I Am Lakeland®

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Chef Ken James, the co-owner and creative force behind Plates On Deck. Originally from Queens, New York, Chef Ken brings a unique "Eclectic Soul Food" concept to Lakeland, emphasizing that soul food is less about a specific region and more about the love, passion, and emotion put into every plate.

Chef Ken shares his journey from New York to Florida and discusses how his family-run business—which includes his fiancee and sons—is setting down permanent roots in the Lakeland community. Operating out of the Catapult business incubator, Plates On Deck offers a wide range of services, including private dining, large-scale catering for weddings and corporate events, and popular market pop-ups.

Whether you're looking for high-end catering for the holidays or just want to hear an inspiring story of entrepreneurship and community spirit, Chef Ken’s passion for "Eclectic Soul Food" makes Plates On Deck a standout addition to Lakeland's food scene. 105

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Savannah Cole and Caroline from Das Hund Haus, PAWS Plus, and Until Such Time. Together, they share the mission behind their interconnected organizations, which provide everything from high-end boarding and training to non-profit veterinary care and a sanctuary for dogs with complex behavioral needs.

The team explains how their founder, Jill Wallace, leveraged over 30 years of experience in dog sports and behavior to create a "one-stop shop" for pet owners in Polk County. Their goal is to ensure that every dog has a chance at a happy life and that no owner has to give up their pet due to a lack of resources or behavioral challenges.

Whether you're looking for a reliable place to board your cat, need expert training for a "troubled" dog, or are seeking affordable medical care for your pet, the passion and expertise of the Das Hund Haus team offer a vital resource for Lakeland pet owners. 104

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Ginger Carlisle, a former nursing professional turned financial educator and the creative mind behind a new artistic venture in Lakeland. Ginger shares her fascinating life journey, from growing up in New York City and Fort Lauderdale to her long career in the medical field and her current passion for crafting high-quality, artisanal wreaths.

Ginger discusses the transition from her "first life" in medicine—where she specialized in neurosurgical care—to her second career teaching people how money works. She explains how her desire for a creative "stress release" led her back to her artistic roots, eventually evolving into a business that brings beauty and a touch of happiness to local homes through seasonal and custom-designed door décor.

Whether you're interested in the history of South Florida, looking for financial wisdom, or searching for the perfect custom wreath to elevate your home's curb appeal, Ginger’s story is a beautiful blend of professional expertise and artistic passion. 103

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Karen Moore, a retired nurse turned artist and the creative force behind Karen Moore Vintage Sign Photography. Karen shares her passion for capturing the beauty and nostalgia of vintage signage—particularly neon—before these "works of art" disappear from the American landscape.

Karen discusses her transition from a career in healthcare to becoming a "sign hunter," traveling across all 50 states to document the optimism and craftsmanship of mid-century commercial archaeology. She explains that her work is more than just taking pictures; it’s about historic preservation and honoring the culture of the "blue highways" and small towns that growth often passes by.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage Americana or a Lakeland local who loves the city’s historic charm, Karen’s story is an inspiring reminder to appreciate the beauty in the everyday landmarks around us. 102

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Two Reasons, a high-energy garage punk band born and raised right here in Lakeland. Band members Chance, Colt, and Wyatt share their incredible journey of going from "page zero" musical experience to releasing a debut EP and booking their first live show—all in under a year.

The group discusses their DIY approach to music, having recorded their entire self-titled debut in a garage using minimal equipment. Despite their "experimental garage punk" roots, the band brings a unique blend of comedy and creativity to their tracks, covering everything from time-traveling pine travelers to the universal annoyance of mosquitoes.

Whether you're a fan of the local punk scene or just love a good "underdog" success story, the energy and ambition of Two Reasons serve as a perfect example of the young creative talent thriving in Lakeland today. 101

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns welcomes Hunter Bedsole, a Lakeland local and the founder of HD Softwash. Hunter shares his journey from growing up in the area to launching a professional exterior cleaning business that prioritizes quality and surface preservation over high-pressure tactics.

Hunter explains the science behind "soft washing"—a technique that uses a specialized low-pressure system (only about 100 PSI) and specific chemical mixtures to clean delicate surfaces like stucco, Hardy Board, vinyl, and roofs without causing damage. He also highlights his unique monthly service for cleaning and deodorizing trash cans, a common pain point for many homeowners.

Whether you need your roof restored, your driveway brightened, or your trash cans freshened up, Hunter’s story is a testament to the power of a "local-first" business built on integrity and family values. 100

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by the members of Phoenix 5, a high-energy local band that has quickly become a staple of the Lakeland and Central Florida music scene. Band members Bill Kennedy, Joe Pasqual, and Joe Marcus share the story of how they formed in late 2022 after meeting at a Tuesday night jam session at Ebor Cigar & Spirits—a local hub for some of the best musicians in Polk County.

The band discusses their diverse musical style, which focuses on "dance party" music including Funk, Soul, R&B, Reggae, and Rock. Their primary goal is simple: keeping the dance floor packed and ensuring the audience has a great time. Their talent hasn't gone unnoticed, as they recently won the Best of Florida Award for Best Regional Band.

Whether you're looking for a band for a private event, a wedding, or just want to know where to find the best live music this weekend, this episode highlights why Phoenix 5 is a "must-see" act in Florida. 99

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns introduces an inspiring young local talent, JJ Curry, the 18-year-old founder of WTIH Studios and a recently published author. JJ shares his entrepreneurial journey and the philosophy behind his brand, which stands for "Work Till It Hurts"—a mantra centered on finding the sweet spot of effort where true personal growth and improvement happen.

JJ discusses his debut book, The Elusive Chase of Greatness, which he describes as a unique blend of fantasy fiction and self-improvement. Inspired by series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, as well as the mindset of athletes like Kobe Bryant, JJ aims to make the process of personal development as engaging and imaginative as a great adventure story.

Whether you’re a student looking for motivation or a fan of local success stories, JJ’s ambition and dedication to his craft offer a powerful example of what the next generation of Lakeland creators can achieve. 98

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Judi New, a fourth-generation Polk County resident and an ordained United Methodist minister running as a write-in candidate for the Polk County Commission (District 1). Judi shares her deep personal connection to Lakeland and her professional journey—from working in Washington D.C. for Representative Adam Putnam to serving as the archivist for the Florida Methodist Church.

Judi discusses how her "tool belt" of experiences in politics, the chamber of commerce, and the ministry has prepared her for this leadership role. Her campaign is driven by a non-partisan "call" to serve the entire community, focusing on kindness, unity, and addressing the challenges posed by Polk County being the fastest-growing county in the nation.

Whether you're concerned about traffic, water, or the future of your community, Judi’s passion for "doing the right thing" offers a refreshing and local-first vision for Polk County’s future. 97

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with the collaborative team behind Fuel Our Power, a comprehensive Mediterranean lifestyle plan based right here in Lakeland. This isn't just a diet; it’s a complete health transformation system that combines gourmet nutrition, expert coaching, and medical supervision.

The segment features a powerhouse panel of local experts: Farhad and his partner from Feast of Persia, Coach Josh Corbett of Coach Corbett LLC, Catherine from Nutrition Reset, and Nurse Practitioner Nikki McWaters of Lindsey Health. Together, they explain how they’ve bridged the gap between "eating right" and "getting healthy" by offering a fully integrated 30-day challenge.

Whether you're looking to reverse a chronic condition or simply want to feel better through real food and community support, the Fuel Our Power team offers a localized, expert-led path to a healthier you. 96