
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 PodcastNov 22, 2023

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