S5 E6 | The Columnist Who Wrote Tampa's Heartbeat

This week on "Money" Market, we sat down with Tampa Bay legend Ernest Hooper – columnist, storyteller, and the man behind the iconic catchphrase "That's all I'm sayin'." Owen dives deep into Ernest's 27-year journey with the Tampa Tribune and Tampa Bay Times, exploring how authenticity and a well-timed punchline shaped his writing voice. Ernest recounts newsroom rivalries, the evolution of local journalism, and the challenge of keeping reporting honest in a world drowning in opinions. Owen and Ernest also unpack how life-changing events, from fatherhood to 9/11, transformed his tone and purpose as a writer. Ernest opens up about supporting young journalists as the industry shifts under their feet and how using AI can be a useful tool but needs to be navigated with wisdom. From sports to storytelling to serving the community at United Way Suncoast, Ernest proves great writing doesn't just inform – it connects. This episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and local love. Tune in and get inspired – that's all we're sayin'!   WATCH NEXT: STEP INTO ART: THE IMMERSIVE DALÍ EXPERIENCE https://youtu.be/GC09i_xFZTc SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_7yNs7dOuyKApAkohqJIQ   Follow The "Money" Market Podcast here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6e7E0DaJZQkuw339G7nGI4?si=27d047641a1d4b17 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-money-market-podcast/id1733948143 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneymarketpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneymarketpodcast Website: https://moneymarketpodcast.com   The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC