Palm Beach County Perspective

PALM BEACH COUNTY is arguably the greatest place to live, work, learn and raise a family. However, many of our urban communities are showing signs of their lack of attention. To reverse the decline, redevelopment has been the most effective method for updating and improving the urban environment. My guest today, Steven Michael, CEO of Banyan Group, has proven to be a visionary in urban development, Steven was instrumental in pioneering the revitalization of Atlantic Avenue west of Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. His early leadership sparked the significant growth that continues to shape this burgeoning market. Steven and I talk about the importance of redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of our community and to attract investment. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY, like the rest of the country, has seen life changed (and continuing to change) in the shadows of a world pandemic (which put a pause on our lives for over a year), smartphones (which, it could be argued, have rewired the brains of the Gen-Z generation), and, perhaps most impactful, the burgeoning technology of Artificial Intelligence. How this is changing the way people communicate, interrelate and think is truly important to understand. My guest in this episode, himself, a Gen-Z’er, is Ethan MacCowan. Normally, he acts as a producer here at Podpouli, the studio in Boca Raton where we’ve been recording our episodes for the last few years. It is interesting to hear how he perceives the dynamics of these events on him as a member of a group of individuals becoming viewed as the “Anxious Generation,” with good reason! Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY prides itself on being a great place to live, work and play. The fact is, some parts of our community are in need of an upgrade. Communities like Boca Raton, which is currently celebrating its centennial anniversary, have recognized the need to redevelop blighted areas to attract visitors and residents. My guest for this episode is Scott Brenner. Scott has over 35 years of experience in South Florida's commercial real estate market. He excels in commercial development, property management, brokerage, receivership, and banking. Scott and I talk about the importance of redevelopment to keep pace with the needs of our community and to attract investment. After focusing on the areas adjacent to Mizner Park, attention is now focused on the “municipal campus,” a 30 acre area including an antiquated City Hall complex. Listen to the plans air redevelopment of this area incorporating municipal, residential and commercial development along with green spaces for residents to enjoy. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY prides itself on providing a nurturing environment for our children. In previous episodes we’ve addressed educational opportunities available and explored the challenges posed by food insecurity and homelessness. My guest today, Renée Layman, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with almost thirty years of experience in mental health. As President and Chief Executive Officer for Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) since 2013, she has spearheaded significant initiatives in child and family mental health–specifically related to trauma-informed care and the prevention, awareness, and healing of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Layman, was recently appointed as President of Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. As a children’s mental health leader in our community, Renée has a legacy of promoting and protecting the mental health of children. She is a passionate advocate for child and family mental health, bringing innovative programs and services for some of the most pressing issues facing vulnerable children and families in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, Center for Child Counseling has grown to fill critical gaps in children’s mental health in Palm Beach County, using a public health approach that focuses on prevention and early intervention. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.

PALM BEACH COUNTY offers an abundance of educational opportunities for our children. As a community, we must ensure we provide a solid foundation of education for our children to allow them to thrive and achieve to their full potential. My guest, Monica Gupta, brings a unique perspective, forged in the intensity of the courtroom and tempered by the joys and challenges of raising children. As a former prosecutor and attorney, she's driven by a deep desire to equip the next generation with the tools for critical thinking and resilience. Listen to our conversation focused on this important topic.