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 or call 561-383-9800.

Contact Michael Nathanson:
Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com
Website: https://soldbythebros.com/

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. 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/

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/