Join Marv and Jen as they explore the ever-changing cityscape of Fort Lauderdale. From new housing and luxury high-rises to affordable housing debates, this episode is both practical and aspirational. The hosts dish on Top Hat Deli’s menu, noisy charm, and business crowd, and spotlight local breweries and bars worth trying. Get the lowdown on Broward’s surprising sports facilities and upcoming events—including world championships in pickleball, cornhole, and jiu-jitsu. Hear Marv’s hard-earned lessons from a ransomware scare and learn why timely IT updates save headaches. Real people, real stories, and real solutions.

List of People, Places, Things Mentioned

• Flagler Village: https://flaglervillage.com
• Top Hat Deli: https://tophatftl.com
• The Fort Pickleball: https://playthefort.com
• Broward County Stadium: https://centralbrowardpark.com
• RentCafe: https://rentcafe.com
• Jen Herrera: https://jenherreratv.com
• Hardy House Media: https://jenhardy.net
• American Cornhole League: https://americancornhole.com

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE

• Item: 195889930
• Format: Music
• Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic
• License: Individual License, Commercial
• Publisher/Composer: Saowakhon Brown

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

What’s happening in Fort Lauderdale? Marv and Jen give listeners the playbook, from beach day hacks to eating at Archibald’s, securing Lucky Seat event deals, and attending unique festivals—even dog foam parties. Hear firsthand the story behind the city’s aquatic champions, insider updates on changing neighborhoods, and the best ways to run, walk, or “couch route” through new experiences. Plus, the hosts revisit classic clubs, share breakfast rituals at the Broadwalk Grill, and tip off fresh locals on everything that makes South Florida life so lively. If you want a podcast that feels like you’re eavesdropping on awesome neighbors, this is it!

Why Listen?

• Uncover amazing food spots from past and present.
• Get in on the best local and family-friendly events.
• Learn about run clubs, race traditions, and fitness hacks.
• Laugh along with stories of nightlife and local legends.
• Hear how to snag half-price event tickets.
• Discover why Miami and Jacksonville make (or miss) the “worth visiting” list.

People, Places, and Things Mentioned (with URLs)

• Even Keel Fish Shack: https://evenkeelfish.com/
• Lucky Seat: https://www.luckyseat.com/
• Bark Yard & Brews: https://barkyardbrews.com/
• Press & Grind Coffee Co.: https://pressandgrindcafe.com/
• Gilda’s Club South Florida: https://gildasclubsouthflorida.org/
• The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com/
• Broadwalk Grill: https://hollywoodbeachdining.com/
• Archibald’s Village Bakery: https://archibaldsbakery.com/
• Run Disney: https://www.rundisney.com/
• Snyder Park: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/listing/snyder-park/9655/
• Miami Rum Renaissance Festival: https://www.rumrenaissance.com/
• Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/beach/aquatics/fort-lauderdale-aquatic-complex

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE

• Item: 195889930
• Format: Music
• Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic
• License: Individual License, Commercial
• Publisher/Composer: Saowakhon Brown

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Discover how Chef David MacClennan turned fresh, local ingredients and a passion for hospitality into one of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s most beloved restaurants—Even Keel Fish Shack. From weathering COVID challenges to busting oyster myths, this conversation is packed with insider wisdom for foodies and locals alike.

Why listen:

• Hear the real story of South Florida’s evolving food scene
• Uncover how Even Keel sources quality seafood with no walk-in freezer
• Learn practical pandemic pivots for small businesses
• Get the scoop on upcoming foodie events and specials
• Take home memorable quotes and restaurant wisdom

Guest: Chef David MacClennan

Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and founder of Even Keel Fish Shack in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, David is passionately dedicated to fresh, local, chef-driven cuisine. With a background in engineering and culinary arts, he’s brought innovation and resilience to South Florida’s food scene, guiding Even Keel to become a local staple, even during challenging times.

• Even Keel Fish Shack Website: https://evenkeelfish.com

People, Places, Things (Simple List)

• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/
• Dine Out Lauderdale: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/restaurantmonths/
• Mike Mayo’s Lunchbox: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/mike-mayos-lunchbox-1
• James Beard Foundation: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/dineout/
• Michelin Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/to-the-stars-and-beyond-th
• Heritage Pizza: https://www.heritageftl.com/
• The Katherine: https://www.katherinerestaurant.com/
• Village Grille & Pump: https://www.villagegrille.com/

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Join Marv and Jen as they embark on a mouthwatering journey through Dine Out Lauderdale 2025, unraveling the best deals, most intriguing menus, and local secrets behind Fort Lauderdale’s culinary celebration. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy seafood shacks and mysterious venues, this episode is packed with tips, reviews, and laugh-out-loud moments—perfect for foodies and explorers alike.

People, Places, Things w/ URLs

• Dine Out Lauderdale: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/dineout/
• Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/fllcici-conrad-fort-lauderdale-beach/
• Hilton: https://www.hilton.com
• Even Keel Fish Shack: https://evenkeelfish.com
• Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine: https://padrinos.com
• Aruba Beach Café: https://arubabeachcafe.com
• YOLO Restaurant: https://yolorestaurant.com
• Mad Arts Museum: https://www.yeswearemadarts.com/
• JWB Prime Steak and Seafood: https://www.margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com/dining
• Margaritaville: https://www.margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com/
• Diplomat Beach Resort: https://www.diplomatresort.com/
• FlickerLite Bar & Pizza: https://www.flickerlitebar.com/
• Mai-Kai Restaurant: https://maikai.com

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Marv and Jen take listeners on a lively journey through South Florida’s evolving landscape, starting with a dive into the beloved (and sometimes forgotten) Hollywood Sportatorium—the venue that hosted everyone from Sting to Madonna but never caught its big sports break. The pair reminisce about legendary local events, missed concert experiences, and what’s become of famous spots now replaced by supermarkets and marinas.

Switching gears, they break down a new national report placing Florida cities at the forefront of financial prosperity. Learn why North Port is booming, what’s drawing people to Tamarac and Palm Coast, and how population and housing surges are remaking the map. Jen and Marv spice up the conversation by unraveling Dania Beach’s claim as the “Tomato Capital of the World,” sharing quirky festival history, and pondering what made the city’s Danish roots so vital.

People, Places & Things Mentioned: 

• Hollywood Sportatorium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Sportatorium
• North Port, Florida: https://www.northportfl.gov/
• Tamarac, Florida: https://www.tamarac.org/
• Homestead, Florida: https://www.cityofhomestead.com/
• Palm Coast, Florida: https://www.palmcoastgov.com/
• Fort Myers, Florida: https://fortmyers.gov/
• Deerfield Beach, Florida: https://www.deerfield-beach.com/
• Boynton Beach, Florida: https://www.boynton-beach.org/
• Dania Beach: https://daniabeachfl.gov/
• Little Salt Spring: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Salt_Spring
• Biscayne National Park: https://www.nps.gov/bisc/index.htm
• Pigeon Key: https://pigeonkey.net/

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Explore why residents love living in Fort Lauderdale as hosts Marv and Jen swap nostalgic stories and current favorites on the city’s signature events and happenings. The episode features everything from the laid-back Sunday Jazz Brunch along the New River to the vibrant Bank of America Starlight Musicals series at Holiday Park. You’ll get the inside scoop on must-see venues, best snacks, unique festival arrival hacks (ever tried paddleboarding to brunch?), and how to perfectly plan your festival day for max fun and minimal hassle.

They weigh the pros and cons of attending giant beach festivals like Tortuga, discuss the reality of event crowds, their preferences for live music versus cozy nights in, and which venues and restaurants offer the best food and people-watching. Whether you’re into country music, classic rock, or arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone—including tips for comfortable, clean restrooms at public events and smart strategies for traffic and parking. The hosts also touch on Lauderdale’s evolving skyline and share a few comic memories about attempting new activities or finding family names on commemorative bricks along the Riverwalk.

Events: 

• Tortuga Music Festival: https://www.tortugamusicfestival.com/
• Sunday Jazz Brunch: https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/sunday-jazz-brunch
• Starlight Musicals (Bank of America Starlight Musical Series): https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/starlight-musicals

Companies or Products: 

• Royal Restrooms (portable restroom trailers): https://www.royalrestrooms.com/

Restaurants:

• Blue Jean Blues: https://www.bluejeanblues.net/
• Quarterdeck: https://www.quarterdeckrestaurants.com/
• The Poor House: https://poorhousebar.com/
• Coconuts: https://www.coconutsfortlauderdale.com/

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Marv and Jen turn the focus to Marv’s own story in this lively episode, tracing his journey from a childhood in a military family to adulthood in Fort Lauderdale. After landing in Florida at age six, Marv’s path weaves through Patrick Air Force Base, college in Palm Beach, and eventually his first “adult” job as Marketing Director for Junior Achievement of South Florida. Fundraising, event planning, and knocking on doors built early community ties, even as Marv admits he didn’t fully “experience” Lauderdale at first.

Nostalgia for classic spots like the old Floridian, Fishman’s Wharf, and Cypress Creek’s early theater scene blends with candid banter about restaurant waits, first dates, and why local hangouts matter. Marv’s story is both a portrait of personal growth and a love letter to the city’s overlooked gems. 

Resources/Links Mentioned:

• Junior Achievement of South Florida: https://jasouthflorida.org/
• Palm Beach Atlantic University: https://www.pba.edu/
• Humane Society of Broward County: https://humanebroward.com/
• Floridian Restaurant: https://thefloridiandiner.com/
• Tropical Acres Steakhouse: https://tropicalacres.com/

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Jen pulls back the curtain on what really brought her family to Fort Lauderdale: a handshake deal, a cargo ship that never came, and a dad who believed in big dreams. She paints a vivid picture of growing up at the beach, where summer meant ice cream at Howard Johnson’s and adventure in every day. From surviving summer with four siblings in a hotel to thriving through cultural shocks (private vs. public schools!), Jen’s memories paint Broward County in rich detail.

Listeners get an insider’s tour of landmark local traditions: from scooping ice cream at Atlantis Waterpark, to family gatherings at Jackson’s Ice Cream, and epic first concerts at Sunrise Musical Theater. Jen’s hospitality career grows out of these roots, but it’s the longing for family and Cuban food that eventually brings her home after a Nebraska adventure.

From memories of food (Mother Butler Pies, Miami Subs, Pollo Tropical) to the quirky milestones that make everyone’s teenage years memorable, this episode is as much about nostalgia and resilience as it is a tribute to the ever-changing vibe of Lauderdale life. It’s a warm, funny, and inviting listen for anyone who loves a good origin story—and for everyone who calls Fort Lauderdale home.

People, Places and Things Mentioned:

• Jackson’s Ice Cream Parlor: https://jacksonsicecream.com
• Galleria Mall: https://www.galleriaftlauderdale.com/
• Pollo Tropical: https://www.pollotropical.com
• Miami Subs: https://www.miamigrillfranchise.com/

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Let’s Talk Lauderdale kicks off with Marv and Jen, two longtime residents, reminiscing about Fort Lauderdale’s transformation from a spring break haven to a bustling economic hub. They share personal stories—Jen’s high school adventures on the Strip, Marv’s college days in West Palm Beach—and discuss how life, work, and family have changed their relationship with the city. The duo sets out to rediscover local landmarks like the Jungle Queen and Mai Kai, as well as places they’ve never visited, such as the Bonnet House.

Listeners can expect stories about Lauderdale’s past, the challenges of keeping up with a growing city, and tips on enjoying community events and hidden gems. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to South Florida, Marv and Jen invite you to join their journey, share your own stories, and reconnect with what makes Fort Lauderdale unique.

=== Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned

• Jungle Queen Riverboat – junglequeen.com
• Mai Kai Restaurant – maikai.com
• Bonnet House Museum & Gardens –bonnethouse.org
• Palm Beach Atlantic University –pba.edu
• Broward College (formerly Broward Community College) – broward.edu

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.