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Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 137: Reporter Roundtable with Alexandra Glorioso and Lawrence MowerThat's right, we're having another Reporter Roundtable -- this time with Capitol Press Corps dynamic duo Alexandra Glorioso (state government reporter, The Miami Herald) and Lawrence Mower (Tallahassee correspondent, Tampa Bay Times). The power couple (IRL, as well as in breaking news) join Dara in the Speakeasy to dive deep into their investigation into First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program, Hope Florida, and its affiliated charity, the Hope Florida Foundation, Inc. Alexandra, Lawrence and Dara also discuss the twists and turns of the Florida House's probe into the foundation and the potential political implications for Gov. Ron DeSantis...2025-04-2057 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 136: Reporter Roundtable with Forrest Saunders and Jason DelgadoBack by popular demand, E.W. Scripps Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders & Spectrum News Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado rejoin Dara in the Speakeasy as we head into the last half of the 2025 legislative session. The highly caffeinated trio dig into the verbal fisticuffs exchanged by House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, and discuss this week's Winners and Losers. Is Hope Florida on the ropes? Come for the Super Smash Brothers and stay for dogs, moms, and conspiracy theories in the latest episode of Deeper Dive with Dara!2025-04-131h 08Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 135: Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, Part 2State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research might impact Florida institutes of higher learning. The former House member also shares his views on the university presidential search process. College athletes? Professor tenure? Join Deeper Dive with Dara for all that and so much more in the latest episode with "Ray Rod."2025-04-0641 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 134: Chancellor Ray RodriguesState University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for the first of a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research might impact Florida institutes of higher learning. The former House member also shares his views on the university presidential search process. College athletes? Professor tenure? Join Deeper Dive this week and next week for all that and so much more!2025-03-3040 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 131: Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power Gets DisruptiveRepublican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power finally visits Dara in the Speakeasy to dish about DOGE, talk about the Sunshine State's political prominence and weigh in on the 2026 elections. Evan and Dara also discuss the impact President Donald Trump, aka the Disrupter in Chief, has had on GOP politics in Florida and the nation. The chairman gives his take on a move to eliminate property taxes and shrink local government. Plus, hemp, Crocs and much, much more!2025-03-091h 06Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 125: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton SimpsonFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson rejoins Dara this week for a wide-ranging, lively discussion Divas will not want to miss! The Ag Commissioner gives Dara an update on how recent historic snowfall in North Florida is affecting nurseries, cattle ranchers and other ag producers in the state. Commissioner Simpson also enthusiastically welcomes President Donald Trump's return to the White House, and shares predictions about the role the president will play in Florida's midterm elections. Plus, special session, immigration, raw milk, land preservation, and so, so much more!2025-01-261h 09Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 122: Miscarriage of Justice with Seth MillerInnocence Project of Florida Executive Director Seth Miller joins Dara this week to discuss wrongful convictions in Florida. Seth gives insights into what can be a decades-long exoneration process for people who've been convicted of crimes they did not commit. The pair delve into Seth's efforts to free Leo Schofield, the subject of Gilbert King's "Bone Valley" podcast. Mr. Schofield spent 36 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife before being released on parole in March. Seth also explains how the Innocence Project supports exonerees to re-enter their communities. PLUS Seth tells Dara how his 5-week...2025-01-051h 23Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 119: What the Heck Happened, with Nikki FriedFlorida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried visits Dara in the Speakeasy to conduct a postmortem on the 2024 elections. How did Donald Trump -- an affluent celebrity -- become the torchbearer of working-class voters? Nikki tells Dara that Dems missed the mark on messaging. The pair discuss weed, abortion, and much more, including The Scandal Bar!2024-12-0851 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 118: Never Trumper "Mac" Stipanovich Dissects MAGAJohn "Mac" Stipanovich, a veteran Republican party operative, left the GOP years ago because he considered President-elect Donald Trump to be an "existential threat" to democracy. The erudite Vietnam vet returns to Deeper Dive this week to dissect the MAGA movement. Mac and Dara have a LIVELY discussion about feminism, liberal autocracy, and so much more. Mac called Dara after the show wrapped to add an extra history lesson, quoting from the Greek philosopher Thucydides: "The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must."2024-12-011h 08Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 111: Tracking Truth During Storms AND ElectionsRemember the shark swimming down the street after Hurricane Ian? Didn't happen! But fake memes and dangerous rumors continue to swirl on social media as Florida grapples with the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton AND as voting in the presidential election is already underway. Janet Coats, the managing director for the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications, joins Dara on Deeper Dive this week to share tips on boosting confidence in the news and combatting misinformation.2024-10-131h 11Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 110: (Restoring) Power to the People!Deadly Hurricane Helene slammed into storm-torn Taylor County and caused widespread damage in Tampa Bay and inland. In today's episode of Deeper Dive, Florida Municipal Electric Association Executive Director Amy Zubaly gives Dara the inside scoop on how city-owned utilities prep for and respond to storms. Amy also gives Dara a redecorating tip for when the lights go out!2024-10-0658 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 109: Florida Votes!In Part 2 of Deeper Dive's pre-election series, Dara speaks with Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus. Supervisor Marcus, whose career in the elections office spans more than two decades, discusses how she and her colleagues plan for Election Day and shares what gives her "heartburn" about changes to voting laws. Dara and her guest dig into all-things-elections in the run-up to Nov. 5!2024-09-2954 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 108: Vote! Vote! Vote!How are mail-in ballots counted? Are election results audited? What about signature matching? Join Deeper Dive for the first segment of a two-part, soup-to-nuts series on voting in Florida with SOEs from two very different parts of the state. This week, Lake County Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays gets feisty about election-denier "wackadoodles" and explains voting processes as he and his colleagues work to boost voters' confidence in election outcomes. Join Deeper Dive for tips on voting and hear Dara reminisce about working in the polls as an 18-year-old!2024-09-221h 02Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 107: Reporter Roundtable with Steve BousquetHe's back! South Florida Sun Sentinel Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet joins Dara in the Terracotta Room for this week's Reporter Roundtable episode. The pair chat about all-things-politics, including the battle for the White House and legislative races to watch. Steve also weighs in on a proposal that would make school board races partisan and tells Dara which group of voters could have the biggest impact in November.2024-09-1540 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 106: Dems on the Move in FloridaThe Harris-Walz campaign kicked off a national "Reproductive Freedom" bus tour in the Sunshine State this month. On today's Deeper Dive, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison joined Dara to talk about why he's "bold" about Florida, which he called a "wild card" in the upcoming election. Friend-of-the-show U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a former chair of the DNC, also took some time out from the tour to join the show, telling Dara that Dems aren't writing off Florida in November. The pair also dish about yard signs and races to watch around the state.2024-09-0841 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 105: No Beyoncé, but Plenty of BratSen. Shevrin Jones joins Deeper Dive this week to chat with Dara about attending his first Democratic National Convention and shares some takeaways from the Sunshine State primaries. Shev, who's chair of the Democratic Executive Committee in Miami-Dade County, also weighs in on Dems' biggest challenges heading into the November election. The pair also share playlists that might surprise you.2024-09-0134 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 104: Understanding the Death PenaltyMaria DeLiberato, executive director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, joins Dara for a wide-ranging dive into the state's death penalty process. Maria, a former prosecutor, says she wants to have an "honest conversation" about the death penalty with people on both sides of the issue. Join Deeper Dive for this timely discussion, with the state's first execution in 8 months scheduled to take place on Aug. 29.2024-08-2543 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 103: The People who Brought You Weekends, with Rich TemplinRich Templin, director of politics and public policy for the Florida AFL-CIO, tells Dara why labor unions "are needed now more than ever" and talks about the impact of recent laws aimed at dismantling them. Rich also gives Dara an update on how Vice President Kamala Harris has shaken things up in down-ballot races in Florida. The pair swaps notes on The Modern Lovers, Elvis Costello and Tracy Chapman, and so much more!2024-08-181h 15Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 102: From the Soapbox to Substack: Protecting the First Amendment with Bobby BlockJoin Dara and First Amendment Foundation Executive Director Bobby Block for a dive into Florida's expansive public-records laws and efforts to chip away at what was once a national model for government in the sunshine. Bobby also warns about the "growing threat" to citizens' ability to hold government officials accountable.2024-08-1139 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 101: Journalism Roundtable with Florida EditorsDara takes Deeper Dive on the road to the annual Florida Media Conference! Join Dara and editors in as they dig into what's happening at media outlets of all sizes in an ever-evolving world of journalism. Also, discerning consumers of news get some tips amid a highly charged political season. Hear about podcasts, investigative journalism, fact-checking ... donkeys!2024-08-041h 00Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 100: Gov. Jeb BushFormer Gov. Jeb Bush joins Dara for Deeper Dive's 100th episode! Gov. Bush shares insights about some of his most controversial policies, such as the "One Florida" plan scrapping affirmative action in university admissions and state hiring and the sweeping "A-plus" education plan that assigned grades to schools, provided school vouchers for students and much more. The former governor also gives some words of wisdom during a turbulent political season: "Lighten up!" Don't miss what Gov. Bush has to say about the death penalty - it may surprise you!2024-07-2853 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 99: Rep. Vicki LopezState Rep. Vicki Lopez, R-Miami, returns to Deeper Dive to give us an update on "vertical living," following changes to the state's condo regulations. Rep. Lopez, aka the "Condo Queen," gives Dara the down-low on issues facing condominium owners and condo boards, shares some takeaways from a recent "life-changing" sojourn to Israel, and much, much more!2024-07-141h 05Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 98: Senator-Elect Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-OrlandoCarlos Guillermo Smith won't appear on the ballot in November, but he'll be joining the Florida Senate this fall after cruising to victory without an opponent. The senator-elect chats with Dara about his priorities for the 2025 session, his passion for the arts, his advocacy for the LGBTQ community and much, much more. Plus, find out what he and Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton have in common!2024-07-071h 05Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 94: Incoming Senate President Ben Albritton Part 2In the second part of a two-part episode with Senate Majority Leader Ben Albritton, the incoming Senate president chats with Dara about the citrus industry and resilient citrus trees, his priorities for the 2025 legislative session and much more!2024-06-0937 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 93: Incoming Senate President Ben Albritton Joins The ShowIt's a big episode of Deeper Dive this week, as Senate Majority Leader Ben Albritton, who will take the gavel as Senate president after the November elections, chats with Dara about his faith, his family, 2024 Senate races and much more! This is the first of a two-part episode.2024-06-0244 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 92: The Deeper Dive Hurricane Season Preview with Mark WoolHurricane season is about to start in Florida, and Deeper Dive has you covered with the latest and greatest information. Dara chats this week with Mark Wool, warning coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, about the forecast for this coming hurricane season (spoiler alert, we’re expecting more and stronger storms), the effect of climate change on storms’ intensity, and hurricane preparedness education.2024-05-261h 13Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 91: Mike Watkins Talks Mental HealthMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NWF Health Network CEO Mike Watkins joins Dara this week to chat about increases in the need for mental health and substance abuse services. Mike talks about resources available to families in need, the effects of COVID and natural disasters - and shares successes about adoption.2024-05-1943 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 90: Dave Aronberg Returns to Deeper DiveState Attorney Dave Aronberg, Deeper Dive's second-ever guest, returns for Episode 90 to chat with Dara about former president Donald Trump’s legal trials, campus protests, and whether Florida is in play for Democrats in 20242024-05-1230 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 89: Sure, AI Is Scary Good... But There's No Need to Fear!Dara dives into the hottest topic in tech this week, as she is joined by two experts in generative artificial intelligence from the firm KPMG. The trio discuss how AI is so good at mimicking human intelligence that it may seem creepy - but don't be scared! Learn how businesses, students, government and even professional sports can benefit from the powerful tech tool. This week's guests are: Arthur Higbee, Managing Director, Transformation Delivery Bharat Gorantla, Managing Director, Global Data & Analytics 2024-05-0550 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 88: April's Reporter Roundtable with Jim RosicaDara gets the band back together! Jim Rosica brings his new title with him to the Terracotta Room, where the two mooks dig into this week in politics2024-04-2839 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 87: Abortion in Florida: Opponents Speak Out on Amendment 4Dara chats this week with opponents of Amendment 4, a proposal that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. Mat Staver and John Stemberger talk about efforts to block the measure from passing. Check out Episode 85 to hear from supporters of the proposal. This week's guests are: Mat Staver, Chairman, Liberty Counsel John Stemberger, President, Liberty Counsel Action 2024-04-2154 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 86: Could Recreational Weed Start Budding in Florida?Pass the dutchie! Dara dives into Potlandia with two experts this week to discuss Amendment 3, which will give voters the chance to legalize recreational marijuana in November. This week's guests are: John Lockwood, regulated industries attorney and founder, Lockwood Law Firm Steve Vancore, veteran political consultant and pollster 2024-04-141h 10Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 85: Abortion on the Line in FloridaDara chats this week with proponents of Amendment 4, which will be on the ballot in November in a bid to enshrine abortion rights in the Florida Constitution. Dara and guests also discuss a six-week abortion restriction set to go into effect May 1, and dig into one of 2024's most contentious issues. This week's guests are: Laura Goodhue, executive director, Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Chelsea Daniels, staff physician, Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida Ashley Walker, general consultant, Florida Women's Freedom Coalition 2024-04-0745 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 84: March's Reporter Roundtable with Steve BousquetSouth Florida Sun Sentinel Opinion Editor and Columnist Steve Bousquet chats with Dara about decisions pending at the Florida Supreme Court, controversial vacation rental legislation, Trump endorsements and much more!2024-03-3126 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 83: Beth Matuga Gets Spicy in the Terracotta RoomLongtime Democratic political consultant Beth Matuga joins Dara this week for a Deeper Dive into the 2024 elections, the importance of 'institutions,' and voter turnout. Plus, tips on online dating!2024-03-241h 01Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 82: Defending Civil Rights with ACLU of Florida's Howard SimonThis week's Deeper Dive features Howard Simon, interim executive director of the ACLU of Florida. Howard dishes with Dara about nearly five decades of fighting to uphold constitutional rights to free speech, voting and abortion. Simon also calls balls and strikes on the 2024 legislative session. Don't miss it!2024-03-1733 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 81: Sine Die! Deeper Dive Drops the Hanky on the 2024 Legislative SessionComing to you from the Florida Capitol, Dara visits the fourth floor rotunda and chats with people involved in The Process as we wrap up the 2024 legislative session. This week's guests are: Lobbyists Yolanda Jackson, Chris Doolin & Steve Schale, with a special appearance by Florida House Chaplain Tim Perrier2024-03-1055 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 79: Reporter Roundtable With Steve BousquetShould kids under 16 be banned from social media? Longtime Capitol reporter Steve Bousquet joins Dara this week to discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' doubts about the effort - a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner - and to chat about other bills as the session winds down.2024-02-2537 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 76: Gary Fineout Visits the Terracotta RoomPolitico Florida's Gary Fineout and Dara dish about Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, a Trump v. Biden matchup, and some of the 2024 session's hot topics.2024-02-0458 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 75: All Things GOP (and more) With Al CardenasAl Cardenas, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, joins Dara weigh in on Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign and offer some advice for the GOP.2024-01-2850 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 74: Waterbeds, AI & Healthy Living: Legislative Priorities, Part 2In the second of a two-part series, Dara's back with more from the 2024 Florida Chamber of Commerce Legislative Fly-In. This week, hear your host chat with: Beth Cicchetti, executive director, Florida Economic Development Council Derrick McGhee, chief operating officer, Johnson & Blanton Devin Stephenson, president, Northwest Florida State College H. Lee Moffitt, founder, Moffitt Cancer Center Keith Koenig, chairman, Florida Chamber of Commerce 2024-01-211h 15Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 73: Karma, Cher & Braciole: Dishing Up Florida Leaders' Legislative Wish Lists‘Live’ from the 2024 Florida Chamber of Commerce Legislative Fly-In, Dara chats with movers and shakers about their priorities for the session and much more! In Part One, Dara has some fun with: Florida Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples Florida Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mark Wilson The Moore Agency CEO & Founder Karen Moore Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers CEO Chris Hart2024-01-1456 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 71: Oyez, oyez, oyez! Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel, Part 1Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel joins Dara in the Terracotta Room to chat about his approach to serving on the state's highest court, discuss his Cuban-born parents' influence on his life, and reveal how long he intends to stay on the job. Come for the gratitude, stay for the 'posse of nerds!'2023-12-2432 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 70: Rick Wilson Zeroes in on DeSantis' Political Future, the RPOF & Much Much MoreRick Wilson - Lincoln Project Co-Founder, onetime GOP political consultant and #Florida man - joins Dara for Episode 70 to give the scorching lowdown on Gov. Ron DeSantis' political future, First Lady Casey DeSantis' ambitions and the Republican Party of Florida.2023-12-1742 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 69: Barbara Petersen on the Fight for Access to Public RecordsBarbara Petersen has long been a champion for Floridians’ access to public records from their government. Now the executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability, Petersen chats with Dara this week about how her team of investigative journalists uncovered records related to an accusation of sexual assault against the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, her fears about the future of "Government in the Sunshine" and much more.2023-12-1049 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 68: Steve Bousquet Returns for Reporter RoundupBack by popular demand in the Terracotta Room this week is Steve Bousquet, opinion editor and columnist for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Dara and Steve chat about legislation filed for the upcoming session that would result in “dismantling” some of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's top educational priorities, Gov. Ron DeSantis' approach to public records and much more!2023-12-0337 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 65: Future Senate Minority Leader Jason PizzoSen. Jason Pizzo, who is in line to become Senate minority leader after the 2024 elections, joins Dara this week to talk about Democrats' chances in state Senate races, the 2024 presidential race and much more! Come for the political chat, and stay for the commentary on Sunday gravy2023-11-051h 03Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 64: Steve Bousquet Breaks Down The Randy Fine-Ron DeSantis RiftOn episode 64 of the Deeper Dive podcast, Dara chats with South Florida Sun Sentinel Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet about state Rep. Randy Fine’s very public break with Gov. Ron DeSantis, the governor's presidential campaign and more2023-10-2747 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 60: Where's #Florida Man? Film Florida Executive Director John LuxOn this week's Deeper Dive, Film Florida Executive Director John Lux gives Dara the downlow about the Sunshine State's film industry.2023-10-0147 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 55: Talking Tourism with Stacy RitterVisit Lauderdale President and CEO Stacy Ritter joins Deeper Dive to talk with Dara about Broward County being an "international destination," the importance of making travel inclusive and accessible, and her effort to draw tourists -- via the Rose Parade.2023-08-2734 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 54: Attorney John Lockwood Gives the Down Low on Cannabis & GamingJohn Lockwood, founder of Tallahassee-based Lockwood Law Firm, again brings his regulated-industries expertise to the Terracotta Room this week to dish with Dara about the state of the cannabis industry and the future of gaming in Florida.2023-08-2050 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 52: Jeff Brandes Questions Florida's Long-Term Legislative StrategyFormer state senator Jeff Brandes is the man behind the Florida Policy Project, a group that researches and reports on better practices in an effort to “produce better outcomes.” Brandes chats with Dara about his new venture, his time in the Legislature and the ‘Housification’ of the Florida Senate, and much more!2023-08-0644 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 49: State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton SimpsonState Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson joins Deeper Dive this week to talk with Dara about the state's gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe and Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto of $100 million for a land-protection program that's one of Simpson's legislative priorities. Don't miss the first of this two-part series!2023-07-1641 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 48: The State of Media, Then and Now, with Bill CotterellEpisode 48 of Deeper Dive brings together three long-time reporters who combined have more than a century of experience to talk about journalism and walk down memory lane to share some of their fave stories. Veteran reporter and City & State Florida columnist Bill Cotterell joins the two mooks, Dara and Jim Rosica.2023-07-0950 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 47: Florida Senate President Kathleen PassidomoFor episode 47 of Deeper Dive, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo chats with Dara about her approach to leadership, legislation that came out of the 2023 session and her priorities going into her second session leading the chamber. Stick around to hear Passidomo talk about her famous pasta sauce recipe!2023-07-0246 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 46: Part 2 With Scott Rivkees, Former State Surgeon GeneralIn the second installment of a two-part episode with Brown University Professor Scott Rivkees, who also is a former Florida surgeon general, Rivkees chats with Dara about recent op-eds he has written criticizing some states' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.2023-06-2527 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 44: Citizens CEO Tim Cerio On Florida's Property-Insurance MarketAs Florida enters into the 2023 hurricane season, Dara chats with Citizens Property Insurance Corp. President and CEO Tim Cerio about the property-insurance landscape in the Sunshine State.2023-06-1143 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 42: He's Running! DeSantis' Glitchy Presidential LaunchCity & State Florida Editor-In-Chief Jim Rosica joins Dara to discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' jump into the 2024 presidential race, and what’s next now that DeSantis has thrown his hat into the ring in what promises to be a Republican primary showdown with former president Donald Trump.2023-05-2842 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 41: Brandon Wolf On Legislation Targeting LGBTQ FloridiansLGBTQ-advocacy organization Equality Florida fought against a "slate of hate" during the 2023 legislative session, and the group’s Press Secretary Brandon Wolf joins Deeper Dive to chat with Dara about the new laws' potential impact on Floridians. Wolf also talks about his experience as a survivor of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting.2023-05-2147 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 40: Talking Through the Andrew Gillum Trial with Jeff BurlewTallahassee Democrat investigative reporter Jeff Burlew joins Dara for episode 40 to walk listeners through the public corruption trial of former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum. Dara and Jeff recount several tumultuous days of jury deliberations and take you behind the scenes of the federal courthouse where the trial played out.2023-05-1441 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 26.1: Andrew Warren Discusses His 'Vindication' By a Federal JudgeAndrew Warren, a twice-elected Hillsborough County state attorney whom DeSantis suspended from office, joins Dara once again on a Deeper Dive. A federal judge ruled that DeSantis' suspension was unlawful, but the court lacked the power to do anything about it. Warren breaks it down with Dara and talks about his new role as "Mr. Mom."2023-05-0531 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 39: Cecile Scoon, League of Women Voters of Florida PresidentLeague of Women Voters of Florida President Cecile Scoon and Dara discuss a wide-ranging elections bill, as well as recent laws that Scoon, a civil-rights attorney, said have made it more difficult for Floridians to vote.2023-04-3049 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 38: Part 2 with State Rep. Vicki LopezIn the second of a two-part episode with state Rep. Vicki Lopez, the Miami Republican tells Dara about coming home from prison, her advocacy for incarcerated women and girls and the road to her November election to the state House.2023-04-2344 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 37: State Rep. Vicki Lopez - From Federal Prison to the State HouseJoining Dara on Deeper Dive this week, Republican state Rep. Vicki Lopez shares her personal insight into the criminal justice system. Rep. Lopez's journey includes time in federal prison, a presidential pardon, advocacy for women and girls "inside" and more before her 2022 election to the state House.2023-04-1649 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 36: Back In The Terracotta RoomThe dynamic duo of Dara and Jim Rosica, City & State Florida editor-in-chief, are back to help listeners catch up on what lawmakers have been up to through the first half of the 2023 legislative session.2023-04-0951 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 35: Florida's Culinary Ambassador, Chef Justin TimineriTake a trip to the Deeper Dive kitchen with Dara and Chef Justin Timineri, Florida's executive chef and culinary ambassador, on this fresh, farm-to-table episode.2023-04-0248 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 34: U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, D-Fla.U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the first Gen-Z member of Congress, talks with Dara about his personal story and his rise to political prominence in the Democratic Party. Plus, steamed bagels and striped pants!2023-03-2636 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 33: Bottoms Up! Advocating for Florida's BreweriesCrack open a bottle of suds for this week's episode: Dara chats with Florida Brewers Guild lobbyist Josh Aubuchon and the guild's president Brooke Malone about advocating for breweries in the Sunshine State.2023-03-1949 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 32: The Deeper Dive '23 Session KickoffFlorida's 2023 legislative session has begun, and who better to ring in session with than the dynamic duo of City & State Editor-In-Chief Jim Rosica and Deeper Dive host Dara Kam? The pair break down what you can expect from a session that, as Gov. Ron DeSantis put it, is likely to see Republicans "swing for the fences"2023-03-1236 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 31: Deeper Dive 'Live' from the Florida Chamber's Legislative Fly-InWith the 2023 Legislative Session starting this week, Dara talks with several Florida business and thought leaders during the recent Florida Chamber of Commerce Legislative Fly-In event. This week's guests are: Karen Moore, owner and founder of Moore Communications Kevin Carr, CEO of Florida Makes John Lux, executive director of Film Florida Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Alix Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association Kelli Stargel, senior advisor for strategic relationships at Florida Polytechnic University2023-03-0559 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 30: AAC&U President Digs into Florida's Liberal Arts Higher-Ed PoliciesDara talks with American Association of Colleges and Universities President Lynn Pasquerella about recent changes to higher-education faculty tenure and institutions' accreditation, as well as the state's rejection of an African American studies course.2023-02-2640 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 29: Steve Schale Dishes on DemocratsVeteran Democratic political strategist Steve Schale joins Dara for episode 29 of Deeper Dive to talk about Florida Dems, their future and how the party can build confidence in voters and donors.2023-02-1932 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 27: DeSantis' Quest To Remake Higher EducationNews Service of Florida education reporter Ryan Dailey and City & State Editor-In-Chief Jim Rosica join Dara to talk about Gov. Ron DeSantis' recent moves in higher education, a proposal to usher in "constitutional carry" in Florida, and the governor's budget requests for the next fiscal year.2023-02-0550 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 26: Andrew Warren Discusses His 'Vindication' By a Federal JudgeAndrew Warren, a twice-elected Hillsborough County state attorney whom DeSantis suspended from office, joins Dara once again on a Deeper Dive. A federal judge ruled that DeSantis' suspension was unlawful, but the court lacked the power to do anything about it. Warren breaks it down with Dara and talks about his new role as "Mr. Mom."2023-01-2930 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 25: The Importance and Challenges of Meeting Mental Health NeedsTwo experts in the mental-health field join Dara for episode 25 for a discussion about the importance of meeting Floridians' mental-health and substance abuse treatment needs. Our guests this week are Melissa Larkin-Skinner, CEO of Centerstone of Florida, and Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association2023-01-2239 min
The RotationDara Kam Jumps In The Rotation: Episode 106Dara Kam is an award-winning journalist currently a senior writer at The News Service of Florida.2023-01-1538 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 24: John Lockwood Returns to Talk GamingDara is joined by attorney John Lockwood for episode 24 of Deeper Dive, as the duo discuss gaming in Florida and what developments could be coming for the competitive industry2023-01-1529 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 23: Desmond Meade Embodies the Effort for Rights RestorationFor episode 23 of Deeper Dive, Dara talks with Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Executive Director Desmond Meade about Florida's 2018 constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for felons, his disappointment in the state law that implemented it and what's next for his organization.2023-01-0850 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 21: How Will Changes to Florida's Insurance Laws Affect Homeowners?Amy Bach, executive director of nonprofit United Policyholders, chats with Dara about a laundry list of problems plaguing Florida's property-insurance system. Amy explains why tort reform isn't the best cure for the state's flailing property-insurance market.2022-12-1847 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 20: DeSantis Inauguration, Special Session ... And More!Jim Rosica, editor-in-chief of City & State Florida, is back in the Terracotta Room this week to chat with Dara about Gov. Ron DeSantis' upcoming inauguration events and the state Legislature's December special session. The duo also take stock of who’s in and who’s out among state agency heads as DeSantis prepares to move into his second term. Bonus content: Which presidents had the best Secret Service codenames?2022-12-1137 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 19: House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell on Energizing DemsDara is joined this week by state House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell for a can't-miss Deeper Dive. The pair discuss efforts to reenergize Democrats after the 2022 elections, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ controversial suspension of a Tampa-area prosecutor, and much more. In a bonus segment, listeners can hear some of Driskell's famed dad jokes!2022-12-0436 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 18: Cannabis Law Expert Talks 'Potlandia'For Episode 18 of Deeper Dive, attorney and cannabis law expert John Lockwood talks with Dara about Florida's medical-marijuana program, the state's new pot czar, the industry's "vertical integration" system and much more.2022-11-2736 min
Deeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 17: House Speaker Paul Renner Talks PrioritiesAs he steps into his new role as Florida House speaker, Paul Renner joins Dara on Episode 17 of Deeper Dive to talk federalism, property insurance, abortion and the death penalty. Renner also reflects on Sunshine State Republicans' sweeping successes in the Nov. 8 elections2022-11-2030 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 16: Deeper Dive Breaks Down The One-Sided Midterm ElectionsSure, you've heard analysis of Florida's Nov. 8 elections and the whupping that Republicans handed to Democrats on election night --- but you haven't heard the Deeper Dive breakdown. Episode 16 brings you in on an election recap that only the dynamic duo of Dara and City & State Editor-In-Chief Jim Rosica can deliver from the Terracotta Room. You don't want to miss this one!2022-11-1436 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 15: Making Discourse Civil Again?What happened to civil conversations about politics and government? Dara and political science professor Kevin Wagner take a deep dive into why Thanksgiving dinner discussions have grown more heated and the role social media has played in that evolution. Spoiler alert: Fear and anger are involved!2022-11-0742 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 14: The Consumer Side of Florida's Insurance CrisisConsumers are feeling the squeeze after the destructive Hurricane Ian put Florida's already ailing insurance market deeper in the hole. Attorney Amy Boggs talks with Dara and News Service of Florida Executive Editor Jim Saunders about the property insurance market's woes and how the Legislature might address the issue in a December special session.2022-10-3146 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 13: The Deeper Dive November Elections PreviewJim Rosica, editor-in-chief for City & State Florida, joins Dara Kam in the Terracotta Room to break down some of Florida's most consequential races in the upcoming November elections. The dynamic duo also dig into public records and legal challenges to Gov. Ron DeSantis' controversial migrant flights.2022-10-2446 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 12: The Legal Challenge to DeSantis' Migrant FlightsAlianza Americas Executive Director Oscar Chacón joins the Deeper Dive podcast this week to talk about Gov. Ron DeSantis' controversial decision to send about 50 Venezuelan migrants on flights from Texas to Martha's Vineyard. Chacón also discusses the plight of refugees seeking to come to the U.S. and tells Dara why suing the governor over the move was the right decision.2022-10-1736 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 11: Florida's Troubled Property Insurance Industry Faces Hurricane IanFor episode 11 of Deeper Dive, Dara is joined by two insurance gurus. Special guest Fred Karlinsky specializes in insurance law, and News Service of Florida Executive Editor Jim Saunders is an expert at covering the issues plaguing Florida's property insurance system. Join them for a deep dive into the property insurance industry, and what impacts Hurricane Ian could bring.2022-10-1044 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 10: NRA Titan Marion Hammer Reflects on CareerLongtime NRA lobbyist and former president of the organization Marion Hammer sits down with Dara Kam for episode 10 of Deeper Dive to talk about her outsized contribution to Florida's reputation as the "gunshine state." Hammer also discusses childhood experiences that led to a lifelong love affair with firearms. Don't miss this conversation with Dara and the larger-than-life figure she calls a "pistol packin' great-grandma."2022-10-0348 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 09: Florida's Elections Supervisors Safeguard DemocracyJoin Deeper Dive with Dara this week to hear Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley address voters' lingering distrust following the 2020 presidential election. Dara and Mark take a deep dive into what supervisors are doing to "defend democracy" as people continue cast doubt on the outcome of elections.2022-09-2640 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 08: Mac Stipanovich on the Republican Party's EvolutionThis episode of Deeper Dive looks through the lens of a veteran political strategist who was once the chief of staff for a Republican governor but has left the GOP. J.M. "Mac" Stipanovich and Dara take a deep dive into how he's seen the party change over the years, how Gov. Ron DeSantis has capitalized on that shift, and the dangers of demagoguery.2022-09-1940 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 07: Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers Cultivated A BrandTrulieve CEO Kim Rivers was instrumental in making her company the state's largest medical-marijuana operator and the nation's biggest marijuana retailer. On episode 7 of Deeper Dive, Dara and Kim take a deep dive into what it's like to be a woman in a dude-dominated industry, the diversity of patients and her favorite cannabis products. Spoiler alert: Kim's a "flower girl."2022-09-1239 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 06: Ousted Prosecutor Andrew Warren Asks, Do Elections Matter Anymore?Andrew Warren was elected twice to serve as state attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Andrew contends that he hasn't broken any laws, but Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended the Democrat from office last month. Dara and Andrew discuss his legal fight to get his job back, the First Amendment and the perils of a governor flexing his political power to take out his adversaries.2022-09-0633 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 05: Florida Primary Election RecapOn this week's episode of a Deeper Dive with Dara Kam, Dara and City & State Florida Editor-in-chief Jim Rosica take a deep dive into Florida's August 23 primary election results. Dara and Jim discuss who's up and who's down on the congressional, legislative and gubernatorial fronts. Jim also elaborates on what makes Gov. Ron DeSantis the most powerful executive in the Sunshine State's modern history, and how he got there.2022-08-2938 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 04: Is 15 Weeks Too Long?Join a Deeper Dive with Dara Kam as John Stemberger and Dara take a deep dive into the future of abortion rights on Florida. John Stemberger, an Orlando attorney who’s the CEO of the Florida Family Policy Council, has been active in the pro-life movement for decades and once lobbied for Florida Right to Life. As Florida’s newly enacted restrictions on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, John predicts that Florida lawmakers are expected to approve a plan that would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. John also led the push for a constitutional amendment in Florida bann...2022-08-2236 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 03: Florida's Push to Restrict Medical Treatment for Transgender PeopleIn this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive with Dara Kam, Yale School of Medicine assistant professor Meredithe McNamara joins Dara for a deep dive into gender-affirming care for youths and adults. Dr. McNamara discusses the state’s efforts to end Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming treatment and to prohibit doctors from using puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery to treat transgender youths. Join as Dr. McNamara talks about science denialism, "social contagion," and the impact of Florida's gender-identity policies.2022-08-1536 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamEpisode 02: Do Dems Have a Chance in Upcoming Elections?In this week’s episode of a Deeper Dive with Dara Kam, State Attorney Dave Aronberg joins host Dara for a deep dive into Democrats’ fighting chances in the upcoming elections. Dave, who was elected as state attorney in Palm Beach County a decade ago, also discusses his years-long efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Listen as Dara and Dave talk about Florida Democrats’ headwinds in the race to unseat Gov. Ron DeSantis, whether the state’s ready to flip blue, and, unrelatedly, the “sober homes” racket.2022-08-0834 minDeeper Dive with Dara KamWhy Republicans Don't Talk to the PressFor the premiere episode of A Deeper Dive with Dara Kam, City and State Florida editor in chief Jim Rosica joins Dara for a deep dive into why Republicans don’t want to talk to mainstream media outlets. Dara, senior writer at the News Service of Florida, and Jim talk about the Republican Party of Florida largely shutting out so-called “legacy” media outlets from the party’s annual marquis event where congressional candidates debated and GOP rock stars, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, made appearances. Listen as Jim discusses the roots of the “partisan press” and Dara and her guest debate whose chair...2022-08-0131 min
Deeper Dive with Dara KamDeeper Dive with Dara KamHosted by the News Service of Florida's Senior Reporter, Dara Kam, A Deeper Dive with Dara is a weekly podcast that dissects Florida’s top political stories. Each episode captures exclusive updates from Florida legislators, insights from policy influencers and industry experts who shape the political discourse across the Sunshine State.2022-07-2203 min