Fluent in Floridian

In 2019, Desmond Meade was featured in TIME magazine's Top 100 Most Influential list for his leading efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities in Florida. Meade has seen his fair share of hardship and struggle. He was incarcerated, homeless, but later turned his life around and earned a law degree. Now he's the President of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and last year lead the efforts to pass Amendment 4 – One of the largest expansions of voting rights in Florida's history. Listen to his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss his journey from felon to nationally-recognized activist.

George LeMieux's passion for politics began at an early age when a pivotal moment made him realize that being a part of public office can be truly impactful. LeMieux went on to lead Charlie Crist's successful gubernatorial campaign and serve as Chief of Staff to the governor before being appointed as Florida's 34th Senator in the 111th Congress. In 2012, he founded the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University and today, he enjoys his new role as author. Tune in to hear his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss his political career, how the LeMieux Center engages students through powerful speakers and research, and his first book, "Florida Made: The 25 Most Important Figures Who Shaped the State."

Flagler College President Dr. Joseph Joyner is a third-generation educator and his passion for the classroom has been the guiding force of his career.

From Florida State University football player to teacher to superintendent of St. Johns County School District, Dr. Joyner's work and leadership has been recognized many times over for its commitment to students. Now, Dr. Joyner enjoys serving as a college President for one of Florida's most historic institutions for higher education, where he is creating a diverse and inclusive community.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may enjoy our episode with Florida State University President John Thrasher or our many other higher education guests.

NASCAR fans, this one's for you. This week on Fluent in Floridian, Daytona International Speedway Corporation & NASCAR Southeastern Region President Frank Kelleher (formerly vice president of sales and marketing) takes the driver's seat to share what life is like working for one of the largest motorsports corporations in the world. From the high-energy, epic sporting event of the Daytona 500 (the racing world's Super Bowl) to the ultimate fan experiences the company has created through destination race tracks and dynamic corporate sponsorships – this is one episode you don't want to miss.

At the end of every Fluent in Floridian podcast, we ask our guests the same four questions. One of those questions is "Who is a Florida leader that you admire?" In this compilation episode, you'll hear fascinating answers to this question by Orlando Mayer Buddy Dyer, Florida Sports Foundation President Angela Suggs, U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Larry Keefe, Tampa Bay Times Editor of Editorials Tim Nickens, Universal Orlando Public Relations Director Alyson Sologaistoa, Orlando Sentinel Columnist Scott Maxwell, former State Representative Matt Caldwell, and Florida Author Jeff Klinkenberg.