One More Minute

This week we are revisiting a classic conversation with Lakeland's current mayor Bill Mutz. As we gear up for next week's special episodes featuring the candidates running in this November's mayoral election, we thought it was the perfect time to bring back this insightful interview.

In this episode, Mayor Mutz shares his perspective on leadership, community, and the future of Lakeland. Whether you are a longtime resident or new to the area, this conversation offers valuable insight into the heart of our city and sets the stage for the important discussions to come.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Vijay Chandra from ManUp Ministries, an organization on a mission to end fatherlessness around the world. Vijay shares how ManUp walks alongside fathers whose children are in foster care—offering hope, healing, and a path forward through biblical coaching and life-on-life discipleship. We unpack how lasting transformation happens when men confront destructive patterns, embrace their God-given identity, and commit to becoming the fathers they were created to be. It's a conversation about redemption, responsibility, and the radical grace that fuels life change.

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Allen, the Athletic Trainer at Lakeland Christian School, whose life took a wild turn after a silly dare launched him into unexpected TikTok fame. Jordan shares the hilarious origin story behind his viral moment, how that one video changed everything, and the intentional strategies he's developed to grow his platform. We dive into how he leverages his influence—not just for laughs—but to educate, inspire, and support meaningful causes. Whether you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of social media success or how to turn online attention into real-world impact, this one's worth the listen.

In this episode, Alec sits down with artist and illustrator Bump Galletta for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Bump shares his journey from working in church ministry to finding his creative voice in Lakeland, Florida. We dive into the story behind his upcoming children's book, how a near-fatal bicycle accident became a turning point in his life, and how therapy, faith, and art helped him navigate the road to healing. Whether you're a creative, a dreamer, or someone wrestling with life's curveballs, Bump's story will challenge and encourage you.

In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Drolshagen, Vice Principal at Sparrow Academy in Lakeland, Florida, to explore a refreshing and deeply personal approach to education. Joshua shares how Sparrow Academy is helping students thrive by meeting them where they are, nurturing individual strengths, and creating space for those who may not flourish in traditional school environments.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone passionate about seeing students succeed in new ways, this conversation offers a hopeful vision of what education can truly be.

In this episode, I sit down with Gavi HaCohen, co-host of the Leaving Eden Podcast, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about faith, healing, and the long road out of fundamentalism. Gavi shares his about his cohost's journey through—and eventually out of—high-control "religious" environments, offering a unique lens on one's personal experience with their faith.

We explore questions of identity, faith, and what constitutes a "cult" for todays terms. No matter what you're going through, this conversation is raw, insightful, and full of hope.

In this episode, I sit down with Nashville-based contemporary artist Jason DeMeo to explore the heart behind his creative process. Jason opens up about his artistic philosophy, his deeply rooted faith, and how both inform his groundbreaking practices like Reverse Abstraction™ and Synthesism™.

We talk about how memory, material, and meaning intersect in his work, how nature and decay inspire beauty, and why he believes art has the power to transform both people and spaces. Jason's passion for synthesis—of disciplines, ideas, and expressions—shines through as he reflects on the role of art in a fragmented world.

Whether you're a creative, a thinker, or simply curious about the spiritual undercurrents of art, this conversation invites you to slow down and see the world—and yourself—a little differently.

In this episode, I sit down with Davonte Anderson, the visionary founder of Drip In Grace—a safe and intentional creative space dedicated to capturing and celebrating people's stories through the lens of photography. We dive into the heart behind his work, his journey as a storyteller, and how photography has become more than just images—it's become ministry, memory, and mission.

Davonte shares the origins of Drip In Grace, the impact it's already making, and the bold, hopeful vision he has for the next few years. Whether you're a creative, a dreamer, or just someone who believes in the power of story, this conversation will inspire you to see beauty in the details and purpose in the process.

Follow along:

Website: dripingrace.com

IG: @dripingracecreative

IG: @davonteandersonn

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Manny Matos, a trusted voice in the intersection of ministry, strategy, and technology. Manny serves on the team at Subsplash, where he helps churches around the globe leverage digital tools to grow their mission and engage their communities more effectively.

We talk about the evolving role of technology in the local church, the importance of aligning strategy with vision, and practical ways churches can adapt in a digital age without compromising authenticity. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or just passionate about the future of the church, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

In this follow-up conversation, I sit down again with elite runner and coach Jon Mott to unpack his experience at the London Marathon. Jon shares what went well, the goals he accomplished, and what he wishes he had done differently on race day. We also talk about how these insights are shaping his approach as both an athlete and a coach.

Jon is the founder of RunnersFix Coaching, where he works with runners of all levels to improve performance, avoid burnout, and build long-term success. If you're looking for personalized coaching or just want to learn from one of the best, check out his website at www.runnersfixcoaching.com.

Whether you're a marathon veteran or training for your first 5K, this episode offers valuable lessons in resilience, preparation, and the power of reflection.