The Orlando Shine Show

Episode 54 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at The Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation, and Creativity, at the Orlando Public Library (Website) in downtown Orlando - which is where we launched the show over 10 years ago! Topics this week include an update on ths SwanGate stories and the estimated cost of keeping swans at Lake Eola if the City did everything FWC told them they should do, the Southern Baptist Convention came to Orlando to blame Liberalism on women pastors and leaders, a special interview with Historic Preservation Board Chair, Jeff Thompson, about the proposed moratorium, the evacuation of two local animal-based attractions due to bomb scares, a new season of programming at Winter Garden's Garden Theatre, and an update on what's moving into the former Hoods Up space in The Milk District.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]

Jeff Thompson is a native Orlandoan, an 18-year member of the Historic Preservation Board, and someone who helped renovate a bunch of Thornton Park homes before it was even a historic district. He spent 30 years as a senior landscape architect at Disney and built a house in Lake Eola Heights he jokingly calls "turn of the century" — even though it was finished in 1999. He knows this city, its buildings, and its history like the back of his hand. So when he says the city is about to gut Orlando's oldest historic district, it's worth listening to. So we did!  Brendan sat down with Jeff at Eola General this week to talk about the proposed 36-month moratorium on historic preservation review for downtown projects — what it means, why he thinks the board only found out about it days before the first council vote, and what he thinks is really driving it. They get into the Plaza building, the Lubbe House, Church Street, land banking, Disney Springs, and why a city celebrating 150 years of its own history is moving to strip protections from the neighborhood where that history all started. The second reading of the moratorium ordinance is June 22. 

Episode 53 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Goblin Studios (Website) in Parramore, a super cool fabrication studio that is also home to a menswear designer, a pottery studio, a bookshop, and a Van Gogh/goblin-themed coffee shop.  Topics this week include an update on Uncle Lou and his deportation back to Jamaica, the sudden closure of Holy City Zoo in Longwood, Sanford Porchfest putting out a call for sponsors, the return of Bite30, and Winter Garden passing that shady development project.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]

Episode 52 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse (Website) in Maitland, where you can find a cute little coffee shop in the center of a smattering of comics, board games, and nerd stuff.  Topics this week include an update on this year's Orlando Fringe numbers, some shady-looking paperwork at the City of Winter Garden, Science Night Live at Orlando Science Center, the closing of two more downtown watering holes, and a school in Orlando that is teaching students about how to run space hotels.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]

Orlando Science Center's Science Night Live returns this Saturday, May 30, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. for adults 18 and up, and this edition will feature a special edition of "Game Night Unleashed," which will take over the Founder's Room on Level 3. Three local tabletop game designers will be set up with their original games, and we sat down with the makers ahead of this weekend's event to hear all about the stories behind their games and what it takes to publish something you've created. 

Episode 51 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Ziggie's Pizza (Website) in Ivanhoe Village, after a big fancy media night for the Orlando return of The Blue Man Group, at their fancy new theater behind ICON Park on International Drive. Oh, and Scottie Campbell is back subbing in for Jon.  Topics this week include a chat about the new president of Walt Disney World Resort, the pausing of sloth imports into Florida, Florida Attorney General Uthmeier says the NFL is racist, a WWE wrestler being arrested for aggressive kissing, Maitland banning golf carts, an "ex-gay" pervert being caught trying to solicit a minor, and Tanquerays is for lease.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]

Episode 50 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Primrose Bowling and Skating (Website) in The Milk District, to check out the newly added skating rink, adjacent to the bowling lanes and sports bar.  Topics this week include a barber who was arrested for allegedly firing a crossbow into a competing business, a student who was arrested for putting cameras in a public restroom on Park Avenue, a local bar owner who was arrested and detained by ICE for allegedly overstaying his visa, the pausing of the Lake Eola swan program, and the alleged reversal of Publix's stance on open-carry guns in their grocery stores.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 49 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at the newly opened Oviedo Bowling Center (Website) ahead of this weekend's 3rd Annual JustCallMoe Celebrity Bowl-o-Rama, in support of Rosie's Adventures.  Topics this week include who won Mount Dora Taste, that epic match where Orlando City clawed back from a three goal gap to beat Miami in their fancy Nu Stadium 4-3, Spirit Airline giving up the ghost, a 7-story parking garage proposed for Mills 50, White Castle opening a third location, Chuy's closing its Winter Park location, and hot events this weekend.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 48 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at the newly opened Holy City Zoo BBQ (Website) in Longwood, a new chef-driven concept helmed by Greg and Kristina Gaardbo, who came from Chicago to open their dream restaurant. And man, was it delicious.  Topics this week include a lawyer who was put in Orange County Jail for not revealing the names of his clients to the HOA trying to recover legal costs from a dismissed lawsuit, an update on the Sloth World murders, neighbors fighting against Orange County Public Schools opening an arts magnet in Lake Cherokee, and the Orlando City Council selling eight new homes in Parramore.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 46 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded sans Brendan this week as he is up in Pensacola working on a story about the annual Mullet Toss event. So Jon and Moe take the show into their own hands to talk about ... whatever it is those two talk about.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 46 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded on the patio at Boxi Park (Website) in Lake Nona, with special guests Chris Lindauer, Boxi Park's General Manager, and Yusila Ramirez, Director of Communications for Tavistock U.S. Boxi Park is a 30,000 SF outdoor entertainment venue that's been built with repurposed shipping containers, that acts as a community hub for all of  Lake Nona with chef-driven quick-service food stalls, bars, live music, a playground, and beach volleyball court. And some of the best tacos we've had in years.  Topics this week include the new playlist for the Muppet-themed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster overhaul, the closing of a fancy Burger King that people are upset about for some reason, OCPS eliminating 200 positions, Seminole County banning smoking and vaping in county parks, a lifeguard shortage in Brevard County, and that Winter Garden billionaire adding another property to his collection. Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 44 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded on the patio at MAD Creative Fabrication (Website) for a spring open house they hosted to show off all of their fancy skills and facilities. They're a team of designers and builders that build custom creations for clients like the major theme parks, and we got a behind-the-scenes look at some of their latest projects.  Topics this week include a pre-FIFA match between England and Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium this summer, some local vegan restaurant drama, the return of the OUC Half Marathon, Taste of DeLand, what led to the closure of The Rialto apartments on Sand Lake Road, and the closing of Miller's Hardware in Winter Park.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 44 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded on the patio at Burton's Bar (Instagram) with yummy tuna melts provided by The Classic Thornton Park (Website), and a brief cameo from The Classic's owner, Brian "The Winkle" Minkl.  Topics this week include the Jaguars coming to Orlando's Camping World Stadium in 2027, the return of Florida Film Festival next week, a dumb rich dude suing the State of Florida over scrub jay protections, Orlando shutting down a curbside bakery for being too popular, Orlando Pirates winning their first game of the season, and Lake County hosting its first-ever Pride Fest in Eustis on April 26.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 43 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Conquistador Bar and Restaurant (Website) at Mission Resort and Club in Howey-In-The-Hills. It's a historic golf resort (with hills) with beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, which was recently sold to new owners, who are investing lots of time and money into the campus. The dining room is super pretty and has beautiful sunset views of the property. Check them out for a special dinner, and be sure to ask about the patio seating if it's a nice day.  Topics this week include the Great Duck Derby at Mead Garden, a new Hawaiian-inspired cafe coming to downtown Orlando from a German company (what?), an update on the CineDome construction at the Orlando Science Center, this year's theme for Halloween Horror Nights, big awards for Zymarium Meadery, and Orlando city signing a hot new futboler from France.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 42 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Flour Flamingos (Website) at the Grand Cypress Resort, a Richard Blais-branded flagship restaurant. We had the chance to sit with head chef Josue Perez to chat about the spring menu and some upcoming initiatives/events like the popular Four Flamingos Cocktail Class Series returning on Friday, March 27. Topics this week include the post-apocalyptic vibes at Spring Break Daytona Beach, a smelly seaweed invasion headed to the east coast, CFX filing eminent domain to snatch up a section of Split Oak Preserve, the upcomnig Great Duck Derby at Mead Gardens, and a bunch of Central Florida-based breweries absolutely killing it in the recent Best Florida Beer Professional Competition.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Enzian Theater, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 41 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Rogen's Drinkery on Mills (Website) in Mills 50 in front of a live audience, during our belated launch party/Coming Out Party, celebrating eight amazing months of Orlando Shine! Check out the photos from the event on OrlandoShine.com, courtesy of Amanda Claire Photos (they're amazing).  Topics this week include the closing of Cocktails and Screams in downtown Orlando, Sam Flax moving out of Colonial and their landlord putting the building on the market for over $5 million, Orlando City Soccer parting ways with coach Oscar Pareja after a tough season launch, and an interview with a friend of the show (and party raffle winner), Saul Urena!  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 40 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Gnarly Barley (Website) in Ivanhoe Village with Brenda from Bithlo, Orlando's favorite drag bingo host.  Topics this week include the closing of the short-lived LGBTQ venue, Heatwave, in Parramore, news that the "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" creator, John Cameron Mitchell, is coming to Enzian this summer, a Japanese konbini opening in Mills 50, a new "goat bar," the closing of a cinema most of us forgot was still open in Fashion Square Mall, and Suffering Bastard moving from Sanford to Mills Avenue.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 39 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Ten 10 Brewing Company (Website) on the edge of Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village. They just released a special beer that toasts the 150th anniversary of the Orlando Sentinel, called Orange County Reporter, and we were there to wish them well. There will be three more special beers released throughout the rest of the year.  Topics this week include a new ice cream truck purchased by the Orange County Sheriff's Office using funds that were seized from drug-related crimes, a 59-acre nudist park that's for sale near Tampa, the return of Pintura Project to The Nash in West Lakes, and two different historic homes that could use a little love.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Legacy Life Project, and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> Michael Tipton, the president and CEO of Central Florida Fairgrounds (Instagram | Website), was recently interviewed by Jon Busdeker for a bonus episode of "The Orlando Shine Show" on OrlandoShine.com. The Central Florida Fair runs from February 26 through March 8 this year, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and features a midway, games, food, live music, entertainment, livestock shows, and more.  The conversation covered the fair's operations, its role in the community, and what goes into producing one of Central Florida's largest annual events. The Central Florida Fair takes place each spring at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors for rides, livestock shows, food vendors, and entertainment.     

Episode 38 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Celebration Brewing (Website) ahead of an event they're hosting in honor of one of their workers, Amber B, who was involved in a serious accident in early December when she was struck by a vehicle on her way home. They'll be hosting a fundraiser on February 27 with lots of beer, a silent raffle, and more. Click HERE for the Facebook event page.  Topics this week include Sanford Main Street raising funds for the return of Sanford Porchfest, the opening of a new pizza window in Ivanhoe Village, the new Broadway Season at Dr. Phillips Center, and a billionaire buying up downtown Winter Garden. We also hear from Frank Lozito, the owner of Celebration Brewing, and the brewery's head beer poobah, Kent Waugh. Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com and the Orange County Library System. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 37 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (Website) after a 6-month closure to rebuild its owl aviary, after it was damaged in a hurricane. This episode features an interview with Dr. Daisy Fiore, Senior Coordinator for Education at the Center (and host of the popular "Cryptozoology with Dr. Daisy" podcast), and a separate interview with Shannon Fitzgerald, the executive director of Mennello Museum of American Art (Website), ahead of their Indie-Folkfest on February 14.  Topics this week include the construction kickoff of the renovations at Camping World Stadium, the expansion of the CRA boundaries to include land around the stadium, the arrest of Neo Nazi Braden "Clavicular" Peters for underage drinking, the redevelopment of Seminole Town Center, and Elon Musk possibly working for Universal Studios to dig some tunnels.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and the Mennello Museum of American Art's Indie-Folkfest. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Brendan sat down with Shannon Fitzgerald, executive director of the Mennello Museum of American Art (Website), to talk about the museum's upcoming Indie-Folkfest (Website) scheduled for February 14. Indie-Folkfest is a free, all-ages celebration of live music and local creative talent designed to activate the museum's outdoor spaces and deepen community engagement. Fitzgerald highlights the lineup of regional folk and acoustic performers and emphasized the inclusion of local artisans and makers, whose work will be featured alongside food vendors and interactive activities. Fitzgerald said the event reflects the museum's broader mission to expand access to art and culture in Orlando, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the museum in a relaxed, festive setting on Valentine's Day.

I recently spoke with Brendan Byrne (Instagram), host and Assistant News Director for Central Florida Public Media, and Jeff Sanford, vice president of engagement at the Orlando Science Center (Website), ahead of Science Night Live on Saturday, February 14, a special adults-only edition event that runs from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. The event pairs live science experiences with a more social evening atmosphere, complete with food, cash bars, and performances. A highlight of the night will be a fireside chat at 8:30 p.m. featuring astronaut and artist Nicole Stott (Instagram) and Christina Korp (Instagram), known in the space community as the "Astronaut Wrangler." Brendan Byrne will moderate the conversation, which is expected to explore not just the scientific work of astronauts but also the creative and human aspects of space exploration, from how art and science intersect to the logistics of preparing astronauts for public engagement.  Byrne, who covers space and aeronautics for Central Florida Public Media and hosts the space-focused podcast Are We There Yet?, described the session as a chance to go "beyond the launch pad" and delve into the narratives that make space exploration resonate with the public. Sanford explained that speaking with astronauts in a relaxed, live setting gives audiences a feel for the personal curiosity and creativity that fuel careers in STEM fields. Science Night Live is a separately ticketed portion of Spark STEM Fest, which runs from February 14 through February 16 with a full slate of interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. Tickets to the adult evening and details on pricing are available through the Orlando Science Center's website. A portion of this interview was shared in Episode 36 of "The Orlando Shine Show."  

Episode 36 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Vines by H (Website) on Restaurant Row, which opened roughly a month ago in the former Vines Grille and Wine Bar. Topics this week include a rundown of the recent Ramen Rumble at Morimoto Asia, a foiled murder plot by two 14-year-old Lake Brantley High School girls who were trying to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza, an update on the long-delayed Black Bean Deli location in Winter Garden, and Florida going English-only for driver's license testing.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and the Orlando Science Center's upcoming Science Night Live on February 14.  Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

This interview with Shannon Fitzgerald, the Executive Director at Mennello Museum and Director of Public Art for the City of Orlando, was first featured in Episode 35 of "The Orlando Shine Show." It features a discussion of the upcoming "Faith and Vision: Spirituality in Self-Taught Art," opening on Friday, February 6, and features a collection-based show focused on how self-taught artists translated belief, ritual, and lived environment into visual worlds.

Episode 35 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Enzo's On The Lake (Website) in Longwood, with special guest Moe DeWitt from JustCallMoe. Topics this week include an update on "Swan Gate" at Lake Eola Park, the recent hullabaloo at Orlando City Council between Regina Hill and Commissioner Shan Rose, the closing of Jon's favorite Thai restaurant, the possible demolition of the historic Lubbe House at Lake Eola, the snowballing of paid parking in Mills 50,  OUC's concern of the upcoming coldsnap, and a new burger concept coming to Orlando International Airport courtesy of celebrity chef, Bobby Flay.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's February issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 34 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Tactical Brewing (Website), with special guest Jeff Stanford from Orlando Science Center (Website) to chat about this weekend's return of Science on Tap, one of our favorite annual beer festivals. You can use the code "SOTORLSHINE" to get $10 off your tickets for General Admission or VIP. Topics this week include the upcoming Great Florida Cattle Drive caravan in Okeechobee, a woman suing an Orlando fertility center for their role in allegedly having her give birth to the wrong baby, changes coming to Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando, Austin's Coffee finally opening their new location on January 26, and lots of beer talk.  Holler at this week's sponsors, Orlando Science Center's Science on Tap, Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine celebrating its 80th anniversary, January issue now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Former Greenwood Cemetery sexton Don Price recently partnered with a couple of friends to launch Resting Rainbow (Website), a new pet crematorium in Winter Garden, bringing decades of experience in end-of-life care into a different but closely related setting. Price recently joined The Orlando Shine Show to talk about how the skills he developed working with grieving families translated naturally from people to pets. Resting Rainbow is positioned as a locally run operation focused on transparency and care. And they do pickups.  

Episode 32 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Sophia's Trattoria (Website), a beautiful restaurant at Conrad Orlando at Evermore (Website), serving coastal-inspired Southern Italian cuisine. We even got to chat with Chef Stephen Ullrich about the inspiration for the menu and his impressive resume.  Topics this week include the release of Brendan's long-form report on the state of Orlando's swan program at Lake Eola, the return of the Great Florida Cattle Drive, Apopka defunding its Main Street Program as a result of last year's mural hullabaloo, a new Blue Man Group, and an interview snippet with Don Price, the former sextant of Greenwood Cemetery on his new business venture in Winter Garden.  Holler at this week's sponsors,  Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine celebrating its 80th anniversary, January issue now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 32 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Yamasan Sushi and Grill (Website), in Mills 50's Mills Park development (the one with the Fresh Market). This week, we were joined by former "Zombie House Flipping" alum and Yamasan junkie, Justin Stamper (Instagram).  Topics this week include an update from UCF that flamingos are native to Florida and deserve restoration dollars, Scottie's list of best-bet Winter Fringe productions, an Asian food festival coming to Orlando by way of New York, and a preview of a story Brendan is working on concerning swan deaths at Lake Eola Park.  Holler at this week's sponsors,  Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine celebrating its 80th anniversary, January issue now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 30 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at The Castle Irih Pub (Website), in College Park.  Topics this week include Chili's last day at the Orlando International Airport, swan deaths at Lake Eola Park, the end of the East Coast hockey League strike, a Disney employee getting hit by a 400-pound runaway boulder, design differences between Brevard and Orange County's Brightline corridors, and SeaWorld's updates to its walker policy.  Holler at this week's sponsors,  Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine celebrating its 80th anniversary, January issue now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 30 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Bagel King - Casselberry (Website), a family-owned and operated bakery that was founded in Winter Park back in 1977. We invited third generation Bagel King, Frankie Perrotta, to hop on the show and chat about his family, the bagel scene, and what they've been cooking up - but we had a technical mishap and lost his interview! Shout out to Scottie Campbell for filling in on the fly. We'll be doing a makeup interview with Frankie this week!  Topics this week include the pending closure of Tanqueray's Bar in downtown Orlando, a strike in the ECHL that could affect Orlando Solar Bears games, Orlando Sentinel suing FDOT for access to public records, and the passing of famous YouTuber Adam the Woo and the founder of Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, Chris Cortez.  Holler at this week's sponsors,  Jim Hobart's Legacy Life Project, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent Central Florida's Finest Doctor issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 29 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Pizza Bruno - Maitland (Website), in the Maitland Social food hall - where you'll also find Wave Sushi, Thrive Cocktail Lounge, Foxtail Coffee, and Urban Body Works fitness Center. The crew at Bruno's really rolled out the red carpet so be sure to check our video recap on OrlandoShine.com and our socials so you can see all the yummy things we tried! Topics this week include the passing of Captain John cheek - the founder of Orlando Brewing, a new Trader Joe's coming to Maitland, a new Greek concept opening in the former Local Bar and Grill in College Park, and the official show lawyer Moses DeWitt weighs in on the Protection of Children Act and the State's war on prosthetic boobies, and a man who threw a flare at a 2024 soccer game who is looking at a pretty lengthy (possibly) jail sentence.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent Central Florida's Finest Doctor issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 28 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Charlie's Bakery and Creamery (Website), in Curry Ford West. The owners, Tricia and Troy Hage, spent some time with us talking about the history of the space, all the awards they've won, and about how they plan to bring some breakfast options in January 2026 - including bagels and fancy croissants.  Topics this week include Roger Chapin winning the runoff election for Orlando City Council's District 3 seat by 200 votes, an update on the Legionnaire's outbreak in Ocoee, Pom Moongauklang isn't affiliated with Pom Pon's Sandwicheria anymore, Rollins College is raising tuition pricing, and more.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent Central Florida's Finest Doctor issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 27 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Quantum Leap (Facebook), in their month-long holiday pop-up at East End Market. They've partnered up with folks like La Femme du Fromage, Cuisiniers, and more for yummy cheese plates, soups, and more. And don't forget wine.  Topics this week include an update on the Sentinel property in downtown Orlando, Blue Origin applying for a permit to dump wastewater in the sensitive Indian Lagoon, a Legionnaires outbreak at an Ocoee fitness club, Fraggles at the Kennedy Space Center, and an update on Chad the Sandbag.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent Central Florida's Finest Doctor issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 26 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Art2 Park (Website), a new urban pocket park in downtown Orlando operated by the folks at A La Cart.  Topics this week include a special Small Business Saturday retail shuttle circulator, Renaissance Theatre moving into the former Mad Cow/ArtSpace venue on Church Street, MCO wants its own police force, Mattel wants to open a toy-themed water park in Orlando, two people were arrested for "aggressive chalking" at the Pulse site, and Krampusfest is coming to the Milk District on December 7. Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent 2025 Dining Awards issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 25 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Antica Pizzeria & Market (Website) with chef/co-owner Kevin Turner.  Topics this week include a holiday-themed festival coming to Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts in December, Kroger closing its Florida operations, a new "slotharium" coming to International Drive, the closing of Dapper Duck Bar in downtown Orlando, and ex-commissioner Regina Hill suing to overturn the recent election results.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent 2025 Dining Awards issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 24 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Hollerbach's German Restaurant (Website) with guest host Scottie Campbell, following a preview of this year's Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo.  Topics this week include a search for a new mascot by The Orlando Storm (and our recommendations), Florida's Chief Financial Officer Natalie Imbruglia says Orlando's budget is "relatively in check," Tactical Brewing moving into a larger home just down the street, the possible construction of a new hotel in downtown Orlando, and the pending closure of another. Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent 2025 Dining Awards issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Austrian-born, Berlin-based DJ and producer Ely Oaks (Instagram | TikTok) is one of the fastest-rising names in electronic music, fueled by a massive social media following, a string of high-energy releases, and a touring schedule that is taking him around the world. At the recent EDC Orlando, he sat down with Brenda from Bithlo (Instagram) for an open, funny, and oddly grounded conversation about his journey from the Austrian Alps to the main stage. Catch the video interview on our YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.   

Episode 23 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Rock 'n' Rev Ocoee (Website), a bar and grill entertainment venue with a rotating lineup of themed events and live music. We hear they have a pretty mean $10 lunch special, too - though we haven't tried it.  Topics this week include a follow up to last week's discussion on Volusia County Council cutting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of funding for art programming, local election results and drama from one of the rejected candidates (three guesses who), MCO reducing flights per an FAA mandate, the top places to eat according to Yelp Elites, and some upcoming events.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Orlando Magazine's recent 2025 Dining Awards issue, now available on stands near you. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 22 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Ravenous Pig Brewing (Website) in Winter Park. And since it was a Halloween show, we invited our amazing dentist, Dr. David Sutton of Dapper Dental (Website), to come and chat about sugar and candy and how to take care of our teefs.  Topics this week include Volusia County Council cutting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of funding for art programming, Alex Freeman of Orlando City SC being named MLS Young Player of the Year, Chris Cortez leaving Blue Bamboo, DeLand questioning e-bike use for minors, film incentives, and Orlando losing its best Cuban sandwich spot.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System and its upcoming Nicholas Sparks reading, and Orlando Magazine and its "Faces of Orlando" issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 20 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Nauti Lobstah (Website) in Apopka, which is celebrating its 4-year anniversary with some killer specials, including a 4-pound lobster roll that you won't want to miss. A special thank you to guest co-hosts Ryan Lynch from Orlando Business Journal and Scottie Campbell for subbing in for Jon while he's up in Detroit.  Topics this week include an interview with Nauti Lobstah co-owner Chef Mike Rumplik (originally from Rhode Island), new luxury apartments by Aston Martin headed to Daytona Beach Shores, Jacksonville Jaguars' pending decision about moving to Camping World Stadium in 2027, EA Games and their presence in Creative Village, Orlando City getting the boot from the playoffs, and a later night service expansion for SunRail.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System and its upcoming Nicholas Sparks reading, and Orlando Magazine and its "Faces of Orlando" issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 20 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop (Website) at Live! at Pointe Orlando for their big opening.  Topics this week include the new CineDome renovation at the Orlando Science Center, the return of TED x Orlando, fancy new seating at Inter&Co Stadium, Banana Ball coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports in 2026, and a change in scop for the Holocaust Museum for Hope and Humanity in Ivanhoe Village.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System and its upcoming Nicholas Sparks reading, and Orlando Magazine and its "50 Most Powerful People" issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 19 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Corner Chophouse (Website) in Winter Park's Hannibal Square neighborhood.  Topics this week include the City of Orlando not banning Pride banners (despite rumors) - but FDOT is going after them on state roads, Orlando naming a new Poet Laureate despite Florida's Chief Financial dude Natalie Imbruglia saying its dumb, Orlando's new football team, Three Odd Guys Brewing closing its Apopka taproom, a pending Bob Ross art auction to raise funds for Public Broadcasting, and the calming of Corrine Drive.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System and its upcoming Trick or Treat Safe Zone on Sunday, October 12, and Orlando Magazine and its "50 Most Powerful People" issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 18 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar (Website) in Orlando's Milk District. Topics this week include Coastal Catch Restaurant Month in New Smyrna Beach, Enzian Theater trying to get fancy new equipment, Kissimmee's new Latin Culinary Trail, and a new Master Plan renovation coming to Leu Gardens.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System and its upcoming Trick or Treat Safe Zone on Sunday, October 12, and Orlando Magazine and its "50 Most Powerful People" issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 17 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Funny Bone Comedy Club (Website) with guest Krista Spanick, the General Manager of Funny Bone Comedy Club, ahead of the JustCallMoe Comedy Jam on October 2. Topics this week include Orlando's plans for an O-Line multi-use trail in SoDo, an update for Eatonville's Hungerford site, the opening of a 24-hour arcade venue on International Drive, more redlight cameras, and the temporary closure of Renaissance Theatre by Orlando code enforcement. Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System and its upcoming Melrose Film Fest on September 27, and Orlando Magazine and its "Peek Behind The Curtain" issue. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 16 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (Website) with guest Greg Higgerson, the Chief Development Officer, to chat about Hunger Action Month. Topics this week include a woman who bit an aggressive off-leash pit bull to save her dog, Orange County going after the holiday decorations of a Winter Garden family, an "eatertainment" chain closing an Orlando venue, Prato Restaurant taking a little refresh break in Winter Park, and what happens when the MCO tram breaksdown - spoiler, you walk.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Orange County Library System and its Yarn-fiti event, Orlando Magazine and its "Peek Behind The Curtain" issue, and the 4Roots Harvest Festival on October 11. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

On this episode of The Orlando Shine Show, host Brendan O'Connor sits down with Leah Nash, Executive Director of the Timucua Arts Foundation (Website), and Benoit Glazer, its Founder and Artistic Director, to mark the organization's 25th anniversary.  Together they trace Timucua's evolution from intimate house concerts with friends and neighbors to a nationally recognized hub for live performance and community arts, and discuss how its artist-first approach has reshaped Orlando's music scene. Listen in for stories about Benoit's Canadian roots, his education, the foundation's beginnings, its one-of-a-kind venue, and its plans for the next 25 years of boundary-pushing programming in this special bonus episode.

Episode 15 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at City Beautiful Cafe (Website) with guest host Scottie Campbell.  Topics this week include a new ordinance in Clermont that does away with height restrictions for American flags (because, America), a 74-year old arrested for a real estate Ponzi scheme, a citrus wizard in DeLand, an expansion of the Maitland Art Center, Apopka pausing funding for its embatteld Main Street program (that was woefully underfunded anyway), and some big events happening this weekend, including a Tattoo Show at Osceola Heritage Park, a belly flop contest in Baldwin Park, the Booze and Bites Festival in The Milk District, and the Fall Plant Sale at Nehrling Gardens.  Holler at this week's sponsors, JustCallMoe.com, Orange County Library System, and Library Card Sign-up Month, Orlando Magazine an its "Peek Behind The Curtain" issue, and the 4Roots Harvest Festival on October 11. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!

Episode 14 of "The Orlando Shine Show" was recorded at The Porch Winter Park(Website) with guest hosts Moses DeWitt of JustCallMoe (Website) and Don Almeida, That Mortgage Guy Don (Website).  Topics this week include an opening date for the long-awaited H Mart, the closing of multiple PDQ locations, Christina Hollerbach stepping away from Hollerbach's German Restaurant to start her own consulting firm and to run for mayor, the return of Nosferatu to the Renaissance Theatre Company, Enzian's lineup for this year's "13 Films of Halloween," an update to Apopka's Main Street mural hullabaloo, and the opening of a new secret pizza window in Audubon Park. Tune in to "The Orlando Shine Show" every Friday at 8 p.m. on Real Radio 104.1 FM or catch the podcast to keep up with all of the top headlines in Central Florida each week. Want to invite us to your restaurant or business for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]!