Hidden Florida and Beyond

Legendary live event producer Ray Steinman joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the world of massive live events—from Ultra Music Festival to global productions spanning over 30 countries. A true “behind-the-scenes” operator, Ray shares how he built a career not by being in the spotlight, but by making everything run smoothly when the spotlight turns on. He breaks down what it really takes to build a music festival from the ground up—turning an empty piece of land into a full-scale production involving stages, technology, artists, and tens of thousands of people—all while knowing something will inevitably go wrong. The conversation dives into the reality of live event production, where there’s no such thing as a perfect show. Ray explains why every event comes with its own set of “fires” to put out, from technical failures to last-minute artist issues, and why experience is everything when it comes to adapting in real time. He also shares wild stories from decades in the business, including managing shows during Hurricane Andrew, navigating massive crowd logistics, and dealing with unpredictable variables like weather, equipment failures, and human behavior—all while the clock is ticking. From there, the conversation shifts into Ultra Music Festival itself—how a small, niche electronic music event evolved into a global phenomenon, and how the explosion of EDM in the mid‑2000s helped push it to another level. Ray talks about the challenges of scaling something that big, the role of technology in modern festivals, and why creating a platform for artists—not just a show—is what makes Ultra different.  Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two generations of football greatness. Two completely different journeys. One conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson Jr. (“Megatron”) and NFL legend Marcus Allen join Hidden Florida & Beyond for a rare back‑to‑back episode recorded in the Bahamas at the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation Celebrity Invitational at Baha Mar. Calvin opens up about life beyond the game—from his experience on Dancing with the Stars, where he trained up to 12 hours a day, to his transition out of the NFL and into business. He talks about retiring at 30, searching for purpose after football, and ultimately building a cannabis and CBD company rooted in his personal experiences and a belief in alternative healing. Along the way, he shares his views on discipline, what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, and why he’s still surprised his historic records haven’t been broken.  Marcus brings a completely different perspective—one built on legacy, mindset, and faith. He reflects on manifesting success at just 11 years old, the role his family and upbringing played in shaping his career, and how preparation, belief, and mental toughness carried him through some of the biggest moments in football history. He also talks about life after the game, why identity matters more than any title, and the importance of staying grounded even at the highest levels of success. Together, the conversations highlight what separates good from great—not just in sports, but in life. From discipline and mindset to reinvention after success, both players share real insight into what happens after the spotlight fades and how they continue to evolve. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Ernesto “Ernie” Garcia, physician and CEO of Pure Beauty Center, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond Botox and beauty treatments. From spending nearly a decade in medical training to stepping away from traditional family medicine, Dr. Garcia shares why he chose to build a practice focused on helping people look—and feel—their best. He opens up about the emotional side of healthcare, the burnout that comes with it, and how shifting into aesthetics allowed him to create a more positive, patient-focused experience. The conversation dives into what really happens behind the scenes in the aesthetics world—from Botox, fillers, and laser treatments to some of the biggest misconceptions people have about cosmetic procedures. Dr. Garcia explains why many clients come in asking for one thing but need something completely different, and how honesty—sometimes brutally honest—plays a huge role in getting the right results. He also breaks down real risks people don’t often hear about, including complications from filler injections, the dangers of certain trending procedures, and why experience matters more than anything when it comes to choosing a provider. At the same time, he shares how preventative treatments, skincare habits, and avoiding sun damage can drastically change long-term results.  Beyond the procedures, the episode explores the psychology behind aesthetics—why people seek these treatments in the first place, how confidence is tied to appearance, and the importance of knowing when not to treat someone. In many cases, he says the solution isn’t a needle or a machine at all—but a conversation. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two elite athletes. Two completely different sports. One honest look at what it really takes to compete at the highest level—and what comes after. Olympic legend Bode Miller and World Series champion Johnny Damon join Hidden Florida & Beyond in a back‑to‑back episode recorded at Baha Mar in the Bahamas during the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation Celebrity Invitational. Bode shares what it’s actually like being completely alone at the top—standing in the start gate with no teammates, no margin for error, and knowing everything comes down to a single run. He talks about pressure, risk, and the mindset it takes to perform when there’s no safety net. But beyond the competition, he opens up about life after skiing, raising a large family, and why patience, long-term thinking, and perspective matter more now than anything he learned on the mountain. Johnny brings a very different perspective from the world of Major League Baseball—where failure is constant and mental toughness is everything. He reflects on career-defining moments, the business decisions behind leaving the Red Sox for the Yankees, and how unpredictable a professional career can be even at the highest level. He also talks about dealing with pressure from fans, the grind of a long season, and why humility is unavoidable in a sport where even the best players fail regularly.  Off the field, the conversation shifts into what comes next. Johnny dives into building his hydration brand and managing a business after baseball, while Bode explains the transition from a structured athletic career to the chaos—and reward—of real life, family, and parenting. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Troop Commander Ellery Collado of the Florida Highway Patrol joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond traffic stops. With more than two decades in law enforcement, Ellery shares the unexpected journey that led him from growing up in New York with a very different perception of police, to becoming a leader responsible for protecting South Florida’s highways. Along the way, he opens up about the 21 rejections he faced before getting his shot, the mentor who changed his life, and the mindset that’s helped him rise through the ranks. The conversation dives into the realities of the job—from making split-second decisions on the road to the emotional side of what officers experience but rarely talk about. Ellery shares how discretion really works when pulling someone over, why attitude can matter more than speed, and the truth behind common myths like ticket quotas and unmarked vehicles.  There are also the moments you don’t expect—from high-speed pursuits and helicopter call-ins to the strange, funny, and sometimes unbelievable situations that only happen in Florida. At the same time, Ellery brings a grounded perspective on leadership, explaining how his role today is less about writing tickets and more about guiding others and preparing them for the realities of the job.  Beyond the action, he talks openly about the human side of policing: helping families in their worst moments, staying connected to people long after cases are closed, and the importance of mental health for officers dealing with high-stress situations every day. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode brings together two very different conversations... First up, Ed Burns and Benjamin Bratt sit down fresh off the golf course and get into how a film turned into a real-life friendship. They talk about meeting later in their careers despite running in the same circles for decades, why they connected so quickly, and how priorities shift as you get older—family, time, and keeping a tighter circle.  They also get into the reality of working in Hollywood today—why they don’t wait around for opportunities anymore, how they create their own projects, and what it really takes to keep momentum going in an industry that doesn’t slow down. There’s plenty in there too on golf, filmmaking, and why doing what you actually care about matters more than ever. Then we sit down with two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip. Michael shares stories from everything he’s done outside of racing, from Dancing with the Stars (where his main goal was just not to fall over) to training for marathons and pushing himself mentally long after he’d already proven himself on the track. He talks about growing up without much, finding a way into racing without money behind him, and the reality that talent alone isn’t always enough—you have to be relentless, creative, and willing to figure things out as you go.  Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s really going on behind the scenes of Below Deck? In this episode of Hidden Florida & Beyond, former cast members Katie Glaser and Bobby Giancola sit down and pull back the curtain on what life is actually like working (and filming) on a luxury yacht. They talk about the reality of balancing two jobs at once—handling demanding charter guests while also filming a TV show—and why things can get even more chaotic when the cameras aren’t rolling.  The conversation dives into how production really works, including moments being recreated for cameras, storylines getting shaped in editing, and how certain situations may be pushed just enough to keep things interesting. They also share what it’s like dealing with over-the-top guests, massive tips, and the physical grind of working 16+ hour days with little sleep. Beyond the show, they get into life after reality TV, what they’re doing now in the yachting industry, and how being on Below Deck has followed them long after filming wrapped. They also share their perspective on fame, social media, and what it’s like having millions of people form opinions about you based on an edited version of events. Unfiltered, behind-the-scenes, and full of stories you won’t see on Bravo, this episode gives a real look at what life is like below deck—when the cameras are rolling and when they’re not. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you spend hours with Mark Wahlberg—on the golf course and then at lunch? In this episode of Hidden Florida & Beyond, the crew heads to the Bahamas for the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation Celebrity Invitational at Baha Mar and ends up getting a rare, candid look at how Mark really thinks, works, and lives day to day. From the jump, one thing is clear: everything in his life revolves around discipline and structure. He talks about why getting proper sleep is non-negotiable, how his early morning routine sets the tone for everything else, and why he actually enjoys being disciplined now more than ever.  The conversation moves into business, where Mark breaks down his mindset in a way that’s simple but hard to execute. He explains why working with the right people matters more than anything else, why going into the wrong partnership is almost guaranteed to fail, and how he’s learned to walk away when something doesn’t feel right—even if money is on the table. He also opens up about how he approaches acting today, constantly pushing himself to do something different instead of repeating the same roles, while still feeling the pressure every time someone invests in a project he’s leading. Outside of work, things get more personal. Mark talks about where he came from, how growing up in chaos led him to value structure, and why staying grounded, focused, and connected to his faith is a daily effort—not something that just happens automatically. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a simple hobby to a thriving luxury catering brand, Maura Hoban, founder of Boardgasm Charcuterie, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to share how she turned her love of food into a fast‑growing business serving South Florida’s high‑end events, yachts, and private parties. Maura walks through how it all started with her being “the cheese board person” among friends, before a single Instagram post unexpectedly brought in a wave of orders—forcing her to quickly shift from hobbyist to business owner. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, from pricing her product to figuring out logistics, scaling operations, and building a recognizable brand. The conversation explores what it really takes to grow a business, including the challenges of letting go of control and learning how to delegate, as well as the importance of standing out in a crowded market. Maura explains how bold branding played a role in her success, why convenience and a seamless customer experience matter more than ever, and how she continues to evolve her offerings to stay ahead. As the business expanded, so did the vision. What began as charcuterie boards has grown into full‑scale catering, featuring elaborate grazing tables, yacht provisioning, and a unique new concept called SEA Deduction—a roaming caviar and oyster experience designed to bring a high‑end, interactive element to events. Along the way, Maura shares practical tips on building the perfect charcuterie board, choosing quality ingredients, and creating a visually appealing spread, while also offering behind‑the‑scenes insight into working with luxury clients and high‑profile events. The conversation highlights not just the food itself, but the importance of creating an experience that people remember. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Garvis, President & CEO of Dale Carnegie Training, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to break down one of the most valuable (and often overlooked) skills in business today—communication. Built on the legendary principles of How to Win Friends and Influence People, Scott shares how human skills—not technical skills—are the real drivers of success in leadership, sales, and career growth. From building confidence to understanding personality types, he explains why your ability to connect with others can make or break your career. Scott also shares practical, actionable advice for navigating today’s workplace—from dealing with difficult personalities to adapting communication in a world dominated by texting, social media, and short attention spans. Along the way, he reflects on growing up in a Dale Carnegie family, training clients around the world, and how these timeless principles still apply—whether you’re giving a presentation, leading a team, or just trying to make a better first impression. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran journalist, NBC 6 anchor, Air Force combat pilot, and attorney Willard Shepard joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a remarkable conversation about discipline, purpose, and building an extraordinary career across multiple worlds. Willard shares his journey from growing up in the Midwest to becoming an Air Force A‑10 pilot, flying combat missions over the Persian Gulf, and later transitioning into a successful career in broadcast journalism—earning multiple Emmys through investigative reporting that made a real impact in South Florida. He breaks down what it takes to operate at the highest level under pressure—from surviving intense G‑forces in fighter jets to executing perfectly timed flyovers, to handling dangerous and emotionally heavy reporting assignments. The conversation also explores the reality behind military training, the mindset required to perform in life‑or‑death situations, and how those lessons translate into everyday life. Beyond the military and media, Willard opens up about going to law school while working full‑time in television, balancing multiple careers at once, and how becoming an attorney gave him a unique edge as an investigative journalist—allowing him to tell deeper, more impactful stories that others couldn’t access. The episode also touches on some of the most challenging moments of his career, including covering tragic events like the Parkland shooting, as well as the responsibility that comes with telling those stories the right way. At the same time, he reflects on the moments that made it all worth it—when viewers share how his work and presence inspired them to change their lives. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known as the “Stud of the Seas” and one of the most unforgettable personalities in reality TV, Captain Lee Rosbach from Below Deck joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a hilarious, unfiltered conversation about life on the water—and how he ended up there in the first place. Captain Lee breaks down the origin of his now‑iconic one‑liners (spoiler: they’re completely unfiltered and never planned), shares what it’s really like managing chaotic charter crews, and explains why sometimes… firing someone can actually be enjoyable. From handling crew meltdowns at 3 AM to kicking people off boats mid‑season, Lee walks us through the realities of leadership under pressure—where safety comes first, drama comes second, and excuses don’t fly. He also reveals how Below Deck actually came together, including the unbelievable story of how he was supposed to just “babysit a yacht”… and ended up becoming the captain of a global hit TV show instead. Beyond the show, the conversation dives into Lee’s unexpected path into yachting—starting at 35 after going broke in the Caribbean, battling seasickness, and working his way up from zero experience to captain. It’s a story of resilience, risk, and figuring things out as you go—even when Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded before Spirit Airlines announced it was shutting down—back when yellow planes were still everywhere and Amelia and John were enthusiastically “testing” the free flight benefits… perhaps a little too thoroughly. In this wide‑ranging and refreshingly human conversation, Rana Ghosh, longtime airline executive and Chief Commercial Officer, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to talk candidly about the business of flying, customer perception, and what really happens behind the scenes of a value airline. Rana breaks down what his role actually entails—from pricing, distribution, and loyalty programs to shaping the overall customer experience—and why airlines make the choices they do (yes, including seat size, baggage fees, and snacks). He addresses the jokes and misconceptions around budget airlines head‑on, explaining how perception often lags reality, especially when performance, safety, and reliability don’t match the punchlines. The conversation dives into traveler behavior, airline “hacks,” TSA frustrations airlines can’t control, why seats don’t recline on certain planes (problem solved), and some truly unbelievable passenger stories—including one involving a melting bag of ice in an overhead bin. Beyond aviation, Rana shares insights on leadership, storytelling in business, managing large teams, recognizing employees, and why loving the product you work on matters. He also opens up about global travel, favorite South Florida hidden gems, why Italy might be the dream retirement destination, and how curiosity—not job titles—has shaped his career across banking, energy, and airlines. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneur and real estate leader Joe Vairo, founder of The Vairo Group, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an insightful conversation on leadership, strategy, and what it really takes to build sustainable success in a competitive market. Joe shares his journey into the world of real estate and investment, breaking down how discipline, vision, and long‑term thinking shape both strong companies and strong communities. From navigating growth and market cycles to building teams that align with core values, he offers a grounded look at what separates short‑term wins from lasting impact. The episode dives into the mindset behind scaling a business, balancing opportunity with risk, and staying focused in an industry that rewards patience as much as ambition. Joe discusses the importance of relationships, reputation, and adaptability—and why integrity and consistency still matter, even as markets shift. Beyond business, the conversation explores leadership lessons learned along the way: decision‑making under pressure, learning from setbacks, and building a career rooted in purpose, not just profit. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio pioneer, event architect, and behind‑the‑scenes legend Von Freeman joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an unforgettable deep dive into the moments, risks, and phone calls that helped shape modern radio, music events, and pop‑culture history. From growing up on a Kansas farm dreaming of radio, to sitting on station couches until someone finally gave him a shot, Von walks us through a career built on persistence, creativity, and absolute fearlessness. He shares how radio promotions evolved from street teams and balloon stunts to massive cultural moments—helping launch and redefine events like Jingle Ball, Wango Tango, and the Radio Music Awards. But this episode goes far beyond radio history. Von tells legendary stories about producing stadium concerts before they were the norm, bringing rising artists to massive stages before the world knew their names, and working with icons like Will Smith, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin, MC Hammer, and more. He explains how one phone call led to another—and how those calls sometimes went all the way to the White House. Then comes the story you won’t forget: receiving a call from Michael Jackson, flying by jet helicopter to Neverland Ranch, sharing ice cream, meeting Bubbles the chimp, and ultimately helping Michael bring a never‑released humanitarian song to national television. It’s a surreal, firsthand account of a moment in pop culture history few people can tell. The conversation also tackles the realities of the industry—temptation, excess, the darker sides of fame—and why Von managed to survive it where many didn’t. He reflects on luck versus hustle, creativity versus execution, and why sometimes the most powerful move is simply making the call no one else is willing to make. The episode wraps inside Von’s latest passion project: Frozen Dead Guy Days, a bizarre, beloved festival born from a cryogenically frozen Norwegian grandfather—proving that even decades later, Vaon is still reinventing what an event can be. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a wide‑ranging, candid conversation about what’s really shaping the city—above the water, below the streets, and behind the scenes of local government. From overseeing the world’s largest in‑water boat show to guiding massive infrastructure investments, Steve breaks down why the marine industry fuels Fort Lauderdale’s economy, how the Venetian waterways create jobs on land, and what it takes to host a global event that moves nearly a billion dollars in sales in just five days. He shares the realities of hurricane prep for boats, the surprisingly complex world of marinas and dry storage, and why protecting waterways now includes something called a pump‑out boat—yes, for exactly what you think. The conversation goes beyond boats and beaches, diving into neighborhood revitalization, smart growth, flood mitigation, and how Fort Lauderdale is evolving without losing its soul. Steve talks about arts districts like FATVillage and Thrive, historic preservation, balancing development with character, and why investing nearly $2 billion in underground infrastructure is just as important as building what people see above ground. We also get personal: what a city commissioner actually does day‑to‑day, why helping residents one call at a time is the most rewarding part of the job, pickleball habits shared by half the city’s leadership, hidden local restaurant gems, and why Fort Lauderdale is becoming a cultural destination—not just a beach town. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela Posillico — former pageant queen, classically trained vocalist, longtime cosmetics industry pro, and the founder/CEO of Miss International World and Miss Latina International — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a lively, eye‑opening conversation that goes far deeper than crowns and evening gowns. Angela breaks down the reality of modern pageantry: empowerment, cultural representation, professional development, and the life‑changing opportunities that can come from walking onto a stage with confidence. From her years performing internationally after training at Juilliard, to creating two global pageant systems centered on diversity and opportunity, Angela reveals how pageants helped launch her own entertainment career — including singing across Europe and landing roles like Phantom of the Opera — and how she now builds those same pathways for women around the world. The episode also explores the misunderstood parts of pageants: the nerves, the alter‑egos, the blackout moments on stage, the values judges actually look for, the misconceptions families have, and why authenticity often beats years of pageant experience. Angela shares stories of women competing well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond; how confidence evolves with age; and why diversity and cultural pride are central to her international competition. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alev Ersoy — the charismatic managing partner of Eddie V’s Fort Lauderdale — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a passionate, high‑energy conversation about hospitality, culture, leadership, and what it really takes to run one of South Florida’s busiest luxury dining destinations. Born in France to Turkish parents and starting in the restaurant industry as a young busboy who barely spoke English, Alev shares his journey from Orlando’s fine‑dining scene to managing partner roles at The Capital Grille and now Eddie V’s. He talks about how his multicultural background shaped his approach to hospitality: the warmth and generosity of Turkish culture mixed with the sophistication and elegance of French dining. Alev breaks down what makes Eddie V’s special — the “culture of indulgence,” the live nightly music, the award‑winning wine list, prime steaks, elite seafood sourcing, and the effortless glamor woven into every detail. He reveals the behind‑the‑scenes preparation that goes into delivering “the ultimate luxury guest experience,” from personalized menus for CEOs to custom runway‑themed table setups, roses at the table, and remembering guests by association, story, and instinct. The conversation goes deeper into the heart of restaurant leadership: hiring with intention, building deep loyalty among staff, shaping culture, managing 87 employees, maintaining standards, handling mistakes with generosity (“you fix it fast, and then you plus‑one it”), and why people — not plates — are the soul of a successful restaurant. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Criminal defense attorney Eric Schwartzreich joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a fast‑talking, unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the adrenaline, chaos, and strategy behind some of Florida’s wildest courtrooms. From being wrongly accused at boarding school to defending judges, celebrities, cartel members, cops, and true Florida‑man characters, Eric shares how he built a 30‑year career on creativity, instinct, and the belief that any case can be won if you find the right angle. He opens up about early losses, hard lessons, and the moment he realized being a trial lawyer meant being part‑performer, part‑psychologist, and part‑magician. Eric breaks down the real meaning of “not guilty,” the power of charm in front of a jury, and why authenticity matters more than theatrics. He talks about NDAs that don’t hold up, jurors who fall asleep mid‑trial, dangerous clients, mob and cartel cases, stand‑your‑ground battles that went all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, and how he once dismantled a prosecution by blowing up a photo of a late‑night sex shop called “Booby’s Love Trap.” Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fashion icon Zola Keller joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for one of the funniest, most unfiltered conversations we’ve ever had. Known for her over‑the‑top gowns, bold colors, feathers, beads, and runway‑level drama, Zola breaks down what “special occasion wear” really means and why her designs stand out in a world of identical dresses. She talks about celebrity stylist secrets, brides making tragic gown mistakes, booby‑drawer miracles, red‑wine disasters, and the fearless honesty she’s known for. She shares what trends she loves, which ones she can’t stand, why Europeans flock to her shop for glam they can’t get overseas, and why she refuses to let social media dictate her designs.  Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, high‑energy conversation that reveals what really goes into running one of South Florida’s most desirable cities. From how Aventura became home to America’s favorite mall and one of the lowest tax rates in the region, to behind‑the‑scenes decisions on transportation, schools, development, and public safety, Mayor Weinberg breaks down city leadership in a way you rarely hear. He shares how Aventura built a top‑rated public charter school system, why families are flocking in, and the bold ideas — like free citywide Tesla transportation and “hero housing” for teachers and police — shaping the city’s future. The episode also dives into traffic myths, ribbon‑cutting rituals, international mayor conferences, pickleball rivalries, and the real work that happens far beyond council meetings.  Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darren Wells, Vice President of Westway Towing, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an eye‑opening conversation that reveals what really happens behind the flashing lights on Florida’s roads and waterways. From running a massive 24/7 towing operation across South Florida to responding to floods, armed confrontations, and high‑risk recoveries, Darren shares the realities most people never see. The conversation goes deeper into his dive recovery work—pulling vehicles from canals, recovering lost property, assisting law enforcement, and helping uncover decades‑old cold cases involving missing persons. Darren also breaks down towing myths, fees, regulations, celebrity vehicles, self‑driving car concerns, and the life‑saving steps everyone should know if a car goes into water. Along the way, he opens up about community outreach, DUI prevention, and why towing is often misunderstood—but essential. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity defense attorney Bradford “Brad” Cohen joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, behind‑the‑scenes conversation that pulls back the curtain on celebrity law, power, perception, and what really happens when the spotlight meets the justice system. Known for representing high‑profile clients like Drake and Kodak Black — and for his time on The Apprentice — Brad breaks down the realities of defending famous names when public opinion, media narratives, and legal consequences collide. He opens up about his real relationship with Kodak Black, the mentorship behind the headlines, and why the media often gets it wrong. The conversation goes far deeper than celebrity gossip. Brad explains how law enforcement tracks phone metadata, digital behavior, and minute‑by‑minute activity — details that can change lives in an instant. He answers the uncomfortable questions most lawyers dodge, including what happens when a lawyer knows their client is guilty, how cases are truly fought behind closed doors, and why being “famous” can help and hurt in court. Along the way, Brad shares how he landed on reality television, what it takes to survive at the highest levels of the legal world, and how trust, loyalty, and strategy matter just as much as statutes and case law. Hidden Florida & Beyond... where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark the Shark — the world’s most infamous shark hunter — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a wild, unfiltered conversation that dives straight into the deep end of his 50‑year career on the water. From catching sharks on Miami beaches before Jaws hit theaters, to becoming a legend in the sportfishing world, Mark shares how a nickname shouted across the sand turned into a global persona. He opens up about the realities of shark hunting, why he never steps foot in the water, Florida’s exploding shark population, and the misconceptions that swirl around these apex predators. The stories get even crazier:1,500‑pound tiger sharks, celebrity clients like DeNiro and Will Smith, bizarre autopsies revealing everything from live turtles to cash‑filled Ziploc bags, even the day a human leg surfaced on his boat and shut down an entire neighborhood. Mark is joined by Crockett — the 9‑year‑old shark‑catching prodigy currently starring in his own film — whose iguana‑catching, fish‑hauling fearlessness steals the show. Hidden Florida & Beyond... where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef Ben Robinson, best known from Bravo’s Below Deck, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond the galley.From growing up between England, Cape Cod, and Australia to becoming head chef on some of the world’s largest yachts, Ben shares the unexpected path that led him to reality TV fame, including the late-night, slightly buzzed audition tape that changed his life forever. He opens up about what Below Deck doesn’t show: the grueling hours, behind-the-scenes production moments, celebrity guests, yacht life realities, and the pressure of cooking under constant scrutiny.The conversation dives into global food culture, wild culinary experiences, South Florida’s dining scene, life at sea, storms, pirates, fame, and the truth about being a chef in high-stakes environments. Along the way, Ben’s humor, honesty, and storytelling shine.  From cooking for Mariah Carey to dodging chaos on luxury yachts and navigating a career transformed by television.It’s funny, insightful, and packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.Hidden Florida & Beyond...where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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