Send us a text

What happens when passion meets purpose through unimaginable adversity? Allan and Lauren Cazal, the husband-wife team behind Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Cooper City, take us on an emotional journey through their love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and how it became their anchor during life's most challenging moments.

The Cazals pull back the curtain on what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu truly is—a grappling martial art focused on technique rather than brute strength, making it uniquely accessible to everyone regardless of size or physical ability. "Jiu-jitsu makes men realize they're not as strong as they think, and women realize they're more capable than they believe," Lauren explains, highlighting how the sport creates an environment where egos must be left at the door.

Their story takes a profound turn as they share how they opened their academy just days after experiencing the stillbirth of their son Leo at 39 weeks. Instead of allowing tragedy to derail their dreams, they channeled their grief into purpose, opening their doors on February 3rd with a commemorative sign that reads: "We roll here in his honor." Their vulnerability in sharing this journey reveals the healing power of community and how the Cooper City residents wrapped their arms around them during their darkest hour.

Whether you're considering martial arts for yourself or your children, curious about the origins of BJJ, or simply drawn to stories of human resilience, this episode delivers powerful insights on building strength both on and off the mats. As Allan reminds us, "The best time to try jiu-jitsu is when you're 8, and then yesterday"—so what are you waiting for?

Visit Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Timberlake Plaza, follow them on social media, visit their website www.renzograciecoopercity.com, or call 305-349-3815 to discover how this martial art might transform your life too.

Send us a text

When doctors told Dori Luzardo her autistic child would "never have a conversation" or "live much of a life," she faced a pivotal moment. Rather than accept this limiting prognosis, she channeled her 20 years of education experience and "stubborn genes" into creating something revolutionary: Angels Reach Foundation.

Established in 2004, this transformative nonprofit has since helped over 4,000 neurodivergent youth develop their unique potential in a world that often focuses on what they can't do rather than what they can. Their comprehensive approach spans K-12 education, therapy services, family resources, and innovative entrepreneurship programs that allow young adults with social challenges to build sustainable livelihoods while focusing on their natural talents.

What truly distinguishes Angels Reach is their unwavering belief that integration benefits everyone. When neurodivergent individuals learn alongside neurotypical peers, both groups flourish. The typically developing students gain invaluable leadership skills and emotional intelligence, while their neurodivergent peers develop social confidence in supportive environments. This philosophy challenges the persistent myth that separate education serves either group better.

Despite facing significant hardships—including the devastating loss of their permanent facility with just one day's notice—Angels Reach continues to expand their impact globally. Their current partnership with the government of Madrid demonstrates how their trademarked methodologies can transform inclusive practices across cultures.

The foundation operates with remarkable flexibility, establishing micro-schools and clinics within existing private institutions, offering remote learning options, and creating learning pods that require just five participants to launch. This adaptability allows them to meet families wherever they are, from Miami-Dade and Broward counties to international communities.

Discover how Angels Reach is creating a world without limiting labels by visiting angelsreach.org or angelsreachacademy.org. Their story reminds us that human potential knows no boundaries when communities truly embrace the value that everyone brings.

For more information call (305) 828-5276 or visit https://www.angelsreach.org/.

Send us a text

When passion for education meets entrepreneurial spirit, something remarkable happens. That's exactly what listeners discover in this candid conversation with Laura Felipe and Kayla Gomez, the mother-daughter powerhouse behind TutorZone – a rapidly expanding educational support company with four Florida locations opened in just four years.

Step inside their world as they reveal TutorZone's comprehensive educational offerings. Beyond traditional one-on-one tutoring with personalized learning plans, they provide convenient after-school programs with transportation, homework assistance, and snacks. Their innovative micro-schooling option essentially delivers homeschooling services for busy parents, complete with certified teachers and curriculum aligned to state standards. Most impressively, they've made these services accessible through Step Up scholarships, opening doors for families who might otherwise find private educational options financially out of reach.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Laura and Kayla discuss the dynamics of running a family business. They acknowledge occasional heated discussions when perspectives differ but emphasize how their shared mission ultimately strengthens their bond. They tackle common misconceptions about tutoring head-on, particularly the expectation of "magical" instant results rather than understanding education as a consistent process requiring patience. Their message to parents hesitating to seek help resonates deeply: "It's better to start now than wait until it's too late." As Laura insightfully notes, today's educational methods differ significantly from what parents experienced themselves, making professional support increasingly valuable. Discover how this dynamic duo is transforming educational support one student at a time, and learn why consistency might be the most underrated factor in academic success.

For more information visit https://tutorzonefl.com/ or call (954) 900-4624. Follow us on social media for up to date information https://www.instagram.com/tutorzonefl.

Send us a text

What if your toughest job became your greatest teacher? Mike Nardella transformed the grueling experience of door-to-door book sales into the foundation for a thriving commercial law practice.

Mike opens up about his unexpected path to law, having originally planned to become a professor of Ancient Greek and Latin until a conversation with his grandfather changed everything: "Michael, listen, you go dig up all the bones you want when you're in your 40s and you've already made your money." That pragmatic advice led Mike to law school and ultimately to founding Nardella Law, a 20-attorney firm specializing in commercial litigation and bankruptcy throughout Florida.

The heart of our conversation explores how those punishing summers selling educational books door-to-door created an unshakable work ethic. Working 12-14 hour days facing constant rejection, Mike learned that success doesn't require natural talent or charm—just relentless persistence. "You don't have to be good. You don't have to have a silver tongue. You don't even have to know what the hell it is you're doing. You just got to work."

This philosophy serves him well in his practice, where he helps businesses overcome catastrophic problems. Mike shares a particularly rewarding case where his firm saved a family plumbing business with 65 employees from certain failure, restructuring their operations and successfully litigating against bad actors who had threatened their survival.

We also delve into Mike's approach to building a multi-generational law firm by mentoring young associates fresh out of law school, and his compelling advice for professional success: rather than trying to be in the top 1% of one skill (nearly impossible), focus on being in the top 25% of three complementary skills—creating a unique and powerful professional combination.

Whether you're building a business or navigating career transitions, Mike's journey demonstrates how embracing difficult experiences and focusing on consistent effort rather than innate talent creates the foundation for lasting success.

For more information visit https://nardellalaw.com/ or call (407) 966-2680.

Send us a text

From law enforcement officer to pickleball evangelist, "Cowboy" has transformed his unexpected passion for the sport into Greek Pickleball, a thriving nonprofit training academy. During this energetic conversation, Cowboy dispels common misconceptions about pickleball, revealing that despite its recent surge in popularity, the sport actually dates back to 1965 when a Washington state family created it using a paddle and wiffle ball.

What makes Cowboy's story particularly compelling is his rapid journey from complete novice to respected coach. Just three years ago, he stepped onto a pickleball court for the first time and faced immediate rejection—"Nobody wanted to play with a 6'2", 240-pound beginner," he laughs. Rather than giving up, this former college football player applied the same analytical mindset he used when studying game film, meticulously learning techniques through YouTube videos until those same players who once avoided him now actively sought him as a partner.

Greek Pickleball's mission extends far beyond typical sports instruction. Cowboy created the organization specifically to bring pickleball to communities lacking access, with special emphasis on youth programs. "The younger people are who's speeding the game up," he explains, though his coaching spans generations—his youngest student is 8 years old, while his oldest is 89. Throughout the conversation, Cowboy shares a profound personal story about overcoming a catastrophic football injury in 1987 that doctors believed would end his athletic career entirely, illustrating the resilience that now defines his approach to business and coaching.

Ready to experience the fastest-growing sport in America? Connect with Greek Pickleball through their website, social media, or by texting Cowboy directly at 305-300-1677. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, his inclusive philosophy ensures everyone feels welcome on the court.

For more information visit http://www.greekpickleball.org/ or call (305) 300-1677. Stay up to date on our socials at https://www.instagram.com/greekpickleball/ and https://www.facebook.com/greek.pickleball/.

Send us a text

A silent crisis affects thousands of families in our community, yet most of us never think about it. Diapers - a basic necessity for infants and many seniors - receive no government assistance whatsoever. For families struggling financially, this creates impossible choices between food, rent, and keeping their children clean and healthy.

On this eye-opening episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, Jeremy Wolf sits down with Brittany and Dwayne Wolfe, founders of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank. What began as simple acts of kindness - handing out diapers during playdates - has evolved into a robust nonprofit serving nearly 3,000 families monthly throughout Broward County.

The statistics are staggering: babies need 8-10 diapers daily at approximately 16 cents each, costing families $100-$150 monthly per child. For seniors on fixed incomes, adult diapers are even more expensive. Without this essential item, parents resort to desperate measures - washing and reusing soiled diapers, stretching time between changes, or fashioning makeshift alternatives from t-shirts.

Brittany, drawing from her background as a social worker, shares heartbreaking stories of families taking multiple buses just to reach their distribution events, and isolated seniors living in deplorable conditions without anyone to help them maintain their dignity. Their adult diaper program now provides not just supplies but vital case management services, connecting vulnerable community members with additional resources.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank has grown to include partnerships with 31 agencies, the Broward County Library System, and Memorial Healthcare. They've recently moved into their first warehouse and are expanding their reach through community health expos and direct distribution events.

Want to help? The Wolfes make it simple: donate diapers (even opened packages) at any Broward County library, volunteer through HandsOnBroward.org, or make financial contributions at ftldiaperbank.org. As they powerfully remind us, even one small act of kindness can transform lives in ways we might never imagine.

For more information visit www.ftldiaperbank.org or call (954) 667-9672. Stay up to date on our socials at https://www.instagram.com/ftldiaperbank/ and https://www.facebook.com/ftldiaperbank.

Send us a text

Georgette Blackburn, owner of RGC Construction, shares her journey from receptionist to successful contractor and how she built a thriving family business that handles everything from small bathroom remodels to commercial construction projects. She discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a construction company as a husband-wife team while breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

• Florida State general contractor serving the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)
• Woman-owned, family business offering residential and commercial construction services
• Projects range from luxury bathroom remodels to complete store builds and home construction
• Started career as a receptionist at 17, working through various construction sectors
• Set five-year goal to get contractor license, achieved it in just two years
• Works as a "power couple" with husband, blending complementary skills and shared passion
• Biggest challenge of working together: difficulty separating work from personal life
• Emphasizes transparency and clear communication as core business values
• Maintains strong work-life balance with family time, boating, and travel
• Encourages listeners not to fear reaching out for guidance on construction projects

RGC Construction can be found on all social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Visit their website at rgcconstruction.org or email Georgette directly at georgette@rgcconstruction.org.

Send us a text

Imagine sitting in your living room when suddenly your ceiling collapses, showering you with debris and termites. This nightmare scenario is becoming increasingly common across South Florida as non-native Formosan termites spread through every county, leaving devastation in their wake.

In this eye-opening conversation, Jenny Chapter—a third-generation pest control expert and owner of Quality Termite and Pest Control—shares critical information every homeowner needs to hear. As one of the few female owners in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Jenny brings both extensive expertise and a unique perspective to termite prevention and control.

The stakes couldn't be higher. These "super termites" form colonies of millions that work 24/7 devouring wooden structures from the inside out. Even more alarming, they secrete acids that can penetrate concrete foundations, allowing access where none existed before. And the financial blow? Devastating. No homeowner's insurance covers termite damage, leaving families to shoulder full rebuilding costs when infestations destroy their homes.

Jenny dispels common myths about termites "eating concrete" while revealing the actual mechanisms these pests use to invade homes. She offers practical, actionable advice for protecting your property: maintaining a termite-free perimeter, eliminating moisture sources that attract colonies, and implementing proper preventative treatments that create effective barriers against invasion.

The message is clear: in South Florida, termite protection isn't optional—it's essential. With annual professional inspections and proper preventative measures, you can safeguard your biggest investment from these relentless destroyers. Don't wait until you see damage; by then, it's often too late.

Contact Quality Termite and Pest Control today for a free inspection and learn how their family-oriented, customer-focused team can protect your home with their expertise developed across three generations in the industry.

Call now to schedule a Free Inspection with one of their Pest Specialists-(954) 842-9411

Visit: https://qualitypestinc.com/