Spotlight on Good People by Robert of Philadelphia

In this episode, we dive into an engaging conversation with Dr. Stephanie Ahasic, a dedicated chiropractor and the driving force behind Synergy Health and Thrive IV Bar in Naples, Florida. Stephanie shares her journey from Chicago to Naples, providing insights into her entrepreneurial spirit, life as a mother and wife, and her deep-rooted commitment to community and healthcare. She discusses the c...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Blake shares his extraordinary journey from addiction and crime to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community leader. Blake reflects on his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his turning point at St. Matthew's House, and the invaluable lessons he learned from various mentors, including Brian Roland. Through hard work, faith, and the su...

In this episode of the Spotlight on Good People, we sit down with Carmen Cali, the first Naples High School graduate to reach Major League Baseball. Carmen shares his journey from humble beginnings in Naples, Florida, to playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Twins. Discover how this exceptional athlete overcame obstacles, embraced his roots, and now gives back to the community that...

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Michelle, a passionate jeweler who brings a unique, personal touch to her craft. Michelle shares the essence of her work, from redesigning heirloom pieces to creating custom jewelry that embodies her clients' memories and stories. She opens up about her Italian-American heritage, life experiences, and the deep family bonds that shape her life. He...

What if your workout saved your spirit? In this episode, Holly Strickland shares the remarkable journey of building a women-centered fitness community where strength isn’t just measured in reps — it’s measured in how we show up for each other. As a Naples native and Burn Boot Camp franchise owner, Holly has cultivated a space that defies stereotypes: no competition, no comparison — just connection...

If you think the Miccosukee are history—think again. Popeye Osceola, Secretary of the Miccosukee Business Council, joins us for a gripping conversation on sovereignty, survival, and why protecting the Everglades and Big Cypress isn’t just cultural—it’s life or death for South Florida’s water. We get real about matrilineal clans, language reclamation, brutal chapters like Indian Removal, and the mo...

After a near-fatal accident, Chef Brian Roland could have stepped away from it all. Instead, he stepped into something deeper. In this unforgettable episode, Brian opens up about recovery, resilience, and rediscovering purpose—not just in the kitchen, but in life. From founding Crave Culinaire to inspiring a community through service and strength, Brian’s story is a reminder that healing is a team...

In this deeply moving 2-hour conversation, JR Nocera opens up about his incredible journey from professional baseball player to building one of Naples' most respected family businesses. After being dropped by five major insurance companies in 48 hours, JR faced his darkest moment - but what happened next is pure inspiration. This isn't just a business story. It's about a man who mor...

If you’ve ever doubted whether one person can make a difference, meet Olivia Sciocchetti. She’s the kind of teacher who sees brilliance in chaos, who hears a full sentence in a quiet pointing gesture, and who gives her whole heart to kids the world often overlooks. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Olivia shares how growing up in Delco shaped her grit and grace, what it’s really l...

When Tami Balavage’s teenage son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her world flipped in an instant. But instead of breaking down, she rose up — and built something extraordinary. In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Spotlight on Good People , Tami shares the story behind Help A Diabetic Child — the nonprofit she co-founded that has now helped thousands of families afford life-saving i...

When you’re told you have cancer, you’re thrown into a world of fear, confusion, and decisions that can change everything. But what if someone showed up, not to bill you — but to walk with you? In this powerful and compassionate episode, we sit down with Lana Uhrig, a nurse, public health PhD, and the force behind Naples Cancer Advisors — a nonprofit giving cancer patients something revolutionary:...

What do Styx lyrics, a jar of Dum-Dums, and Zig Ziglar wisdom have in common?   They’re all threads in the vibrant tapestry of Tiffany McQuaid’s life and leadership. In this joyful, unfiltered, and fiercely honest episode, Tiffany takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable journey — from a childhood shaped by dysfunction and determination to building one of Southwest Florida’s most respected rea...

One moment he was diving into a lake. The next, he woke up with a fractured neck, a traumatic brain injury, and a life forever altered. Jordan Dunin’s story begins in the silence that follows crisis—after a freak diving accident and a brutal battle with chronic Lyme disease brought him to the brink of giving up. Isolated, bedridden, and told by doctors there was no cure, Jordan found hope in the m...

In this powerful episode of Spotlight on Good People, we welcome Mitchell Vanderhagen — a husband, father, endurance athlete, faith-driven leader, and co-founder of the Nash to Naples songwriter festival. Mitch opens up about the handwritten letters from his father that still guide him, the spiritual foundation that sustains him, and the intentional way he approaches marriage, parenting, and purpo...

We're joined by the brilliant Kristen Coury, the visionary Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse. Prepare to be inspired as Kristen recounts her incredible journey—from vibrant New York City dreams to creating a thriving artistic haven right here in Naples, Florida. She'll share the fun, the challenges, and the sheer force of personality that has built this...

This week on "Spotlight on Good People," we're honored to welcome the legendary photographer and conservationist, Clyde Butcher. Known as the "Ansel Adams of the Everglades," Clyde's breathtaking black and white landscapes have not only captured the raw beauty of Florida's wilderness but have also played a crucial role in its preservation. Join us as Clyde shares...

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Washburn, Vice President of Conservation at Naples Botanical Garden — a self-described “fancy gardener” with a global reach. From restoring prairies in Indiana to building a world-class garden in Naples, Chad’s story is one of deep purpose, quiet leadership, and unwavering connection to nature. We talk about the human side of conservation, the emotional power...

In this episode of Spotlight on Good People, meet Abel Garcia – an unstoppable force of creativity and passion. From his roots in Las Cruces to making waves in Dallas and now Naples, Abel’s journey as a muralist, fashion designer, and artist is a testament to resilience, boldness, and heart. With clients like the Dallas Cowboys, Air Jordan, and Jack Daniels, Emmitt Smith Abel doesn’t just color ou...

In this joyful, eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President & CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples, one of only 111 accredited senior centers in the U.S. and the only one of its kind offering comprehensive care — from mental health to memory care to ukulele lessons — all under one roof. Dr. Faffer shares how her journey from New Jersey youth leader to nationally recog...

🏟️ In this special on-location episode, we sit down with Adrian Moses, the dynamic General Manager of Paradise Coast Sports Complex. From coaching with the New York Red Bulls to launching Collier County’s first professional soccer team, Adrian shares a remarkable journey of leadership, vision, and resilience — including how a cancer diagnosis redefined his mission in life. We talk about community...

In this episode of Spotlight on Good People, we sit down with a woman whose life is the very definition of showing up for those who need it most — Linda Goldfield, CEO of Youth Haven in Naples, Florida. Youth Haven isn’t just a shelter — it’s a lifeline for children and teens in our community who have been displaced by abuse, neglect, or homelessness. And at the center of that mission is Linda — a...

As the General Manager of Ferrari of Naples, Helder brings over 20 years of experience in the luxury automotive industry to Southwest Florida. Dedicated to delivering unparalleled customer service and driving business growth, Helder's passion for offering a bespoke customer experience enables him to lead his team with a focus on excellence. Helder is a big believer in the Law of Attraction an...

A native of Montreal, Paul Arsenault grew up in Hingham, MA, where his love for the sea and travel emerged. After graduating from the Art Institute of Boston in 1973, he began a six-month stint as a deckhand on a research vessel. He signed off in Florida in 1974 and began his professional painting career. With Naples as his base, he has embarked on painting trips to the Caribbean, Central and Sout...

Lara is the hype queen and nutrition guru at Real Fitness Naples. Originally a vegetarian marathon runner, Lara found CrossFit when she decided it was time for a new way to test her fitness. 10 years later she's a meat-eating CrossFit addict and feels stronger and faster than ever!  Lara's favorite workouts are DT & Hotshots 19, and she loves embracing her patriotism and working out...

Faith Schwalback is a dynamic and passionate individual, holding the roles of founder and board member at both Beverly's Angels and her eponymous company, Faith Schwalback. As a successful mastermind mentor and coach, she positively transforms lives on a daily basis. Faith's influence extends far beyond her immediate community, garnering recognition not only from local news but also on a...