Shows
Fluent in Floridian108. Guadalupe Center President & CEO Dawn MontecalvoOne of Florida's most successful early learning models can be found where you may least expect it – a rural, multicultural community in South Florida with a population of 34,000 people. Immokalee is home to Guadalupe Center, where educators are breaking the poverty cycle and shaping childrens' futures through innovative educational programs. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway chats with Guadalupe Center CEO Dawn Montecalvo about her inspiring transition from film studies to the nonprofit industry, and the importance of early childhood education in strengthening communities.
2024-11-0532 minFluent in Floridian107. FloridaMakes CEO Kevin CarrFlorida may be best known for its beaches and tourism, but it is also a manufacturing powerhouse. In this episode, seasoned manufacturing expert and FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to chat about this growing industry. The word "manufacturing" is often associated primarily with cars, but it encompasses everything around you, from chocolate and medical devices to cheesecakes and everyday essentials. Tune in to hear Kevin map out how vital manufacturing is in creating self-sufficiency and strengthening Florida's economy.
2024-10-0747 minFluent in Floridian106. President & CEO of Florida's Great Northwest Jennifer ConoleyIn this special homecoming episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway is joined by Jennifer Conoley, former SMPR intern and now president and CEO of Florida's Great Northwest. Jennifer shares her journey from studying Public Relations at Florida State University to becoming a self-taught economic developer, driven by her passion for creating diverse, high-wage jobs. Tune in to learn about Jennifer's vision for promoting the region's thriving industries and how the Panhandle is more than its famous beaches but rather a hub of diverse job opportunities and economic potential.
2024-09-2526 minFluent in Floridian105. Legendary Sports Broadcaster Gene DeckerhoffSMPR Founder and CEO April Salter sits down with legendary sports broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff. Deckerhoff shares highlights of his decades-long career, calling electrifying Florida State Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and memorable moments with icons such as Coach Bobby Bowden and Burt Reynolds. Deckerhoff also shares insights into the evolving media landscape, the challenges of breaking into the broadcast industry, and his personal experiences that shaped his career. Tune in to hear Gene's inspiring stories and his thoughts on staying connected to community values while navigating the world of sports broadcasting.
2024-08-0851 minFluent in Floridian104. Orlando Leader & Founder of Dick Batchelor Management Group Dick BatchelorSMPR founder and CEO April Salter chats with Dick Batchelor, founder of Dick Batchelor Management Group. Dick shares his journey from citrus farming and activism during the Vietnam War to becoming one of the youngest members of the Florida House of Representatives. He also gives listeners a glimpse into his latest book, Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times: A Road Map for Community Leaders, offering practical strategies for tackling grassroots issues.
2024-07-1533 minFluent in Floridian103. Children's Forum President & CEO Erin SmeltzerChildren aren't just our future – they're also our present. That's why SMPR President Heidi Otway sat down to talk with Children's Forum President and CEO Erin Smeltzer, an advocate for quality early childhood education for young students across the country. Inspired by her mother's impact as the first female first responder in her county, Erin knew she wanted to make a life-long difference in her community. But it wasn't until she discovered her passion for public policy and early learning that she found she could advocate for childhood education. After starting her career as a preschool educator, sh...
2024-06-0430 minFluent in Floridian102. Florida Behavioral Health Association CEO & President Melanie Brown-WoofterTo mark Mental Health Awareness Month, SMPR CEO and Founder April Salter sat down with Florida Behavioral Health Association CEO and President Melanie Brown-Woofter to discuss her work in the mental health space. Growing up in the tight-knit community of Wakulla County, caring for others was a way of life that seamlessly translated into her early career as a nurse. It was not until she entered the world of public policy that she learned she could positively impact millions of Floridians. At FBHA, she aims to reshape the dialogue around mental health and substance use disorders.
2024-05-0128 minFluent in Floridian101. Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center Executive Director, Robin Hassler ThompsonIn recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SMPR President Heidi Otway sat down with Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center's Executive Director Robin Hassler Thompson to discuss her journey through politics and navigating her life as a human rights activist. Thompson's political passion was ignited as a high school senior while volunteering for Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign. She shares how this initial spark led her to pursue a law degree and develop a love for public service. However, it wasn't until Thompson witnessed sex and labor trafficking in Bangladesh that her life changed forever. She returned to the S...
2024-04-0830 minFluent in Floridian100. SalterMitchell PR Founder & CEO April SalterThe 100th episode of the Fluent in Floridian podcast features none other than SalterMitchell PR CEO and Founder April Salter. From her idyllic upbringing in Key West to her dynamic career as an entrepreneur and PR professional, April's story is a testament to her love of the Sunshine State. Tune into this special 100th episode as April discusses her influential role in Governor Lawton Chiles' administration and first encounter with a young journalist named Heidi Otway that led to a decades-long friendship and the establishment of SalterMitchell PR, which celebrates 25 years of business in 2024.
2024-02-0524 minFluent in FloridianVolunteer Florida CEO Josie TamayoJosie Tamayo has never been afraid to be "the first." Inspired by her mother's legal career in Cuba, Tamayo grew up in rural Georgia to become the only Hispanic woman to graduate from her law school class. Tamayo's passion for helping others drew her to a career in public service, where she charted a course from state attorneys' offices to the Second Circuit Court bench to serving as general counsel for six of Florida's state agencies. Today, Tamayo's current role as CEO of VolunteerFlorida reflects her years of passionate community service: a pathway that she...
2023-10-1627 minFluent in FloridianCrisis Management Advisor & Best-Selling Author Melissa AgnesAs social media emerged in the early 2000s, many top corporate executives and business leaders wrote it off as a passing trend. Frustrated by crisis management professionals' hesitancy to embrace digital communications, Melissa Agnes saw an opportunity to serve a developing industry. Nearly 15 years later. Agnes is a leading voice on all things crisis management and communications. She joins SalterMitchell PR Founder and CEO April Salter to share her story and discuss today's communications challenges.
2023-08-0131 minFluent in FloridianFluent in Floridian: Summer BreakFluent in Floridian is going on summer break! So far this year, the podcast has featured some fascinating Floridians, from high-profile politicos to pro athletes. Use this time to catch up on episodes you may have missed, and stay tuned for the new season to begin later this summer.
2023-05-0900 minFluent in FloridianPro Golfer Kamaiu JohnsonWhen Kamaiu Johnson was spotted swinging a tree branch at golf balls that rolled astray near his grandmother's house, onlookers could see that the teen was a natural talent. Many masterful strokes later, Johnson is now one of the few black golfers at the professional level, and he's committed to making golf look "more like America." Tune in as professional golfer Kamaiu Johnson joins SalterMitchell PR CEO + Founder April Salter to share stories from the fairway, and explain how the kindness of a stranger led him to pursue his passion.
2023-04-1726 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin GuthrieFrom hurricanes to pandemics to refugee crises, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has led the state's response to countless disasters. FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie joins SalterMitchell PR CEO + Founder April Salter to share stories from the emergency operations center, and discuss his career trajectory from local law enforcement to leading statewide emergency management operations.
2023-03-2836 minFluent in FloridianLobbyist Yolanda Cash JacksonYolanda Cash Jackson may be Florida Trend's latest Floridian of the Year, but the self-described "girl from Liberty City" has been making her mark as a lobbyist for over two decades. In her compelling conversation with SalterMitchell PR President and Partner Heidi Otway, Jackson shares her story of growing up in South Florida and pivoting to a lobbying career in her late twenties. They also discuss Jackson's notable achievements, such as spearheading the effort to install a sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune — founder of Bethune-Cookman University — in Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol and securing record fund...
2023-03-0937 minFluent in FloridianHotelier Harris RosenHarris Rosen made a name for himself as Florida's largest independent hotelier. A self-made millionaire, Rosen was president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. But, he would have never pursued a career in hospitality had it not been for a chance encounter with Marilyn Monroe as a child. Not just a hotelier, Rosen was a visionary businessman whose ventures included an in-house healthcare company and extensive philanthropic work, ranging from early childhood education and cancer research initiatives to his storied 'adoption' of the Tangelo Park neighborhood in Orlando.
2023-02-2342 minFluent in FloridianTampa Mayor Jane CastorTampa Mayor Jane Castor joins SalterMitchell PR CEO April Salter to share how growing up in Tampa in the era of Title IX led her to become Tampa police chief and the first openly gay woman to serve as the city's mayor. Tune in to their conversation to hear Mayor Castor's perspective on what makes Tampa a world class city, the challenges it faces, and her goals for the future.
2023-01-3026 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Lottery Secretary John DavisFlorida Lottery Secretary John Davis joins SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway to discuss his journey from top-ranked high school recruit and star safety for the Florida State Seminoles to his current position leading the Florida Lottery. Tune in to their conversation to hear Secretary Davis share stories of leadership from both on and off the field.
2023-01-0945 minFluent in FloridianFormer Tampa Mayor Bob BuckhornFormer Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn was elected to lead the City of Tampa out of the Great Recession. His vision has helped transform the city into a place where people want to live, work, play and invest. Buckhorn joins SalterMitchell PR CEO and Founder April Salter to discuss the roots of his political DNA, his storied career in Tampa, and why he believes mayors can make the biggest impact on a city.
2022-12-1238 minFluent in FloridianMiami-Dade College President Madeline PumariegaMiami-Dade College President Madeline Pumariega has had a courtside seat to the growth of the country's largest public college. Listen to her conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway about the importance of basketball in her life, her journey to become a statewide leader in education, her former role as Chancellor of the Florida College System, and the vision she has for the future of Miami-Dade College.
2022-11-1435 minFluent in FloridianAuthor and Florida Outdoorsman Jim McClellanIn our newest episode of Fluent in Floridian, author and outdoorsman Jim McClellan joins SalterMitchell PR CEO April Salter to discuss his book, "Life Along the Apalachicola River," which depicts the Northwest Florida way of life he experienced growing up in the Apalachicola River Valley. Tune in as Jim and April recount the stories that shaped Jim's childhood and led to them working together for Governor Lawton Chiles' administration.
2022-10-1042 minFluent in FloridianPoynter Institute President Neil BrownPoynter Institute President Neil Brown joins SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway to discuss the evolving role of media in our society, how Brown is helping to shape the next generation of journalists, and some of the head-scratching Florida stories that Brown has broken.
2022-09-1243 minFluent in FloridianFair Food Program Co-Founder Greg AsbedSalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway is joined by award-winning agricultural and human rights activist Greg Asbed to discuss his work combatting forced labor in Florida's agriculture industry and around the globe.
2022-07-1846 minFluent in FloridianTop Labor and Employment Lawyer and Florida Chamber Past Chair Charles CaulkinsSalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway is joined by Florida Trend 500 Most Influential Leader and 2019-2021 Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Charles "Charley" Caulkins. They discuss his childhood, his transition to Florida, his work as a nationally-recognized labor and employment lawyer, and the Sunshine State's business boom amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022-04-1929 minFluent in FloridianOrlando City Soccer Club Founder Kay RawlinsOrlando City Soccer Club Founder Kay Rawlins joins SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway to discuss her journey from U.K. bank clerk and daycare owner to female leader paving the way in the American soccer industry.
2022-03-2146 minFluent in FloridianUCF Institute for Economic Forecasting Director Dr. Sean Snaith Sean Snaith, PhD joins Heidi Otway in a conversation that travels the globe. From Cairo, Egypt, to Kingston, Jamaica and other stops in between, Dr. Snaith studied economies and taught across the U.S. and in foreign countries before calling the University of Central Florida home. Tune in as he takes us through his journey from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to becoming an award-winning economist.
2022-02-0238 min
Brand Promise with Nick VehrHeidi Otway and SalterMitchell PRNick Vehr talks with Heidi Otway, President of SalterMitchell PR in Tallahassee, Florida, about helping good causes win, a seven-story billboard and the need for agencies to reflect the diverse races, ethnicities and perspectives of their clients’ customers.
2021-11-1630 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Municipal Power Agency General Manager & CEO Jacob WilliamsSalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway discusses all things energy with Florida Municipal Power Agency General Manager and CEO Jacob Williams, who leads FMPA's efforts in advancing and improving the utilities industry. His agency serves more than 2 million residents and 10 percent of Florida's power. In a state dubbed the Sunshine State, that is no small undertaking.
2021-05-1726 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Secretary of Commerce Jamal SowellSalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway speaks with Florida Secretary of Commerce Jamal Sowell, a sixth-generation Floridian. During their conversation, he explains how his faith, family, and overseas military experience prepared him to serve as the state's Florida Secretary of Commerce.
2021-03-1638 minFluent in FloridianFlorida State Medical Association President Dr. Cheryl HolderSalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway speaks with Dr. Cheryl Holder on her family's journey from Jamaica to New York, her decision to become a doctor and activist, and her current roles at the FlU College of Medicine, the Florida Clinicians for Climate Action and the Florida State Medical Association.
2021-02-0440 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette NuñezIn our 80th episode of #FluentinFloridian, SalterMitchell PR CEO April Salter and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez discuss her South Florida upbringing, her education at Florida International University, and life outside of the office. Nuñez's love for the Sunshine State and its people display what it truly means to be fluent in Floridian.
2020-11-1639 minFluent in FloridianSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida President & CEO Dave KrepchoSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida President and CEO Dave Krepcho wasn't always in the food banking business. The native Canadian was formerly in advertising before moving to South Florida. Krepcho got involved as a volunteer at a local food bank in Miami and found his calling. His previous work for Feed America led him to his position with Second Harvest, where thousands of Central Floridians have been fed and employed thanks to his leadership.
2020-10-0545 minFluent in FloridianCouncil for Educational Change Executive Director Dr. Elaine Liftin New Yorker turned Floridian, Council for Educational Change Executive Director Dr. Elaine Liftin got her start as a singer on Broadway. While attending Hunter College, she became intrigued by the challenge of education and, upon graduating, began her teaching career in South Florida. Dr. Liftin has dedicated her career to education advocacy and believes "if every child can get a quality education, every child can succeed."
2020-09-0831 minFluent in FloridianLeague of Women Voters of Florida President Patti Brigham An Orlando resident since she was eight years old, League of Women Voters Florida President Patti Brigham began her career as a public servant working in suicide prevention and crisis intervention. After graduating from the University of Central Florida, Patti went on to become a radio DJ, journalist, thespian, and eventually, a member of the League of Women Voters Florida. Now, as president of the League, Patti is learning how to navigate the upcoming presidential election in a COVID-19 world. Through a strong vote-by-mail campaign, the League is debunking myths and preparing citizens to vote...
2020-08-0342 minFluent in FloridianChairman of The Children's Movement of Florida David Lawrence Jr. The Children's Movement of Florida Chairman David Lawrence Jr. is a lifelong advocate of children's education and has proven to be an outstanding ally to kids across Florida. In his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway, Lawrence discusses racism and discrimination in education and how we can confront them. He also discusses the importance of reading and how books can be a great tool for all people.
2020-07-0746 min2020-06-0235 min2020-05-0631 min2020-04-0633 minFluent in FloridianFlorida House Executive Director Diana Beckmann As Florida House Executive Director, Diana Beckmann and her team have worked tirelessly to help the nation's only state embassy reach its fullest potential. By elevating the space and collaborating with partners on visitor and staff experience, Beckmann is bringing a true sense of rejuvenation to this historic building on Capitol Hill while staying true to its objective of connecting, celebrating and championing Florida to the world. In her conversation with SalterMitchell PR CEO + Founder April Salter, Beckmann discusses how she became familiar with Florida House, the passion she has for working in the nation's capital, and...
2020-03-0334 min2020-01-2846 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Director of Cannabis Holly Bell Holly Bell, Florida's first director of cannabis, is focused on leading the state's new medical marijuana and hemp programs. More than two dozen people applied for the position, however, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried said Bell was the person "to get it right" on implementing a state hemp program. For the past year, the former banker has been developing the program from the ground up, from growing to processing and manufacturing.
2020-01-1432 minFluent in FloridianFines and Fees Justice Center Florida State Director Ashley Thomas Fines and Fees Justice Center Florida State Director Ashley Thomas is a trailblazer for change with a passion for policy reform. She's working hard to advance state and local campaigns to reform the imposition and collection of fines and fees in Florida, specifically dealing with driver's license suspensions due to unpaid court debt. Tune in to hear how fines and fees are addressed in the justice system, and learn how driver's license suspension impacts Floridians and Florida's economy.
2019-12-1840 minFluent in FloridianInstitute for Justice Research and Development Founder + Executive Director Dr. Carrie Pettus-Davis
2019-12-0337 minFluent in FloridianNo Kid Hungry Florida Director Sky Beard Today, more than 22.7% of children in Florida live in "food insecure" homes. No Kid Hungry Florida is working to eradicate this statistic for good by providing innovative hunger solutions to communities across the Sunshine State. The organization recently hired long-time child advocate Sky Beard as its new Florida Director. She's using her experience and connections to create partnerships and new programs that give youth 18 and under more access to meals year-round.
2019-11-0724 min2019-10-2141 min2019-10-1524 minFluent in FloridianFlagler College President Dr. Joe Joyner Flagler College President Dr. Joseph Joyner is a third-generation educator and his passion for the classroom has been the guiding force of his career. From Florida State University football player to teacher to superintendent of St. Johns County School District, Dr. Joyner's work and leadership has been recognized many times over for its commitment to students. Now, Dr. Joyner enjoys serving as a college President for one of Florida's most historic institutions for higher education, where he is creating a diverse and inclusive community. If you enjoyed this episode, you may enjoy our episode with...
2019-09-2444 minFluent in FloridianInternational Speedway Corporation VP of Sales and Marketing Frank Kelleher NASCAR fans, this one's for you. This week on Fluent in Floridian, Daytona International Speedway Corporation & NASCAR Southeastern Region President Frank Kelleher (formerly vice president of sales and marketing) takes the driver's seat to share what life is like working for one of the largest motorsports corporations in the world. From the high-energy, epic sporting event of the Daytona 500 (the racing world's Super Bowl) to the ultimate fan experiences the company has created through destination race tracks and dynamic corporate sponsorships – this is one episode you don't want to miss.
2019-08-2840 min2019-08-0914 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Susan Glickman Growing up in Tampa as a young girl, Susan Glickman had a childhood that created a heart for advocacy. As a child, she saw her father open one of the few desegregated dentist offices in Tampa. As a young Jewish woman, she attended Episcopal and Catholic private schools. Early in her career, she helped her brother successfully run for Hillsborough County Commissioner. Now, as a seasoned environmental advocate, Susan goes by the moniker Clean Energy Girl – a superhero battling big money interests in politics.
2019-07-1744 minFluent in FloridianAstronaut Norm Thagard At 75 years young, Dr. Norman E. Thagard is a Floridian whose work has been immortalized in history books. While he jokes about being a foot-note on Sally Ride's first trip to space, Dr. Thagard has had a long and illustrious career as a doctor, pilot, engineer, astronaut and first American Cosmonaut. A two-time graduate of Florida State University, Dr. Thagard exemplifies a lifelong commitment to education. He attended the University of Florida in his mid-sixties in pursuit of an MBA, a degree that he felt he needed as he worked to co-found the Challenger Learning Center in...
2019-07-0344 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Polytechnic President Dr. Randy Avent Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy Avent embodies what it means to bring application to education. A longtime researcher, Dr. Avent has led the university to go all in on STEM studies. When students aren't in the classroom or library working hard, they're likely to find Dr. Avent enjoying the beautiful campus, taking part in ping pong tournaments or attending the annual integral bee on campus. Prior to Florida Polytechnic, Dr. Avent obtained his PhD. in Biomedical Mathematics and Engineering from the University of North Carolina, served at the Department of Defense and conducted research at the...
2019-06-1945 minFluent in FloridianOrlando Director of Sustainability and Resilience, Chris Castro Albert Einstein famously said, "we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Thinking differently has never been a problem for Chris Castro, the Director of Sustainability for the City of Orlando and a self-proclaimed 'ecopreneur,' who has made it his mission to catalyze change through organizations such as IDEAS for US, Fleet Farming and Citizen Energy. The UCF alumnus has given back to his adopted Central Florida community with his devotion toward ameliorating the symptoms of global warming. His goal: to create a model of sustainability that can be...
2019-06-0441 min2019-05-2143 min2019-05-0838 min2019-04-2443 minFluent in FloridianLongtime Republican Operative, Mac Stipanovich Mac Stipanovich is known throughout Florida as a Republican cognoscente, so when he penned an open letter to his fellow Republicans in 2016 imploring them to vote for Hillary Clinton, it came as somewhat of a shock. Now he's left the Republican party completely. He explains why in the latest episode of Fluent in Floridian. Mac sits down with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway to discuss the state of political rhetoric in America, his involvement in Florida's political history and the importance of voting (and knowing how to vote).
2019-04-1041 minFluent in FloridianFormer Director of the Office of Medical Marijuana, Christian Bax The fastest growing sector in the United States job market isn't technology or real estate. It's marijuana. Christian Bax, former director of Florida's Office of Medical Marijuana Use, sits down with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway. In their conversation, they discuss the growth of Florida's medical cannabis industry from zero patients to over 250,000 in two years, the takeaways that Florida can learn from other states and the future of the industry in the state.
2019-03-2738 minFluent in FloridianFlorida A&M University President, Dr. Larry Robinson Dr. Larry Robinson has been a steadfast presence at Florida A&M University since joining the faculty as a visiting professor in 1997. A nuclear chemist and researcher by trade, Dr. Robinson went on to serve as interim president at FAMU on three separate occasions. In 2017, he was finally named the 12th president of Florida's only historically black public university. The strengthened relationship between FAMU and the global economy is one of the accomplishments Dr. Robinson is most proud of. He is also a proponent of the university's research and regularly promotes the impact of many high-achieving FAMU...
2019-03-1338 minFluent in FloridianLarry Keefe, U.S. Attorney for the Northern district of FloridaOne of three U.S. Attorneys for the state of Florida, Larry Keefe has spent his life setting and achieving his goals as the result of hard work and great mentorship. On the newest episode of Fluent in Floridian, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Larry Keefe talks to SalterMitchell PR CEO April Salter about his career, his mentors, and how he progressed from the Levin College of Law to the highest federal law enforcement position in North Florida.
2019-02-2739 minFluent in FloridianMiami-Dade County Chief Resilience Officer, Jim Murley"The future 100 years of Southeast Florida will be about managing the water relevant to the land, building vertically, and connecting them with elevated transportation systems." This week on Fluent in Floridian, SalterMitchell PR President, Heidi Otway, sits down with Jim Murley, the Chief Resilience Officer for Miami-Dade County to talk about the ways Southeast Florida is going to have to adapt to #SeaLevelRise. In their conversation, they discuss Jim's history serving under multiple Governors, his time spent researching with the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at FAU and what exactly is in store for...
2019-02-1540 minFluent in FloridianTampa Bay Times Editor of Editorials Tim NickensSince he was in the eighth grade, Tim Nickens knew he would be a journalist. What began as a dream to become a sports writer turned into a 35-year career reporting for two of Florida's top newspapers and winning a Pulitzer Prize. Nickens is Fluent in Floridian. Over the course of his impressive career, he has reported on many of the cultural events that have defined the 21st century, including 9/11, Hurricane Charlie and both election recounts in Florida. On this episode of Fluent in Floridian, Nickens discusses his career in journalism, the way the industry...
2019-02-0433 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Conservation Voters Executive Director, Aliki MoncriefSea level rise. Unprecedented super storms. Toxic algae blooms. The effects of climate change on Florida's environment have become increasingly overt in the last decade. However, activists like Aliki Moncrief are reminding us that while global warming is a human-made phenomenon, it can also be solved by people working together. As the executive director of Florida Conservation Voters, her mission is to keep citizens informed of the threats of climate change. Moncrief is Fluent in Floridian. Born in Greece, she grew up in South Miami before attending Emory University for undergrad and Harvard Law for her J...
2019-01-2327 minFluent in FloridianFilm Florida Executive Director John LuxJohn Lux got his start in Florida working for Walt Disney World, but after leaving the mouse's house, he was drawn to a career in film production. Since becoming involved with Film Florida, Lux progressed from volunteer to treasurer before being named the full-time executive director in 2016. Lux is Fluent in Floridian. As an advocate for the film, TV, and digital media industries, he is aware of the natural benefits our state offers to digital creators, but also of the incentives that can help to move filming away from Hollywood studios, and bring that money to smaller...
2019-01-1433 minFluent in Floridian46. Everglades CEO Eric EikenbergWhen Eric Eikenberg graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he had little idea who Stoneman Douglas was, or that he would be walking in her boot-prints as an activist championing the Florida Everglades. Eikenberg began his position as the CEO of the Everglades Foundation in 2012 and has since been an unapologetic advocate for one of the most distinctly Floridian landmarks. Eikenberg is fluent in Floridian. Whether it's discussing the blue-green algae being discharged from the east and west sides of Lake Okeechobee, the pivotal function of the Everglades in cleaning the water of millions of South...
2018-12-1934 min
Fluent in FloridianAlyson Sologaistoa, Senior Director of Public Relations, Universal OrlandoFrom top to bottom, the state of Florida is filled with distinctly 'Floridian' features, yet in one corner of Orlando it's possible to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of London. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been one of Universal Orlando's calling cards ever since it opened in 2010 with the help of PR pro, Alyson Sologaistoa. Sologaistoa is Fluent in Floridian. As the Director of Public Relations at Universal Orlando, Alyson has a hand in one our state's biggest economic drivers in the theme park industry. With over 120 million tourists projected to take trips...
2018-12-1233 minFluent in Floridian44. Orlando Sentinel Columnist Scott MaxwellA transplant from tar-heel country, Scott Maxwell has spent the better part of the last two decades reporting for the Orlando Sentinel as the Taking Names columnist. In his 20 years of reporting, Maxwell has seen it all – describing the Florida political reporting scene as "addictive." Maxwell is Fluent in Floridian. From covering the last several election cycles to documenting natural disasters, Scott has earned a masters in Floridian Fluency, all while peppering his writing with his patented wit and astute perception. Some of his best stories are about Florida politicians, but also his readers' reactions – which range from...
2018-11-1921 minFluent in Floridian43. Former Hillsborough County Circuit Court Judge Ashley MoodyGrowing up in Plant City during the 1980's, Ashley Moody's life was surrounded by family, faith, community, and the town's singular McDonald's restaurant. Who would have guessed that in 2006, the woman with a Master's in Accounting from the University of Florida would go on to be the youngest circuit court judge in the entire state (besides Ashley herself)? Moody's experience with the law is drawn from many wells — her first job as a business litigator, her time as a federal prosecutor, being the daughter and granddaughter of judges, and even the experiences of her husband, a federal ag...
2018-10-2426 minFluent in Floridian42. State Representative Sean ShawSome kids grow up wanting to be an astronaut or a firefighter, but as Sean Shaw grew up in Tallahassee, his vision of the future was shaped by his after-school hang out spot: the Florida Supreme Court. After integrating the Jacksonville bar association, Leander Shaw, Sean's father, spent 20 years on Florida's Supreme Court, becoming the first black Chief Justice in the court's history in 1990. Sean says it would be "impossible" to say he doesn't feel pressure to live up to his father's legacy. Having been elected to Florida's House of Representatives in 2016, Shaw is now running to...
2018-10-2223 minFluent in FloridianState Representative Matt CaldwellSince the early 1800s, Matt Caldwell's family has had roots in Florida. Today, Matt is staying true to those roots and running for Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Before deciding to run for Agriculture Commissioner, Matt Caldwell was your average, everyday, pocket constitution carrying member of Florida's House of Representatives. The man who once tweeted that he'd rather engage in fisticuffs with a coyote rather than an alligator (any Floridian would), decided to jump into a statewide election to shift the focus to the issues he sees as most important: "jobs, water, and the second...
2018-10-1632 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Market President for Devoted Health, Dariel QuintanaLove and family. Devoted Health, a start-up launching Medicare Advantage plans in 2019, aims to connect those words with healthcare. In this episode, Dariel Quintana, the Florida market president for Devoted Health, talks about what's changed with healthcare in his two decades in the industry, what's remained the same, and why choosing a healthcare plan needs to look more like online car shopping. Listen in to hear how Florida stacks up with other states' Medicare Advantage options, tips for people approaching age 65, and find out how Devoted Health is using world-class technology – and love – to change the...
2018-10-0125 minFluent in FloridianUniversity of Florida President, Kent FuchsBorn in Oklahoma, raised in Alaska, attended high school in Miami and college at Duke: not the path you would expect from the twelfth president of the University of Florida, but Kent Fuchs is far from an ordinary university president. In college, Kent had his sights set on engineering, then business, and eventually the ministry before turning to a life of higher education. In his third year as UF's president, he is reflective of the experiences he has had that led him to the University of Florida. Even though he grew up in the culturally vibrant 1960's...
2018-08-2236 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Police Chiefs Association Executive Director, Amy MercerIt isn't often someone can go from executive assistant to executive director, but since starting with the Florida Police Chiefs Association in 1999, that's exactly what Amy Mercer has done. As executive director of one of the largest policing association in the country, Amy is on the cutting edge of police technology and technique, but the job has continued to develop new challenges over the nearly two-decades. Mercer is fluent in Floridian. One of the hardest parts of her job is addressing the negative glare cast on law enforcement by a select few. Mercer says, "I know the...
2018-07-2428 minFluent in FloridianVisit Florida President & CEO, Ken LawsonBringing with him his Marine background and homegrown Florida story, Ken Lawson has taken VisitFlorida in a bold, refreshing, and transparent direction. Appointed by Governor Scott to right a sinking ship, Lawson has been fundamental in revitalizing the state's tourism bureau, however he still has to fight against hurricanes, national and international competition. Ken is fluent in Floridian. Ken takes advantage of social media to innovate the way tourists are 'sold' on Florida, he informed us, "We have a program called Share A Little Sunshine where people send their video clips of their experience. And when you...
2018-07-0333 minFluent in FloridianFSU Heisman Winner & Former New York Knicks Guard, Charlie WardAs one of Florida State's three Heisman trophy winner, Charlie Ward left Tallahassee to play professional basketball with the New York knicks as their starting point guard, only to return to the city that saw the birth of his two-sport superstardom as the newest head basketball coach at Florida High. But if you ask him, it's all about the love of the game. His star-studded journey has brought high, lows, and lots of lessons. Ward is fluent in Floridian. Winning his Heisman as FSU's quarterback, his life outside of sports holds a deeper meaning, "I want to...
2018-06-1529 minFluent in FloridianReal Florida Author and Journalist, Jeff KlinkenbergA journalist for four-decades at the Tampa Bay Times, Jeff Klinkenberg has the kind of job that most people dream of. His column, Real Florida, began in 1986 and documented the arts, culture, nature and way of life of Floridians. Faced with cave diving, mosquitos, hurricanes and alligators, jeff would still classify the drive from Tampa to Daytona Beach on I-4 the most dangerous thing in Florida. Jeff is fluent in Floridian. Jeff got his start in Miami covering the sports beat, but it wasn't ideal, he describes, "so I was covering the Miami Dolphins and I got...
2018-05-3041 minFluent in FloridianOunce of Prevention Fund of Florida President & CEO, Doug SessionsHe has served under Florida Governor Askew and with the New York Yankees, but over the past two-and-a-half decades, Doug Sessions has found the most success as President and CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund (preventchildabusefl.org), which works to end child abuse in Florida. His background in government made him an unlikely candidate for the position, but his overwhelming devotion to preventing child abuse in Florida makes him an obvious choice. Doug is fluent in Floridian. However before he was fluent in Floridian, he was speaking Yankee as he served with the New York baseball...
2018-04-3024 minFluent in FloridianFormer Miami Beach Mayor, Philip LevineA hopeful, hard-working, Boston-transplant, Philip Levine will be the first to say he wasn't a 'stellar student,' instead, he would probably attribute his ascension to the upper echelon of Florida politics to his convictions and mentality of hard work. His background in politics and history have led him to 'think big and act small,' which is why when he saw paralysis on the part of Miami Beach legislature to address climate change, he took up the fight and ran for mayor. Philip is fluent in Floridian. Although his stint at the U of F was...
2018-04-1228 minFluent in FloridianFlorida State Senator Denise GrimsleyA fifth-generation Floridian, still living on the same piece of property that she grew up on in Zolfo Springs, Denise Grimsley knows a thing or two about 'Flo-Grown.' Grimsley experienced a different childhood than most: her family's land included a 350-acre citrus grove, 100-acres of cattle, she learned to drive on a dirt road, and there were no neighbors to speak of. When her dad fell ill, she returned from her job as a registered nurse to take care of the family oil business, all while attending business school at nights and on the weekend. Her time in...
2018-03-0624 minFluent in FloridianConstitutional Revision Commissioner, Brecht HeuchanIn a fertile ground for political careers, Brecht Heuchan took a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Florida State, an internship with the House Republican Campaign Committee, and turned it into a lengthy career as the founder of Contribution Link, a political data and fundraising company. Now, he faces the unparalleled pressure of sitting on a commission tasked with reviewing the constitution that governs the people of Florida.
2018-02-1632 minFluent in FloridianPulitzer Prize Winning Reporter, Lucy MorganLucy Morgan is NOT your typical Florida retiree. A long-time veteran of the Florida journalism industry, Lucy has both reported news, as well as made news, while investigating corruption in law enforcement. The accolades are second to the stories she's collected, not that a Pulitzer Prize or an induction into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame and the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame is anything to sneeze at, Morgan would probably equate these accomplishments to the prison sentence she received for protecting sources.
2018-01-1654 minFluent in FloridianUF Professor & Author, Mary AdkinsIt isn't just Florida's enticing attractions and vast ecological diversity that make this state stand out. Florida is also the only state in the union to have an automatic Constitution Review Commission (CRC) which meets every year. Mary Adkins, a Master Legal Skills Professor at the University of Florida, joins us to discuss her research into the history of Florida's CRC, and her new book, Making Modern Florida: How the Spirit of Reform Shaped a New State Constitution.
2017-12-0720 minFluent in FloridianFlorida CFO Jimmy PatronisIn Panama City Beach, there's a famous seafood restaurant called Capt. Anderson's. Owned by the Patronis family since it opened, Capt. Anderson's has been serving Panama City Beach as for just over fifty years. For Jimmy Patronis, clocking in at Capt. Anderson's from the time he was a teenager helped prepare him for his current job as Florida's Chief Financial Officer. "Up until I took the job as CFO, my brothers and I still clocked in and clocked out every day […] That was probably what taught us to be loyal to the business, understanding that it boils down to ma...
2017-11-1523 minFluent in FloridianU.S. Representative & Former Governor Charlie CristYou probably know Representative Charlie Crist as the former governor of Florida, and as a current member of the US House of Representatives, representing Florida's 13th district. What you probably didn't know is that he served as the general counsel for minor league baseball right out of law school, although a career in politics would soon call to him. "I guess I probably should have seen the forecast though, because all through school, beginning with junior high school and earlier, I was involved in student government and did so all the way through law school. So that should have...
2017-10-3116 minFluent in Floridian26. Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO, Tim GiulianiOrlando is one of Florida's most well known tourist destinations and technological hubs, and as such is a major source of revenue for the state. It stands to reason that a prosperous Orlando helps to create a prosperous Florida, and Tim Giuliani is doing whatever he can as the President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership to make Orlando as successful a it can be. Having previously worked for the Chambers of Commerce for the state of Florida, Gainesville, and Raleigh, NC, Giuliani knows the importance of leadership and giving a community a voice in policy decisions. "If...
2017-10-1727 minFluent in FloridianAmerican Authors Guitarist, James Adam ShelleyIf you listened to the radio in 2014, chances are you heard the hit song "Best Day of My Life," meaning you've heard Tallahassee-native James Adam Shelley. Shelley, the lead guitarist of the band American Authors, has spent his life making what often seemed like an uphill climb to break through into the music industry. This struggle is reflected in the hit song that would later make their name, which was written when the band was at their nadir. "People are telling us, 'No, you guys will never do it.' The song is maybe when we're sleeping, that that's...
2017-10-1140 minFluent in FloridianHall of Fame Artist, Christopher StillChristopher Still, whose paintings can be seen in the Governor's Mansion and Smithsonian Institute, has earned acclaim throughout his career for the way in which he takes Florida landscapes and depicts them in styles more often reserved for "higher" subject matter, such as historic European architecture. Still's dedication to Florida through his art has earned him an induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, as well as a commission from the Florida House of Representatives to create 10 paintings that tell the history of the state.
2017-10-0434 minFluent in FloridianChancellor of the State University System of Florida, Marshall Criser IIIWhen Marshall Criser III's father left his law practice to serve as the president of the University of Florida, he couldn't wrap his head around the choice. "I didn't really understand why he chose to leave […] Could not understand why my parents would make a decision like that." However, later in his life, Criser would prove to have more in common with his father than just their names, as he made a similar career change to become the Chancellor of the State University System of Florida. "When I later made something of a similar decision in 2014, I suddenly understood wh...
2017-09-2735 minFluent in FloridianJacksonville Jaguars President, Mark LampingWhile most would consider earning either a World Series or Super Bowl ring to be a career-defining honor, Mark Lamping is one of the very few who can boast ownership of both. Lamping, the current president of the Jacksonville Jaguars, earned his World Series ring while president of the St. Louis Cardinals, and his Super Bowl ring while CEO of the New York Giants' MetLife Stadium. However, he's not content to stop there. "I was fortunate enough to be president of the St. Louis Cardinals for 14 year […] and won the World Series in 2008. And that was wonderful, but that wa...
2017-09-1926 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director, Cissy ProctorCissy Proctor can blame her former coworkers for her interest in public service work. Having attended Florida State for her undergraduate and law degrees, Proctor went on to work at a local Tallahassee law firm called Bryant Miller Olive, where she said many of her colleagues "Had been inside state government, inside state agencies, inside the governor's office, legislature, and really spoke so highly of their time inside stat government. So I kind of got bit by the bug to really go do more public service work." This led to a series of public service jobs, including serving as...
2017-09-0624 minFluent in FloridianJames Madison Institute President & CEO, Dr. Bob McClureIn today's volatile political climate, it can be hard to "cut through the noise," as Dr. Bob McClure puts it. But Dr. McClure, as the CEO and President of the James Madison Institute, one of the oldest non-partisan think tanks in the country, makes it his (nonprofit) business to cut through the noise. The James Madison Institute focuses on "policy that advances opportunity and economic prosperity for all Floridians," working with organizations such as the Republic Party, or the ACLU on issues such as criminal justice reform.
2017-08-2933 minFluent in FloridianCivil Rights Attorney, Ben CrumpDescribed as "today's seminal civil rights lawyer" by Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan, Ben Crump has represented some of the most high profile civil rights and discrimination cases of the 21st century, including Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Martin Lee Anderson, and the currently unfolding Chris Jones case.
2017-08-1532 minFluent in FloridianFlorida Restaurant and Lodging President CEO, Carol DoverFor some college students, a hospitality job is nothing more than a necessity to pay for school. For Carol Dover, it was more than that; it was a stepping stone that led to her becoming the President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, a position she has held since 1995. Dover represents over the interests of over 10,000 members of the Florida hospitality industry in front of the state legislature.
2017-08-0821 minFluent in FloridianPresident and CEO of Florida Tax Watch, Dominic CalabroDominic Calabro has been with TaxWatch, a non-profit non-partisan research institute, so long that he sometimes jokes "There's no life before or after TaxWatch." While he hasn't yet discovered what comes after, there was a before, during which time Calabro worked in a Catholic Seminary. It was here that he asked himself who he wanted to be, a question that led him on the path of citizen advocacy.
2017-08-0130 minFluent in FloridianWhat person, place, or thing in Florida deserves more attention?At the end of each episode of Fluent in Floridian, we ask our guests four questions, including "What in Florida deserves more attention?" This episode presents the answers given by our first ten guests.
2017-07-2613 minFluent in FloridianFormer FEMA Administrator, Craig FugateOver the course of his career as FEMA Administrator, Craig Fugate oversaw more than 500 presidentially-declared major disasters and emergencies, including Florida's first back-to-back major hurricanes since the 1950s. Coming from a long background in emergency management, after updating Alachua County's disaster plan in February 1987 shortly after being promoted to Lieutenant in Fire Rescue, Fugate's focus during his tenure as FEMA Administrator was preparedness.
2017-07-1839 minFluent in FloridianMiami Herald Capital Bureau Chief, Mary Ellen KlasMiami Herald Capital Bureau Chief Mary Ellen Klas is a celebrated journalist within the sunshine state. She notes that her interest in journalism was sparked at a young age. "I got into journalism because, as a little kid, I was really interested in writing. […] Florida as a state was growing fast and every newcomer who was engaged didn't think twice about subscribing to a newspaper. So it was a really exciting time to be a journalist."
2017-06-2727 minFluent in FloridianHolland & Knight Retired Senior Partner, Martha BarnettMartha Barnett is one of the Sunshine State's most influential lawyers. A graduate of both Tulane University and the University of Florida, Barnett was a member of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission in 1997 through 1998 and previously served as President of the American Bar Association from 2000 to 2001. Currently, Barnett is a retired senior partner at the Holland & Knight Law firm.
2017-06-2043 minFluent in FloridianOrange County Sheriff, Jerry DemingsOrange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings is dedicated to serving and protecting his Florida community. A former Chief of the Orlando Police Department and Director of Public Safety for Orange County, Demings's interest in law enforcement was sparked from his childhood experiences watching television shows such as Hawaii Five-0 and Mannix. After joining the Orlando Police Department in 1981, Demings moved up the leadership ranks to become the department's first African-American chief in 1998.In 2008, Demings became the department's first African-American sheriff.
2017-06-1429 minFluent in FloridianNY Times Bestselling Author, TB Times Reporter, Craig PittmanNew York Times Bestselling author and Tampa Bay Times reporter Craig Pittman is a celebrated journalist and storyteller in the sunshine state. A Florida native and graduate of Troy State University in Alabama, Pittman has won several awards, including the Waldo Proffitt Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism in Florida four times, the top investigative reporting award from the Society of Environmental Journalists two times, as well as three first-place awards from the Florida Magazine Association. Pittman notes that his parents influenced his career aspirations. He states, "I always joked that my mom taught me to appreciate a good book...
2017-06-0820 min