As our Magic City prepares to welcome the world for Miami Art Week, I welcome my friend Cathy Leff, Executive Director of the Bakehouse Art Complex, to this November episode. We explore how this historic bakery-turned-arts hub is becoming a national model for affordable artist housing, public greenspaces, and community-rooted creativity. Cathy shares the vision behind Bakehouse’s evolution, the $2 million restoration project she helped bring to life, and how public-private partnerships are keeping Miami’s creative spirit alive and accessible. This conversation is a joyful, thought-provoking reminder that the most meaningful cultural movements often begin right in our own neighborhoods.

As the Children’s Village begins its first month of programming, I continue the conversation on safe spaces for youth with my longtime friend, Thema Campbell, founder and CEO of Girl Power Rocks. For more than two decades, Thema has worked to mentor and uplift “at-promise” girls, equipping them with the skills, support, and confidence to thrive. In this episode, Thema reflects on her upbringing in Mama Hattie’s house in Georgia, where every child had a place of belonging, and how that shaped her vision for Girl Power Rocks. We explore the organization’s journey from humble beginnings to a citywide network of after-school programs, mentoring circles, and now the ambitious Mama Hattie’s House project—a future home for girls aging out of foster care. Recorded right as the Children’s Village opened its doors, this conversation highlights how organizations like Lotus House and Girl Power are working in tandem to ensure Miami’s children not only survive but soar. Thema’s story is a moving reminder that when girls are lifted up, entire communities rise with them.

In the wake of September’s ribbon cutting for the Children’s Village, I sit down with its visionary founder, Constance Collins, who also founded Lotus House nearly two decades ago. What began as a single building in Overtown has grown into Lotus Village—the nation’s largest women’s shelter—and that now includes the newly opened Children’s Village, a separate but neighboring facility designed to support children and families with comprehensive care. Constance shares the deeply personal story of how one encounter with a woman experiencing homelessness changed the course of her life, moving her from a career in real estate to full-time advocacy. Together, we reflect on what it means to see the Children’s Village doors finally open, the community partnerships that made it possible, and the hope it brings to children and families across Miami. From hydroponic gardens to wraparound therapeutic services, Constance paints a powerful picture of how investing in families can break cycles of poverty and create spaces where dreams take root.

As September marks the start of a new NFL season, we sit down with two rising stars—Tutu Atwell of the Los Angeles Rams and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. of the Tennessee Titans—for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, giving back, and staying grounded. Both Miami natives share how their roots, inner strength, and commitment to community continue to shape their journey—on and off the field. They open up about their goals for the season ahead, what they enjoy outside of football, and how they're working to inspire the next generation. Oh—and if you’ve ever wondered who can sit in a cold plunge/ice bath for 20 minutes on purpose, Jarvis has you covered.

As we reach the middle of hurricane season, it is more important than ever to ensure our neighborhoods are safe, prepared, and resilient. That is why I am thrilled to welcome our next guest, Trelana Haines, MPA, Interim Code Compliance Director for the City of Miami. Known in the community as “Boots on the Ground,” Trelana is always on the move, responding to issues in real time and working closely with residents to make a real impact. In this episode, she shares how code compliance is not only about enforcement, but about education, partnership, and prevention. From addressing graffiti and noise complaints to helping residents in crisis, her department works hand-in-hand with other city teams and community members. They do this through after-hours hotlines, opportunities to resolve violations without fines, and outreach to neighborhood associations, all to keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and vibrant.

In honor of Black Business Month coming up in August, I sat down with Liberty City’s own Trina—rap icon, entrepreneur, and changemaker—for a powerful conversation about building legacy, owning your story, and staying rooted in community. We reflect on the 25th anniversary of her album Da Baddest Bitch, how a chance moment with Trick Daddy launched her into hip-hop history, and what it has taken to thrive across decades in music and media. But what inspires me most is Trina’s dedication to giving back—through her Diamond Doll Foundation, Trina Day, and now her plans to open a smoothie and daiquiri bar right in her childhood neighborhood. She also opens up about Love & Hip Hop: Miami, the process of writing her memoir, and what it’s like inspiring new generations—on stage, on screen, and in the streets she grew up on. This episode is a celebration of Black women in business, in leadership, and in culture—told through the voice of one of Miami’s boldest and brightest.

In this episode, we welcome NBA legend Alonzo Mourning. While he was with the Miami Heat for a total of 26 years, I know him best as one of Miami's biggest advocates, the force behind Overtown Youth Center, and a developer of affordable housing in Overtown. On this episode, you will learn how he went from one of 49 kids in foster care to basketball player to philanthropist and what drives him to give back to youth and the community he loves so much.

May is recognized in Florida as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, and with recent local celebrations, we’re taking a moment to honor those who serve. In this episode, I am joined by Sergeant at Arms Edson Abbott and Omar Ayala, two dedicated officers raised in Miami's District 5. We discuss their personal journeys, what inspired them to join law enforcement, and their efforts to encourage local youth. They also shed light on the critical role Sergeants at Arms play in supporting elected officials and why that relationship matters. Most importantly, we reflect on the deep sense of camaraderie that exists within law enforcement—how that shared bond, rooted in mutual respect and support, helps officers serve with integrity and strength.

In a powerful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we bring you a special episode taped at the Adrienne Arsht Center during our annual Reclaim the Dream event—held each year on April 4 at 6:01 p.m., the same moment Dr. King was assassinated. The event honors his enduring legacy and reminds us to continue that legacy. This year’s celebration featured soul-stirring performances from gospel greats and Grammy Award-winners Hezekiah Walker and The Clark Sisters. Join us as we sit down with Hezekiah Walker and Jacky Clark Chisholm for a heartfelt conversation on music, faith, and the ongoing work of justice and unity.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we welcome Bea Hines, the Miami Herald’s first African-American female journalist. With a career spanning over 50 years, Bea’s journey began at the age of six when she and her family moved to Overtown, later growing up in Liberty City. Raised during a pivotal time in Miami, she covered some of the city’s most controversial headlines. The story of her professional and personal journey will leave you in awe.