Sunshine State of Mind

Latest Episodes:

Getaway to Anna Maria Island Jun 09, 2020

Show notes

We are back from a little bit of a hiatus, and just spent a weeklong getaway in what may be one of our new favorite places in Florida; Anna Maria Island. This week we share what we did and what we ate on this underrated little gem of a place on Florida's Gulf Coast.
In this Episode:

Our week on Anna Maria Island
Links to the places we ate
Hurricane Hanks
Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery
Poppo’s Taqueria
Ginnies & Jane E’s
The Donut Experiment
Two Scoops
Dips
Island Scoops
Listener Purchase of the Week: PELONIS Oscillating Stand Up Tower Fan

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

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Florida things we can't wait to do again Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

Another week of lockdown has us looking forward to the days when things start returning to "normal". This week we run down and talk about some of the things we can't wait to do again once this is all over.
In this Episode:

We list and discuss some Florida things we can't wait to do again.
Listener Purchase of the Week: Six Deck Automatic Card Shuffler

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

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The Big Show about Tiger King Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

We've been binge-watching Netflix just like the rest of the world these days and finally got around to watching Tiger King. This week we give our reaction to this wild ride that puts a big focus on one popular Florida animal attraction; Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. We also watched The Big Show Show, a family-friendly sitcom about a retired wrestler and his family life in Florida.
In this Episode:

We react to our locked down binge watching of Tiger King.
We review The Big Show Show, also on Netflix.
Link: Big Cat Rescue's response to Tiger King.
Listener Purchase of the Week: Toilet Paper!

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

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Good Energy is also Contagious Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

Yeah, everything is still closed and will be for the foreseeable future. So this week we put together a list of good news from around Florida and a few things to look forward to once the world goes back to normal.
In this Episode:

Video: Some Good News with John Krasinksi
Listener Purchase of the Week: Fender Deluxe Blues Harmonica

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

How to support the show

Stuck inside? Let's play Magic Kingdom Trivia! Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

Everything is shut down, and we're all stuck inside while our favorite Florida places are shut down. It's a bummer. So let's take a virtual visit around Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom to play some trivia while learning a few cool things about the iconic theme park.
In this Episode:

Magic Kingdom Trivia
Listener Purchase of the Week: DJI Osmo Pocket Handheld Gimbal w/ 4K Camera

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

How to support the show

Sorry folks, but Florida is closed! Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

A lot has happened in the world since last week, and not much of it has been good news. The coronavirus pandemic has all but brought activity in Florida, and around the world, to a halt. This week we talk about the impact COVID-19 has had on Florida tourism since so many of the things we love in this state have been temporarily shut down.
In this Episode:

Coronavirus brings Florida theme parks, attractions, and events to a complete standstill.
Florida attractions that are closed, what's still open, and what to do now
Listener Purchase of the Week: Clue Board Game
Shannon's Recommendation: Alton Brown's Handwashing Tutorial

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

How to support the show

Florida Face-Off: Gulf coast vs. Atlantic coast beaches Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

Spring is around the corner, and beach season will soon be here. But which coast has the better beaches? Is the West Coast the best coast? Or is the Atlantic Ocean the place to be? This week we put the Gulf Coast up against the Atlantic Coast in six key categories.
In this Episode:

Only one Florida city ranks as one of the best cities to celebrate St. Patricks Day
- https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-st-patricks-day-celebrations/19603/
Busch Gardens puts finishing touches on Iron Gwazi
The Magic Kingdom hit with a series of technical issues in the last week
- Video: Haunted Mansion lights on and maintenance door open.
Florida Face-off: Gulf coast vs. Atlantic coast beaches

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

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"Up Up & Away" at Florida's largest hot air balloon fest. Mar 03, 2020

Show notes

This weekend we had a great time at "Up Up & Away", Florida's largest hot air balloon festival in Lakeland.
Also, one new ride is opening at Disney World while one classic attraction is getting ready to close.
In this Episode:

Mickey & Minnies Runaway Railway opens this week at Hollywood Studios.
Spaceship Earth at Epcot is closing for a multi-year reimagining.
Trip Advisor lists their best beaches in the world, and some Florida beaches made the cut.
We talk about and review our day at "Up Up & Away Florida".
Photos: Up Up & Away Florida balloon festival
Listener Purchase of the Week: 5.11 Tactical EMS Pants

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

How to support the show

Adventures of Florida Man Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

This week we mix up the format a bit and talk about some of our favorite Florida Man headlines of the past year. Also a little bit Walt Disney World talk.

In this Episode:

Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom is getting a facelift.
We discuss some of our favorite Florida Man stories of the past year.
Listener Purchase of the Week: Purina Pro Plan Cat Food

Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

How to support the show

Florida Theme Park Attractions that may soon disappear Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

It's still early in the year 2020 and at the start of a new decade. This week we put on our prognosticator caps to predict and discuss which current Florida theme park attractions we think won't survive to see the next decade. Also, some "Monster" news emerges on what's coming to Universal's Epic Universe.

In this Episode:

New details emerge on one more land at Epic Universe
USA Today lists 3 new Florida attractions among their best new attractions of the year
https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-new-amusement-park-attraction/
We discuss which current Florida theme park attractions we don't think will make it to the next decade.
Listener Purchase of the Week: Evolve 100% Boar Bristle Hair Brush