Schmooze with Suze

How do we bridge the gap between faith and politics, particularly when elections pull us in different directions? Join me, as I chat with Cantor Jesse Holzer from the Jacksonville Jewish Center about the art of loving our neighbors despite our differences. 

Inspired by the wisdom of the Psalms, we examine how historical narratives can guide us in expanding our concept of family and community. During this holiday season, we...

What happens when the ancient values of hospitality and community-building meet modern-day education? 

Join me, as I explore this with Sel Buyuksarac, co-founder of the River City Science Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Sel's journey from engineering to education brings to life the power of systems, emphasizing kindness and inclusion as powerful spiritual expressions. Discover how Sel’s upbringing in a family of edu...

From the tumultuous political narratives surrounding the Israeli-Gaza conflict to free speech challenges in university settings, this episode  ventures into today's most pressing issues post the recent election. Hear stories of protests, disruptions, and the need for ethical leadership in a polarized society. With insights into political strategy and pragmatic leadership, this episode is a compelling call to build bridges and ...

In the heart of Jacksonville, where the St. Johns River flows and the vibrant spirit of the community thrives, the Jacksonville Business Journal weaves together the stories of entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries who shape the city's landscape with each printed page and digital pulse,

As the Journal celebrates milestones like its 40th anniversary, it champions the entrepreneurial journey, providing the resources and recog...

Nestled in the heart of downtown Jacksonville lies a park steeped in history and cultural significance. Originally established as a public square in the 19th century, the park has witnessed the evolution of the city and has served as a gathering place for generations. Throughout its history, the park has been a focal point for community engagement, reflecting the spirit of the city. 

Also, when you move to Jacksonville wit...

Transitioning from the familiar to the unknown can be daunting, especially  during our formative years. Whether faith and community were once at the center of our education, or it becomes a new space in which to find more ways to connect on a deeper lever, college campuses have often been at the heart of spiritual journeys. My first excursion away from my regularly scheduled programming of prayer was on a college campus, in fact, w...

Imagine a world where shattered pieces become the foundation of strength and beauty. Visual artist and cultural storyteller Elena Øhlander shares her experience with Kintsugi, revealing the profound lessons it imparts about identity and self-acceptance. Our conversation weaves through the complex threads of the experienced cultural diaspora, societal perceptions, and historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on how embrac...

After two years, and five seasons, I can finally say, let's follow up.

I share an intimate conversation with Colleen Rodriguez, Executive Director of the LJD Jewish Family and Community Services of Jacksonville- my first guest from my first episode. We tackle the topics we touched on then, that still trigger both of us today and reflect on the evolution of community support over the past 35 years, particularly focusi...

I'm not much of a party person. The reason I tell you this is because I will be turning 50 in two years and I'm starting to emotionally plan... to mentally prepare... to pull off the party I've always wanted, "Schmoozapalooza!" 

I have been screen-shotting ideas for months. 

The thing is I've never gotten to have MY party- or a memorable celebration- for ME. There have been get togeth...

What if the secret to aging gracefully lies not in drastic measures, but in understanding and embracing the nuances of your unique beauty? This episode opens a candid dialogue about my own experiences with aesthetic enhancements and the pivotal role that informed choices and consultations play in achieving harmonious results. My transformative experience with Audrey, our guest expert who masterfully blends science and artistry in h...

What if artificial intelligence could revolutionize cancer treatment and make life-saving therapies more accessible worldwide? Join us on "Schmooze with Suze" for an enlightening conversation with Travis Wold, a visionary in the medical biotech sector. You'll discover how AI is accelerating cancer mutation detection, transforming the landscape of healthcare, and how Travis's entrepreneurial spirit is enabling ae...

Join me as I recount my biggest failure from the Suzie Sucks Scrapbook! 

Serendipity meant for me to keep this for 15 years until I met these two modern muses, who inspired me to realize that bravery, creativity and resilience are a necessity for building, collaboration and reinvention. 

Welcome to the vibrant world of Kady Yellow 💛 and Haley Wright Tinkle 💝 where innovation meets artistry and passion fuels ever...

Back in the 1900s, my dad would set up the dining room table "one night, once a year for David, the insurance guy." There were manila folders and legal pads, different pens- and one of the four-clicker-color-kinds. This insurance meeting was so serious that there were two different kinds of Stella D'oro treats and an Entenmann's coffee cake. We were also instructed to stay upstairs... which meant I had to listen...

I start this episode by calling him "Reverend."  He corrects me, "Pastor."
I am sincerely sorry. He is graciously forgiving.
I made an honest mistake without malicious intent.
We move on to a meaningful conversation.

When I was little, we knew what racists were. There were enough people of different colors and different languages, from different parts of the globe, on East 5th Street that ...

Following the events of October 7, 2023, I feared that all of the work I had done to become a cycle-breaker would become derailed. The propaganda filled images and messages seemed like they were unleashed concurrent with the atrocities upon my Homeland. I worried I would lean into the devastation, my very real and growing fear, and perhaps the fury that was simmering beneath the confusion at all the noise. 

So before I sco...

I can remember the first person I blocked on social media.

She unabashedly took to my comments to give unsolicited feedback, judgment and suggestions. She wrote that I was sharing too much personal information and I would never find a husband if I kept this up. She complained that I should show a better version of myself online “like everyone else.”

And I remember calling my sister to complain about it. 
“Mommy is being so mean t...

Back in the 1900s, as a child of immigrants to the United States, I remember always having to learn it on my own. My parents weren't familiar with American cultural norms and my world was pretty narrow. If I wanted to understand how private school girls acted, I watched "The Facts of Life." When it was time for high school, thankfully, "Beverly Hills 90210" launched. 

But when college came around, ...

Back in the 1900s there was a period of time that you could not safely stroll the streets of Manhattan for fear. 

I’m not talking about the high profile cases that made the news. Those weren’t the things that scared me. Violence that had statistics meant there were people following and tracking those crimes and those criminals. Also, money was invested into researching ways to avoid becoming a statistic.  

But for me, the r...

Growing up in New York City meant I was exposed to all kinds of ethnicities, cultures and religions. Except Baptist- I don't think I ever met a Baptist.

And the more I knew about every other- because I studied them relentlessly with curiosity, along with my Catholic best friend Mary Beth- the more knowledgeable I felt. The interfaith world was an easy one. But my own...?
The confusion was tough, the judgment was ...