Tampa Bay Community Network Unplugged

The Tampa Firefighters Museum, housed in a historic downtown fire station, brings the city’s firefighting past to life. In this segment for TBCN, host Jimmy Flint Smith sits down with Bill Wade and Amanda Phillips to explore the stories, equipment, and legacy of the firefighters who helped shape Tampa’s history

In this powerful episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno explores the remarkable legacy of the Vila Brothers family from West Tampa, Florida. In Part One, EJ sits down with Denio and Tony Vila, two of the seven Vila brothers who all served in the United States military across multiple branches and conflicts. Their story spans decades—from World War II in the Pacific Theater through later service in...

On this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with one of TBCN’s most unique personalities, Bill Sefekar. A devoted John Denver superfan, musician, storyteller, and podcaster, Bill shares the passions and experiences that continue to inspire his creative journey. The conversation explores The Bill Sefekar Experience, dolphins on Tampa Bay, music, friendship, family legacy, and Bi...

On the premiere of Shift Happens, host Antonia McCutcheon sits down with Terri Willingham, Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI), to explore how real change begins at the community level. Terri shares her journey as a leader, writer, and advocate for hands-on learning, as well as her work building collaborative spaces where innovation grows from the ground up....

In this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with Tyler Martinolich, Executive Director of Film Tampa Bay and Film Commissioner for Hillsborough County. Tyler shares what it really means to serve as a liaison between local communities and film and television productions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how projects come to life in the Tampa Bay area. He breaks down the role...

On this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Jessica Lewis of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to talk about the critical work being done to protect and restore Tampa Bay’s waterways. Jessica shares insights into environmental stewardship, water quality, community partnerships, and how science, policy, and public engagement come together to safeguard one of our region’s most importan...

In this episode of Talk to Your Government, host Becky Yettaw sits down with Nic Zatesco, candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. Nic Zatesco shares his background, priorities, and vision for the district, discussing key issues such as AI, economic opportunity, community development, public policy, and the role of government in everyday life. Talk to Your Government is...

In this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Alexis Muellner, Chairman of the Board of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA), to discuss the role of photography in culture, community engagement, and the future of visual storytelling in Tampa Bay. Alexis shares insights into FMoPA’s mission, the importance of arts leadership, and how museums can serve as dynamic, inclusiv...

In this special Unplugged Part 2 episode, host John Casimiro continues his conversation with Mike Raso, founder of the Film Photography Project. This time, they open the vault and revisit some of Mike’s early independent films—ambitious, DIY projects that helped shape his creative voice long before FPP became a cornerstone of the analog community. They talk about creative risks, low-budget filmmak...

In this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Dr. Nyla Hazratjee, founder of NY/LA Productions which is a nonprofit, woman-centered creative agency dedicated to elevating MENA, Muslim, and South Asian voices in film and television. Dr. Hazratjee is an award-winning filmmaker, a double board-certified physician, and a first-generation Pakistani American whose work explores the rich...

In this episode of Hillsborough Heritage Exploration, host Jimmy Flint-Smith sits down with Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner and General Counsel of the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, to discuss how Tampa’s last operating cigar factory continues to preserve a proud tradition more than a century later. Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, the company began rolling cigars by hand in a family barn...

In this episode of Hillsborough Heritage Exploration, host Jimmy Flint-Smith sits down with Patrick Manteiga, publisher of La Gaceta, to discuss the rich history and lasting cultural legacy of the Cuban Club (El Círculo Cubano de Tampa) in Ybor City. Founded in 1902 by Cuban immigrants, the Cuban Club was much more than a gathering place: it provided healthcare, social services, and cultural enric...

In this episode of TBCN Unplugged, filmmaker and photographer Michael L. Raso shares his journey from Super 8 films and EI Independent Cinema to launching the Film Photography Project. We talk about his creative process, independent film productions, and how his passion for analog photography grew into a worldwide community.

In this episode of the TBCN AI Media Lab, Scott Ertz returns with an interactive session packed with fresh updates on the world of artificial intelligence. From the latest breakthroughs to practical ways AI is reshaping media, Scott dives into what’s new and what’s next. Tune in for insights, questions, and a deeper look at how AI continues to evolve.

@TampaBayCommunityNetwork‬ In this episode of Talk to Your Government, host Becky Yettaw sits down with Representative Fentrice Driskell, the Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives. As the highest-ranking Democrat in the Florida House, Rep. Driskell plays a critical role in shaping legislative priorities, building consensus, and amplifying the voices of Floridians across the state...

Welcome to the first episode of Hillsborough Heritage Explorations, a new series that uncovers the rich, layered history of Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County. In this premiere episode, we dive into the story of the SS American Victory, one of only a few surviving Victory ships from World War II. Moored in the Port of Tampa, the SS American Victory isn't just a museum, it’s a floating monument to t...

Join host Becky Yettaw for an insightful conversation with Lynn Hurtak on Talk to Your Government. Lynn shares her journey from education to local politics, her work in Tampa’s neighborhoods, and her advocacy through organizations like the League of Women Voters and the ACLU of Florida. Learn about her role in shaping Tampa’s city charter, her experience on the Variance Review Board, and her visio...

In this Youtube episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with TBCN’s very own Creative Director, Lazaria Johnson. A proud Tampa native, Lazaria shares her journey from discovering her passion for graphic design in high school to pursuing her studies at HCC. She talks about how she landed at TBCN, where she now teaches the popular Mobile Videography class, helping others develop thei...

In this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Dr. Christopher Meindl, award-winning geographer and professor at USF St. Petersburg. Dr. Meindl brings decades of research and insight into Florida's natural landscapes—especially its springs, rivers, wetlands, and lakes—and discusses the complex relationship between science, politics, and environmental policy. With a sharp focus on hu...

In this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Shana David-Massett, co-founder of Jacksonville’s beloved Sun Ray Cinema, to discuss the company’s exciting expansion into Tampa. Sun Ray is bringing its signature mix of indie spirit and community focus to the former LOOK Cinema at University Mall, reimagining the space as a vibrant hub for film, culture, and connection. Shana shares h...

TBCN Unplugged –with Guest Wally Passet Welcome to TBCN Unplugged—the podcast where we go behind the scenes with the creatives, musicians, and media minds shaping the culture around us. Today, we’re talking with Wally Passet—a name that resonates deeply in the Southern California rock scene and beyond. He lit up stages in the ‘80s with Snakebyte, a hard-hitting metal band out of Encinitas known fo...

In this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Steve Scott, founder of Tampa SEO Training Academy and a true veteran of the digital marketing world. With a career in tech and training that spans over three decades, Steve shares how business owners—from startups to Fortune 1000 companies—can use SEO not just to survive, but thrive online. Steve opens up about the early days of search...

In this episode of TBCN Unplugged, co-hosts John Casimiro and EJ Moreno go full fan mode as they sit down with local B-movie legend Joel Wynkoop! Known for his over-the-top action roles, DIY filmmaking, and cult following, Joel opens up about his decades-long career as a self-made action hero. From writing, directing, and starring in his own films to selling DVDs with his wife at horror cons and c...

On the Grid – Humane Society of Tampa Bay In this episode of On the Grid, we delve into the compassionate world of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB). Joining us is Regan Blessinger, the organization's Marketing and Content Manager, who brings a wealth of experience in animal welfare and community engagement. Regan shares insights into HSTB's mission to end animal homelessness and the innovati...

🎙️ In this episode of On the Grid, we sit down with Terri Willingham, Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI) and Program Manager at AMRoC Fab Lab. Terri shares her journey from healthcare to hands-on innovation, and how she’s helping build equitable access to STEAM education and maker culture in Tampa Bay and beyond. We explore the power of community-driven spa...