Fun in Key West Podcast

Embracing the Pirate Spirit: A Conversation with Author Chris Harvey In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor chats with author Chris Harvey about his book 'Son of a Son of a Pirate' and its sequel 'One Particular Harbor.' Chris shares his writing journey, inspiration from Jimmy Buffett, and his love for pirate history. The episode offers insights into the characters, plot development, and the significance of family legacy. Chris also discusses his favorite Key West spots and plans for a third book. Tune in for an engaging discussion about living life on your own terms and embracing the pirate spirit. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:26 Introducing Special Guest: Chris Harvey 03:34 Chris Harvey's Journey and Inspirations 05:11 Family Legacy and Maritime Adventures 08:03 The Influence of Jimmy Buffett 12:44 Crafting a Multi-Timeline Pirate Tale 17:35 The Human Side of Blackbeard 23:12 Righteous Thieves and Modern-Day Robin Hoods 23:40 Casting the Movie Adaptation 24:58 The Sequel: One Particular Harbor 27:40 Writing the Third Book 29:00 Key West Book Tour and Favorite Spots 36:46 The Cinematic Writing Style 39:22 Where to Find the Books 40:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell www.funinkeywest.com

Best Brunch Spots in Key West: A Tasty Tuesday Adventure Welcome to Fun in Key West podcast with Michele O'Connor, your friendly guide to exploring Key West. This episode, part of the 'Tasty Tuesday' series, is dedicated to uncovering the best brunch spots in Key West. Whether you prefer casual eateries, upscale dining, or boozy brunches, Key West has it all. Michele highlights local favorites such as Blue Heaven, Bagatelle, Pepe's, Hot Tin Roof, and many more, offering mouth-watering dishes from lobster benedict to key lime crepes. She also includes recommendations for healthy and vegetarian-friendly options and discusses places offering unique brunch experiences. Tune in for a delicious journey through Key West's vibrant brunch scene! 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West 01:26 The Magic of Brunch in Key West 03:21 Top Brunch Spots in Key West 13:14 Hidden Gems and Unique Brunch Experiences 20:08 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts www.funinkeywest.com

Uncovering Key West History: The Yellow Fever Epidemic and Its Lasting Impacts In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor explores a fascinating yet tragic chapter in Key West's history—the yellow fever epidemic during the Civil War. Discover the story behind the unmarked cemetery at 625 White Street, the resilience of the Key West community, and the significant impact on public health practices. Michele also delves into the historical connections to Fort Jefferson and Dr. Samuel Mud, who played a crucial role during the outbreak. Tune in for a deep dive into how this epidemic reshaped sanitation, medical research, and quarantine measures in the U.S. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:30 Exploring Key West's Yellow Fever History 03:00 Historic Marker Monday: Unmarked Cemetery 04:36 Impact of Yellow Fever on Key West 10:11 Fort Jefferson and Dr. Samuel Mudd 11:54 Key West's Historical Connections 16:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement www.funinkeywest.com

Empower Your Dreams: Making Your Destiny Happen with Donzel Leggett In this empowering episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor brings on Donzel Leggett, a Key West native and author of 'Make Your Destiny Happen.' Donzel shares his inspirational journey from growing up in Key West to becoming a global leader. He talks about the importance of taking charge of one's life, developing a life plan, and the value of self-improvement. This episode is filled with practical advice on how to stop letting life happen to you and instead make life happen for you. Denzel also discusses his upcoming book signing at Books and Books in Key West on December 11, 2025. Tune in to be inspired to dream big and make this year your best yet. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West 01:26 Introducing Our Special Guest: Donzel Leggett 03:54 Donzel's Journey from Key West to Global Leadership 10:31 The Inspiration Behind 'Make Your Destiny Happen' 17:31 Taking Control of Your Life: Practical Advice 22:14 Creating Competitive Advantage 22:36 The Destiny Development Delta Model 24:14 Escaping the 9 to 5 25:34 Defining Personal Success 28:22 Navigating Life's Peaks and Valleys 29:17 The Importance of Self-Assessment 33:16 Sustaining Your Goals 35:19 Book Tour and Hometown Pride 38:33 Final Thoughts and Gratitude www.funinkeywest.com Check out his Book here Connect with Donzel Leggett: / donzelleggett / donzel.leggett.9 / destinydevdelta / donzel_leggett / @donzelleggett https://feeds.captivate.fm/make-your-... https://www.destinydevdelta.com/ https://www.makeyourdestinyhappen.com

Exploring Key West: Lime, Crime, and Tour Adventures with Kim Stamps In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor talks with Kim Stamps, a seasoned tour guide and business owner in Key West. They dive into Kim's unique journey from a finance graduate to operating popular tours in Key West, including the new Eyewitness True Crime Tour and Tart Tails Walking Tours. Kim shares about her experiences in the industry, the intricacies of starting and selling her first business, Up the Keys Tours, and the rich history and unique character of Key West. Listeners also get insights into what makes these tours special, along with some amusing anecdotes. The episode wraps up with some tips for visitors to Key West and a reminder that there's always time for limes and crime. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:26 Introducing Kim Stamps: A Journey of Adventure 05:18 The Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Tour Business 09:17 Eyewitness Crime Tour: Expect the Unexpected 18:38 Tart Tails Tour: A Sweet Slice of Key West History 20:54 Exploring Key Lime Pie Adventures 21:25 Combining Crime and Key Lime Pie Tours 23:04 Surprising Guests on Tours 24:41 Footwear for Walking Tours 25:54 Misconceptions About Key West Locals 27:43 Journey to Becoming a Tour Guide 29:21 Advice for Aspiring Tour Guides 32:00 Future Plans for Tours 33:48 Best Places to Eat in Key West 37:12 Final Thoughts and Custom Tours www.funinkeywest.com Book iWitness Crime Tour Here

Exploring the Historic Key West Aquarium: A Dive into Tourism History In this episode of Fun in Key West, host Michele O'Connor takes listeners on a historical journey through the Key West Aquarium. Michele uncovers how the aquarium, built in the 1930s with the support of the Works Progress Administration, became the first open-air aquarium in the United States and a pivotal point in the transformation of Key West into a tourism hotspot. The episode covers the challenges faced over the years, including hurricanes and economic shifts, and highlights the aquarium's role in educating and captivating visitors with its marine life exhibits. Michele also provides practical tips for exploring the aquarium today and invites listeners to connect through the Fun in Key West community. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:28 Exploring the Key West Aquarium 03:53 The Birth of Key West Tourism 07:14 Challenges and Resilience 10:04 Modern Day Aquarium Experience 13:23 Historic Marker Monday and Community Engagement 15:42 Conclusion and Next Steps www.funinkeywest.com

Tasty Tuesday: The Ultimate Key West Waterfront Dining Guide In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor takes listeners on a culinary journey through the best waterfront dining spots in Key West. From upscale experiences like Hot Tin Roof to casual beachside eats at Loggerheads Beach Bar, Michele shares insider tips on where to savor fresh seafood, exotic cocktails, and breathtaking ocean views. She also highlights the vibrant local food scene, with recommendations for various dining options, including brunch, lunch, and dinner spots. Tune in to discover the hidden gems and must-visit eateries to make your Key West trip deliciously unforgettable. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:26 Diving into Waterfront Dining 04:41 Hot Tin Roof: Sunset Vibes and Chic Island Experience 05:36 Sunset Pier: Iconic Views and Live Music 06:21 Seaside Cafe: Lobster Pizza and Southernmost Charm 07:26 Southernmost Beach Cafe: Fresh Fish and Margaritas 07:59 La Trattoria Oceanside: Italian Delights 08:21 Salute on the Beach: Lunch and Strolls 08:44 Loggerheads Beach Bar: Feet in the Sand 09:15 Geiger Key Marina: Old School Vibes 10:08 Boathouse Bar and Grill: Best Happy Hour 10:47 Hurricane Hole: Kayaks and Catch of the Day 11:18 Half Shell Raw Bar: Quintessential Key West 12:06 Conch Republic Seafood Company: Fresh Catch and Happy Hour 12:56 Fisherman's Cafe: Breakfast and Lunch with a View 13:50 Louis's Backyard: Brunch and Liquid Lunch 14:37 Latitudes: Ferry Ride to Sunset Key 15:19 Wrapping Up: More Key West Dining Tips 16:21 Join the Fun in Key West Community 17:17 Farewell and Final Thoughts www.funinkeywest.com

Unveiling Key West: Your Ultimate Guide for January 2026 In this inaugural episode of the 'Fun in Key West' podcast for 2026, host Michele O'Connor serves as your vibrant guide to all things Key West. Michele covers a broad spectrum of topics such as where to eat, drink, stay, and enjoy in Key West, especially focused on January events. Listeners are introduced to the unique offerings and lesser-known gems of the island, including festivals like the Southernmost Regatta, Mile Zero Fest, and Key West Literary Seminar. Whether you're a local, a frequent visitor, or simply daydreaming of a tropical escape, this episode provides essential insights and updates to help you maximize your Key West experience. Highlights include a rundown of the weather, top activities, key places to visit, and upcoming events, blending practical advice with local flavor. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:35 Kicking Off Wandering Wednesday 2026 03:34 Why January is the Best Time to Visit Key West 09:10 Exciting Events in Key West This January 18:25 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts www.funinkewest.com

Discover Key West's Boathouse: Happy Hour and History Combined In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor dives into one of Key West's most beloved happy hour spots, the Boathouse, which is located in the historic seaport. O'Connor shares insider details on their half-price small plates, waterfront views, and fascinating historical significance tied to the location. Listeners will learn about the Boathouse's move from Front Street to its current spot, popular menu items, and historical tidbits about the turtle corrals previously on-site. Michele also encourages listeners to join the fun at Fun in Key West, including signing up for the happy hour and book club lists, and participating in weekly trivia giveaways for a chance to win Key West swag. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:35 Thirsty Thursday: Happy Hour and History 03:13 Exploring the Boathouse 05:50 Boathouse Menu Highlights 07:38 Historic Seaport and Turtle Crawls 10:24 Join the Fun: Newsletters, Book Club, and More 12:01 Conclusion and Farewell www.funinkeywest.com

December Delights in Key West: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor provides an insider's guide to the vibrant December events in Key West and the Florida Keys. From holiday parades, boat parades, and festive light tours to concerts, art walks, and fishing tournaments, listeners will discover a plethora of activities to enjoy. Michele highlights key events such as the Key West Christmas Parade, the Key West Lighted Boat Parade, and various theater performances. She also shares tips on weather and packing for the trip, and encourages listeners to visit funinkeywest.com for more details and event updates. This episode is perfect for anyone planning a visit to Key West or simply daydreaming about a tropical holiday escape. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:35 Holiday Magic in Key West 02:57 December Events in Key West 04:55 Key West Holiday Activities 08:00 Upcoming Events and Activities 16:26 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts