PODCAST · education
Community Matters Podcast
by Amanda Pearson
Education on the people and resources you should know through short, real conversations that empower and engage you in ways that will positively impact your life, your family, and this beautiful place we get to call home because: COMMUNITY MATTERS.
Episodes
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Rethinking Affordable Housing: New Ideas for Southwest Florida with Michael Purchalla
Affordable housing is about more than where people live. It’s about whether the people who make our community thrive can afford to live here, too. Michael Puchalla, CEO and Executive Director of The Housing Alliance, Inc. shares his perspective on the challenges facing our community and the real...
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Immokalee: Celebrating Community, Creating Opportunity with Noemi Perez
Noemi Perez, CEO of The Immokalee Foundation, discusses the rich culture, character, and community that make Immokalee a unique and vital part of Southwest Florida. This episode also highlights The Immokalee Foundation’s work to expand educational and career opportunities for Immokalee’s youth…
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Building a Better SWFL: Lessons from Babcock Ranch with Syd Kitson
SWFL is changing fast. What can Babcock Ranch teach us about getting growth right? We sit down with Syd Kitson to explore the vision behind Babcock Ranch—and what its story can teach us about building communities for the future.We talk about resilience, responsible growth, preserving our natural...
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Land, Legacy & the Future of Collier County, with Blake Gable CEO of Barron Collier Companies
What does smart growth look like in Collier County—and how do we balance development, conservation, and the needs of a growing community? We sit down with Blake Gable, CEO of Barron Collier Companies, for an insightful conversation about land stewardship, responsible growth, and the decisions...
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Healthcare is changing in SWFL. Here's what it means for you.
From expanding access to care to preparing for our region's rapid growth, healthcare is one of the most important conversations our community can have. Tune in as I speak with Paul Hiltz, CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), about the future of healthcare in Southwest Florida and how we can...
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What a World-Class Theater Really Means for Collier County
What does a world-class theater mean for Collier County? We have a conversation with Kristen Coury, founder and CEO of Gulfshore Playhouse, to explore how the arts strengthen our local economy, enrich our community, attract visitors, and create opportunities for residents of all ages. Whether...
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Running One of Florida's Fastest-Growing Communities, with Amy Patterson, Collier County Manager
What does a County Manager actually do—and how do the decisions made behind the scenes impact your daily life? In this episode of Community Matters, Collier County Manager Amy Patterson takes listeners inside the complex challenges, priorities, and opportunities shaping the future of our…
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Building with Purpose: David Diamond on Leadership, Growth & Lasting Impact
We sit down with David Diamond, co-founder and CEO of DeAngelis Diamond, to discuss leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a purpose-driven company culture. From construction and investing to global humanitarian work, David shares the experiences and values that continue to shape...
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From CEO to Senate: Garrett Richter’s 50+ Years of Leadership Wisdom
In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Richter, President of Sunflower Bank, who brings over five decades of banking experience and a distinguished career in public service. From his time in the Florida Legislature to his leadership in Southwest Florida’s business community, Garrett shares...
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Episode 16: Chief Eloy Ricardo, North Collier Fire and Rescue
Ever wonder how our local fire rescue really works? Join Chief Eloy Ricardo of North Collier Fire and Rescue as he shares what fire crews do beyond fires, how districts are funded, the role of commissioners, and how YOU can support their life-saving work.Want to engage? Learn more here: Visits…
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Episode 15: Captain Daniel Andrews, Captains For Clean Water
Captain Daniel Andrews of Captains for Clean Water sits down for an important conversation on protecting our waterways and preserving Florida’s natural resources.Learn how water quality directly impacts our health, economy, way of life, along with the challenges facing our local ecosystems, and…
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Episode 14: Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, Collier County Sheriff's Office
We sit down with Kevin Rambosk, Sheriff of the Collier County Sheriff's Office, for an insightful discussion on public safety, leadership, and community partnership in Collier County.Sheriff Rambosk shares how his team navigates the challenges of a growing community, the proactive strategies they...
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Episode 13: Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, Collier County Public Schools
Listeners will get an inside look at what’s happening right now in Collier County Public Schools (CCPS)—straight from Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli. The conversation dives into key priorities, current challenges, and what families, educators, and the community should know about the…
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Episode 12: President Aysegul Timur, Ph.D, Florida Gulf Coast University
President Aysegul Timur, Ph.Dd, discusses the vision for FGCU’s future and the university’s role in strengthening the Southwest Florida community.Learn how you can engage: Civic Engagement: https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/serv...Community Engagement:...
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Episode 11: Learn how YOU can engage more with Arthrex’s community events
In this episode, viewers will learn how Arthrex engages everyone from students to everyday residents, creating meaningful partnerships that extend beyond the workplace. You’ll explore the new experiences and opportunities the community can look forward to, and see how Arthrex actively supports...
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Episode 10: Mayor Howie Grimm, Everglades City
In this episode, we sit down with Howie Grimm, Mayor of Everglades City, for an exclusive conversation about the community’s resilience, unique character, and colorful history. We explore the town’s storied past as a remote fishing village, its modern challenges, and what it takes to lead a...
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Episode 9: Tiffani Mensch, United Way of Collier and the Keys
Tiffani Mensch, CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys, discusses building stronger, more resilient communities. Learn how United Way is addressing critical needs—from disaster recovery and affordable housing to education and economic stability—while fostering partnerships that create lasting...
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Episode 8: Michael Wynn, Civil Discourse
Michael Wynn, President of Sunshine Ace Hardware and active community leader, shares how respectful dialogue can bring people together. Learn how civil discourse can inspire meaningful change in communities.
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Episode 7: Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Collier Community Foundation
Eileen Connolly-Keesler, CEO of the Collier Community Foundation, discusses how local philanthropy is driving lasting change in Southwest Florida. From affordable housing to disaster relief, Eileen shares powerful stories and insights into the Foundation’s impact and vision for the future.
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Episode 6: Brian Roland, SPECIAL EDITION
In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Brian Roland to explore the life-altering accident that changed everything. Brian opens up about the journey of healing, the unwavering support of his family, and how they’ve emerged stronger—reconnecting with the community in powerful new ways.…
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Episode 5, Reinhold Schmieding, Arthrex
Arthrex President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding sits down for an exclusive interview with Amanda Pearson at Arthrex Studio X in Naples, FL.Arthrex is a global medical device company and leader in minimally invasive surgical technology innovation, scientific research, manufacturing, and medical...
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Episode 4: Andres Paz, Latinos 239
Hear from the SBDC's Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year and Founder of Latinos239, Andres Paz, on how he works to guide, unite, and grow the Latino voice in SWFL among civic, community, and business leaders.Learn more at: https://www.latinos239.com/
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Episode 3: Melissa Blazier, Collier County Supervisor of Elections
Learn about our local voter demographics, election statistics, and how to get engaged in elections!https://www.colliervotes.gov/
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Episode 2: Scott Burgess with the David Lawrence Centers
Learn more on how mental and behavioral health are provided for in Collier County. Scott promised in a promotional video he'd juggle if you watch to the end! In reality, Scott juggles many responsibilities to provide live-saving, life-changing care for all. Learn more at:...
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Episode 1: Bryce Alexander with The Naples Players
Learn about local arts and its impact with our first leader: Bryce Alexander, CEO and Executive Artistic Director from The Naples Players!Learn more here: https://naplesplayers.org
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What is “Community Matters”?
Education on the people and resources you should know through short, real conversations that empower and engage you in ways that will positively impact your life, your family, and this beautiful place we get to call home because: COMMUNITY MATTERS.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Education on the people and resources you should know through short, real conversations that empower and engage you in ways that will positively impact your life, your family, and this beautiful place we get to call home because: COMMUNITY MATTERS.
HOSTED BY
Amanda Pearson
CATEGORIES
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