Todd's Podcast

Ben Friedman is the Senior Rates & Regulatory Strategy Analyst at Duke Energy in Tampa, Florida. He joins this podcast episode to share economic insights on the direction of U.S. interest rates, housing affordability, and workforce challenges in a rapidly changing market shaped by AI and demographic shifts. 

Ben and Todd's discussion then pivots to energy—covering the role of solar, the rise of data centers, grid stability, and the future of nuclear and natural gas. They also dive into how innovation in batteries and renewable technology is reshaping how utilities meet rising demand.

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Drew Wilcox is the Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Florida. He joins Todd in this episode to talk about his company’s micro mill in Frostproof and its overall impact on Central Florida. 

Drew shares his journey from starting at Nucor in Texas earning $5.25 an hour to leading a $250 million plant project in Polk County. He discusses Nucor’s environmentally friendly electric arc furnace technology, the production of steel rebar from recycled scrap, and the company’s deep commitment to safety, community involvement, and long-term careers for its 180 teammates. Todd and Drew also explore the site selection process, workforce training, and the strong family-oriented culture that keeps employees engaged for decades. 

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This episode welcomes Alex Cruz, cofounder of The 22 Project, and USAF veteran Major General Robert “Mumbles” Polumbo. Together, they share the powerful story behind The 22 Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing suicides amongst veterans struggling with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD through innovative hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and community support. 

Since initially sponsoring the first veterans for treatment in 2014, Alex and his wife, Erica, have expanded the mission that has now impacted more than 400 veterans. From success stories of veterans reclaiming their lives to the challenges of funding treatments not yet covered by the VA, this conversation highlights the real impact of The 22 Project—and how listeners can support the mission. 

Learn more and support The 22 Project at Support22Project.org.
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David Hitchcock was a defensive lineman for the University of Florida in the 1970s and is a decorated land advisor at Saunders Real Estate. In his conversation with Todd, David shares stories from his days as a Gator football all-star, including his memories of integration in college athletics, his most memorable games, and his journey from the son of a Baptist preacher in Winter Haven to team captain and MVP at UF. 

Beyond the field, David reflects on his decades-long career in Florida agribusiness, his transition into land brokerage, and the work ethic that has carried him through both sports and real estate. He opens up about family, fitness, and faith—and how each has played a role in shaping his life. Whether you're a football fan, real estate professional, or just enjoy a good story, this episode offers a heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring look at one man’s legacy in Florida. 

Learn more and connect with David at SaundersLand.com
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Ron O’Connor AKA "Ronnie Ocean" is a longtime broadcaster of The O-Zone on 96.7FM in Lakeland, and is a newly inducted member of the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. In this podcast episode, Todd invites Ron to look back on a 20-year run hosting on WLKF Radio, where he’s interviewed legends like John Wooden, Tom Lasorda, and Danny Wuerffel. 

The discussion dives into Ron’s journey from marketing professional to beloved radio personality, his early inspirations, and his philosophy on interviewing. Along the way, they trade stories on Gator football, sports media, coaching greats, and the quirks of live radio. 

Listen in to The O-Zone at WLKF.com/The-O-Zone
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In the fourth installment of General-ly Speaking on Todd’s Podcast, Todd welcomes Navy veteran and Congressman Scott Franklin alongside Air Force veteran Major General H.D. “Jake” Polumbo for an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of American defense and political leadership. The episode opens with a frank discussion on the state of civility and bipartisanship in Congress, drawing from Congressman Franklin’s firsthand experience in Washington. The conversation then shifts to the safety and brittleness of the US aviation system, following recent FAA concerns and airline disruptions.

Todd and his guests examine a troubling series of incidents aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, including the loss of multiple F/A-18 fighter jets, raising questions about readiness, maintenance, and the realities of carrier-based combat operations. The discussion expands into the broader strategic threats posed by low-cost drone warfare and the growing conflicts in the Middle East and across the globe. Congressman Franklin and General Polumbo offer perspective on the Department of Defense's acquisition challenges, the shifting balance of military resources, the influence of disruptor leadership within the Pentagon, and much more. 

Learn more about General Polumbo at TwoBlueAces.com.
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Tommy Ray is a former Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) whose career spanned four decades. In this episode, Tommy shares gripping stories from some of his most high-profile cases, including the infamous 1997 Nelson Serrano quadruple murder in Bartow, which ultimately led to Serrano's extradition from Ecuador. 

Tommy also reflects on his role in the investigation of the Gainesville student murders committed by Danny Rolling, a case that terrorized the University of Florida in the early '90s. Additionally, he discusses his contributions to the Cold Case Playing Cards program, an initiative now used in prison systems across the country to help solve numerous unsolved cases. 

Todd and Tommy are also joined by Nick Del Castillo, a former Special Agent with the FDLE and longtime colleague of Tommy’s. Nick spent much of his law enforcement career undercover, navigating high-stakes drug busts and criminal investigations. 

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In this flavorful episode, Todd sits down with his longtime friend and barbecue restaurateur, Jim Rabe—owner of Smokin’ Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q in Auburndale, Florida. From pitching heat on the baseball diamond to slow-smoking ribs and brisket, Jim shares the winding journey that led him to the foodservice industry. 

They discuss Jim’s role as the unofficial pitmaster at local backyard cookouts, his brief brush with Hollywood fame starring in a movie, and lessons learned from decades in the barbecue business. Along the way, Jim shares cooking tips, behind-the-scenes restaurant insights, and what it really takes to keep a family-friendly smokehouse running—from navigating rising costs and staffing challenges to hosting steak nights, catering large events, and finding just the right wood to smoke meat low and slow.

Learn more about Smokin' Jim's menu, location, and hours of operation at SmokinJimsBarbecue.com.
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Steve Giordano is the President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate turnarounds, Steve brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to nonprofit leadership—one that has helped stabilize and grow the organization while deepening its impact on the lives of local families.

From reducing teen pregnancy and increasing graduation rates to serving over 1.5 million hot meals, Steve outlines how the clubs provide more than just after-school care—they offer safety, structure, mentorship, and a pathway to a brighter future. He also discusses the organization’s growth, capital campaigns, partnerships, and vision to serve 10,000 kids across Polk County, Florida. 

Donate and learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County at BGCpolk.org
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In this installment of our entrepreneur series, "Launching From Scratch," Todd invites TJ Zimmerman, co-owner of Concord Coffee. Founded in 2015, Concord is a craft coffee roaster and café with locations in Lakeland and Gainesville, Florida—built on a mission to create meaningful local communities through quality coffee and intentional spaces.

Todd and TJ explore the early days of Concord, how they landed on the name, the trial-and-error of roasting, and the importance of community in both business growth and daily operations. As the company now roasts and ships coffee across the country, the episode also dives into the company's expansion into wholesale and e-commerce while remaining committed to its roots in relationship and hospitality. 

For your coffee roasting needs, please visit ConcordCoffee.com
Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com

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