UCF Anthropology professor Ty Matejowsky tells us why we eat what we eat on Turkey Day. Therapist Cherlette McCullough offers tips on how to handle those tense dinner table confrontations. We learn about a culinary training program that is changing lives. Rollins College student Joseph Pool is uniting people through Breaking Bread.

Ahead of the Florida Blue Florida Classic this weekend, we are exploring the event’s significance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities alumni and the Central Florida community that welcomed the classic when other cities in this state rejected it. We invited people to join us for a kitchen table conversation at Oley’s Kitchen and Bar-B-Que on Rio Grande Avenue in Orlando. We spoke to Florida Blue Central Florida Market President Tony Jenkins, ONYX Magazine CEO Rich Black, Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns, and local comedian and producer Rod Z.

The owner of a popular downtown Orlando event venue discusses the new measures put in place by city officials to curb the street party atmosphere in response to the mass shooting Halloween night. A year since mobile sports betting was made legal in Florida, we discuss concerns these apps are cultivating a new generation of problem gamblers. The growing economic contributions Latinas are making in Central Florida communities. With the help of superstar striker Barbra Banda, the Orlando Pride advance to the National Women’s Soccer League Championship match for the first time. We talk to the team fans in Zambia beaming with pride over their hometown hero.

FAMU law professor explains when minors get prosecuted as adults and the role of the juvenile justice system. We meet Taylor Cadle whose reporting of sexual abuse as a teen to Polk County detectives resulted in charges being filed against her for lying. Central Florida Public Media’s Abe Aboraya stops by with the latest installment from the One Small Step series examining civil discourse in the region.

On this election day, we hear from Lake County Elections Supervisor Alan Hays about performing one of our most important civic duties. Central Florida Public Media’s Joe Byrnes is at the polls speaking with voting Floridians. Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose discusses the city’s response to the tragic mass shooting that took place downtown on Halloween night. We learn about efforts to restore the voting rights of Floridians convicted of felonies. A symphonic libretto presents the perspectives of young activists grappling with a range of issues as well as the spirit and determination of youth.

Orange County voters will have the opportunity to renew a half-cent sales tax that benefits the region’s students. UCF’s Counseling and Psychological Services Director discusses dependence and addiction in the context of social media and generative artificial intelligence. One small step to find common ground during times of political division. A local Rocky Horror shadow cast explains the experience and appeal of the show and their special Halloween performance.

Dr. Tim Hendrix discusses the upcoming flu season in Central Florida. Florida constitutional amendments addressing partisan school board elections and public campaign financing explained. An Embry-Riddle hurricane researcher fearlessly flies into the eyes of tropical storms. A former Disney animator’s award-winning short film critical of the response to COVID plays this week in Orlando.

The mother of an Orlando teen who died by suicide after developing an addiction to AI chatbots is suing the program’s creator. The potential impact of Florida Amendment 3 on the medical marijuana industry and its patients. An investigative reporter shares concerns about cell phone tracking software. A twist on tailgating from BYU for UCF gameday this weekend helps combat food insecurity among students on campuses.

Early voting started this week in Central Florida. Ballot Amendment 2 to codify the right to fish and hunt in the state’s constitution through the perspectives of a supporting sportsman and opposing conservationist. The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park will perform a recently discovered piece composed by a very young Mozart.

Engage checks in on Hurricane Milton’s impact on Central Florida’s citrus industry, health reporter Joe Mario Pederson parses out Florida’s abortion amendment, we look at how the election is effecting mental health and Central Florida Public Media’s One Small Step facilitates civil discourse.