The Style Podcast

After 18 years helping shape Akers Media Group and Style Magazine, Tim McRae is turning the page to retirement. In this special episode of The Style Podcast, guest host Gina Horan sits down with Tim to reflect on his remarkable career, the leap of faith that brought him to Akers Media in its early days and the leadership principles that helped grow the company into one of Central Florida's mo...

In this episode of The Style Podcast, we sit down with Stephen Kennedy, assistant county administrator for Sumter County, to discuss his unique career journey from serving in both law enforcement and the fire service to helping lead one of Florida's fastest-growing counties. Stephen shares how his firsthand experience as a first responder shaped his approach to leadership and public service....

In this episode of The Style Podcast, we sit down with Shikita Hill, founder of EmpowerU 1st, to hear the remarkable story behind her journey from corrections officer to community leader. After spending more than 20 years working in corrections, Shikita gained firsthand experience helping people navigate some of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Those experiences ultimately inspired a ne...

On this episode of the Style Podcast, we sit down with Lena Williams of Morris Realty & Investments — a mom, Realtor and one of this year’s Business Women of Style. Lena shares her journey of building a successful real estate career while balancing the demands of motherhood, business and everyday life.  She also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters her family has faced. Her daught...

On this episode of The Style Podcast, our brand new host Lindsay Sanders sits down with Amanda Gaskin, owner of Ultimate Health and Style Magazine’s 2026 Business Woman of the Year. Amanda shares her incredible journey from experiencing homelessness as a child to working her way through nursing school, building a successful business and finding the love of her life along the way. It’s a powerful s...

Join us on The Style Podcast as we sit down with longtime journalist and author Frank Stanfield, who brings more than 50 years of experience covering crime and major cases. In this episode, Frank shares the story behind his latest book, based on a shocking case out of Eustis where a stepson called 911 claiming he had killed his stepmother in a graveyard. He takes us inside what it was like reporti...

In this episode of the Style Podcast, we sit down with Travis Hawkins of Eustis Roofing to talk about more than just roofs. Travis shares his journey into the industry, the importance of family and what led him to become part of the Eustis Roofing team. We also dive into what truly sets Eustis Roofing apart in a competitive field, and why trust and quality matter when it comes to protecting your h...

In this episode of the Style Podcast, we sit down with Gina Horan, Style Magazine’s new food and lifestyle editor, to talk all things food, community and her exciting new role. Gina shares what it’s like stepping into the position, how she’s “eating her way” through Lake and Sumter counties, and some of the standout restaurants and hidden gems she’s discovered along the way. From local favorites t...

n this episode of the Style Podcast, hosts Lori and Shayne sit down with Dr. Leslie Worth, a Mount Dora-based marriage and sex therapist who was recently named one of Style Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees. Dr. Worth shares her expertise on relationships, communication and sexual wellness while breaking down common myths and misconceptions. The conversation covers topics many people are curious abo...

In this episode of The Style Podcast, we sit down with Kelsey Gonzalez, Executive Director of Lake Cares Food Pantry, to talk about the growing need for food assistance in our community and how Lake Cares is stepping up to meet it. Kelsey breaks down the difference between a food pantry and a food bank, shares eye-opening local statistics on food insecurity, and explains how the community continue...

The Lake & Sumter Home Builders Association joins us to break down everything you need to know about the upcoming Parade of Homes, one of the region’s most anticipated showcases of design, craftsmanship and innovation. In the first half of the episode, HBA board members walk through how the Parade of Homes works, when it takes place, how to access the homes, and the different ways the public c...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Bosshardt, a retired plastic and reconstructive surgeon who shares his personal testimony of speaking out—and being silenced—within his own professional organization.  Dr. Bosshardt opens up about the challenges he faced for standing by his convictions and the personal cost of taking a principled stand. Beyond his career, Dr. Bosshardt has used his sur...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Simona Brestowski, an Agent Concierge at ERA Grizzard Real Estate, whose life story reaches far beyond the real estate world. Simona shares her remarkable journey as a refugee from Czechoslovakia, recounting how her family risked everything to escape a communist regime in search of freedom and opportunity. Through resilience, faith, and determination, Sim...

In this episode of The Style Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin Mack-Jackson, a journalist, author and visual storyteller whose work has preserved the voices of a generation. Benjamin is the founder and executive director of the WWII Veterans History Project, a nonprofit dedicated to capturing and sharing firsthand accounts from World War II veterans and eyewitnesses around the world. He has inter...

This week on the Style Podcast, we sit down with Scott Chevalier, Executive Director of the Powerhouse Youth Project, for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation.  Scott shares how he and his team invest in the lives of young people through dynamic school programs, high-energy assemblies, and long-term mentorship designed to keep students on the right path—or help them find their way back.  He e...

This week on the Style Podcast, we welcome Tanya Meyer of Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue and the irresistibly social kitten gnocchi to talk about their incredible work fostering and caring for animals in need! Go to HoffmeyerAnimalRescue.com or find Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue on Facebook to donate, volunteer, or visit. Thank you to our sponsors,  Plaza Cadillac Plaza Lincoln Disability Consultant Lake Centr...

This Week on The Style Podcast we sit down with Tavares Police Chief Sarah Corsey for an inside look at how the Tavares Police Department is redefining what it means to be community oriented. Chief Corsey shares the story behind their unique Facebook page, the impact of the Citizens Police Academy, and the department’s charitable initiatives that are making a real difference across Lake County. We...

This week on the Style Podcast, Shayna & Lori welcome Denise Burry, Executive Director of Forward Paths, to discuss how this remarkable organization transforms young lives. Discover the story behind Forward Paths and their mission to create a supportive community where youth can secure housing, transportation, job skills, and essential services—all designed to set them on a path toward lasting...

In this episode of the Style Podcast, we welcome David Booth, Founder and President of Combat Veterans to Careers. David shares his military service experience, his recovery from a neck injury sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq, and the vital work his organization does to support combat veterans and their families through career opportunities and enhanced quality of life programs right here i...

This week on the Style Podcast, we’re sitting down with Tyler Brandeburg, a proud Leesburg High School graduate and current member of the Lake County School Board. Tyler takes us through his journey from growing up in Lake County to shaping the future of our schools today. We’ll dive into the latest developments at the School Board and Tyler’s vision for education right here in our own backyard. ...

This week on the Style Podcast, Lori and Shayna welcome an extraordinary guest who will move you to tears and inspire you to action. Nicole Campbell, owner of Salon NK and courageous cancer survivor, opens her heart to share the raw, transformative journey that changed everything. Discover how Nicole turned her darkest moments into a beacon of hope, and learn why her powerful story is touching liv...

Hosts Shayna and Lori are on a field trip, visiting Tony Pagano, General Sales Manager at Plaza Lincoln and Plaza Cadillac in Leesburg, for an in-depth conversation about the latest trends in the automotive world. Tony shares what’s new at Plaza Lincoln, discusses the growing popularity of electric vehicles, and explains why the Lincoln Navigator’s unique spa mode is attracting so much attention....

On this episode of the Style Podcast, hosts Shayna and Lori are joined by Larry Blevins, PA, an accomplished practitioner and the founder of the Village Institute of Plastic Surgery. He brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, including an impressive background in trauma surgery acquired during his military service. Larry shares his journey from military medicine to aesthetic and reconstru...

Join hosts Lori & Shayna on The Style Podcast as they sit down with Sean Parks, Lake County Commissioner, to discuss one of the most pressing issues in Central Florida: growth management. In this episode, Commissioner Parks shares how Lake County is navigating rapid development, balancing infrastructure needs, preserving natural resources and planning for a sustainable future. Thank you to our...

Meet Byron Faudie, sports & event photographer with a passion for bringing people together. As one of the organizers behind TEDxEustis and a key player in events like Amazing Race for Charity, Byron is deeply rooted in community-driven projects. In this video, we dive into his journey, the inspiration behind the events he supports, and how his work continues to make a meaningful impact across...