Todd's Podcast

Melony Bell, Supervisor of Elections for Polk County, joins Todd for an in-depth and wide-ranging interview about elections, public service, and civic engagement in Polk County. She shares her unique path into public life, from organizing a grassroots effort against a proposed private prison to serving as mayor, county commissioner, state representative, and now Supervisor of Elections. 

Their discussion covers how elections actually work behind the scenes, including voter registration, signature verification, the role of the canvassing board, election security, early voting, and vote-by-mail safeguards. Listeners also hear about initiatives underway in Polk County to strengthen election security and voter access, from technology upgrades and mobile polling to expanded outreach efforts aimed at students, veterans, and first-time voters. Along the way, Todd and Melony reflect on their shared experience in public service and what it takes to protect election integrity while ensuring every eligible voter has a voice.

Learn more about Polk County Elections at PolkElections.gov.
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Sarah Falcetti and Aubrey Martin, two of Saunders Real Estate’s Gen Z team members, return to the show for a wide-ranging follow-up conversation that dives deeper into Gen Z culture, values, and perspectives. The discussion covers work ethic, financial pressures, the influence of public figures and media, Sarah’s recent engagement, the latest on Taylor Swift, social media and TikTok, and Todd’s discovery of Instagram.

Todd, Sarah, and Aubrey touch on everything from career expectations and critical thinking to pop culture, politics, the potential impact of AI, and even a quick civics quiz—mixing humor with thoughtful insight into how this generation is navigating work, life, and the world around them.

Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.

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Just in time for Christmas, Todd is joined by Santa and Missus Claus for a spirited and unconventional holiday episode. With a wink and plenty of good humor, the Clauses offer a lighthearted peek into life at the North Pole, including the role of elves, integrating AI, holiday stress, and everything in between.

This isn’t your typical fireside chat with St. Nick. Equal parts festive and cheeky, the episode delivers a playful back-and-forth as Todd dives into the quirks of married life in the sleigh lane and who’s really in charge at the North Pole. 

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Dr. Stephen J. Nelson is the Chief Medical Examiner for Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Drawing from nearly three decades in the role, Dr. Nelson joins Todd for an in-depth interview covering the world of forensic pathology from how his office operates and is funded to the realities of staffing, autopsy procedures, toxicology, and the growing challenges facing medical examiners nationwide. 

Throughout the episode, Dr. Nelson breaks down the differences between medical examiners and coroners, explains how deaths are investigated and certified under Florida law, and discusses the collaboration between his office, law enforcement agencies, and the State Attorney’s Office. He also shares insights on high-profile cases he has consulted on, the rise of fentanyl and other drugs in overdose deaths, the impact of COVID-19 on death investigations, the role of religion in autopsy decisions, and why recruiting the next generation of forensic pathologists is becoming increasingly difficult. It’s an informative, candid, and at times surprising look behind the scenes of a vital public-health and public-safety profession. 

Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.

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In this episode, Todd welcomes back Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about public safety in Florida and beyond. Sheriff Judd breaks down the realities of immigration enforcement, how local agencies now coordinate with ICE, and his proposed solution for fixing the nation’s immigration system. He also discusses open carry laws, human trafficking investigations, active-shooter preparedness, and the importance of community awareness in preventing violence. 

The conversation later moves from serious policy issues to lighter moments, including stories about Christmas cards, charity work, and Sheriff Judd’s popular “Morning Briefing” video series. Throughout the episode, he provides an inside look at law-enforcement challenges, the emotional toll on deputies, and why Polk County remains one of the safest communities in Florida.

Donate to Polk Sheriff's Charities at PolkSheriff.org/Donate.
Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.

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Angela Davis, Polk County coordinator for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, joins Todd for a heartwarming episode about the mission and impact of this beloved program. She shares how her team brings Christmas joy to thousands of children each year, explaining what it takes to organize large-scale toy drives, manage volunteers, responsibly manage donations, and build the community partnerships that make it all possible. 

Angela goes further into Toys for Tots's year-round initiatives like literacy and foster care support, her vision for a permanent home for Toys for Tots in Polk County, and some of the creative ways local businesses and volunteers have gotten involved. They also reflect on the experiences that shaped Angela's servant’s heart, from her upbringing in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to her time as Mrs. Florida, where she used her platform to promote volunteerism. 

Donate and learn more about Toys for Tots at ToysForTots.org
Contact Angela at 863-209-0245 or [email protected]
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Johnny Townsend is a former NFL punter and a 2x All-American Florida Gator. He joins Todd to talk about life on and off the field, from his record-setting days in The Swamp to becoming a 2018 NFL draft pick. Johnny reflects on his journey through recruitment, his time with the Raiders and Chiefs, and the lessons learned about discipline, leadership, and identity in sports. 

He also shares the story behind the Johnny Townsend Foundation, which supports pediatric oncology patients at UF Health, and discusses his new role as a sports agent helping today’s athletes navigate NIL and career growth. With humor, humility, and perspective, Johnny gives an inside look at the highs and challenges of athletic life, his passion for giving back, and his surprising pursuit of becoming a Team USA bobsledder. 

Learn more and support The Johnny Townsend Foundation at JohnnyTownsendFoundation.com.
Follow Johnny at Instagram.com/JohnnyTownsend.
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Jerry Layne is a recently retired Major League Baseball umpire whose career spanned 35 years, from 1989 in the National League through both leagues until 2024. As one of the game’s most experienced officials, his resume includes historic moments such as being behind the plate for Barry Bonds’ 71st home run and Fernando Valenzuela’s no-hitter. 

Jerry joins Todd in this episode to dive into the realities of life behind the mask, covering everything from the injuries he endured to the differences between the American and National League strike zones, to the pressures of postseason games and working with managers like Bobby Cox and Lou Piniella. He reflects on how replay has changed the game, misconceptions about umpires, and his views on the future of officiating, including the introduction of automated strike zones.

Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.

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Christiaan Abbott is an Executive Cruise Director for Disney Cruise Line, currently serving aboard the Disney Wish. Joining Todd in this episode, Christiaan shares his remarkable journey from starting as a professional dancer at age 15, to performing around the world, to eventually leading entertainment for Disney overseas. He reflects on his background in dance, comedy, and theater, his time as a podcast host and author, and how those experiences shaped his leadership style at sea.

Listeners will get an inside look at what it takes to direct entertainment for thousands of guests—managing 220 performers, youth counselors, lifeguards, and technicians, while maintaining Disney’s world-class guest experience. Christiaan also opens up about balancing family life with a career at sea, the future growth of the cruise industry, and his insights on getting the best deal on a cruise. 

Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.

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This podcast episode takes a fun turn as Todd sits down with two of Saunders Real Estate’s Gen Z team members, Sarah Falcetti and Aubrey Martin. Sarah, the firm’s Event and Community Outreach Coordinator, shares how her love for communication, community involvement, and event planning led her to the real estate industry. Aubrey, the Property Management Coordinator, talks about her path from intern to full-time role, and how growing up in a real estate family shaped her career goals.

Together, Sarah and Aubrey reflect on their experiences as young professionals, balancing event planning, client relationships, and property management, while bringing fresh energy and perspective to the company. They discuss mentorship, career goals, and even tackle some lighthearted questions about everything from Taylor Swift to traffic tickets.

Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com.

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