The King-dom

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This was one of them. Filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and tears, this live episode of The King-dom Podcast brought our community together at the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown. I sat down with New York Times bestselling author S.A. Cosby to talk storytelling, family, and perseverance. What better way to mark National Book Month! From facing 70 rejections while seeking a book deal to his wife’s unwavering support, Cosby shared the experiences that shaped his journey and novels, including Truth to Power, featuring Marvel’s Luke Cage. His stories touch our lives and remind us that books do more than entertain. They can heal, inspire, and bring people together.

Long before women had a regular seat at the table in Miami politics, Rosario Kennedy pulled up a chair. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I welcome the trailblazer who became the first Cuban-American and Hispanic woman elected to the Miami City Commission in 1985 for a candid conversation about breaking barriers, making history and helping shape the Miami we know today. Rosario takes us behind the scenes of her years in office, from fighting for affordable housing and helping bring Bayfront Park to life to standing up for families when the City considered raising daycare fees. We also compare notes on what it means to be the only woman on the dais, the sacrifices that come with public service and the importance of preserving the cultures and historic neighborhoods that make Miami unlike anywhere else. Filled with fascinating stories, humor and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a conversation between two generations of women in public service, and a reminder of how much one person can change simply by being willing to go first.

As summer winds down and conversations about community continue to take center stage, I’m joined by beloved radio personality, podcaster, and community advocate Papa Keith for an engaging conversation about storytelling, civic engagement, and the power of authentic connection. From his journey from Brooklyn to becoming one of South Florida’s most recognizable voices, Papa Keith reflects on using radio and podcasting to elevate conversations that matter, amplify untold stories, and inspire the next generation to make their voices heard. We explore his passion for encouraging young people to vote, the responsibility that comes with having a platform, and the joy of connecting with people beyond the headlines. Along the way, we share laughs about our Caribbean roots, love of travel, and even my determination to finally learn how to swim. Filled with humor and heart, this episode is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with simply listening to one another.

On The King-dom podcast, we continue to recognize the people working every day to strengthen our city from the inside out. Today, I’m joined by City of Miami Human Services Director David Gilbert for an inspiring conversation about compassion, opportunity, and what it truly means to serve others. David offers a behind-the-scenes look at the department that touches nearly every stage of life, from workforce development and childcare to senior services, public health initiatives, and solutions for our unhoused neighbors. We discuss innovative programs creating pathways to employment, the city's ambitious goal of reaching functional zero homelessness, and why building trust is just as important as building policy. Along the way, David shares his own journey into public service, the lessons that shaped his leadership, and the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and a place to call home. Filled with hope, heart, and practical solutions, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the strongest communities are built by investing in people.

In recognition of National Homeownership Month, I’m joined by Miami native and mortgage expert Danny Felton, founder of The Mortgage Experts, for a solutions-driven conversation about expanding access to homeownership. From public-private partnerships to creative financing, Danny shares how we’ve helped families unlock the dream of owning a home. We break down key barriers like upfront costs and uncertainty, and offer practical insight on overcoming them. He also reflects on his journey, the generational impact of homeownership, and why education is essential to long-term stability.

As we step into May, I sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Miami native Dr. Edda Fields-Black for a powerful conversation on history, storytelling, and the voices too often left unheard. Fresh off her groundbreaking book COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War, she shares the decade-long journey behind her research from walking historic rice fields to uncovering overlooked names and stories. We explore the importance of telling history through the perspectives of the freed, the emotional weight of this work, and the discipline of bringing research to life for a broader audience. She also reflects on her Miami roots and the personal discoveries that shaped her work, including her own family’s connection to this history.

At our 21st Annual Reclaim The Dream Memorial & Gospel Concert, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Grammy Award-winning gospel legend Kirk Franklin for an uplifting conversation on faith, purpose, and the power of music. Held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, this gathering blends reflection with a call to action, and Kirk embodies that spirit. He reflects on his journey from church beginnings to redefining gospel music, and the responsibility of using his platform to inspire others. Rooted in the energy of this meaningful event, our conversation is filled with authenticity, joy, and purpose.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, I sit down with Florida State Representative Ashley Gantt for an honest and uplifting conversation about service, sisterhood, and the strength it takes for women to lead. Representative Gantt shares her journey from Miami-Dade teacher to attorney, legislator, and trailblazer, opening up about balancing long stretches in Tallahassee with her legal practice, carving out time for rest, and the community moments that keep her grounded. We discuss the pressures facing Florida families, from rising insurance costs to the need for real bipartisan solutions, and the importance of protecting your peace when the work feels endless. Beyond policy, she reflects on being the first in her family to break barriers, the joy of inspiring young people, and the women who shaped her path—from her own mentors to icons like Harriet Tubman and Gwen Cherry. Filled with humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a reminder that when women lead with authenticity and purpose, they don’t just make history, they make change.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I welcome world-renowned musicians Damien Escobar and Adam Hawley for a soulful conversation on artistry, purpose, and the power of music to bring people together. Fresh for their performances at our Sunday Jazz in the Park concert at Legion Park in Miami's District Five, both artists share the journeys that shaped them, from childhood lessons and early touring to discovering the sounds that defined their careers. We talk about the universal language of music, the healing energy of live performance, and the discipline it takes to balance constant travel with family, creativity, and self-care. Damien opens up about falling in love with the violin and carving out his own lane in contemporary soul, while Adam reflects on the full-circle moment of signing with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White and eventually launching his own label. Beyond the stage, this episode celebrates the cultural legacy of Black musicians, whose work transcends both genre and generation. Whether reminiscing about the songs that shaped them or the dreams that still drive them, Damien and Adam remind us that music is history, heritage, and heart, an enduring gift that continues to move us forward.

As a new year begins, many of us set intentions for healthier lives and stronger communities. In this January episode, I sit down with my neighbor, educator, and environmental advocate Sandy Moise to talk about protecting and growing Miami’s green future. From our city’s ongoing revision to the tree ordinance to creative ways development and the environment can thrive together, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for preserving what makes Miami lusciously green and special. We discuss the importance of tree canopy in combating heat, protecting wildlife during nesting season, and keeping our bay clean and vibrant. Sandy also shares stories from her own journey, from growing up surrounded by trees in Ohio to championing pollinator-friendly landscaping and advocating for cooling stations for outdoor workers. This thoughtful, forward-looking conversation is a perfect reminder that every small action, from planting a native flower to protecting a mature tree, can have a big impact in 2026 and beyond.