From lineup changes in city leadership to budget priorities to the loss of a huge federal grant for the Emerald Trail, we talk about the latest city news with Jacksonville's mayor in our monthly Ask the Mayor segment. The mayor takes your calls and questions at (904) 549-2937.

Guest: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan

Then, drawing on influences like outsider art, neo-Dada, and Washington, D.C.’s punk and zine culture, Jacksonville artist Robert Dewitt Adams explores themes ranging from environmental degradation to Lost Cause mythology. His work—often humorous, symbolic, and absurd—invites viewers to uncover meaning in overlooked and everyday objects. We talk to Adams about his creative evolution and how discarded items and military emblems found their way into his art.

And, French-Israeli singer and guitarist ZaZa Flamenca shares the inspiration behind her new collaboration with Gabriel Hermida. Chansons et Tango takes listeners from Paris to Buenos Aires, blending French chansons with Argentine tango. The show premieres Sunday, July 13, at 7 p.m. in the historic Sons of Israel Synagogue in St. Augustine.

From autocorrect to digital assistants that can book flights for you, artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into our daily lives these days. Recent studies show that over-reliance on the large language models that drive open AI can negatively affect critical thinking. Others contend AI promotes creativity and frees up cognitive space, clearing the way for analytical thinking. Neurologist Dr. Joe Sirven lends his expertise on the topic, and also delves into other medical headlines, including DIY botox injections and a storied Egyptian curse that may kill cancer.

Guest: Dr. Joe Sirven, Mayo Clinic neurologist and host of WJCT’s What’s Health Got to Do with It?

Then, as summer temperatures rise, so do the challenges for those living with multiple sclerosis. The heat can exacerbate flare-ups, making beach days and picnics difficult, even painful. We talk to MS advocates about the invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis, their efforts to raise awareness and how you can get involved.

Guests:

• Casey Murphy, board member, North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and host of The Other Side of MS
• Teresa Eichner, board member, North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and founder of Jax Bourbon Social

And, an indie-rock outfit gives new meaning to space jam. Skyview made space exploration their mission, pairing their celestial sound with cinematic cosmic immersion. They headline the final live concert at the Museum of Science and History's Bryan-Gooding Planetarium this Saturday, July 12, at 8:30 p.m. before the museum packs up and shuts down ahead of its move across the river.

Guest: Evan Smith, lead singer and guitarist for Skyview

What began as an ethics complaint by the St. Johns County Airport Authority Board’s attorney has turned into potential fines or even jail time for three board members. Chairman Reba Ludlow and board members Dennis Clarke and Len Tucker are accused of engaging in illegal “out of the sunshine” communications while discussing board business, including financial matters. The State Attorney’s Office began the investigation after the board’s former attorney resigned, saying the board routinely violated state laws prohibiting elected board members from engaging in secret discussions about official business.

Guest:

• Noah Hertz, St. Johns County reporter at Jacksonville Today. 

Then, what is the future of food security in Northeast Florida? As Feeding Northeast Florida celebrates a recent $750,000 grant from Walmart, it's bracing for other economic headwinds.

Guest:

• Susan King, president and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida.

And, shopping in the shade, fireworks and even a pie eating contest. We preview how Riverside Arts Market is celebrating the Fourth of July. RAM plans a smaller version of the Saturday market, featuring food trucks, live music and entertainment leading up to the city's fireworks show, which kicks off over Downtown at 9 p.m. In addition to magic shows and music by Groove Coalition, the day features a pie eating contest with bakery magic provided by Mixed Fillings Pie Shop.

Guest:

• Chloe Kuhn, market director at Riverside Arts Market.

Plus, the folks at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park are already planning for the annual Fourth of July aftermath — cleaning litter throughout the park. The celebration tends to leave a heavy footprint on Jacksonville’s public places, particularly around the Beaches, and park officials are seeking volunteers willing to pick up the pieces of the patriotic pageantry. Willing helpers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. Sunday equipped with sunscreen, work gloves, closed-toed shoes and a refillable water bottle. Water, work gear and snacks are provided.

Guest:

• Felicia Boyd, program and outreach coordinator, Timucuan Parks Foundation.

A new podcast explores how a chance meeting at an Irish bar in Florida turned into one of the most successful espionage endeavors in FBI history. We talk to the creator of a gripping new podcast that explores how a hulking long-haul trucker managed to infiltrate and ultimately help dismantle the violent IRA splinter faction known as the Real Irish Republican Army. The podcast has been selected as a finalist in three Sunshine State Awards categories by the Society for Professional Journalism.

Guest:

• Abdon Pallasch, co-host of the podcast, Underbelly: The Rebel Kind.

Then, from German U-Boats sinking ships off Florida's coast to Nazi spies landing in Ponte Vedra, the First Coast has a rich and compelling World War II-era history. We discuss an upcoming exhibit and presentation focusing on the boon in military bases, business expropriation and civilian defense teams, along with how the wartime mindset forever changed the physical landscape of the Sunshine State.

Guests:

• Susan Gold, archives and collections manager at the Beaches Museum.
• Chris Hoffman, Jax Beach mayor and executive director at the Beaches Museum.

And, summertime is typically a drought season for lifesaving blood donations, a paucity that hits when the need is especially high. In preparation for those emergency demands, local blood banks are urging everyone to consider donating for a first time, and reminding regulars not to forget their generous habit.

Guest:

• James Skahn, district recruitment manager, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

Just weeks from a scheduled execution, two key witnesses recant their testimony, then reverse themselves in court. Last week, Duval County Circuit Judge Jeb Branham denied granting death row defendant Michael Bell a new trial or resentencing hearing in the 1993 double murder of Jimmie West and Tamecka Smith. We talk about the legal implications of the case and possible next steps with the reporter who broke the story.

Guest:

• Nichole Manna, investigative reporter at The Tributary.

Then, a historic community ramps up business revitalization efforts through neighborhood-based entrepreneurship. The Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association offers peer to peer mentoring services to established and upstart businesses alike, with the goal of providing entrepreneurial support to promote inclusive neighborhood revitalization.

Guests:

• Michael Haskins, executive director at Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.
• Patti Peeples, business adviser and facilitator at Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association.

And, merging fashion and sustainability with community connection, content creator and event curator Alyce Rose does not fully accept Jacksonville’s recently received superlative, “most boring city” in America. She joins us to discuss community building and the power of thrifting ahead of her upcoming event, which features vintage and thrift vendors, a clothing swap and a food truck. “Thriftnic” takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Ruby Beach Brewing.

In his sweeping new history of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Jacksonville native and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Kevin Sack explores the deep roots of resistance and racial justice that defined the congregation in Charleston, South Carolina, before and after the tragic mass shooting. His acclaimed new book, Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness, released in early June, was described as “a masterpiece." The New York Times Book Review calls it “a dense, rich, captivating narrative, featuring vivid prose, prodigious research and a palpable emotional engagement that is disciplined by a meticulous attention to the facts,” adding that Sack’s “excavation is an essential addition to existing histories and ought to be recognized as a singular journalistic performance.”

Guest:

• Kevin Sack, veteran journalist and winner of three Pulitzer Prizes. Sack spent 30 years on the staff of The New York Times, where he was a senior writer, and worked previously for the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His work also has been featured in The New York Times Magazine.

Then, with only five years of formal training under his belt, piano virtuoso Mark Magyar is already making waves in the classical music world. From a Carnegie Hall performance to an upcoming competition in Vienna, the young pianist — also a self-taught pipe organist — is building an impressive résumé of recitals and accolades. We talk to the Douglas Anderson piano student about musical exploration, what drives his passion and the importance of classical music.

Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week:

• Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan vetoes a controversial immigration ordinance, and a divided council backs her decision.
• A man who sued the State Attorney’s Office over public records is ordered to pay tens of thousands in legal fees.
• Gov. Ron DeSantis eyes a Clay County National Guard facility as another immigrant detention site, even as construction commences on “Alligator Alcatraz.” 
• St. Johns County residents cry foul, filing suit against a neighborhood sludge spreader.

Guests:

• Mike Mendenhall, City Hall reporter and associate editor at Jacksonville Today.
• Dan Scanlan, reporter at WJCT.
• Robin Lumb, former Jacksonville City Council member.

Then, Alhambra Theatre’s upcoming stage production serves up “pure imagination.” The musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel of the same name and tells the story of a young boy who unexpectedly embarks on a transformational journey through a candy factory. Performances begin June 26 and run through Aug. 17.

Guests

• Jonathan Van Dyke, actor playing Willy Wonka. 
• Jake Ayres, actor playing Charlie.
• Shain Stroff, director.

With a hard-won state budget on the governor’s desk, what First Coast projects hang in the balance? We talk with local attorney and government expert Chris Hand about what’s gained and what could still be lost with the governor’s pen poised for line-item vetos.

Guest:

• Chris Hand, Jacksonville attorney, co-author with the late Sen. Bob Graham of America, the Owner's Manual.

Then, summer is the busiest season for animal shelters as intake soars and adoption rates plummet. In response, the Jacksonville Humane Society is teaming up with shelters across Florida for a statewide adoption initiative Saturday and Sunday. The Petco Love Florida Mega Pet Adoption Event will be held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds and will feature over 500 kittens, puppies, cats and dogs in need of homes.

Guest:

• Lawrence Nicolas, CEO, Jacksonville Humane Society.

A well-known name in local politics, business and journalism tries his hand at fiction. We’ll sit down with Abel Harding ahead of the release of his debut novel, Last Time I’ll Ask, a tale of Jacksonville politics, interpersonal conflict and personal discovery. Harding will appear at a book signing and author chat at The BookMark in Neptune Beach at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Guest:

• Abel Harding, author of Last Time I’ll Ask.

Then, defying the boundaries of tradition, Robert Rauschenberg has been described as a “pioneer of postmodern art” obscuring the distinction between art and everyday life. His work is currently featured at MOCA, in celebration of his 100th birthday.

Guest:

• Ylva Rouse, senior curator at MOCA.

And, a Jacksonville student is working to make mental health care more accessible — both on college campuses and around the world. We talk with Nora Sun, winner of the Jed Foundation’s 2025 Student Voice of Mental Health Award, about her organization, Mercuri.world. Her startup uses online platforms to breach linguistic and financial divides, bringing mental health services to remote cultures around the world.

Guests:

• Nora Sun, CEO of Mercuri.world, recipient of the Jed Foundation’s 2025 Student Voice of Mental Health Award.
• Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer of the Jed Foundation.

Plus, it’s the beginning of the end — before a new beginning. Jacksonville's Museum of Science & History prepares to close its Southbank museum ahead of its eventual relocation to new digs across the river. As it begins to wind down operations, the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium will host a final live music night with indie space-rock locals Skyview. Our resident spaceman gives us a preview in his monthly interplanetary touchdown.

Guest:

• Eddie Whisler, planetarium director at the Museum of Science & History.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will formally vote in August on whether to sanction a black bear hunt this December. With an affirmative vote all but certain, we examine what the first hunt in a decade might look like, and how it will differ from a much-criticized 2015 hunt. We also discussed what role the state’s first-ever fatal bear attack in May may have played in building public support for staging another controversial hunt.

Guest: Adam Sugalski, executive director of OneProtest

Then, we talked about the challenges unhoused kids face and a St. Augustine program offering them a hand up. The organizers of the upcoming Keys of Hope gala say it will help finance the shelter, stability and outreach offered through Port in the Storm.

Guests:

• Joy Case, director of development, St. Augustine Society
• Kate Batzel, special events coordinator, St. Augustine Society

And, Sporting JAX offered a big reveal on today's show: two upcoming international friendlies against Wrexham A.F.C. and Hibernian F.C. The games set the table for the USL Superleague's inaugural season. In addition, Sporting JAX Foundation’s “I’m IN” soccer series offers rising 6-12th graders—regardless of experience or skill level—training with local instructors, including former UNF and JU head soccer Coach Mike Johnson. The weekly clinics, open to student athletes facing financial barriers, are held every Saturday through July 26.

Guests:

• Tony Allegretti, chief community officer, Sporting Club Jacksonville
• Mike Johnson, clinic director, Sporting JAX Foundation