Synapse Innovation Podcast
By Synapse Florida
The rising tide lifts all boats. That's the Synapse mantra and our innovative community is strong because we truly support each other. We celebrate wins, inspire collaboration, and help create meaningful connections. #InnovationLivesHere SynapseFL.com
Synapse Innovation PodcastSep 20, 2022
Ep. 22 - Innovation Beyond Words: The Evolution of Communication with Yac and Backtrack
Join us on the Synapse Podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of Jordan Walker and Hunter McKinley, the innovative minds behind Yac and Backtrack! In this episode, we explore how these entrepreneurs revolutionized communication and connectivity in the workplace and beyond. From the inception of Yac, designed to foster more personal interactions among teams, to the impromptu creation of Backtrack after a Yac pitch meeting, Jordan and Hunter share their insights into finding innovation in areas ripe for improvement.
Discover how Yac's platform transcends geographical barriers, enabling hybrid and remote teams to forge deeper connections through voice communication, while Backtrack provides a unique solution for revisiting and capturing essential moments in conversations and meetings. Plus, hear how people are using this technology outside of work in their personal lives, including a father recording his daughter's first words.
Throughout the episode, Jordan and Hunter reflect on their entrepreneurial journey and discuss the pivotal role of Florida's vibrant startup ecosystem, with shoutouts to organizations like PS27 Ventures in Jacksonville, StarterStudio in Orlando, and Florida Funders in Tampa. From securing $10 million in funding to navigating the challenges of timing and preparation on the path to success, their story exemplifies the power of perseverance and innovation in driving meaningful change. Don't miss this captivating conversation with the masterminds behind Yac and Backtrack! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guests!
• Yac Website
• Backtrack Website
• Jordan on LinkedIn
• Hunter on LinkedIn
Ep. 21 - How Florida Poly is Building a Culture of Innovation in Lakeland
Welcome to Episode 21 of the Synapse Podcast! In this episode, we welcome Dr. Randy K. Avent, President of Florida Polytechnic University, as our guest. Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of building a dedicated engineering and STEM university in Florida and its significance in Florida's innovation community. Dr. Avent shares invaluable insights on fostering an engineering culture centered around problem-solving, encapsulated in the mantra of "Think and do." We explore the importance of faculty staying at the forefront of their fields and the unique benefits and challenges of being a young university. Plus, Dr. Avent shares his thoughts on how academia can serve as a springboard for innovation in the business world and why Lakeland is the perfect backdrop for this kind of collaboration. Don't miss this insightful episode! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guest!
• Florida Poly Website
• Dr. Avent on LinkedIn
Ep. 20 - AI's Potential in Healthcare with AdventHealth
Episode 20 of the Synapse Podcast unlocks the doors to the future of healthcare with special guests Rob Purinton and Dr. Victor Herrera from AdventHealth!
Dive into the intriguing discussion on the immense potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Discover how AI can bridge gaps in the care process, transforming repetitive tasks like data entry into seamless, time-saving solutions. Explore the ground-breaking concept of Ambient AI, which can transcribe conversations between physicians and patients to provide intelligent documentation for approval. By streamlining this type of work, AI grants healthcare professionals more time with more patients, addressing the challenge of rising population growth.
Then, we learn about AdventHealth's AI Advisory Board, which ensures the technology is used ethically to build trust among patients and caregivers. Plus, hear how AdventHealth is maximizing the potential of local talent. Tune in now! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guests!
• Advent Health Website
• Victor Herrera on LinkedIn
• Rob Purinton on LinkedIn
Ep. 019 - Using Personal Experience to Inspire Innovation with Orlando Health & ArthurApp
Tune into the Synapse Podcast for a captivating episode featuring Orlando Health and ArthurApp, where innovation meets healthcare evolution.
Orlando Health's VP of Strategic Innovations, Michael Schmidt, details how they foster breakthrough innovations within a 105-year-old healthcare organization. With the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations division, they bridge the gap between healthcare startups and providers, empowering their network to drive meaningful innovations for patient care. Discover how this culture of innovation yields more than 60 product ideas per year from team members and how they decide which solutions to implement in practice within the Orlando Health system before offering them to other healthcare providers.
Then, Orlando Health's Brand Manager, Jennifer T. Foley, unveils the remarkable story behind her idea for ArthurApp — a game-changing solution born from personal experience. She details a heartfelt story of her father's struggle post-surgery, sparking the creation of an app that enables non-verbal patients to communicate effectively with their care providers. ArthurApp is just the first innovation to graduate from the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations division, which attracted CEO Patrick de la Roza to join the new startup born out of the hospital's innovative team.
Listen in as these visionary minds redefine patient care through innovation, showcasing how they use creativity and empathy to empower their community to revolutionize healthcare! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guests!
• ArthurApp
Ep. 018 - Building the Army’s Metaverse in Orlando with Cole Engineering Services, Inc.
Join us on the Synapse Podcast for a captivating episode featuring Brian Serra from Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI)! In this conversation, Brian details how CESI is working with the U.S. Department of Defense to "build the Army's metaverse" right in Orlando, Florida using simulation training, enabling branches of the U.S. Military to conduct remote team mission exercises in safer, better-controlled, virtual environments.
But that only scratches the surface of what CESI does and Brian's unique views on innovation. Listen to the full interview to hear Brian's innovation journey that's taken him from watching shuttle launches as a kid on the Space Coast to fostering a creative team culture while always asking, "'How can we make that better?" Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast Connect with Brian! • Cole Engineering Services, Inc. Website! • Brian on LinkedIn!
Ep. 017 - Using Generative AI to Transform Your Business with Google Cloud
Eliot Danner joined Lauren for a conversation about generative AI during MetaCenter Global Week and Synapse Orlando in October! Check out this interview to get Google Cloud's Managing Director of Customer Engineering's perspective on how Generative AI is shaping all kinds of business. Eliot also discusses how any organization can make new technology work for them and what he is doing in his own industry to emulate his examples! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this video? Like it above and subscribe to our channel!
Connect with Synapse!
• Newsletter: https://bit.ly/synapsenewsletter
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/synapsefl
• Twitter: twitter.com/synapsefl
• Instagram: instagram.com/synapseflorida
• Facebook: facebook.com/SynapseFL
• YouTube: bit.ly/synapseyoutubesub
• Podcast: anchor.fm/synapsefl
Connect with Eliot!
• Google Cloud Website: https://cloud.google.com/
• Eliot on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliotdanner/
Ep. 016 - John Wensveen, NSU Levan Center of Innovation
John Wensveen joins us on this new episode of the Synapse Podcast!
John is the Chief Innovation Officer at Nova Southeastern University and serves as the Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation.
Check out this conversation to hear John's innovation story, learn what an innovation center actually is, and how the Levan Center is bolstering South Florida's key industries by creating "the world's first theme park for entrepreneurs" right in Fort Lauderdale! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with John!
Ep. 015 - MetaCenter Global Week Preview with David Adelson
We have a fresh episode of the Synapse Podcast for you, featuring David Adelson of Innovate Orlando and the Orlando MetaCenter!
Synapse CEO, Lauren Prager, and David talk about partnering to bring #SynapseOrlando to MetaCenter Global Week this October 17-19th along with Immerse Global Summit! Tune in for a discussion about what you can expect from the combined event showcasing innovation from Central Florida and around the world, then head to SynapseORL.com to save your spot! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guest!
Ep. 014 - Jarin Eisenberg, Groundswell Startups
Next up on the Synapse Podcast is Jarin Eisenberg, the CEO of Groundswell Startups!
Enjoy this conversation between Jarin and Lauren Prager about Jarin's innovation journey and how Groundswell is supporting entrepreneurs on Florida's Space Coast. From Synapse award-winners and participants like SwiftPaws, Catania Enterprises, and more, Groundswell provides the support and resources for startups to being their products to market!
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guest!
Ep. 013 - Mac Gardner, FinLit Tech
For this episode, we're taking it back to an interview with Mac Gardner from Synapse Summit! Mac is the founder of FinLit Tech, The Four Money Bears, and is a member of the Synapse Impact Board. Listen to this episode to hear Mac's entrepreneurial story, his passion for expanding financial literacy to children, and how the genuine support of the Synapse community has had a positive influence on his business! #InnovationLivesHere
Special thanks to Dave Vanz of SOWEO for conducting this interview!
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guest!
• FinLit Tech: https://finlittech.com
• The Four Money Bears: https://www.thefourmoneybears.com
• Mac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-gardner-cfp
Ep. 012 - Lauren Prager on Presentation Hell
This episode is a crossover with the Presentation Hell Podcast! Shufflrr Co-Founder, James Ontra, invited Lauren Prager on the show to tell her innovation journey from Synapse volunteer to CEO. Plus, they talk about how Shufflrr moved from New York to Tampa Bay, Florida's supportive innovation community, and what to expect at MetaCenter Global Week in October! #InnovationLivesHere
MetaCenter Global Week presented by Synapse Orlando and Immerse Global Summit: SynapseORL.com
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Presentation Hell on YouTube
Ep. 011 - Rose LeJiste, RL Engineering and Tech Solutions
We're thrilled to have Rose LeJiste on this episode of the Synapse Podcast! Rose joined Dave Vanz of The Orlando Life during #SynapseOrlando 2022 to discuss her personal and entrepreneurial journey, her work as the former Executive Director of Black Orlando Tech and current CEO of RL Engineering and Tech Solutions. Listen to hear a bit of her amazing energy and passion for tech, community, and Synapse!
Tickets, Exhibitor, and Sponsorship opportunities for MetaCenter Global Week presented by Synapse Orlando and Immerse Global Summit are available now at SynapseORL.com! Register to experience what Rose loves about our events for yourself #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with Rose!
Ep. 010 - Shawn Best, Bay Area Innovations
On this episode of the Synapse Podcast, we're joined by Shawn Best of Bay Area Innovations! Get to know Shawn, hear his innovation journey, and how the Bay Area Innovations team helps bring people's ideas to life through product design and development! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with Shawn!
Ep. 009 - Daryl Holt, Electronic Arts & EA Sports
EA Sports just announced the new #Madden24 cover, and now Electronic Arts (EA) Vice President and General Manager, Daryl Holt, is on the Synapse Podcast!
In this interview from #SynapseOrlando 2022, Daryl talks about his 18 year history with EA, the video game leader's decision to base their headquarters in Orlando, plus what makes the region the perfect combination of innovation, business, and living. Join us as we return to Downtown Orlando October 17-19 for MetaCenter Global Week! SynapseORL.com #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Ep. 008 - Laura DiBella, Florida Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella joins the Synapse Podcast to discuss how her fascinating journey led to a unique, well-rounded knowledge perfect for her position, the impact Enterprise Florida is having on the Sunshine State, and why Synapse Summit is a can't-miss event! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Ep. 007 - Branding & Marketing for Entrepreneurs
For this episode, we’re taking it back to an awesome conversation about branding and marketing between Dr. Rebecca White and Ian Barkin! Your message, your voice and your image are what ultimately will sell your new business. What are the most impactful marketing tools for startups, how do you determine your ROI based on data and analytics, and how do you find a marketing partner to bring your vision to the world? Listen to find out! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guests!
Ep. 006 - Kitchenery (ft. Akshay Bhuva & Paulo Cezar)
Today Kitchenery, a Florida company leading the kitchen-space revolution, joins us to discuss their technology, fundraising, and the impact that Synapse has had on their journey. We love hearing stories like this. Be like Kitchenery and get involved with Synapse! #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guests!
Ep. 005 - Kyle Morrand, 302 Interactive
This unique interview recorded live at Synapse Orlando last month features Kyle Morrand of 302 Interactive and Dave Vanz discussing how game designers and developers are changing our perception of the world around us. I promise whether you are a gamer or not you will absolutely find this episode fascinating and compelling. #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with Kyle!
Ep. 004 - Is Entrepreneurship Right For You?
Is entrepreneurship right for you? It's a question that everybody should ask themselves - whether you've started multiple companies already or are considering starting your first one. Experienced entrepreneurs and professors John Breed and Mark McNees share with us how that question should be weighed as well as the ups and downs of the journey. #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with our guests!
Ep. 003 - Danielle Mousseau, FPL & 35 Mules
Today Danielle Mousseau, Manager of Economic Development at Florida Power & Light and 35 Mules, joins Lauren Prager and Wes Lehman in the studio to talk about the unique impact 35 Mules is having on the innovation community in Florida. FPL has literally powered the state of Florida for the last 100 years and now Danielle and her team are bringing that power to the innovation and startup community through 35 Mules. 35 Mules provides early-stage startups with financial and marketing mentors, advanced technology solutions, business services, and world-class facilities with access to Fortune 200 corporate and technology leaders. #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with [Name]!
• [Company] Website:
• [Name] Website/LinkedIn: Connect with 35 Mules!
Ep. 002 - Paul Sohl, Florida High Tech Corridor
On this episode of the Synapse Podcast we are joined by Paul Sohl, a former Navy commander and pilot and current CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor as well as Dave Vanz of Orlando Life.
The Corridor exists to converge and catalyze the capacity of high tech, innovation, and bright minds across Florida.
The Synapse mission and The Corridor mission are so tightly aligned that we just had to have him on as we look ahead to Synapse Orlando on Oct 21st.
Paul shares his Synapse Story, how human connection sparks innovation, and how you can take the next steps on your innovation journey. #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Connect with Paul! • The Corridors Website • Paul on LinkedIn
Ep. 001 - What Is Synapse?
What is Synapse? How did it all come about and where is it going? Come along the journey with us as we talk about this and more behind the scenes of the Synapse story. Featuring: Brian Kornfeld, Basha Ferdinand, Lauren Prager, & Wes Lehman
The Synapse Podcast is a show that focuses on highlighting innovators, learning what makes them who they are, and guiding you on the next step in your innovation journey. Here you can expect to experience long-form conversations, in-depth interviews, as well as both personal and business development content. This isn’t the final destination of your journey, but it is the next step. Welcome to the Synapse Podcast. #InnovationLivesHere
Enjoying this episode? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast
Ep. 000 - Synapse Podcast Trailer
The Synapse Podcast is a show that focuses on highlighting innovators, learning what makes them who they are, and guiding you on the next step in your innovation journey. Here you can expect to experience long-form conversations, in-depth interviews, as well as both personal and business development content. This isn’t the final destination of your journey, but it is the next step. Welcome to the Synapse Podcast. #InnovationLivesHere
Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend!
Connect with Synapse!
• YouTube
• Podcast