareness, hiring, and self-assessment. Alexa explains how SkillBridge can help, how to translate military experience into business value, and why she talked to 200+ people through cold outreach to learn industries from the inside. We close with reflections on service, “The Watch,” the whiplash of swapping deployments for PTO sign-ups. This episodes Honorable Mensch spotlight on Jonathan Richmond, Director of Mission United at United Way of Northeast Florida.https://unitedwaynefl.org/mission-unitedIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.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!
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