Pola Benke: Conductor and Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony

It is our absolute pleasure to welcome distinguished conductor, Pola Benke to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Pola was was recently appointed Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Pacific Symphony, continuing to build a dynamic and impactful presence across Southern California. In this conversation, Pola shares her story of discovering music as a young child growing up in Poland. She also talks about how she got into conducting, as well as the best ways to guide, nuture and support children in their musical journey. You'll also hear about what kinds of music that Pola listens to when she isn't working - her answers will surprise and delight you!   Don't miss this wonderful and informative discussion on The Hamilton Review.   Pola Benke is a distinguished conductor celebrated for her innovative approach to orchestral leadership and her commitment to standardizing diverse programming in the modern symphonic repertoire. She was recently appointed Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Pacific Symphony, continuing to build a dynamic and impactful presence across Southern California. Previously, she served as Assistant Conductor for both the Long Beach Symphony and the Riverside Philharmonic, where she earned a reputation for her clarity, musicality, and ability to foster meaningful connections with musicians and audiences alike. Born in Poland, Pola’s journey began with a strong foundation in performance, leading to Master’s degrees in both cello performance and orchestral conducting. Her dual expertise equips her with a rare perspective—combining the analytical skills of a conductor with the empathetic understanding of a performer. Pola believes that orchestras should serve as a reflection of the diverse world we live in. She is a committed advocate for thoughtful, inclusive programming that honors a wide spectrum of voices—seamlessly integrating cherished masterworks with compositions by historically underrepresented artists. With a deep sensitivity to narrative and context, she curates programs that invite personal connection and collective reflection. Whether through imaginative repertoire choices, compelling storytelling, or fresh interpretive insight, Pola aims to create concert experiences that are artistically vibrant, emotionally resonant, and genuinely welcoming to all. Her professional path has been shaped by collaborations with leading conductors and ensembles, including Neeme Järvi, Sian Edwards, and Paavo Järvi. Her participation in prestigious programs such as the Järvi Academy in Estonia, the Dartington Music Festival in England, and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music has further refined her craft, earning her recognition as a forward-thinking and impactful conductor. Her leadership style is marked by kindness, collaboration, and the ability to inspire musicians of all generations to perform at their best. Whether leading a large-scale symphonic work or rehearsing an intimate chamber ensemble, Pola brings energy and precision that elevates every performance. Influenced by composers like Joseph Haydn, Krzysztof Penderecki, Jennifer Higdon, and Igor Stravinsky, Pola blends a deep respect for tradition with a spirit of curiosity and openness to new ideas. At the heart of everything she does is a love for sharing music with others.   How to contact Pola Benke:   Pola Benke Official Website   Pola Benke on Instagram   Pola Benke's email address     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

It is our pleasure to welcome, author, marathoner and mom of five, Kate Santoro to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Kate is the author of Truth on the Run, a memoir about chasing truth through heartbreak, house fires, motherhood, and marathoning. Dedicated to her late brother — a Boston College High School Hall of Famer and Boston Globe All-Scholastic athlete — the book explores what it takes to keep moving when the world falls apart. Kate bares her soul, with true authenticity, sharing the passion for Boston’s running history, vulnerability, truth-telling, humor and the love that sustains us when everything around us collapses. Don't miss this moving, powerful and uplifting conversation. Kate Santoro is a member of the BAA Woman’s Masters Team, a 30x marathon racer, mother of five who originates from Boston, now rebuilding and thriving with her family in Pacific Palisades, CA.    How to contact Kate Santoro:   Kate Santoro - Official book website   Kate Santoro on Instagram   Kate Santoro on Facebook   Kate Santoro's email address     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/      

It is our pleasure to welcome, Dr. Laurie Santos to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Dr. Santos is an expert on human cognition and happiness, a renowned Yale Professor (Her Yale course "Psychology and the Good Life" became Yale's most popular course in over 300 years) and the host of The Happiness Lab Podcast. We are very honored to have Dr. Santos on The Hamilton Review Podcast! Please enjoy this special conversation and share with your friends - everyone needs happiness in their lives! Laurie is the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology at Yale University. In addition to her work on the evolutionary origins of human cognition, Laurie is an expert on the science of happiness and the ways in which our minds lie to us about what makes us happy. Her Yale course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” teaches students how the science of psychology can provide important hints about how to make wiser choices and live a life that’s happier and more fulfilling.  The class became Yale’s most popular course in over 300 years, with almost one out of four students enrolled. Her course has been featured in the New York Times, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, GQ Magazine, Slate and O! Magazine. The online version of the class—The Science of Well-Being on Coursera.org—has attracted more than 4 million learners from around the world. A winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching, she was recently voted as one of Popular Science Magazine’s “Brilliant 10” young minds, and was named in Time Magazine as a “Leading Campus Celebrity.” Her podcast, The Happiness Lab, is a top-3 Apple podcast which has attracted 100+ million downloads since its launch. How to contact Dr. Laurie Santos:   Dr. Laurie Santos Website   Dr. Laurie Santos on Instagram   Dr. Laurie Santos on YouTube     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

It is our pleasure to welcome, Dr. Beth Mosley to The Hamilton Review Podcast! In this conversation, Dr. Mosley discusses her book, "Happy Families: How to Protect and Support Your Child's Mental Health." Happy Families takes an expert, honest and accessible approach to children’s mental health – arming parents and caregivers with the tools they need to tackle anxiety, low mood and difficult behaviors, as well as the hope and reassurance to actively make a change, with children from ages 4 right up to 21. Dr Beth Mosley is one of the UK’s most experienced and respected consultant clinical psychologists, and she works with children, young people and their families every day. We are honored to have Dr. Mosley on The Hamilton Review Podcast! Please enjoy this important conversation that every parent needs to hear. Dr. Beth Mosley's bio in her own words: My passion for innovation and bringing mental health support closer to all parents enabled me to develop a parent workshop programme throughout the pandemic. This series of regular free-for-all parent workshops on key topics like anxiety, low mood and self-harm, have and continue to be accessed by tens of thousands of parents from across the world  www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/psychology-in-schools-team-nsft, www.nsft.nhs.uk/parent-workshops. My contribution to children’s mental health during the pandemic was recognised in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List with an MBE, bestowed by the Queen, for exceptional contributions to my field. I was honoured to have Prince William present me with the medal, with my daughter who accompanied me to Buckingham Palace. I regularly speak on BBC and ITV local news, as well as various radio stations about young people’s mental health, I also write articles for the local papers. Often invited to be a key-note speaker at events, I was named as one of 2022’s Suffolk 100 influential leaders.  Not only do I work on the ground every day, but I have also supported Westminster, informing UK policy on the changes needed in health and education to support children’s mental health.   How to contact Dr. Beth Mosley:   Dr. Beth Mosley website   Dr. Beth Mosley on Instagram   Dr.Beth Mosley on TikTok   Dr. Beth Mosley on X     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

It is our pleasure to welcome, Dr. Jenny Yip to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Dr. Yip is a board-certified clinical psychologist, author, speaker, media contributor, and internationally acclaimed OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert.  In this conversation, Dr. Yip discusses her book, "Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts." Dr. Yip's compassionate book guides new moms to say goodbye to anxiety, OCD, and alarming thoughts as you welcome your baby with a warm hello. Dr. Yip also shares her personal story of OCD and how she navigated motherhood with the disorder. An informative and warm conversation that shouldn't be missed. How to contact Dr. Jenny Yip:   Dr. Jenny Yip website   Dr. Jenny Yip on Instagram   Dr. Jenny Yip on Facebook   Dr. Jenny Yip on YouTube     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

It is our pleasure to welcome, Dr. Leonard Sax back for the second time to The Hamilton Review Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Sax discusses his compelling, NYT Bestselling book, "The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups." ​Parents are failing to prioritize the parent-child relationship above all other relationships. The result is children who have no absolute standard of right and wrong, who lack discipline, and who look to their peers and the Internet for direction, instead of looking to their parents. Dr. Sax shares his critical advice on how to be the parents we need to be. Dr. Leonard Sax MD PhD attended public schools in Shaker Heights Ohio from kindergarten through grade 12. He enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge Massachusetts in the fall of 1977; he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from MIT in January 1980, at the age of 19. He then went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both a PhD in psychology, and an MD. He did a three-year residency in family medicine in Lancaster Pennsylvania.  Dr. Sax has been continuously certified by the American Board of Family Medicine since 1989.    How to contact Dr. Leonard Sax:   Dr. Leonard Sax official website     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/    

It is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Jim Garlow to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Dr. Jim Garlow is the Founder and CEO of Well Versed, a ministry to Members of Congress, Ambassadors at the United Nations in New York City, and other elected officials, bringing Biblical principles of governance to government leaders. He served on President Trump’s Faith Advisory team for four years, and has met in small delegations with 10 presidents and prime ministers (and one king) from around the world. In this conversation, Dr. Garlow and Dr. Bob discuss his book, ReVERSED: From Culturally Woke to Biblically Awake. The book covers biblical foundations for over 50 political topics, including how the national debt impacts our future generations. Enjoy this discussion! Garlow is an author, communicator, commentator, historian, cultural observer and has served most of his adult life as a pastor. Garlow is heard daily on nearly 800 radio outlets nationwide in his one-minute commentary called “The Garlow Perspective,” and has appeared on numerous national TV shows on NBC, ABC, CNN, Fox, MSNBC, CNBC and Comedy Central. Garlow has done over 1,600 radio, TV and print interviews – national and local – covering a wide range of topics: historical, theological, political, religious liberty, marriage and family issues and cultural trends. He co-hosts the World Prayer Network every Wednesday and Sunday night, interviewing top newsmakers and government officials, followed by extensive prayer. He graduated from Drew University (Ph.D. in historical theology), Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Theology), Asbury Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), Southern Nazarene University (B.A. & M.A.), and Oklahoma Wesleyan University (A.A.). Garlow has written 21 books, one which hit the New York Times Bestseller list. His most recent books are:   Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today’s Tough Issues; This Precarious Moment: Six Urgent Steps That Will Save You, Your Family And Our Country; and his newest book: God Will See You Through This: 26 Lessons I Learned from the Father Through the Joys and Hurts of Everyday Life, all three released by Regnery Publishers of Washington, DC. His books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages. In 2013, Jim became a widower. He married Rosemary Schindler in 2014. Together, Jim and Rosemary have eight children, eight grandsons and three granddaughters. How to contact Dr. Jim Garlow: Well Versed website   How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

It is our pleasure to welcome, Elizabeth Anne Russell to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Elizabeth Anne Russell is a third-generation etiquette instructor and speaker, and is the founder of Mannerly and the Charlotte School of Etiquette. With 16+ years experience in corporate strategy and a lifelong passion for kindness and character, she now teaches others to lead with grace—at home, in the workplace, and in the world. In this informative and delightful conversation, Elizabeth Anne imparts her knowledge on teaching our children manners and etiquette. Elizabeth Anne is the first guest on the podcast to discuss this important topic - parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers will gain so much from this must listen episode. The art of etiquette is alive and well in the modern world and Elizabeth Anne is an expert in her field. Elizabeth Anne Russell is a UNC Chapel Hill alum with an MBA from Queens University, where she studied alongside her husband, Drew. A proud mother of three, Elizabeth Anne considers parenting her highest calling and believes every child—and every professional—deserves the confidence that comes from knowing how to show up with kindness and respect. This work is deeply personal. Her mother and grandmother both taught etiquette for more than 30 years. Now, Elizabeth Anne carries that legacy forward by teaching others to move through the world with dignity, empathy, and presence.   How to contact Elizabeth Anne Russell:   mannerly.com   Charlotte Etiquette on Instagram     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

It is our pleasure to welcome, Bryan Caplan to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Bryan Caplan, is a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and a New York Times Bestselling author. In this conversation, Bryan and Dr. Bob talk about why having children is such a rewarding experience in addition to discussing his compelling book, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids. Parents! Bryan breaks down parenting into bite size chunks, including the tiny details that we stress about are not as important as we think they are. This episode will open up the possibilities of thinking of parenting in a different way - put this conversation at the top of your queue! Bryan has written The Myth of the Rational Voter, named "the best political book of the year" by the New York Times, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, The Case Against Education, Open Borders (co-authored with SMBC's Zach Weinersmith), Build, Baby, Build (co-authored with Ady Branzei), Labor Econ Versus the World, How Evil Are Politicians?, Don't Be a Feminist, Voters As Mad Scientists, You Will Not Stampede Me, Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine, and Pro-Market and Pro-Business. He is now finishing Unbeatable: The Brutally Honest Case for Free Markets. Bryan Caplan is the editor and chief writer for Bet On It, the blog hosted by the Salem Center for Policy at the University of Texas. He has published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, TIME, Newsweek, Atlantic, American Economic Review, Economic Journal, Journal of Law and Economics, and Intelligence, blogged for EconLog from 2005-2022, and appeared on ABC, BBC, Fox News, MSNBC, and C-SPAN. Bryan is an openly nerdy man who loves role-playing games and graphic novels. He lives in Oakton, Virginia, with his wife and four kids.   How to contact Bryan Caplan:   Bryan Caplan website   Bryan Caplan Substack   Bryan Caplan on X     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

Happy 4th of July! It is our pleasure to welcome Sam Gallucci to The Hamilton Review Podcast! In this special holiday episode, Sam and Dr. Bob discuss the meaning of 4th of July and the beauty of America. Enjoy! Sam’s career began in 1981 when he was hired after college by IBM. Sam rose to Executive Vice President and General Manager of PeopleSoft, one of the first and largest makers of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Sam would soon realize that material wealth left him unfulfilled, so he decided to retire and follow his passion for helping others. Through his passion, Sam saw how homelessness ruined lives and government programs could actually make the problem worse. Sam is Founder and CEO of The Kingdom Center which provides emergency shelter and transitional living assistance for at-risk women. In 16 years, The Kingdom Centers has provided emergency shelter and transitional living centers for over 3000 women and their children. Sam saw suffering in other marginalized communities so in 2014 he founded Treasured Harvest, whose mission remains to provide food and other much-needed resources for migrant farm workers and their families. And Sam has helped provide immigration assistance to these workers. Sam then saw the need to help parents provide a better education for their children in the K-12 public-school system. He founded Revive Academies in 2023 which provides a high-quality, low-cost alternative to public education to Ventura County families. Sam is the senior pastor of Embrace! Church in Oxnard. He is a featured speaker in the areas of business, travel and faith. Sam wrote ‘More than Animals’ in 2022 which addresses how to solve the homeless crisis in California and ‘A Love That Nobody Wants’ which chronicles his service to those experiencing homelessness. Sam loves California and is a lifelong resident. He lived in Thousand Oaks for 20 years raising his family, and for the past 17 years lives in Oxnard where he is serving the community. He has 3 children and 9 grandchildren and lives in Oxnard with his wife Toni. ​Share this episode with a friend and we wish you a wonderful Independence Day!   How to contact Sam Gallucci:   Sam Gallucci Official Website     How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/