Fluent in Floridian

Latest Episodes:

27. U.S. Representative & Former Governor Charlie Crist Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

You 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 been a precursor for me that this would be the calling that I would answer."

26. Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO, Tim Giuliani Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

Orlando 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 you're in the business community taking an active leadership role in the community, it can make a world of difference. It can get things done faster. It can give voice to issues that might have gone unnoticed. And it really makes for a much more dynamic community."

25. American Authors Guitarist, James Adam Shelley Oct 11, 2017

Show notes

If 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 the best day of our life, and that's a better version of where we're at right now."

24. Hall of Fame Artist, Christopher Still Oct 04, 2017

Show notes

Christopher 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.

23. Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, Marshall Criser III Sep 27, 2017

Show notes

When 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 what it was all about[…] You want somehow to have as much of an effect in making it stronger, better for our students."

22. Jacksonville Jaguars President, Mark Lamping Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

While 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 was [their] 10th world championship. If I could be part of bringing the first Super Bowl champion to Jacksonville, you only have the opportunity to do something for the first time once."

21. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director, Cissy Proctor Sep 06, 2017

Show notes

Cissy 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 Jesse Panuccio's Deputy of Legislative Affairs Director, his Director of Strategic Business Development, his Chief of Staff, all culminating in her current role as the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Executive Director.

20. James Madison Institute President & CEO, Dr. Bob McClure Aug 29, 2017

Show notes

In 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.

19. Civil Rights Attorney, Ben Crump Aug 15, 2017

Show notes

Described 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.

18. Florida Restaurant and Lodging President CEO, Carol Dover Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

For 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected