Next week Intersection will go on hiatus. So today we’re going to take a look at three aspects of Orlando and Central Florida that we’ve covered on the show over the past decade.

Central Florida is a dynamic, fast growing place, and that’s reflected in the topics we’re diving into on this show: the media, the culinary landscape and the music scene. 

We reached out to guests we’ve talked to before on Intersection and invited them back for a conversation. 

UCF journalism professor Rick Brunson reflects on what it’s like to report on a busy community that’s a global destination, and to coach the next generation of journalists. 

We’ll also talk about the booming culinary scene with chef, culinary educator and food network star Emily Ellyn, CEO and founder of the Global Cooking school Hari Pulapaka, Tasty Chomps Food blog publisher Ricky Ly and Orlando Weekly restaurant critic Faiyaz Kara. 

And Americana band Beemo are back from touring Austin Texas- we’ll talk with them about performing as pandemic restrictions ease.

Next week Intersection will go on hiatus. So today we’re going to take a look at three aspects of Orlando and Central Florida that we’ve covered on the show over the past decade. Central Florida is a dynamic, fast growing community, and that’s reflected in the topics we’re diving into on this show: the media, the culinary landscape and the music scene.

The coronavirus pandemic is now in its third year- and while life is in many ways returning to normal- COVID-19 is still with us. For parents facing burnout from two years of pandemic living and figuring out how to navigate the next phase- stress levels are still high.

On this episode of Intersection we talk about the impact of the Parental Rights in Education bill and reflect on the first two years of the COVID-19 pademic.

On this episode of Intersection we speak with Beacon College Psychology professor Oksana Hagerty, and UCF political science lecturer Miroslav Shapovalov about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Political commentators Dick Batchelor and Chris Carmody talk about the legislative session and CPAC. And Orlando author Joanie Schirm reflects on parallels between the war in Ukraine and WWII

This week WMFE is marking 10 years since Trayvon Martin was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer while walking home to his father’s house in Sanford. We’re examining Trayvon’s legacy and asking what’s changed in the decade since then.

On this episode of Intersection we talk with WMFE News Director LaToya Dennis and Morning Edition Host Nicole Darden Creston about Travyon Martin’s legacy, 10 years after he was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford.

Legislation that would ban discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida primary schools is sounding an  alarm with LGBTQ+ advocates. 

David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition says if the bill becomes law, some LGBTQ+ students of color in particular will simply stop attending school. And he’s worried about the impact on their mental health. 

On this episode of Intersection we talk with David Johns about the bill and what comes next. 

The Federal Government is pumping more than $1 billion into Everglades restoration. Environmental advocates say it’s a big deal for the river of grass,  and it could also help Florida’s struggling manatees. 

WMFE’s environmental reporter Amy Green joins us to talk about the link between the Everglades and the manatees. 

And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, WMFE’s Joe Byrnes talks to a couple of experts on marriage and relationships about what we can learn from seniors with enduring relationships.

Legislation that would ban discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida primary schools is sounding an alarm with LGBTQ+ advocates.

This week on Intersection we’ll hear more about the hate group behind last weekend’s neo-Nazi demonstration. Susan Corke of the Southern Poverty Law Center tells WMFE’s Joe Byrnes that while this group has a frightening ideology- they’ve dwindled in size in recent years.