In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Ali Kaufman, the visionary Founder and CEO of Space of Mind (SOM), a groundbreaking educational initiative that’s redefining what it means to learn. Ali has spent years crafting a school environment where academics and life skills go hand-in-hand, cultivating creativity, self-discovery, and social learning in an innovative and engaging way.

Ali's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a relentless problem-solver and idea-maker, she founded Space of Mind in 2004 with the mission of helping students (and people of all ages) get "uncluttered and unstuck" while embracing their unique strengths. Guided by her own experience navigating the world, Ali's vision for education goes beyond traditional test scores—she believes in empowering individuals to be their best, not the best.

With a background in management, communications, public service, and youth programming, Ali’s holistic approach to education is informed by her deep commitment to social justice and community-building. In this episode, Ali opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of creating “social homeschooling,” and the moments of inspiration and frustration that shape her work.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about innovative approaches to learning, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and lessons that will leave you thinking differently about the future of education. Don’t miss Ali’s reflections on how her work is sparking change in communities and helping students thrive in ways that go far beyond the classroom.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Shaina Wizov, the dynamic voice behind Take A Bite Out of Boca, your go-to guide for all things South Florida. From the best restaurants and wellness brands to hidden gems in local shopping and fitness, Shaina has her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the community. For over a decade, she’s been the trusted resource for locals and visitors alike, offering expert recommendations and insider knowledge that make her a must-follow for anyone looking to explore the vibrant scene of Boca Raton and beyond.

After moving to South Florida, she quickly became enchanted by the local food scene, and Take A Bite Out of Boca was born. What started as a personal blog has since evolved into a platform where Shaina shares authentic reviews, event coverage, and valuable insights, all while supporting local businesses and showcasing her love for South Florida’s thriving culture.

In addition to content creation, Shaina excels at connecting people to brands, businesses, and experiences they’ll love. Whether it’s hosting events, providing social media strategies, or driving visibility for brands, Shaina’s ability to attract and engage audiences is second to none. She’s also an advocate for healthy living, openly sharing her journey with food sensitivities and championing the importance of accessible alternatives for all.

Join us as Shaina shares her story of blending passion, work, and community to build a successful career in the world of blogging and digital marketing. This episode is packed with inspiration and insights for anyone looking to build their own brand or explore the world of food, fitness, and lifestyle.

In this episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Paul Gillespie, one of the most respected wrestling coaches in New York State history. With a career spanning decades, Paul has transformed the sport at the high school level, earning a reputation for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to his athletes. With a career coaching record of 540-127-2, Paul’s influence goes beyond the mat—he’s shaped lives, guided young athletes through their challenges, and built championship-caliber programs that have left a lasting impact.

Paul began his coaching journey in 1975 at Long Beach High School, where he turned a struggling wrestling program into one of the state’s best, winning 17 conference and Nassau County championships and coaching seven individual state champions. His commitment to developing athletes extended beyond the sport itself—he was known for recruiting students from the halls of the middle and high schools, serving as a mentor to many who needed guidance and confidence.

In addition to his work at Long Beach, Paul has coached at multiple schools, including Oceanside and Wantagh High Schools, where he continued to build on his success and develop youth programs that have influenced the next generation of wrestlers. His accolades include being named National High School Wrestling Scholastic Coach of the Year in 2013, Nassau County Coach of the Year nine times, and induction into the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Beyond wrestling, Paul has also made an incredible impact in his community. After serving as a lifeguard for over five decades, he retired as the Chief Lifeguard for the City of Long Beach. In his 15 years as chief, under his leadership, there were no drownings while lifeguards were on duty during beach season. His mantra, "Everyone that comes to the beach goes home from the beach," guided his approach to safety and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy of service and commitment to the community.

Join us as Paul reflects on his incredible journey, his approach to coaching and mentoring, and the ways wrestling has shaped his life and the lives of countless athletes. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, or someone inspired by the power of mentorship, this episode is full of wisdom and insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we’re joined by Madi Wald, a Metaphysical Minister and expert in the Transformative and Healing Arts. Madi has spent over a decade honing her practice and has been guiding individuals, couples, families, and organizations since 2018 to discover their truest selves and transform their lives. Her work revolves around the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, and how we can use that understanding to bring harmony and wellness into every area of our lives.

Through her approach, Madi teaches how the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health impacts our experience of life. She dives into the importance of nervous system regulation, helping us to restore balance and access the pure potential within. With an emphasis on the Universal and Metaphysical Laws, she encourages listeners to embrace their wholeness, align with their highest truth, and navigate life’s journey with intention and integrity.

Tune in to explore the power of self-awareness, the energy of the chakras, and how aligning our inner state can shift the course of our relationships, career, health, and beyond. If you’re ready to reconnect with your true essence and create lasting transformation, this episode is for you.

In this fifth episode of The Mindcast Show, we’re joined by Michael Salmon, a celebrated chef and the owner of the innovative restaurant, Flybird. Michael’s journey to becoming a Food Network Star is a testament to his culinary skill and unwavering passion for food. Known for his creative approach to cooking and his ability to connect with audiences, Michael opens up about his experiences on the Food Network and the lessons he learned from competing in one of the most high-pressure culinary environments.
As the founder of Flybird, Michael is redefining the way we think about chicken, creating a restaurant that is focused on flavor, quality, and sustainability. He shares the story behind Flybird’s rise and the challenges and rewards of launching a business in the highly competitive food industry. Beyond the kitchen, we discuss Michael’s views on food innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying true to one’s culinary roots while adapting to the changing tastes of consumers.
Tune in for an insightful and flavorful conversation with a chef who’s blending passion and creativity to make a mark in the food world. From his rise in the culinary world, working for New York's mayor Ed Koch, to the creation of Flybird, Michael offers valuable insights on how to turn your passion into a thriving business.

In this fourth episode of The Mindcast Show, we sit down with Jameel McCline, a former professional boxer who fought for the world heavyweight title an incredible four times. Known for his resilience and determination, Jameel shares his journey through the ring, discussing his battles with some of the sport’s most formidable champions, including Wladimir Klitschko, Chris Byrd, Nikolai Valuev, and Samuel Peter. Despite never clinching a world title, Jameel’s career is defined by his victories over top contenders like Michael Grant, Lance Whitaker, Al Cole, Cedric Boswell, and Shannon Briggs. But his story doesn’t stop in the ring. Jameel opens up about the time he spent in some of the most notorious prisons in the U.S., including Attica and Sing Sing, and how those experiences shaped his outlook on life and boxing. In this candid conversation, he talks about the highs and lows of his career, the mental toughness required to face the sport’s elite, and what life after retirement looks like. We also dive into Jameel’s current ventures, where he’s now applying his unique perspective and problem-solving skills in the world of artificial intelligence. Tune in for an inspiring and raw discussion on perseverance, the grit of a fighter, overcoming life’s toughest challenges, and embracing innovation in today’s tech-driven world.

In this third episode of The Mindcast Show, we sit down with Sam Avery Miller, a talented musician, songwriter, audio engineer, and producer. With a passion for guitar ignited by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Sam has honed his craft over the years, working behind the scenes in audio engineering, mixing, and mastering for renowned artists such as Jimmy Vivino, Will Lee, and Joe Bonamassa.

As the Music Director at Space of Mind, Sam shares his expertise in music production and performance, helping students refine their skills and discover their unique artistic voices through the process of self-expression and artistic growth. He also plays a crucial role in creating The Mindcast Show! From research to recording, editing and production, he guides students through every step of the podcast process.

Join us for an insightful conversation about Sam’s journey in music, the art of production, and the impact of education in shaping the next generation of artists.

In this second episode of The Mindcast Show, we sit down with Marci Rex, a dedicated homicide prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. With over two decades of experience, Marci shares her journey from law school at the University of Florida to handling high-stakes homicide cases. In this insightful conversation, she opens up about the emotional and professional challenges she faces while working in criminal justice, her perspective on the criminal justice system, and how she navigates the complexities of her demanding role. We dive into her experiences working with law enforcement, the pressure of public interest cases, and how she continues to stay motivated in such a tough field. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on law, justice, and the realities of being on the frontlines of the legal system.