Food, Family, & Philanthropy
Hello and welcome to Food, Family, and Philanthropy, the podcast that combines my passions for real estate, family, food, sports, and most importantly, giving back to the community. I'm Michael Nathanson, and for nearly two decades, I've been working in the real estate business in beautiful South Florida. Throughout my career, I have found that the most rewarding experiences are those that involve giving back to the community. And that's why I decided to create this podcast: to explore how we can all make a difference through the many aspects of our lives. Whether it's supporting local businesses, connecting with loved ones, or getting involved in philanthropic endeavors, I believe we all have the power to positively impact the world. In each episode, I'll be joined by amazing guests – from restaurant owners to real estate professionals, to family members, friends, and mentors. We will discuss how we can use our passions and resources to create meaningful change in our communities. And, of course, we'll indulge in some delicious food along the way! So, whether you're a foodie, a philanthropist, a sports fan, or just someone who wants to make a difference in the world, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and let's explore the many ways we can positively impact the world through food, family, and philanthropy!
Episodes
In this special year end episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson looks back on the inspiring nonprofit leaders who pulled up a chair to share how they are changing lives. Michael revisits powerful conversations with organizations like Nations of Coaches, Sofia’s Hope, Denim and Diamonds, the YMCA of Boca Raton, Friends of Foster Children, Impact Achievement Learning Center, Military Recreational Divers In...
On this episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson sits down with Jim Good, regional director for Nations of Coaches, to explore how investing in coaches transforms entire teams and communities. Jim shares how this nonprofit ministry walks alongside college basketball coaches across the country with character coaches, faith based support, leadership training, and even marriage retreats designed to strengthen...
In this episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, Michael Nathanson sits down with Jamie Doherty, president and CTO of R2 Unified Technologies, for a conversation that blends food, family, sports, and heartfelt purpose.
Jamie shares his favorite Boca restaurants, unforgettable sports memories, and what it’s like raising kids, becoming an empty nester, and coaching in the community.
He then opens up about his deep commitment to Sofi...
On this episode of Food, Family & Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson sits down with Bryan Hunt, Executive Director of the Peter Blum YMCA in Boca Raton, to explore how a true community hub changes lives. Bryan shares his Jamaican roots and food memories, favorite local spots, and why family dinners matter. Then the conversation turns to impact: youth sports and coaching, teen leadership, swim lessons that lead to the swim tea...
Michael sits down with Jane Richardson, executive director of Friends of Foster Children, for a heart first conversation about building stability and joy for kids in Palm Beach County. Jane shares her path into nonprofit leadership and the programs that meet families where they are, including kinship navigators for relatives who step in overnight, a fatherhood program for dads learning to parent, and navigating adulthood support fo...
We pull up a chair with Tamika Taylor, founder of Impact Achievement Learning Center, whose mission is to give every child a safe place to be seen, supported, and taught to read with confidence. We talk favorites from Lemongrass’s Sex on the Moon roll to taco spots and the perfect chicken wing partner, then shift to family and sports as Tamika shares proud moments from raising four sons, including a New England Patriot. From phonic...
Michael sits down with Monica Hadvigerova, founder of Military Recreational Divers, Inc., to explore how ocean therapy and scuba bring healing, resilience, and community to veterans living with PTSD and other invisible wounds. We trace Monica’s journey from pro tennis to combat sports to service, hear the story of her husband’s path from Desert Storm to recovery through the water, and learn how monthly dive charters create connecti...
In this inspiring episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson welcomes Jessica Williams, Etsy Manager at Her 2nd Chance, a nonprofit based in Boca Raton that empowers women in recovery through paid employment, personal growth, and community support.
Jessica shares how the organization provides a one year program rooted in healing and skill building, helping women rediscover confidence and stability through mean...
When Diana Sierra first walked into what would become Boca School for Autism, she planned to volunteer. What happened next? A two-minute tour turned into a two-hour conversation that completely changed her life—and the lives of dozens of families. In this episode, we go beyond the classroom to explore how Diana created a school rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and hands-on learning that’s reshaping what education can look like for...
Michelle Hendricks went from backyard gardening to leading a movement that’s transforming how South Florida connects with nature. As president of Friends of Loxahatchee, she’s on a mission to protect one of the last wild pieces of the Everglades—while planting seeds of conservation in the next generation. In this inspiring episode, Michelle shares how teen ranger camps, community education, and a whole lot of heart are reshaping th...
In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with John Sawdon, Outreach Coordinator at The Volen Center, a powerhouse nonprofit supporting seniors across South Florida. From dementia care and adult day programs to intergenerational playdates and 6,000 monthly meals, John gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how one organization is redefining elder care with compassion, connection, and ...
In this heart-centered and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Sherry "Shadelle" Henry, the dynamic Executive Director of the HAB Center in Boca Raton. With warmth, wisdom, and a little Jamaican spice (literally!), Sherry shares the personal and professional journey that led her to champion adults with developmental differences and mental health challenges. From her family roots in Jamaica to her husband’s lovingly prep...
In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, host Michael welcomes real estate visionary and humanitarian Frank McKinney for a powerful conversation about passion, perseverance, and purpose. From building multi-million-dollar oceanfront estates to creating self-sustaining villages in Haiti, Frank shares how his unconventional journey—from juvenile detention to ultra-marathon finishes—shaped his missi...
In this inspiring episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with Shanna St. John — Executive Director of Nat King Cole Generation Hope — to uncover how she's turning music into a powerful tool for education, healing, and community impact. From her early days in high-end retail to spearheading some of the region’s most meaningful nonprofits, Shanna shares her personal journey and how a lunch meeting with Nat King C...
What if losing your sight didn’t mean losing your independence? In this must-listen episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with Lisa Stella, Executive Director of Lighthouse for the Blind, to uncover how cutting-edge technology and community programs are empowering the visually impaired to thrive. From AI-powered glasses to culinary training for blind chefs, Lisa shares the incredible ways her organization is changi...
In this heartfelt episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we sit down with Eric Robey, former South Florida news anchor turned CEO of the Fuller Center. With a mission to support underprivileged families, Eric shares how the center provides early childhood education, family empowerment programs, and critical resources to help children and parents thrive.
We discuss the rising cost of childcare, the challenges facing working famil...
Welcome to 2025's first episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, where we kick off the "Year of the Non-Profit" with a heartwarming and deeply inspiring conversation with Lisa Murphy, CEO of Open Hearts for Orphans. Lisa’s journey, fueled by love, loss, and an unshakable faith, has transformed the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children around the globe. From her family’s own adoption experiences to building a no...
In this memorable finale of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, host Michael Nathanson wraps up 2024 with a bang alongside special guest David Serle—real estate leader, podcast host, and longtime friend. This episode dives deep into stories of friendship, forgiveness, and fun, exploring everything from the best steaks in Tampa to fantasy football grudges and the lessons learned from unspoken expectations.
Michael and David sha...
In this captivating episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, Eitan Esan serves up a feast of stories that blend humor, wisdom, and heart. From crafting mouthwatering kosher dishes like lamb bacon to tailgating with the legendary Bills Mafia, Eitan shares how his passions for food, sports, and family intersect to create a life of meaning and impact.
Discover how Eitan balances his role as a financial advisor with his dedication to ...
This episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy features Debbie Levine, CEO of the Boca Raton Police Foundation, as she shares her impactful journey of creating positive change and supporting her community. Debbie discusses her vital role in initiatives like “Breakfast with the Chief” and raising funds for retired police K9s, all while giving back through causes close to her heart, including Myla’s Belief, a foundation dedicated to ...
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