Water For Fighting

In our Season 2 opener, Brett has a conversation with noted filmmaker and author, Steve Hawley. Steve has a brand new book out called, Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World. They discuss the mythology surrounding the benefits of many of the world’s dams; the benefits of restoring once-dammed rivers; Dam Removal 101; and why he’s cautiously optimistic about the future of the world’s n...

In the last episode of the season, Brett sits down with limnologist, business owner and two-time water management district executive director – Ann Shortelle.  They talk about building a family and career in Florida; being one of only three people to serve as executive director of two different water management districts; how she wants young women and girls to embrace math and science more; N...

In his second-to-last episode of the season, Brett sits down with attorney, lobbyist, and former secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection – Ryan Matthews. They discuss his family’s deep roots in Upstate New York; the example left behind by a renowned attorney and lobbyist father; the joys and challenges of leadership; and his flirtation with a life of crime. To learn more about Sect...

In this episode, Brett has a conversation with recently retired Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chief of Staff – Jennifer Fitzwater. They discuss how a kid from the Midwest makes her way to law school and a career in resource protection; what it’s like to have been the Chief of Staff for two separate state agencies; the difficult and complicated work going into solving challenges l...

In this episode, Brett sits down with the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s executive director – Lyle Seigler. They discuss Hurricane Michael recovery; springs restoration and protection efforts; the district’s relationship to the regulated community; and what happened to change a town in Walton County from the county seat to a trivia question. To see tools used by the Northwest Florid...

In this episode, Brett talks with well-known environmental attorney and former DEP general counsel, Fred Aschauer. They discuss Florida’s U.S. Supreme Court fight to save the Apalachicola River and Bay; growing up between Florida and New York; and how joining a heavy metal band led to a music scholarship and a haircut.      To learn more about Florida’s case against Georgia in the U.S. Supreme Cou...

 In this episode, Brett sits down with national water quality data expert – Julie Espy. They discuss her rise through the ranks at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; whether Florida’s Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) are still the best tool to remediate water quality degradation; and why one should never, ever, call her a Sooner To learn more about the state’s Basin Managemen...

In Episode 4, Brett sits down with his partner: long time water policy and budget guru, Frank Bernardino. They talk about the history of wetland mitigation in Florida; the water resource funding gap and how he proposes we close it; and his life as a young song writer in Miami. Here’s the best way to reach Frank: Frank@anfieldflorida.com If you’d like to learn more about what Frank and I do at Anfi...

In this episode, Brett talks with one of the most renowned environmental advocates in Florida – Eric Draper.  Draper is most known for his advocacy on behalf of Everglades protection and the Florida Forever land-buying programs, but he recently served a successful tour as the Director of the Florida State Parks Service.  They talk about effective environmental advocacy; Eric’s continued...

In this episode, Brett sits down with Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Executive Director – Brian Armstrong.  Armstrong has a career in water management spanning 25 years, nearly all of them at the same water management district.  They discuss growing up on the water; the importance of alternative water supplies; who’s cooler, geologists or engineers; and an incredible story...

In the very first Water for Fighting podcast, Brett has a conversation with the Godfather of Florida water management – Henry Dean.   Dean currently serves on the St. Johns County board of county commissioners , but his thirty-year career in water resource protection spans five governors, two water management districts, and various other committees and agencies.  They discuss the dawn of...

Mark Twain is said to have quipped, “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting." And in Florida, the subject of water can bring out the strongest of opinions. The Water for Fighting podcast will discuss the past, present, and future of water in Florida with the people who make it happen. The host, Brett Cyphers spent over 20 years working throughout Florida government getting to know the...