Sarasota Stories

Have you ever been asked: "If you knew then what you know now, would you have done, what you did?" I'm going to answer that question today as Sarasota Stories celebrates a major milestone in the short history of this podcast.

We’re out of the office this week to attend the annual Podfest conference so for today we’re going to dip into our archives to episode #10 where I talked with local Icon Michael Klauber of Michael's on East We will be back to our regular schedule next week

We’re out of the office this week to attend the annual Podfest conference, so for today, we’re going to dip into our archives to episode #50 where I talked with friend and Bitcoin pioneer Charlie Shrem. Charlie was there with Bitcoin from the very beginning and is now the host of everything crypto at the Charlie Shrem Show We will be back to our regular schedule next week.

(This is part 2 of a 2 part series) "  The Amish" If you're like me I visualize bearded men, white hats, plain clothing, women in ankle-length dresses with white bonnets, riding bicycles, or driving a horse-drawn carriage. I also think furniture: sturdy, country-style furniture built to last generations. I didn't know until recently is there is a fascinating Internet-based company right here in S...

(This is part 1 of a 2-part series) "  The Amish" If you're like me you visualize bearded men, white hats, plain clothing, women in ankle-length dresses with white bonnets, riding bicycles, or driving a horse-drawn carriage. I also think furniture: sturdy, country-style furniture built to last generations. But what I didn't know until recently is that there is a fascinating Internet-based company...

Gentlemen, Let's face it. We're generally less concerned about what we wear than our fairer counterparts. I know I can get a bit slovenly at times but it's my goal to up my game in the wardrobe department this new year. If you have a similar intention I think you'll enjoy today's episode. I'm very pleased to welcome, Donald Carlson, Founder of Tweeds Suit Shop . In this episode, you'll learn ... O...

Unfortunately, I put on a few pounds over the holidays. (My wife's cherry strudel really got me!) If you put on a few too, maybe a little advice from today's guest will help you reach your fitness goals in the new year. I'm very pleased to welcome Aaron Gooding, Owner, and Operator of Fit-Concepts . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don’t know about Aaron His journey to becom...

Right now many of you are thinking about your physical fitness in the new year. It's a common goal to "get into the best shape of your life" whenever January rolls around. But what about your mental fitness given all the pressures and toxicity of modern life today? I'm very pleased to welcome today, Denise Schonwald -Author, Registered Nurse & Nationally Licensed Mental Health Counsellor. In t...

Roughly 38% of US attorneys are women. However, very few are actually leading the firms they work for. So in the rare instance when a woman rises to the top, it is worth noting to learn how they did it. I'm very pleased to welcome Telese Zuberer Shareholder and President of Sarasota's, Icard Merrill. In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don’t know about Telese Why she chose a ca...

Dear Fans of Sarasota Stories, We're taking a little break this week and hope you will spend some extra time with your loved ones. As always thank you for a great 2022 -- 2023 is going to be even better! ... and remember to listen ... learn ... and connect! Bob Williams and The Team

Unfortunately, old Florida is disappearing fast. But there are still venues right here in Sarasota that not only take you back in time but also entertain you and your family in gorgeous tropical landscapes. I'm very pleased to welcome Britany Webb, Education Coordinator & Animal Supervisor at the famous Sarasota Jungle Gardens. In today's episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't k...

For a small city, we're famous for our art scene. Front and center are our opera, symphony, and art galleries. But what about the art of comedy and improv? Today, I'm pleased to welcome, Will Luera, Director of Improvisation at the Florida Studio Theater in Sarasota. In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don’t know about Will. Why Will chose a career pivot from technology to impr...

The city of Sarasota recently changed its official seal but kept the tagline: "May Sarasota Prosper." If ever the tagline were to change it probably should read: "Sarasota Gives Back." Today we present a wonderful example of giving by two local women who combine their passion for fashion to help the less fortunate in our community. I'm very pleased to welcome two guests today: Christin Lilly &...

I've always been a big supporter of our local chambers of commerce. As a member, you not only become a business insider but you get to hear from experts you wouldn't have otherwise. My guest today is one of those experts I recently heard at the 102nd Sarasota Chamber Annual Meeting. I'm happy to introduce Dr. Kerry Szymanski or "Dr. Kerry" as she is better known. She is an entrepreneur, business c...

Frankly, I love doing all these interviews. I get to meet really creative people doing amazing work. Plus, I always feel I grow as a person after hearing their wonderful stories. My latest interview is no exception. She is smart, dynamic, and building an award-winning marketing/advertising firm that would make any community proud. Today I'm very pleased to introduce President/CEO & Owner, Alli...

Inflation, covid 19, and Hurricane Ian: It's enough to make you want to pull the covers over your head and just make the world go away. So what should you really do? How about focusing on all the good that's happening right here in our town? For example, there are many non-profit organizations investing millions directly into our community despite the tough times right now. Today I'm very pleased...

Business guru John Maxwell once said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." It is safe to say a major reason why Sarasota Memorial Health Care Systems (SMH) keeps rising is its incredible leader who was recently and severely tested via a worldwide pandemic and a Cat-4 hurricane. I'm very pleased to welcome David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Medical Health Systems (SMHCS). In today's episode, yo...

As the Holidays are upon us, there's much gratitude and thank you's that need to be acknowledged. In this episode, you hear... Me sing for the first and last time! Why we're only publishing only one episode on Thanksgiving week Why I believe that after 85 episodes several guests need an extra "thank you." Who these wonderful people are. ... and much...much...more! I'm so glad you stopped by today...

Years ago my kids used to watch an animated movie called "All Dogs Go to Heaven." After you listen to this episode you'll come to the conclusion as I did that it might just be true! I'm very pleased to welcome Sean Brown, Associate Director of Philanthropy for Southeastern Guide Dogs (SEGD). For 40 years SEGD has bred trained and placed over 1200 puppies and dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD,...

It may be the single best way to meet new friends and develop life-long relationships. It is also a great way to stay fit while learning one of the forgotten social graces. I'm very pleased to welcome Tiana Ramirez, Owner of Sarasota Fred Astaire Dance Studio . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don’t know about Tiana How simply being a volunteer in college gave her the direct...

The non-profit space is completely different from organizations in the more familiar rough-and-tumble world of for-profit. Non-profits are typically driven by a philanthropic vision and are required to spend wisely the funds that are entrusted to them. However, like all organizations, non-profits need a defined strategy calibrated to their overall mission. I'm very pleased to have on our show toda...

I personally have never taken a vitamin or supplement where I really noticed an improvement in my physical condition or mental well-being. So I was pleasantly surprised to learn when I recently got a positive report back on my bloodwork which I am convinced was due to using a very high-quality Omega 3 supplement made right here in Venice. I'm very pleased to introduce Anne-Marie Chalmers, & Bo...

Some people have careers while others have a calling. In the face of Hurricane Ian, it seems more people and organizations in the latter category are stepping up in a big way. I'm very pleased to introduce Steve Tybor - President & CEO of Eight Days of Hope . This Christian organization is a rapid response team for when disasters hit. They work through the local churches to "love and serve tho...

Imagine if Disney designed an animal rescue shelter you'd just have to see it, wouldn't you? That's what I recommend you do from the interview I'm doing today. I'm very happy to welcome Rob Oglesby, Director of Nate's Honor Animal Rescue . Today you'll learn... One thing most people don’t know about Rob Why he got involved with Nate's The services they provide in normal times What has changed sinc...

Since I came to Sarasota in 2015 one topic has come up over and over again -- workforce housing. Let's face it: living in this area is both beautiful and expensive. So how can young families, professionals, and essential, front-line workers find a decent place to live while still putting away money for the future? My guest today is doing his part to help in the workforce housing shortage. His comp...