Shows
Todd's Podcast44: University of Florida Football Alumni & MVP David HitchcockDavid Hitchcock was a defensive lineman for the University of Florida in the 1970s and is a decorated land advisor at Saunders Real Estate. In his conversation with Todd, David shares stories from his days as a Gator football all-star, including his memories of integration in college athletics, his most memorable games, and his journey from the son of a Baptist preacher in Winter Haven to team captain and MVP at UF. Beyond the field, David reflects on his decades-long career in Florida agribusiness, his transition into land brokerage, and the work ethic that has carried him t...2025-07-151h 09
Todd's Podcast43: Sports Hall of Fame Talk Show Host Ron O'ConnorRon O’Connor AKA "Ronnie Ocean" is a longtime broadcaster of The O-Zone on 96.7FM in Lakeland, and is a newly inducted member of the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. In this podcast episode, Todd invites Ron to look back on a 20-year run hosting on WLKF Radio, where he’s interviewed legends like John Wooden, Tom Lasorda, and Danny Wuerffel. The discussion dives into Ron’s journey from marketing professional to beloved radio personality, his early inspirations, and his philosophy on interviewing. Along the way, they trade stories on Gator football, sports media, coaching greats, and the...2025-07-0159 min
Todd's PodcastIs It Safe to Fly in the US? General-ly Speaking #4 with Congressman Franklin and General PolumboIn the fourth installment of General-ly Speaking on Todd’s Podcast, Todd welcomes Navy veteran and Congressman Scott Franklin alongside Air Force veteran Major General H.D. “Jake” Polumbo for an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of American defense and political leadership. The episode opens with a frank discussion on the state of civility and bipartisanship in Congress, drawing from Congressman Franklin’s firsthand experience in Washington. The conversation then shifts to the safety and brittleness of the US aviation system, following recent FAA concerns and airline disruptions.Todd and his guests examine a troubling series of incid...2025-06-171h 18
Todd's Podcast42: How to Catch a Quadruple Murderer with Special Agent Tommy RayTommy Ray is a former Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) whose career spanned four decades. In this episode, Tommy shares gripping stories from some of his most high-profile cases, including the infamous 1997 Nelson Serrano quadruple murder in Bartow, which ultimately led to Serrano's extradition from Ecuador. Tommy also reflects on his role in the investigation of the Gainesville student murders committed by Danny Rolling, a case that terrorized the University of Florida in the early '90s. Additionally, he discusses his contributions to the Cold Case Playing Cards program, an initiative now u...2025-06-031h 19
Todd's Podcast41: So You Want to Be a BBQ Pitmaster? with Smokin’ Jim RabeIn this flavorful episode, Todd sits down with his longtime friend and barbecue restaurateur, Jim Rabe—owner of Smokin’ Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q in Auburndale, Florida. From pitching heat on the baseball diamond to slow-smoking ribs and brisket, Jim shares the winding journey that led him to the foodservice industry. They discuss Jim’s role as the unofficial pitmaster at local backyard cookouts, his brief brush with Hollywood fame starring in a movie, and lessons learned from decades in the barbecue business. Along the way, Jim shares cooking tips, behind-the-scenes restaurant insights, and what it really takes to...2025-05-2051 min
Todd's Podcast40: Are the Boys & Girls Clubs Worth the Investment? with Steve GiordanoSteve Giordano is the President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate turnarounds, Steve brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to nonprofit leadership—one that has helped stabilize and grow the organization while deepening its impact on the lives of local families.From reducing teen pregnancy and increasing graduation rates to serving over 1.5 million hot meals, Steve outlines how the clubs provide more than just after-school care—they offer safety, structure, mentorship, and a pathway to a brighter future. He also discusses the organization’s growth, capital campaigns, partne...2025-05-0659 min
Todd's PodcastLaunching From Scratch #2 - Concord CoffeeIn this installment of our entrepreneur series, "Launching From Scratch," Todd invites TJ Zimmerman, co-owner of Concord Coffee. Founded in 2015, Concord is a craft coffee roaster and café with locations in Lakeland and Gainesville, Florida—built on a mission to create meaningful local communities through quality coffee and intentional spaces.Todd and TJ explore the early days of Concord, how they landed on the name, the trial-and-error of roasting, and the importance of community in both business growth and daily operations. As the company now roasts and ships coffee across the country, the episode also dives into the...2025-04-2256 min
Todd's PodcastGeneral-ly Speaking #3In this installment of General-ly Speaking on Todd's Podcast, Todd is joined by Major General (ret) H.D. "Jake" Polumbo and Major General (ret) Kurt “Nubes” Neubauer. Their conversation revolves around the complexities of Air Force operations, with a particular focus on safety, risk management, and leadership under pressure, and General Neubauer's background as the USAF Chief of Safety and his responsibilities overseeing global safety protocols.Todd and the Generals also explore recent aviation safety issues, including procedural and safety breakdowns that led to notable incidents like the Boeing crises, the mid-air collision near Washington D.C., and...2025-04-081h 10
Todd's PodcastLaunching From Scratch #1 - Commercial AcousticsWalker Peek is the Founder & CEO of Commercial Acoustics—a company specializing in commercial soundproofing, acoustic treatment, and sound masking solutions nationwide. In the inaugural episode of our "Launching From Scratch" series, Todd sits down with Walker to discuss his company, how it came to fruition, and their goals going forward. Walker shares about the challenges of entrepreneurship, including access to capital, scaling a manufacturing business, and navigating complex commercial contracting processes. From sound-blocking movie theaters and hospitals to winning innovation awards, Walker explains how his company has grown in the industry, providing acoustic solutions for architects, con...2025-03-2554 min
Todd's Podcast#39 - Carter HenneCarter Henne is a marine biologist and is the CEO of Sea & Shoreline, an aquatic restoration firm based in Florida. Joining Todd in this episode, Carter shares his passion for restoring and preserving aquatic ecosystems, discussing the importance of seagrass restoration, water quality improvement, and coastal resiliency. From his early days growing up in Polk County to leading large-scale restoration projects, Carter explains how his company works to combat invasive species, remove harmful muck, and re-establish self-sustaining marine habitats. He also dives into the challenges facing Florida’s waterways, the science behind seagrass restoration, and the economic an...2025-03-111h 08
Todd's Podcast#38 - Emily RogersEmily Rogers is the Founder & CEO of Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching. With a career spanning over 12 years as an executive leader and advisor to Fortune 100 brands, Emily joins Todd to discuss the power of executive coaching, team development, and legacy leadership, offering insights into how leaders can grow with purpose and intention. From succession planning to behavior change, she breaks down the key strategies that help executives and teams maximize their potential. She also reflects on her career evolution, the impact of professional coaching, and the importance of creating meaningful business legacies.Learn more about E...2025-02-2557 min
In Our Expert OpinionCitrus Under Protective ScreenSteven Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, is a champion of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS)—an innovative approach to protecting crops from citrus greening disease. In this episode, Steven joins Todd Dantzler, Managing Director & Partner at Saunders Real Estate, to share insights into why CUPS may be a potential game-changer for the Florida citrus industry. From the science behind the screen structures to the benefits of a controlled growing environment, this conversation delves into how CUPS is helping citrus growers increase yields, improve fruit quality, and combat industry challenges. Todd and Steven also discuss advancements in...2025-02-1939 min
Todd's Podcast#37 - Nick Del CastilloJoining this episode is Nick Del Castillo, a former Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a former Deputy Sheriff with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Nick has spent much of his law enforcement career undercover, navigating high-stakes drug busts, criminal investigations, and intense operations that helped take dangerous criminals off the streets.From chasing down drug traffickers and dismantling illicit operations to nearly being caught in life-threatening situations, Nick shares various stories from his time in the field. Hear about his first arrest, taking down a massage parlor, a high-speed chase through Winter...2025-02-111h 25
Todd's Podcast#36 - Robbie BellRobbie Bell is one of the largest and most respected beekeepers in the state of Florida. From his humble beginnings inspired by his grandfather to running thousands of hives across the state, Robbie joins this podcast episode to share his journey into the buzzing bee business.Todd and Robbie discuss how bees are essential to agriculture and our food supply, the challenges facing the industry—like pests, diseases, and environmental changes—and the intricate science behind bee behavior. Robbie also offers practical advice for aspiring backyard beekeepers, insights into the benefits of honey, and surprising anecdotes about the...2025-01-281h 05
Todd's Podcast#35 - Tim WeisheyerTim Weisheyer is the 2025 President of Florida Realtors®, the largest professional trade association in the state. In this podcast episode, Tim joins Todd to share his vision for Florida Realtors®, how Realtors® add value to the real estate transaction, and his thoughts on various challenges and opportunities within the real estate industry in general.The conversation also covers a range of topics from the implications of recent industry lawsuits to the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on real estate. Tim's emphasis on leadership development and community involvement shines through as he shares his experiences and the philosophies gui...2025-01-141h 04
Todd's Podcast#34 - Casana FinkBusiness owner, author, and passionate advocate for organ donation, Casana Fink is Miss Florida 2024. In this podcast episode, she shares her inspiring journey through the world of pageantry, the rigorous preparation it entails, and how her personal experiences have fueled her advocacy for organ donation awareness. From competitive dancing to starting a nonprofit at just fourteen years old, Todd and Casana also discuss the profound impact of her father's life-saving organ transplant and her efforts to educate the youth on organ donation. Tune in to discover how Casana is using her platform to make a meaningful difference...2024-12-311h 05
Todd's Podcast#33 - Missus ClausThis special and lighthearted holiday episode is joined by none other than Mrs. Claus herself! In their somewhat unconventional conversation, Todd and Mrs. Claus discuss how she and Santa met, her role in keeping the elves fed and the reindeer ready, and how she manages the stress of Christmas.From pickleball games with the elves to her favorite holiday traditions, Mrs. Claus shares an insider look into what really goes on at the North Pole. Full of holiday cheer, this episode presents a comical take on the woman behind the scenes of Father Christmas.Learn...2024-12-1751 min
Todd's Podcast#32 - Otis BirdsongGrown out of Winter Haven, Florida, Otis Birdsong is a former professional basketball player who was the second overall pick in the 1977 NBA draft. In this podcast episode, Todd and Otis dive deep into the NBA All-Star's roots, exploring his stellar high school career, earning the state championship, and his journey through college to a professional basketball career.Otis shares many memories growing up in a large family, some of the challenges he faced through integration, and his passion for youth sports and the WNBA. The conversation also touches on what it was like facing players like...2024-12-031h 08
Todd's PodcastGeneral-ly Speaking #2In this episode of General-ly Speaking on Todd's Podcast, we are joined by Major General (Ret) H.D. "Jake" Polumbo and Major General (Ret) Larry Martin to delve into pressing military and geopolitical issues. The conversation highlights the perspectives of these seasoned Air Force veterans on contemporary military strategies, the importance of international alliances, and the role of the United States on the global stage.Todd and the generals explore the challenges posed by recent conflicts in the Middle East, the intricacies of military alliances, and the strategic diplomacy required in modern warfare and international relations. Polumbo...2024-11-191h 16
Todd's Podcast#31 - Rex DimmigRex Dimmig is the public defender for Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. During this podcast episode, Todd and Rex discuss the intricacies of managing a public defender's office, the evolution of the public defense system, and the perception of legal representation in the United States. They also discuss the challenges and philosophical changes in the public defense sector, the impact of high caseloads on attorneys, and the critical role of plea bargaining in the judicial process. Overall, this episode not only demystifies the day-to-day battles of a public defender but also e...2024-11-051h 15
Todd's Podcast#30 - Brian HaasThis episode is joined by Brian Haas, State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, who shares his insights into overseeing criminal prosecutions and the operations of his office, which handles thousands of cases annually. Brian and Todd discuss a wide range of topics, including prosecutorial discretion, the importance of diversion programs, and how the State Attorney's Office manages stress from challenging cases.Listeners will also hear Brian's perspective on accountability in the legal system, the impact of media portrayal and public perception, and broader challenges facing the criminal justice system today.Learn more...2024-10-221h 08
Todd's Podcast#29 - Chad WardA man of many titles, Chad Ward is an award-winning pitmaster, the owner of Whiskey Bent BBQ, and the Director of BBQ Marketing at Traeger Pellet Grills. In this podcast episode, Chad shares about his transformation from a software career to becoming a renowned pitmaster known for his award-winning rubs which are now featured in over 400 storefronts internationally. Chad also shares some memorable stories from cooking for various celebrities including Jason Aldean, Ken Griffey Jr., and Post Malone. The episode is packed full of barbeque tips and strategies as well as some insights into how social media...2024-10-081h 22
Todd's PodcastGeneral-ly Speaking #1In this special episode, Todd introduces a new series entitled General-ly Speaking. Through the lens of experienced military leadership, this series will engage in high-level discussion regarding modern military issues and conflicts.Our inaugural episode is joined by Major General (Ret) Richard "Beef" Haddad and Major General (Ret) Robert "Mumbles" Polumbo. Together, Todd and the two generals discuss the complexities of military aviation, the pilot shortage crisis, and the intersection of technology and pilot training. Haddad and Polumbo, with over three decades each in active and reserve roles, also dive into their transitions to commercial aviation, reflecting...2024-09-241h 08
Todd's Podcast#28 - Charles MacLaughlinLieutenant Colonel (Ret) Charles “Buck” MacLaughlin is the Range Operations Officer at the Avon Park Air Force Range. In this podcast episode, MacLaughlin joins Todd to share stories from his 21-year career as a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and his current role in military training operations.MacLaughlin also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the operations and strategic importance of the Avon Park Air Force Range, highlighting its role in military preparedness, community involvement, and conservation. The conversation covers the range's ongoing activities that support both national defense and environmental stewardship through the Sentinel Land...2024-09-101h 08