In this candid conversation, Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard joins host Rick Outzen to discuss the district’s challenging budget situation and the difficult decision to propose a significant tax increase.

With enrollment down 4,200 students over five years, largely due to school vouchers, the district faces a funding crisis that threatens essential services.

Leonard explains why the school board voted to approve a 1.5 mill increase. The superintendent breaks down where the money goes: maintaining a fleet of 250 buses, feeding students breakfast and lunch, keeping classrooms comfortable, and most importantly, retaining quality teachers for 36,000 students.

The conversation also explores the unique challenges facing inner-city schools, where 78% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and how the district is working with community partners like the Children’s Trust to support economically disadvantaged families. Leonard discusses upcoming infrastructure improvements, including new auditoriums and classroom retrofits, as the district works to stay competitive with neighboring counties and private schools.

A frank discussion about the realities of public education funding in Florida and the tough choices facing local communities when state funding formulas leave districts scrambling to maintain quality education.

Retired attorney and presidential scholar Alan Manning joins host Rick Outzen to discuss his return to teaching American history at Pensacola Catholic High School after a successful legal career. Manning shares his unique journey from practicing law for 40 years to discovering his passion for education, and explains why he’s choosing the classroom over full retirement.

In this engaging conversation, Manning discusses his first book about Abraham Lincoln as a father, which revealed the more human side of our 16th president and challenged common misconceptions about Lincoln’s relationship with his children.

He also previews his upcoming work on Theodore Roosevelt, focusing on three generations of the Roosevelt family and the “romantic virtues” that defined them—duty, service, chivalry, and faith.

Listeners will be fascinated by Manning’s research adventures, including his discovery of the original condolence letter from Rudyard Kipling to Theodore Roosevelt following the death of TR’s son Quentin in World War I, and his detective work uncovering the beautiful courtship letters between Roosevelt’s parents.

The episode offers insights into both historical research methods and the rewards of following one’s passion, whether in the archives or the classroom.

Perfect for history buffs, educators, and anyone interested in the human stories behind America’s most famous presidents.

What would make a successful attorney with 25 years of experience walk away from a thriving real estate law practice?

In this fascinating conversation from August 2016, host Rick Outzen sat down with Alan Manning, a former Clark Partington attorney who made the bold decision to leave his legal career behind to pursue his lifelong passion for presidential history and teaching.

Manning shares the story behind his remarkable career pivot, from practicing law to becoming an adjunct professor at the University of West Florida and teacher at Pensacola Catholic High School.

Discover how a hobby in presidential history evolved into a Wall Street Journal-reviewed book, "Father Lincoln: The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln and His Boys."

In this engaging interview, you'll learn:

• Why Manning chose to explore Lincoln's untold story as a father
• The extensive research process that took him to the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois
• How Lincoln balanced his demanding career with fatherhood – lessons relevant for modern parents
• The profound impact of losing two children on Lincoln's faith and leadership
• Why this perspective on America's greatest president had never been covered in book-length form

Manning reveals how his book serves a dual purpose: not just as presidential history, but as a guide for today's busy fathers trying to balance career ambitions with family responsibilities.

Whether you're a history buff, a parent, or someone considering a major career change, this conversation offers inspiration and insight into following your passion.

Original Air Date: August 1, 2016
Show: Pensacola Speaks on News Talk 1370 WCOA

In this special Communications 101 edition of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen sits down with political strategist and crisis communications expert Ryan Wiggins to dissect a challenging few weeks for Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. 

From a botched recycling program rollout to the controversial resignation of the city's police chief, Wiggins breaks down what went wrong and offers practical advice for managing municipal communications during turbulent times.

Wiggins, who has extensive experience in Florida politics, including work with The Lincoln Project and various state campaigns, doesn't hold back in her assessment of the mayor's communications team while offering praise for Reeves' overall performance. 

She discusses the importance of community engagement before policy changes, the critical "seven-touch rule" for public messaging, and why elected officials should never handle crisis communications themselves.

Whether you're in politics, public service, or just interested in how local government communicates with residents, this episode offers valuable insights into crisis management, transparency, and the art of owning your mistakes before they own you.

Republican strategist and communications expert Ryan Wiggins joins Rick Outzen on "We Don't Color On the Dog" to analyze Mayor D.C. Reeves' handling of recent controversies.

From the curbside recycling debacle to a police chief's sudden departure, from heated town halls to parking enforcement uproar—Pensacola has faced a perfect storm of local government challenges in recent weeks.

Host Rick Outzen sits down with Quint Studer to discuss the unlikely origins of Pensacola's Community Maritime Park, as detailed in Rick's book "Right Idea, Right Time."

In this first episode of the series, Quint shares the fascinating story of how he and Rishy accidentally became owners of the struggling Pensacola Pelicans independent baseball team, taking over $80,000 in debt just to keep the team afloat.

From folding chairs at Pensacola Junior College to the challenges of finding a league to play in, Quint recounts the early days that would eventually lead to something much bigger.

The conversation covers the pivotal breakfast meeting with Tom Bonfield that planted the seeds for moving both the Studer Group and a potential baseball stadium downtown - a conversation that would ultimately transform Pensacola's landscape.

From February 27, 2024: Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves discusses increasing the availability of affordable housing.

Host Rick Outzen sits down with Congressman Jimmy Patronis to discuss his early priorities since taking office in April 2025.

Patronis shares the behind-the-scenes story of securing funding for Blue Angels hangar repairs after Hurricane Sally damage and his efforts to protect Pensacola as the team's permanent home base.

The restaurant industry veteran explains how his customer service approach translates to constituent relations, including his hands-on style of personally answering phones and the upcoming opening of district offices in Pensacola and Crestview.

The conversation also covers the recent DOGE rescissions, clarifies misconceptions about the impact on government employees, and highlights Patronis's commitment to face-to-face problem-solving for Northwest Florida residents.

A candid look at the transition from state to federal office and building relationships with fellow members of Congress who have military ties to the region.

Join host Rick Outzen for a special episode of "We Don't Color on the Dog" featuring an in-depth conversation with professional musician and songwriter Jessie Ritter about her exciting new project, Pensacola Unplugged.

Jessie, a Missouri native who has called the Pensacola area home for nearly a decade, shares her journey as a professional musician and the inspiration behind creating a Nashville-style songwriter's round right here on the Gulf Coast.

Drawing from her experiences performing at legendary venues like Nashville's Bluebird Cafe, Jessie discusses how Pensacola Unplugged aims to recreate that intimate storytelling magic while showcasing both hit-making Nashville songwriters and incredible local talent.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The thriving music scene in Pensacola and how it supports both touring musicians and original songwriters
• Jessie's songwriting process and where she finds inspiration (including her fun beach song "Head Over Flip Flops")
• How Pensacola Unplugged works as a quarterly listening room experience at the Studer Community Institute
• The mix of Nashville hit-makers and local artists featured in the shows
• Upcoming performers including Wood Newton, Jim Lil, and local favorites Goldie La and Vere

Whether you're a music lover, songwriter, or just curious about Pensacola's growing artistic community, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one musician is building bridges between Nashville's music industry and the Gulf Coast's creative scene.

Pensacola Unplugged shows are held quarterly on Saturday nights at the Studer Community Institute. Visit their http://bit.ly/3Ur4z87http://bit.ly/3Ur4z87 and Eventbrite for ticket information and show details.

Host Rick Outzen sits down with CPA Jeff DeWeese for a fascinating look back at the contentious battle over Pensacola's Maritime Park 20 years ago.

DeWeese offers a unique insider's perspective, having worked closely with community leaders such as Admiral Jack Federman and Quint Studer, while also attending every "Save Our City" opposition meeting.

In this candid conversation, they discuss how Pensacola was a vastly different place before the park - when downtown was empty and visitors were taken to the mall or Navy Museum.

DeWeese shares stories about the grassroots door-to-door campaigns, the strategic intelligence gathering at opposition meetings, and the election night that would change Pensacola forever.