Shows
Did We Just Become Best Friends?My Bestie Tracy St. George - From Duran Duran To Bravo: How Music, Meet-and-Greets, And Media Creds Built A Wild FriendshipSend us a textTwo superfans trace a friendship from a Duran Duran meet-and-greet to a life of VIP lines, radio booths, cruise decks, and Bravo green rooms. We share a candid radio career arc, the real rules of access, and why kindness, courage, and eye contact still matter.• origin story at Hard Rock and a surprise meet-and-greet• setlists, SunFest memories and the power of a great sign• fan clubs, VIP economics and post-pandemic access• radio path from overnights to South Florida afternoons• station changes, formats and working across clusters• Bravo encoun...
2025-12-231h 15Did We Just Become Best Friends?Two Healthcare Pros Explain How They Built An Honest, No-Hype Cruise ChannelSend us a textSwap TSA lines for sea breeze and five-star meals you don’t have to overthink. We sit down with Ryan and John—two healthcare pros turned cruise creators—to unpack how Virgin Voyages converted them from city breaks to sail days, what “adults only” really feels like onboard, and why food quality can be the biggest surprise at sea. If you’ve wondered whether the cruise hype is real, their candid, no-sponsorship takes cut through the noise with practical, money-saving detail.We trace their origin story from YouTube research to a full-blown r...
2025-12-1643 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Radio Nostalgia and Digital Dreams: Deena Lang's Journey from Airwaves to Social Media SuccessSend us a textStep back in time with us as we revisit the golden era of South Florida radio alongside our special guest, Deena Lang. We reminisce about the thrill of Y100 and Power 96, sharing stories of industry events like Zeta Fest and Buzz Bake Sale that brought us all together. Deena opens up about her recent battle with TMJ pain and her revitalizing return to podcasting, revealing the passion that fuels her broadcasting journey. Dive into the nostalgia of radio’s past while exploring the expansive and intimate community that keeps us coming back for mo...
2025-02-1148 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Christine Lozada's Journey to Everyday Badassery - Leaving Corporate Life to Show us the World!Send us a textWhat does it take to turn your passion into a full-time career? Join us as we chat with Christine Lozada, the vibrant travel content creator behind "Where in the World is CL" and the motivational podcast "Everyday Badassery." Our inspiring meeting with Christine on a Virgin Voyages cruise at the Pink Agave restaurant sparked an engaging conversation about her journey from a stable nine-to-five job to the adventurous life of a travel influencer. Christine shares her insights on creating mesmerizing drone photography, building a dedicated audience, and motivating others to be just a...
2024-08-1959 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?My Path From a Two-Time Plus-Size Bride to a Happy and Healthy Weight! How I Did It!Send us a textEver wondered how childhood trauma and cultural pressures can shape a lifetime of weight struggles? Join me as I share my deeply personal journey from being a chubby kid bullied in school to navigating the high expectations of body image in an Italian and German household. I'll recount the emotional toll of high school teasing and how these early experiences influenced my self-perception. This episode uncovers the emotional and psychological battles that have been a constant in my fight for a healthier lifestyle.From the joy of marriage to the challenges...
2024-08-0149 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?From Social Work to Digital Marketing Success: Francesca Fields' Journey To Time FreedomSend us a textEver wonder how a social worker can transition into a successful network marketer just like our guest, Francesca Fields? Get ready to unravel the mystery as we embark on a journey exploring Francesca's remarkable transition and her triumphant navigation through the world of digital marketing. We'll discuss the unique challenges she faced, the rewards she gleaned, and the experiences she braved as a working mother, all the while emphasizing the power of authenticity and real connections in achieving success in today's digital world.From skepticism to belief, Francesca's journey into digital...
2023-12-1337 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Celebrating Wicked: A 20-year Love Affair with the Magic of BroadwaySend us a textPicture this: A small-town Floridian, dreaming of the bright lights of Broadway, finally gets her chance to witness the magic of theater. That was me, nineteen years ago, stepping into New York City's Gershwin Theater for the first time to witness the mesmerizing world of Wicked. From that moment, I knew my life had changed forever. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this landmark musical, join me on a sentimental journey back to when it all began. From the verdant wonder of Elphaba's transformation to the heartfelt journey of Glinda, W...
2023-10-3025 min
The Start DownEp-206 Lydia Stutesman Exploring Passion and EducationIn this episode of The StartDown Podcast, we meet Lydia Stutesman, a high school teacher whose connection with our host, Mike, blossomed at a coffee event where they instantly bonded. Despite recently turning 50, Lydia exudes youthful energy and a perpetual sense of being in her twenties. The conversation explores the delicate balance between pursuing one's true passion and succumbing to societal expectations. Lydia astutely observes that many individuals often find themselves ensnared in the cycle of doing what they believe they should do, rather than following their genuine passions. With Mike's ba...
2023-09-0532 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Nostalgic Airwaves: A Journey through Broadcasting and Music with Steve StansellSend us a textStep back into the golden era of broadcasting as me and my new best friend Steve Stansell and I journey down memory lane, recalling our early days in radio. Starting as a young 16-year-old in a small South Georgian town, Steve worked his way up to a radio personality, and had an amazing career on the air! We also reminisce about his experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their album "Seven Turns". We'll shed light on the struggles that musicians face in the industry and share our thoughts on music merc...
2023-08-3038 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Living Life to the Fullest: A Year of Podcasting and VoyagesSend us a textWhat happens when you mix a milestone birthday, a career shift, and a thrilling cruise experience? You get an epic journey filled with inspiring stories, memorable experiences, and valuable life lessons. Join me as I reflect on a year of podcasting, finding balance, and a roller coaster of personal and professional experiences. From the sandy shores of Cocoa Beach to the awe-inspiring adventure aboard Virgin Voyages, each moment is a testament to the beauty of embracing change and seeking joy amidst life's ebbs and flows.Imagine celebrating your 50th birthday with...
2023-07-2527 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Did We Just Become Best Friends Heather RouffeSend us a textIn this episode I talk to a true Boss Babe, Bravo Fanatic and Bombshell Business community icon. Meet Heather Roufee, Managing Partner of Atlas Event Rental. How does she do it all? Mom, wife, business mogul, oh and BRAVO TV obsessed just like me! Did we mention she just adopted the cutest fur baby to add to her amazing family and growing empire? You will love hearing about how she climbed the corporate ladder into part ownership of an amazing company, and yet still manages to have time for friends and fun. This was a...
2023-05-2352 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Did We Just Become Best Friends Elvis Duran?Send us a textBefore anyone gets hysterical, no, Elvis Duran is not on this episode, although I wish he would be and maybe one day we will work up to that. On today's episode I dive into the shenangians that led me to finally getting to meet my Radio Idol Elvis Duran and having him sign my book. I was so excited to share this story and I can tell you that manifestation is REAL and sometimes it takes longer than expected but it will happen if you take ACTION to make it so! Sup...
2023-05-1529 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Did We Just Become Best Friends Mike Ficara?Send us a text Support the show
2023-02-221h 02Did We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 12: Looking Back, and My Life Changing EventSend us a textSeason one is officially wrapped up in this episode as I take a look back on the past two months and tell the incredible story of something that happened to me that completely and forever changed my perspective, and quite frankly, my entire life. I also give two podcast recommendations for shows I am absolutely LOVING! Here's to 2023 and season two of...well, there might be a new name to this podcast but for now, Live Laugh Lydia! Support the show
2023-02-1426 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 11: Did We Just Become Best Friends Casey Baker?Send us a textFrom the classroom to the closing table, today you get to meet Casey Baker who left a successful teaching career to take on the world of real estate! We met through the magic of social media and she is amazing! Together, we may just tackle the podcast jingle world, or just end up laying on a beach in Florida next summer, but I know one thing, she is destined for greatness! I hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Support the show
2022-11-2356 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 10: Jessica Walter, Exec Asst. to Lala Kent!Send us a textToday on the podcast I welcome Jessica Walter, also known to the massive Lala Kent fan base as "Jess" because we feel like we know her and love her already just from tour and the podcast! Jess works as Lala Kent's assistant and is so much more! She is super nice, talented and so gracious sharing with us her journey from NY to Nashville and to L.A working in the entertainment industry! I LOVED our conversation and I hope you will too! Support the show
2022-10-251h 18Did We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 9: 300 Things...I'm SHOOK!Send us a textI am flying solo again in this episode, and I am seriously shook when a friend sends me a video with life wisdom I never expected! How can we get the things we want in life when we never ask for them? I hope you will find some inspiration in this episode and I am really excited to share the roadmap with you! Support the show
2022-09-2724 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Starting from Scratch - My Students' Sports PodcastThis is NOT my episode, this is actually a broadcast competition for my students since we couldn't get the audio file to uplaod to you tube. I let them borrow my platform and I think they did a great job!Support the show
2022-09-1609 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 8: The Great Garage Sale CaperSend us a textIn this episode, I am flying solo to tell you the fun tale of what happened to me this past weekend when I was attempting to have a garage sale and inadvertently became a police detective to solve a crime, and in the mix I took a nasty spill. Only in my life could I end up flat on the pavement to solve the caper of the missing keys... Support the show
2022-09-1224 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 7: Covey Co-Founder Christina GarciaSend us a textI had the pleasure of interviewing Christina Garcia for a 25th Anniversary Alumni feature but I was really excited to get to know her and hear about how she went from Florida to Cali to Boston and landed in NYC. Her story and encouragement for entrepreneurs is incredible and just proof that you really can have it all including great skin! I can't wait to have her on again and hope to meet her in person very soon! For 10% at coveyskin.com use promo code livelaugh10 ...
2022-08-2456 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 6: BIG BIG ENERGY - Featuring Jason Carter UnleashedSend us a textYou all are in for a treat in this episode where I interview Jason Carter from Inside South Florida. We discuss his love of working in TV, how he got his start, and what sparked his passion and most importantly, how we were lucky enough to get him here in Miami! We have a few celebrity affections in common and he was so much fun to talk to. I am HUMBLED beyond belief that he agreed to be a guest on my podcast and you can catch him daily on the tube...
2022-07-2758 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 5: Ben, Jen, Mariah Oh My!Send us a textI am on vacation in Cocoa Beach and getting ready to record another episode with a fabulous South Florida celebrity, so I thought it would be a great day for a little bonus content! I hope you enjoy! Support the show
2022-07-1829 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 4: Borrowed Future with Josiah PolettaSend us a textWhile teaching last year, I discovered a dcoumentary about the college debt crisis to show my students called, "Borrowed Future." Josiah Poletta and his wife were featured in the movie and they stole my heart. I knew immediately way before launching this podcast that I wanted to speak to him and share his story of strength, determination and perseverance to eradicate his student loan debt. I was so inspired by him and his family so I am thrilled he agreed to come on the podcast with me. Even if you don't have...
2022-07-1359 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 3: National Fried Chicken DaySend us a textHey everyone! Thank you so much for listening and downloading as I strive to get to my 1000th download and inch my way towards a full season of LLL! Today, I recorded some fun bonus content and talk about a few things that are trending. Next week, I have another amazing guest you won't want to miss! Make today your best ever! Lydia Support the show
2022-07-0627 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 2: Craig Avera Cali CoffeeSend us a textIn this episode I talk about something I LOVE and that is coffee! My featured guest is an amazing entrepreneur, Craig Avera, who is the owner and founder of Cali Coffee! We discuss how he started his coffee empire that is quickly growing and on a path to be the best up and coming coffee franchise in Florida and maybe even beyond. At Cali Coffee, it is about way more than just the brew and blend, it is about the most amazing people, staff, and SERVICE! I hope you enjoy this episode. M...
2022-06-3044 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Season 1: Episode 1: Tyler Whitman MDLNYSend us a textWelcome too the season premiere of Live Laugh Lydia! You are in for a treat with my debut episode and interview with a very special guest, Bravo TV's Tyler Whitman from Million Dollar Listing New York!We get into all the things that inspired me about Tyler as well as dig into his personal life a bit as he shares details on his recently single successful sober life in the city! I couldn't be more humbled or proud that he agreed to spend time with me, Live-Laugh-Lydia! S...
2022-06-2255 minDid We Just Become Best Friends?Test Episode: A Little About MeSend us a textThis is really just an informal test episode to check audio and give you a little insight into what this podcast and series will be about. Support the show
2022-06-1815 min