Heard Mentality

#023 - Michael Mayo

In this episode of Heard Mentality, we sit down with Mike Mayo, co-founder of the Facebook group “Let’s Eat, South Florida” and host of Mike Mayo’s Lunchbox. Known for highlighting the best of the South Florida food scene, Mike brings a deeper, more personal perspective to the table in this conversation. Drawing from his time as a columnist for the Sun Sentinel, Mike shares his long-standing connection to mental health advocacy, including his work exposing the gaps in resources and disparities in treatment for those facing mental illness and addiction. He also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his perspective, losing his brother to schizophrenia after years of institutionalization, and witnessing the toll that addiction and mental health struggles have taken on the hospitality industry and the people in it. This episode goes beyond food; It’s about community, awareness, and the often-unspoken realities behind the scenes.

#022 - Michael Salmon

Michael Salmon's journey as a chef is rooted in a deep respect for simple, seasonal food. After studying at the Culinary Institute of America, he honed his skills at top spots like the 21 Club and Arcadia in New York, where he embraced the farm-to-table philosophy. He’s cooked for icons like Jackie O and Uma Thurman, and was even a guest chef at the James Beard House. He was season 3 finalist on Next Food Network Star and Food Network Restaurant Challenge.

#021 - Joe Durkin

Joe Durkin is a South Florida–based hospitality and experiential events leader known for creating large-scale lifestyle festivals at the intersection of beverage, culture, and community. With a background in brand partnerships, growth strategy, and guest experience, he specializes in building immersive events that deliver high-energy, thoughtfully curated experiences. He is the co-founder of The Tequila Festival, a signature spirits event blending premium tequila and mezcal, live music, and culinary activations, and co-founder of AltBev Expo, a next-generation trade and consumer show spotlighting functional, alternative, and non-alcoholic beverages. He is also involved with Terp Basel, a culture-forward event during Miami Art Week that fuses art, cannabis, music, and immersive brand activations. Beyond events, Durkin served as Head Distiller and Chief Operations Officer of South Florida Distillers Inc., leading production, product development, and operations for the craft distillery. He was also affiliated with Harpke’s Farms, supporting agricultural initiatives that extend his work into the farm-to-glass space. Across his ventures, Durkin develops experiential platforms that elevate emerging beverage categories while fostering meaningful industry and community connections.

#020 - Adam Baron

Adam Baron was one of the top junior tennis players in the United States, dedicating his early years to competing at the highest levels of the sport. His passion for tennis led him to continue his career at Florida State University, where he played collegiate tennis while earning his degree. After college, Adam shifted his focus from the court to the classroom, earning his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. He went on to spend 15 years practicing law, building a successful career in the legal profession. But tennis was never far from his roots. Eventually, Adam found his way back to the sport through his family’s legacy. Alongside his brother Ivan and his father, Mark Baron, he now helps run the Delray Beach Open as it enters its 34th year. The Delray Beach Open has become a staple in the professional tennis world, blending world-class competition with an electric South Florida atmosphere. Known for attracting top ATP talent, the tournament offers fans an intimate, up-close experience with the sport’s biggest stars. Beyond the matches, the event delivers a vibrant mix of hospitality, community engagement, and entertainment — making it one of the most unique stops on the tennis calendar. From junior tennis standout to attorney to tournament executive, Adam’s journey has come full circle, returning to the game that first shaped his competitive spirit and now helping elevate one of the premier events in professional tennis.

#019 - Max Lennon & Zach Pecoraro

Zach Pecoraro was born and raised in New York State. Zach grew up with a passion for trying new foods and the outdoors. He has been living in South Florida for the past 4 years. Consistently trying to progress and grow within the hospitality industry. He is the General Manager of Avalon Beach House in Delray Beach, Florida. Born and raised in upstate New York , Max Lennon now calls South Florida home, bringing his passion for restaurants and hospitality to life. Avalon Beach House is your go-to dining destination in the heart of downtown Delray Beach. We draw inspiration from the sun-soaked boardwalks and laid-back beachside bars and SURF SHACKS of America’s East Coast, from Maine to Miami. Their menu bursts with creative share plates and a mouth-watering array of char-grilled meats, fresh local seafood, and vibrant, seasonal vegetables. From the bar, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, ice-cold beers, and a handpicked selection of wines that perfectly complement your meal.    Whether you're dropping by for a relaxed lunch, a delightful dinner, or a late-night indulgence (with the kitchen open until 2 AM), they’ve got every craving covered.