Florida's Fresh Mix

The Florida manatee is one of the most beloved creatures that inhabit the Sunshine State's intracostal waterways and surrounding oceans. But, some people don't give these gentle giants the respect they deserve. That's why there are experts and advocates like Pat Rose whose sole mission is to protect these animals from endangerment. Pat is the Execute Director of the Save The Manatee Club. As an aq...

Ever been to a barbershop where you can watch mafia movies, get your mugshot taken, and drink free beer?! Yeah ... we didn't think so. But, this is Florida after all, and it's flooded with tons of New Yorkers and New Jersians (you might even be one of them). That's why it's the PERFECT state to open a mafia-themed barbershop. Today's guest is Candace Giunta, and she co-owns Wiseguys Barbershops in...

If you haven't noticed, a running theme in most (not all) Fresh Mix episodes is the entrepreneur's journey. Whether they couldn't stand another day at their 9-to-5 job, or they lost passion for a career they once loved, we truly enjoy sharing incredible stories of people who said, "Enough is enough! I'm doing things MY way now." Our guest today carved her own path to success, but the odds were sev...

Children whose parents struggle with addiction face mental, emotional, and sometimes physical hardships. Today's guest has experienced these challenges firsthand, and now she's made it her life's mission to serve and support at-risk youth. Liz Olszewski is the founder and executive director of Horses Healing Hearts (HHH), a nonprofit organization that provides equine therapy, mentorship, and other...

There once was a time when rock n' roll and big-hair bands were larger than life. Legendary groups like Journey, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin were crankin' out hits that most of us still know and love today. There's no denying that classic rock defined a generation of rockers and music fans alike. So, to give us a better understanding of this "magical moment" in music, our guest today is Rob Garci...

Veganism is a lifestyle that's spreading around the world quicker than we can say "tofu." That's why we're featuring a homegrown vegan who's taking South Florida's vegan community to new heights. Today's guest is Sean Russell, the Founder of SoFlo Vegans, which is an online platform that promotes veganism through videos, podcasts, blogs, and events. Sean tells Gerard his pre-vegan story and why he...

We live in a culture where we want things, and we want things now. These "things" can range from the most mundane to the most essential, like medicine. Today's guest understands the need for same-day delivery of prescriptions, vaccines, therapies, and other medical items. Derrick Miles is the Founder and CEO of CourMEd, a concierge health and wellness service. He's also a personal friend of Gerard...

This episode is dedicated to all the cat lovers out there! Our guest today is Deb Quimby of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. Yes, we're talking about THE Big Cat Rescue sanctuary that's featured in the popular Netflix docuseries, "Tiger King." Deb shares how she randomly found Big Cat Rescue on Facebook Live while she was still a nurse educator in Indiana. She also explains the many issues surrounding big...

We have a new show for you on FPN! Enjoy this sizzle reel of Craig and David setting off on their exploration to discover the latest in FL tech and innovation! TECHxploration is your inside look-ahead at Florida's future–everything from emerging trends in leading-edge business to immersive family entertainment! Floridians are both creating and consuming some amazing innovations from shore to shore...

We're back with more "pot talk" on PART 2 of Gerard's conversation with the one and only Angie Willoughby, a.k.a. The Green Baker. If you haven't heard PART 1 yet, then what are you waiting for?? Once you're caught up, come back here and learn how edibles metabolize differently than smoking weed and why Angie says Black and LGBTQ+ representation is important in the cannabis industry. Plus, Angie e...

Cannabis. Marijuana. Grass. Mary Jane. Ganja. Flower. Weed.  Yep, we're talking (not smoking) pot on the next TWO episodes! Our guest today is Angie Willoughby, a.k.a. The Green Baker. Angie bakes and sells all kinds of yummy sweet treats that are infused with cannabis. Cannabis is a plant that's been plagued by stigmas and misinformation for decades. That's why Angie strives to educate both custo...

It's not every day that we get to feature an NAACP Image Award nominee! Our talented guest is none other than artist and animator Jason "JaFleu" Fleurant of Treal Toonz. His show, "Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz," was recently nominated for Outstanding Animated Series at this year's NAACP Image Awards. And, for the first time ever, Gerard has a very special co-host: Producer Jaime, a.k.a. the f...

Part 2 of Gerard's conversation with Latrice Sampson Richards of Afros & Audio is now available for your ears! In this episode, they discuss how Black people are not a monolith, and how their unique experiences don't always align with society's narrative. Gerard and Latrice also highlight how Afros & Audio and the Vanguard Podcast Network are breaking barriers in an emerging medium following decad...

A new year means new, fresh Floridians are joining the show, so what better way to kick off 2022 than with a TWO-PART episode! Yep, this conversation was so great that we didn't dare cut it down. Our guest for Episodes 21 and 22 is none other than Latrice Sampson Richards of Afros & Audio and the Vanguard Podcast Network! Gerard and Latrice talk about the importance of having a community specifica...

Well, 2021 is almost wrapped up, so what better time to recap some of our favorite moments from the Fresh Mix Podcast this year! In this special edition episode, Gerard and Amber feature six quick clips from six episodes. They briefly reminisce about each guest and their inspiring, authentic, and fascinating stories. If you can't get enough of these conversations, you can check out our show notes...

The holiday season brings lots of cheers, and for some, lots of jeers. Buying gifts and visiting relatives can be burdensome and downright stressful. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that comes with December, so those who are less fortunate are often overlooked. Today's guest seeks those who society typically labels "forgettable."  Umberto Rosi is the co-founder of The Give Back...

Thanksgiving was yesterday, but that doesn't mean we can't keep this thankfulness train rollin'! Today's episode features two familiar guests ... Gerard and Amber! In this lighthearted and fun conversation, these two chat about their Thanksgiving plans and what's making them feel grateful these days. Plus, they reflect on some of the silver linings in the turbulent professional and personal journe...

We are absolutely THRILLED to introduce the newest Florida Podcast Network hosts, Craig Brooks and David Forman! Today's guests are the hosts of TECHxploration, a brand new podcast featuring the fascinating Floridians behind the state's technology and business industries. Craig and David tell Gerard how their 25-year friendship helped them start and grow Clarity Creative in Orlando. Also, they dis...

As we've noted many times on the show, mentorship can be helpful and fulfilling for both a mentor and mentee. Today's guests are the perfect example of this dynamic relationship. Silvana Roncal mentored Jennifer Perez through a nonprofit organization called LEAP, which stands for Ladies Empowerment and Action Program. The organization places businesswomen in the Homestead Correctional Institution...

The City of Palm Beach is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world, including former President Donald Trump. If you head a few miles west, you'll find a city known for its diverse cultural arts, nightlife scene, and low-income neighborhoods: West Palm Beach. Patrick McNamara, the CEO and president of the Palm Health Foundation, knows that a resident's zip code could determine their healt...

It's 2021 which means it's time to finally wave goodbye to papers, folders, and filing cabinets! Today's technology allows businesses to go completely paperless. Owners can now access important documents right at their fingertips, especially if they use the Virtual Badge app. Today's guest is Georges Duplessy, the co-founder of Virtual Badge. The app helps employers keep track of their employees b...

Step aside and make way for the next generation of entrepreneurs! Elvanice Previlma and Chevron Bucknor are in their early twenties, and they're already making major money moves. They're the co-founders of Future Billionheir, a company dedicated to inspiring success, motivating stability, and leaving a legacy for emerging entrepreneurs. They're also co-hosts of the Future Billionheir Podcast where...

We've all faced adversity at some point in our lives. Maybe you're facing adversity now. Well, today's guest, Ana Lucia Chaverria, can definitely relate. She's faced many uphill battles within the past few years, but she's learning to find ways to conquer those battles and see the green grass on the other side. Ana Lucia tells Gerard about how working in the finance industry for 14 years "ate her...

Can you imagine a neighborhood with 20 miles of walking and biking trails, a community farm filled with fresh produce, a spacious state-of-the-art fitness center, and a luxurious pool overlooking a beautiful lake? Well, that's Arden in a nutshell. Donald Smith is the Lifestyle Director for Arden -- an "agrihood" in Palm Beach County. He tells Gerard what exactly "agrihood" means (hint: agriculture...

It's tough being a kid these days. Who wants to grow up during a global pandemic? But before COVID-19 stole 2020, there was another growing, generational issue in the U.S.: the opioid epidemic. It's people like Dr. Suzanne Spencer who strive to protect children from encountering substance abuse. She's the CEO of the Living Skills in the Schools (LSIS) non-profit organization. Dr. Spencer and her t...