Speak Easy Jax

Chris Kalin, Regional President for PNC Bank, joins the guys to discuss the importance of mentorship. From Jacksonville roots to leadership in banking, Chris shares lessons on embracing rejection, building relationships, and finding opportunity in unexpected places. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Pro...

TJ and Daniel sit with Gary Chartrand. From growing up on a farm in New Hampshire to becoming CEO of Acosta, the conversation covers Jacksonville’s business community and his journey through it. Former Executive at Acosta Sales & Marketing, Chartrand mentions his book Unreasonable Leadership, and why leaders need to listen and learn from failure. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube...

Kicking off Season 4 with Randy Goodwin, founder and CEO of PRI Productions. Randy joins Speak Easy Jax to share the story behind a Jacksonville company that has spent 32 years bringing experiences to life. The episode reflects on the opportunities that shaped his career; his story is a reminder that success rarely happens alone, and that the people who give you a chance can make all the differenc...

Paul Jones, CEO of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc., shares his journey from working summer jobs with the company in high school to ultimately stepping into the role of CEO. He reflects on growing up around the family business, the experiences that shaped his leadership, and what it means to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credi...

Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, joins Daniel and TJ to discuss his journey from aspiring city planner to leading one of Jacksonville's largest redevelopment projects. Bryan reflects on the childhood experiences that sparked his passion for urban development and shares the vision behind Downtown Jacksonville's future. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel D...

This week, TJ and Daniel sit down with Council President Nick Howland. The Navy veteran, recently unanimously elected to lead the City Council, shares stories from his time overseas and the path that led him to public service in Jacksonville. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Pourciau a...

Approaching the end of the season, the boys sit down with Mark Bennett, staple in the banking world and icon in the Jacksonville business community. Hear from Mark about his route to where he is today.  Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori Video and Audio Prod...

The guys sit with Evan Rajta, owner of Jacksonville's hottest club, Decca Live. From humble beginnings to helping shape the future of Downtown Jacksonville, Evan opens up about taking risks, building community, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Produ...

Daniel and TJ sit with Chamber patriot and entrepreneur , Mike Zaffaroni. Hear from Mike about how he chose Jacksonville to be his home, his experience as a college student finding their way, and the small business challenges no one warns you about.  Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Po...

This week, Melissa Nelson joins Speak Easy. The elected State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit dives into the world of criminal justice and local politics in today's world. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori Video and Audio Production: Audri Mo...

This week, Daniel and Tj sit with Nate Monroe, a nationally awarded Florida journalist with strong roots in Jacksonville. Hear about his experience and background while Nate and Daniel catch up about Daniel's Mayoral race. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori...

The boys are joined by Shannon Miller, one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history with deep roots in Jacksonville. In this conversation, she reflects on her Jax upbringing and how her experiences continue to influence her life. Hear how Shannon shares the perspectives that continue to shape her journey beyond the podium. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hos...

Meet, Duval icon Curtis Dvorak. Also known as, the original Jaxson de Ville. Daniel and TJ sit with Curtis as they dive into his upbringing and journey into becoming one of NFL's most well known mascots.  Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori Video and Audio Pr...

Dr. Carlton Robinson, Chief Innovation Officer of JAX Chamber, joins Speak Easy to offer us the true back story of his entrepreneurial spirit and a sneak peak of what his next project at the Chamber will bring for Jacksonville's professional community. Hear about the decade long successes of his programs supporting business owners, and his plans for setting the standard on business tech and AI.  C...

Season 3 launches as Daniel and TJ sit down with Lee Smith, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship on the PGA Tour, to explore his journey into professional golf and the path that shaped his career. Along the way, Lee shares insights into the evolving landscape of the sport, highlighting innovations in technology, player performance, and fan engagement. Hear personal stories and the pivota...

Jacksonville business leader and visionary Blake Riber takes the Speak Easy hot seat to discuss his ascent to fame as the area’s undisputed bourbon aficionado, including insights on local business dynamics, industry-wide evolutions, and his decades-long love for the whiskey game. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: J...

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico joins the conversation for a candid discussion on leadership, governance, and the future of Jacksonville. Representing District 4 and serving as Council President, Carrico shares insights into the priorities shaping City Hall, the challenges of balancing growth with accountability, and what effective leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving city...

Megha Parekh joins us to share her perspective on Jacksonville’s growth, leadership, and the major civic and sports initiatives shaping the city. She offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing Jacksonville and what drives her commitment to public service. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the community’s key voices. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram You...

City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan sits down with Daniel and TJ for an open, powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Jacksonville. From her years as a trusted journalist to her nationally recognized advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and ultimately, her historic election as Jacksonville’s 45th mayor, Donna shares what drives her, what grounds her, and what she...

Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Jacksonville-based Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, engages Daniel and TJ in a conversation that blends creativity, conviction, and the kind of entrepreneurial clarity that only comes from years of building, leading, and reshaping organizations. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Prod...

 Misty Skipper, Vice President at GATE Petroleum and 2025 JAX Chamber Chair-Elect, joins Speak Easy Jax to discuss leadership, communication, and community. She shares insights from her journey in public service and business, and her vision for Jacksonville’s continued growth. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX...

Admiral James Stavridis joins Speak Easy Jax for a conversation on leadership, strategy, and service. Drawing on his decades in the Navy and experience as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, he shares insights on global security, teamwork, and the power of collaboration. Tune in for an engaging discussion with one of America’s most respected military minds. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram You...

This week, hosts Daniel & TJ sit down with Jason McCarthy, founder and CEO of GORUCK. From his Special Forces background to building a global fitness movement, Jason shares how grit, purpose, and community drive everything he does. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and redefining what strength means. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credit...

Tim Cost, President of Jacksonville University, returned to lead his alma mater after a 32-year career as a senior executive at Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson. He has since transformed JU with new programs, expanded facilities, and a renewed commitment to student success and community connection. Tim shares insights on leadership and his vision...

Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, sits down with Speak Easy Jax to discuss faith, leadership, and building one of the fastest-growing churches in the country. Connect with Speak Easy Jax: Instagram Youtube X Facebook Credits Hosts: Daniel Davis and TJ Ward Presenting Sponsor: JAX Chamber Producers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley Folladori Video and Audio Production:...