Ep. 51 - Frank Ramos on Water Contamination and the Future of Clean Water

Ep. 52 - How Love Serving Autism Is Changing Lives Through Tennis

Finding the right place for a child with autism to feel included isn't always easy. That's exactly why Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Founder and Executive Director of Love Serving Autism, and Mara Friedman, Coach and Therapist Outreach Coordinator, have dedicated their work to creating welcoming sports programs where every athlete has the opportunity to grow. Michael Nathanson sits down with Lisa and Mara to talk about how Love Serving Autism has expanded across the country through tennis, pickleball, and padel while helping participants build communication skills, confidence, friendships, and independence. They share how speech therapy and adaptive coaching work together on the court, why evidence-based programming matters, and the life-changing impact these programs have on children, adults, and their families. The conversation also explores the organization's 10-year journey, the importance of trained coaches and volunteers, upcoming expansion, fundraising efforts, and why access to inclusive sports has never been more important. Along the way, they share stories about family, favorite restaurants, music, tennis, and the passion that continues to drive their mission forward. If you'd like to support Love Serving Autism, learn about volunteer opportunities, attend the annual gala, or help expand inclusive programming, this conversation is a great place to start. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 51 - Frank Ramos on Water Contamination and the Future of Clean Water

Most of us never think twice about turning on the tap. But what if the water we rely on every day contains far more than we realize? Michael Nathanson sits down with Frank Ramos, Founder and CEO of Save the Water, to discuss the growing challenges surrounding water quality, contamination, and public awareness. Frank shares his remarkable journey from immigrating to the United States from Cuba to becoming a chemical engineer, environmental advocate, and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to identifying and removing harmful contaminants from water sources. The conversation explores the Everglades Clean Drinking Water Initiative, forever chemicals, endocrine disruptors, water testing, and the science behind protecting drinking water for future generations. Frank also reflects on family, a 60-year marriage, volunteerism, fishing, community involvement, and why clean water is one of the most important issues facing our world today. Whether you're concerned about environmental protection, public health, water quality, or simply want to learn how one person can make a lasting impact, this conversation offers an eye-opening look at a resource many of us take for granted. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/] Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 50 - Protecting Children and Strengthening Families with HomeSafe CEO Matthew Ladika and COO Amanda Stone

When thousands of children and families in Palm Beach County hit a crisis, HomeSafe is often the first call. On this milestone 50th episode, host Michael Nathanson welcomes Matthew Ladika, CEO of HomeSafe, and Amanda Stone, LMHC, the organization's Chief Operations Officer, for a candid conversation about what it truly takes to protect children and rebuild lives in South Florida. Matthew walks through HomeSafe's full range of services: four specialized therapeutic group homes for youth with significant trauma histories across Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach; their domestic violence program Safety Net; and Pond Place, an independent living facility near Palm Beach State College for young adults aging out of the foster care system. In one small but telling moment from the episode, Matthew describes a young man from their program who stopped by the office on the way to his own high school graduation, needing someone to help him tie his tie. Amanda brings the clinical lens, talking about her background as a licensed mental health counselor and how a trauma-informed, strength-based philosophy shapes every program HomeSafe runs. The conversation also covers their Healthy Beginnings birth-to-five program, which reaches nearly every new family born in Palm Beach County, and a new initiative to help childcare directors and teachers better support children with challenging behaviors before they face expulsion. The episode also explores a shared connection to the Y: Matthew spent six years at YMCA of the USA in Chicago before coming to Palm Beach County, while host Michael Nathanson currently serves as board chair of the YMCA of Boca Raton and hosts Shoot for a Change, his annual two-day basketball fundraiser benefiting the Y's financial assistance program. HomeSafe's signature Classic Rock and Roll Party returns January 30, 2027 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, featuring Billy Joel guitarist Mike DelGuidice. Volunteers are welcome for Safety Net groups on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. To learn more or connect with HomeSafe, visit helphomesafe.org [http://helphomesafe.org/] or call 561-383-9800. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/] Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 49 - Why Laura Reiss Believes Kindness Starts With the Little Ones

What happens when a barefoot hippie mom moves to a community that feels cold and decides to do something about it? That's exactly how Laura Reiss, founder of Kindness Matters 365, got started — not with a grand plan, but with a simple afterschool program and a deep belief that if you reach kids early, you change everything. Michael and Laura cover a lot of ground in this one. They talk about the humble beginnings of Kindness Matters 365 at a Boca Raton elementary school, how the program has grown to reach schools across the United States and into Cameroon, Africa, and why Laura remains laser-focused on children over adults. She shares how the curriculum has evolved to include nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and monthly themes — and why she's watched the school bully walk out of a program as a leader. Laura also opens up about being nearly a year and a half sober, navigating menopause, and what it took to rebuild her own capacity for kindness from the inside out. The conversation winds through food, music (she's a hardcore Deadhead), marriage, parenting three grown daughters, and Michael's upcoming milestone of sending his son off to the University of Florida. Underneath all of it is a shared belief that kindness is a choice, community is everything, and small acts really do ripple outward. If you want to get involved with Kindness Matters 365 — as a volunteer, ambassador, or donor — visit km365.org [https://kindnessmatters365.org/]. Their next fundraising event is June 20th at Crazy Uncle Mike's in Boca Raton, 12 to 3 PM. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/] Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 48 - Fighting Hunger in Palm Beach County: Feeding South Florida’s Impact, Food Insecurity & How You Can Help

In this powerful episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we dive into the reality of food insecurity right here in Palm Beach County. Many assume South Florida is thriving—but behind the scenes, families are making impossible choices between rent and food. Host sits down with Tony Hopper of Feeding South Florida and advisory council member Kye Akavia to uncover how this organization is providing millions of meals, supporting over 250 nonprofit partners, and creating real solutions through programs like culinary job training. From eye-opening stories about hunger in our own neighborhoods to actionable ways you can make a difference, this episode highlights the true impact of community, compassion, and giving back. If you’ve ever wondered how to help—or why it matters more than ever—this conversation will inspire you to take action. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/] Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]