The Sunshine Economy

Latest Episodes:

A 'perfect storm' of problems plagues Florida's home insurance market May 23, 2022

Show notes

The home insurance market is broken with companies collapsing or leaving — raising costs and risks for homeowners.

How Disney and DeSantis clashed over power and policy, and what it means for business and politics in Florida May 10, 2022

Show notes

The battle between Gov. DeSantis and Disney CEO Bob Chapek is a rare public display of big business and hard knuckle politics.

'If we don't open, mom can't go to work' — the pandemic puts a priority on child care May 02, 2022

Show notes

The child care industry is pivotal for parents being able to work and for children's early learning. It struggles to compete for workers.

BONUS: Why a veteran climate activist thinks Russia's war in Ukraine may be a turning point for fossil fuels Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

The Russian war in Ukraine has brought focus — again — to sources of energy. Climate activist Bill McKibben talks about how he hopes the war will reshape the developed world's relationship with fossil fuels.

How two generations are fighting climate change by focusing on finance and age Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

Delaney Reynolds and Bill McKibben are from different generations and live on opposite ends of the East Coast. Both have committed themselves toward fighting climate change and rallying politicians and people, while increasingly focusing on finance.

How a banker, baker and cleaner survived, then thrived during the pandemic, and new challenges they face Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

WLRN has been following three businesses for more than a year as the regional economy recovers from COVID-19.

The South Florida economy experiences 'a different kind of surge' while sentiment wanes Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

The unemployment rate has plunged while the inflation rate has soared, hurting consumer confidence.

One couple's small business journey during the pandemic Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

COVID-19 cost them one business, but Jamila and Akino West used their pandemic pivot to reinvest and reinvent their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Russia’s war in Ukraine and its impact on countries with close ties to South Florida. Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

War has broken out in Eastern Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is felt here with higher gasoline prices, but it also impacts countries with close ties to South Florida.

How four South Florida small businesses survived two years of COVID-19 and are growing again Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

First it was the virus, now small firms are dealing with new challenges like inflation and finding workers.