State Rep. Allison Tant has done it all, and then some. The Tallahassee Democrat was an aide, a lobbyist, an advocate and the chair of the Florida Democratic Party before her election to House District 9 in 2020. On this week's Deeper Dive, Allison visits with Dara and shares about her "humble" roots, her fierce advocacy for people with disabilities and the journey that led her to the state House. Of course, the duo dig into House and Senate leaders' legislative impasse over the state budget. Rep. Tant offers insight about the needs of rural communities she represents and shares some good news about Jefferson County schools. Join Dara and Allison for all that, plus Costco and much, much more from the Speakeasy!

In Part 2 of Dara's dive with John Morgan, the pair get deep. John's launching a new political party aimed at Republicans and Democrats who feel like their choices are too extreme. Divas can learn more about that in Episode 1. This week, John and Dara discuss what "faith" means & explore the afterlife. John also shares insights into former President Joe Biden's physical and cognitive decline (Note: This episode was recorded shortly before the announcement that the former president has been diagnosed with cancer). John also has opinions about Gov. Ron DeSantis, Crocs, and much, much more!

Wanna be part of a new political team? For centrists who feel the GOP & the Democrats are too extreme, trial lawyer-entrepreneur-philanthropist John Morgan is recruiting! Prizes are involved... "Pot Daddy" joined Dara this week to dish about his "serious" consideration of a run for governor. In this two-part, wide-ranging episode, Dara and the OG delve into the political landscape in Florida and beyond, have a deep discussion about faith and the afterlife, and make predictions about the future of recreational weed. Plus, John gives his impressions of former President Joe Biden's cognitive and physical health, and much, much more!

Legislative winners and losers, dueling tax cuts and the biggest story no one's talking about! Join frequent guest of the show Steve Bousquet, opinion editor at the South Florida Sun Sentinel, and Dara for a reporter roundtable where the pair break down those issues and more from the 2025 legislative session. Can House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, reach a deal on the budget before the clock runs out on the fiscal year? The pair also dissect Gov. Ron DeSantis' increasingly pugnacious approach to the GOP-controlled House. Bring plenty of popcorn for this week's episode of Deeper Dive!

Freshly minted Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman and Sen. Tina Polsky join Dara to delve into the multi-layered 2025 legislative session as lawmakers prepare to head home -- for now! Leader Berman, who takes over a caucus of 10 members, also shares insights about Democrats in the upper chamber and statewide, following her predecessor Jason Pizzo's stunning decision to drop his party affiliation just a week before the session was slated to end. Also, is the intra-party feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, liberating GOP lawmakers? Join Deeper Dive this week for all that and much more, plus Crocs and The News in Haikus!

In the race to the end of this year's legislative session (or not), today's Reporter Roundtable features Jeffrey Schweers, capitol bureau reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. Jeff and Dara continue to dig into the House's probe of First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program, Hope Florida, and its affiliated charity, the Hope Florida Foundation. Jeff discusses what his investigations into the program and the nonprofit have revealed. The pair also expound on how the Hope Florida inquiry has affected the legislative session, which (sadly) won't conclude as scheduled next week. Plus: a lightning round involving chips, Crocs and more!

That's right, we're having another Reporter Roundtable -- this time with Capitol Press Corps dynamic duo Alexandra Glorioso (state government reporter, The Miami Herald) and Lawrence Mower (Tallahassee correspondent, Tampa Bay Times). The power couple (IRL, as well as in breaking news) join Dara in the Speakeasy to dive deep into their investigation into First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program, Hope Florida, and its affiliated charity, the Hope Florida Foundation, Inc. Alexandra, Lawrence and Dara also discuss the twists and turns of the Florida House's probe into the foundation and the potential political implications for Gov. Ron DeSantis, the First Lady and other GOP Florida officials. Plus, a must-listen for divas: Alexandra shares about her cancer journey. Join us this week as we head into the final two weeks of session -- or do we?!

Back by popular demand, E.W. Scripps Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders & Spectrum News Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado rejoin Dara in the Speakeasy as we head into the last half of the 2025 legislative session. The highly caffeinated trio dig into the verbal fisticuffs exchanged by House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, and discuss this week's Winners and Losers. Is Hope Florida on the ropes? Come for the Super Smash Brothers and stay for dogs, moms, and conspiracy theories in the latest episode of Deeper Dive with Dara!

State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research might impact Florida institutes of higher learning. The former House member also shares his views on the university presidential search process. College athletes? Professor tenure? Join Deeper Dive with Dara for all that and so much more in the latest episode with "Ray Rod."

State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for the first of a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research might impact Florida institutes of higher learning. The former House member also shares his views on the university presidential search process. College athletes? Professor tenure? Join Deeper Dive this week and next week for all that and so much more!