Jacksonville business leader and visionary Blake Riber takes the Speak Easy hot seat to discuss his ascent to fame as the area’s undisputed bourbon aficionado, including insights on local business dynamics, industry-wide evolutions, and his decades-long love for the whiskey game.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico joins the conversation for a candid discussion on leadership, governance, and the future of Jacksonville. Representing District 4 and serving as Council President, Carrico shares insights into the priorities shaping City Hall, the challenges of balancing growth with accountability, and what effective leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving city.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

Megha Parekh joins us to share her perspective on Jacksonville’s growth, leadership, and the major civic and sports initiatives shaping the city. She offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing Jacksonville and what drives her commitment to public service. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the community’s key voices.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan sits down with Daniel and TJ for an open, powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Jacksonville. From her years as a trusted journalist to her nationally recognized advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and ultimately, her historic election as Jacksonville’s 45th mayor, Donna shares what drives her, what grounds her, and what she hopes to build for the city she loves.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Jacksonville-based Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, engages Daniel and TJ in a conversation that blends creativity, conviction, and the kind of entrepreneurial clarity that only comes from years of building, leading, and reshaping organizations.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

 Misty Skipper, Vice President at GATE Petroleum and 2025 JAX Chamber Chair-Elect, joins Speak Easy Jax to discuss leadership, communication, and community. She shares insights from her journey in public service and business, and her vision for Jacksonville’s continued growth.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

Admiral James Stavridis joins Speak Easy Jax for a conversation on leadership, strategy, and service. Drawing on his decades in the Navy and experience as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, he shares insights on global security, teamwork, and the power of collaboration. Tune in for an engaging discussion with one of America’s most respected military minds.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

This week, hosts Daniel & TJ sit down with Jason McCarthy, founder and CEO of GORUCK. From his Special Forces background to building a global fitness movement, Jason shares how grit, purpose, and community drive everything he does. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and redefining what strength means.

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

Tim Cost, President of Jacksonville University, returned to lead his alma mater after a 32-year career as a senior executive at Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson. He has since transformed JU with new programs, expanded facilities, and a renewed commitment to student success and community connection. Tim shares insights on leadership and his vision for higher education’s role in shaping Jacksonville’s future.

Connect with Speak Easy Jax:

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Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company

Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, sits down with Speak Easy Jax to discuss faith, leadership, and building one of the fastest-growing churches in the country.

Connect with Speak Easy Jax:

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• Facebook

Credits

• Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward
• Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber
• Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori
• Video and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public Media
• Marketing: Wander Media Company