Tropical Depression

This week we spoke with Rodney Jacobs, director of the City of Miami's Civilian Investigative Panel, about more heavy-handed state government intrusion into local affairs in Florida. Just as Miami City Hall cries out for more accountability, the long arm of backwater Tallahassee state politics has destroyed the ability for millions of Florida citizens to weigh in on local community issues yet...

It’s Halloween in June as we talk ghost candidates with award-winning independent journalist Valerie Crowder, founder of The Panhandle Press. Valerie is investigating a possible special interest-backed "ghost" effort to affect the outcome of a City Commission race here in the state capital. She takes us through the recent use of this shady political tactic, and what it means for our demo...

This week we mourned the loss Florida Governor & U.S. Senator Bob Graham, who passed away last week at age 87. Kartik Krishnaiyer, publisher of the The Florida Squeeze , joined host Ryan Ray to celebrate Gov. Graham's legendary life and career as Florida's crusading reformer within the highest corridors of power in American government. Thanks to The Florida History Podcast  for co-prod...

We sat down with Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward, just days after a racist vandal launched two bricks through the windows of his office along with a hate-filled note. Mayor Ward talks us through what brought us to this point, and how the city plans to double down on equity and justice going forward. We also chat about state politicians in Tallahassee attacking local government, exurban secessionist...

This week's bonus episode is a live debate between TD host Ryan Ray and Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power from September 2023 at the Capital Tiger Bay Club. Thanks to the illustrious Gary Fineout for moderating. More great interviews and shows coming up soon.  Make sure to leave a review or rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you're enjoying the show. Thanks for listening. 

This week we speak with famed Florida politico Rick Wilson about Republicans' chaotic orgy of shame in an age when nothing matters.  With voters revolting against Ron DeSantis' "Free State of Florida" regime in national polls, an opportunity for progress emerges as Christian and Bridget Ziegler's sordid Sarasota sex scandal puts a little swing back into our purple state.  Plu...

It's a Thanksgiving miracle! A new episode of Tropo featuring a sparkling conversation about bleak topics with literary writer and New College of Florida alum Alec Niedenthal.  We discuss what Florida means in the wider world, the far-right takeover of a public liberal arts school and how to do letters in an unlettered world. Plus a first-ever Tropical Depression exclusive as Alec reads from h...

This week, we talk with Gainesville luminary Katy Burnett about state lawmakers' brazen attacks on the people of Florida's iconic college town — and how they may soon escalate even more.

Ryan talks with Isaac Eger, writer and host of "Cheeseburger in Babylon," about all manner of Florida topics. Is it foolish to be hopeful? Will Ron DeSantis be ok? Is North Florida underrated? Rebuilding the temple starts one brick at at time — it was a pleasure chucking some up with a close friend of the pod. Listen to Isaac's show on Spotify. Thanks for visiting bud, next year in J...

A quick dispatch from the calm before the big one. 

Author Jeff VanderMeer came by this week to talk environmental catastrophes past, present, and future, and the promise of conservation in Florida. Learn more about helping to stop the insane proposed Wakulla Springs-adjacent gas station here . Check out the recent stories we referenced in TIME Magazine , Esquire and Current Affairs — and this 2016 classic celebrating Florida’s biodiversity in the...

This week we talked with Kartik Krishnaiyer, author of a new book on Florida’s little-understood colonial period under foreign rule. Multiple empires including the U.S. have tried to tame Florida and found it largely ungovernable. When the “Free State of Florida” regime runs aground as well, it will no doubt fascinate future historians. Check out Kartik’s new book Florida & the British Prior t...

We talk with veteran Florida journalist Jason Garcia about how power and money flow through the State Capitol in the era of Ron DeSantis for President. Check out Jason's latest work at Seeking Rents .

This week, Ryan sat down with Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe to discuss Tallahassee, local government, and other matters of the heart. We also mourn the loss of Florida reporter Aimee Sachs (1985-2023). patreon.com/TropicalDepression

Ryan sat down for a conversation with St. Petersburg City Council Member Richie Floyd, just as polls were closing in Tampa local elections. We talked Tallahassee and Tampa Bay, what it's like serving as a progressive local councilman under Ron DeSantis' "Free State of Florida" regime, and why there ain't no power like the power of people. Happy Memorial Day, and thanks for li...

A bonus crossover episode for you guys, with Ryan appearing on Miami/New York-based Why Are We Like This? Emphasis on based. Many thanks to the WAWLT boys, David Quiñones , Gerald Doherty , and former way-back OG Tropical Depression guest Thomas Kennedy .

A huge thank you to our guest this week, Lauren Brenzel, Statewide Organizing Director at Planned Parenthood. Sorry for the delay, in a very Florida turn of events, and unexpected tornado touched down in rural North Florida, between our dedicated editing and mixing staff and our intrepid reporter Ryan. Produced by Daniel Moran

Teaser for our next episode, an interview with Lauren Brenzel - Statewide Director of Organizing, Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Inc.

Florida Times-Union Metro columnist Nate Monroe talks State Capitol craziness, Gov. DeSantis' I-10 connections, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Jacksonville: a real choice for Mayor. We also break down "the Syndicate" — the Downtown donor class at the scene of every crime against the public interest in Duuuval. Big thanks to Nate for coming on, and thank you for listening.