Tropical Depression

Spring has sprung, and love is in the air. This week, we welcomed the iconic duo of Lawrence Mower with the Tampa Bay Times and Alexandra Glorioso of the Miami Herald to the show. They were gracious enough to take our call live from their car, and on their anniversary no less! As the saying goes, the couple that reports together stays together.The all-star duo has been at the forefront of the ongoing Hope Florida scandal. Millions of Medicaid dollars were allegedly misused for a taxpayer-funded propaganda campaign against popular citizen-led amendments in 2024 to legalize marijuana and limit government interference with abortion. On top of that, we talk about Florida's new anti-free speech law that gives the governor the power to designate groups as "domestic terrorists." No way that could ever be abused!Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

On today's episode, Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman makes his Trop Dep debut! You already know Ryan's itching to talk to the Commish about the state hijacking the city's public utilities -- but did you know Republicans are also trying to carve out a district in ocean blue G-Ville for themselves? Along the way, we talk about what makes Gainesville a truly unique city in Florida, and how the nationalization of local politics has made everyone worse off. To learn more about Bryan and get involved, visit bryaneastman.com.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

Ryan links up with Tampa Bay media legend, WMNF and Florida Phoenix reporter Mitch Perry to make sense of what exactly is going on in the Capitol with just two weeks left in legislative session. The fast-paced conversation ranges from Ron DeSantis's attempt to get Florida into the redistricting wars, the Tampa mayor race, and the GOP race for governor.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

On today's episode, Ryan is joined by Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, who launched his campaign for Mayor last year. Jeremy shares his thoughts on the Democratic Party's message to voters, the rise of economic populism among the far-right, and lays out his vision for the future of Florida's capital city.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠⁠⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

Veteran journalist William 'Windy' March joins the show and gives a short history of the year that Tampa's annual pirate-themed Gasparilla was canceled rather than admit Black members into its fold. While the ill-fated Bamboleo ended up being a one-hit wonder, its memory lives on. Windy and Ryan also talk about the rise of nonprofit journalism, as well as Florida Republicans' half-baked idea to abolish property taxes and starve local governments of funding.You can check out some of Windy's work at the Florida Trident.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

The landscape of Florida's 2026 election just changed, and State Rep. Angie Nixon joins Ryan to drop some big news. The DUUUUUVAL native tells us about her legislation filed to unmask ICE and why she believes she's the right person at the right time to be Florida's next U.S. Senator. We're thankful to Angie for sharing how her experiences shaped the call of duty to public service, and her vision for a state where everyone can truly thrive.You can follow Angie Nixon on social media at @AngieForFLFollow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

On this week's episode, Ryan is joined by the founder of FloridaPolitics.com (and former boss) Peter Schorsch. It's their first real conversation in years, and they get right into it. Peter offers his thoughts on the current state of Florida journalism and its shortcomings. After years of tense silence, their conversation represents a détente between the two old collaborators.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod!Fan of the show? Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

This week, Jamil Davis joins the show to talk Black voting power in North Florida. He and Ryan go through some of the biggest issues facing Jacksonville, and how Florida's following the gerrymandering lead of Texas. And on the cusp of John Cena's retirement, producer Abdelilah hops on to ask the burning question of our time: is politics just professional wrestling? Huge thanks to Jamil for coming on! Check out BLKFLA: The Podcast, the cultural archive for the Black political movement in Florida. You can follow on IG at @blkflathepodcast.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod!Fan of the show? Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

This week Ryan sat down with Nathan Taylor Pemberton, contributor to The Baffler, New York Magazine and most recently the New York Times.Ryan and Nate talk about what could be the definitive turn in MAGA’s political realignment for the next century and what it means for everyone else, plus a dispatch from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s New York City.Nick Fuentes, Tucker Carlson, and what the American Right could look like after Trump… all this and more on the new Tropical Depression. Follow us on social media at @TropDepPod, subscribe, and let us know if you’re enjoying our conversations in anticipation of the once and future Other Florida.

Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe returns to discuss the seemingly endless assault on local government coming from Meatball Ron's administration. Whether it's paving over colorful crosswalks, threatening local officials at the behest of developers, or a state takeover of a community hospital, just remember -- every culture war is a class war. Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

Trimmel Gomes finally joins the show and reminisces with Ryan over recording a podcast in the side room of a smoke-filled bar in 2016. In between talk of government at the local, state, and federal levels, Trimmel offers his thoughts on what it means to participate in democracy and hold elected officials accountable. We also remember Rob Lorei, a Florida icon who departed this world too soon from cancer. Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

On the latest segment of Reading RAYnbow, Ryan catches up with an old friend: critically-acclaimed author Sarah Gerard. Her 2015 novel Binary Star was listed as a best book of the year by NPR, and her second book – a collection of essays called Sunshine State – was named as a New York Times Critics’ Top Book of 2017. Sarah gives her insights on how being from Florida shaped her writing, the Tampa/St. Pete sister dynamic, and just what it is about the state’s relatively new cruelty that stands out today.Check out Sarah’s latest book, Carrie Carolyn Coco: My Friend, Her Murder, and an Obsession With the Unthinkable.Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod!Fan of the show? ⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

It’s been a busy Florida summer, and intrepid WUSF reporter Douglas Soule joins the show to go over some of the biggest stories from the last few weeks: Will Florida follow Texas’ example of extreme gerrymandering? What was it like on the ground as Ghislaine Maxwell was being deposed in downtown Tallahassee? And are people really hitting the penjamin in the Florida Capitol?Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! Fan of the show? ⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

With democratic norms and institutions weathering a storm at the federal level, Ryan catches up with Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida. Amy had a lot to say about the latest attack from gerrymandered politicians on citizen-led amendments and how to ensure that every eligible voter can vote after a disaster. After all was said and done, this fan of the show – yes, a bona fide Depressionista – did leave us with some good news for democracy do-gooders, we believers in the Sunshine State: a better Florida is possible. You can learn more about Common Cause at commoncause.org and follow them on social media at @CommonCause. Follow Tropical Depression on all social platforms at @TropDepPod! If you’re enjoying the show, support Tropical Depression on Patreon!

Ryan sits down with author Kent Wascom to discuss his novel, “The Great State of West Florida.” The story is a beautiful tribute to what makes Florida unique and features a villainous far-right politician who leads a movement to turn the panhandle into a white Christian ethnostate. Too soon? Raised in Pensacola, Kent takes us through the plights and gripes of a mystical figure called simply the Governor and a fictitious West Florida that, much like real life, has always been up for grabs.⁠Support Tropical Depression on Patreon!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠Follow us on ⁠TikTok⁠Follow us on ⁠Instagram

Fresh off the heels of being published in The Paris Review, Alec Niedenthal returns to the show with a deep dive into the themes of “Schändung (Desecration)” and how the act of writing can help process memories and experiences. Read Alec’s story, Schändung (Desecration) in The Paris Review: https://www.theparisreview.org/fiction/8363/schandung-desecration-alec-niedenthal Follow us on BlueSkyFollow us on TikTokFollow us on Instagram⁠Support the show on Patreon!

This week, Ryan met with Kaitlynn Black & Dean Fraser of the newly-formed Florida Keepers, a nonpartisan group dedicated to ethics and environmental conservation. We talked about how the Keepers came to be, as developers and real estate interests destroy Florida’s wetlands and wild places. We also delved into Florida’s newest law HB 1205 – the state government’s attack on the last way for everyday Floridians to have a say in the policies that govern our lives. Become a Depressionista Patron on Patreon!

Florida Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith breaks down the Legislature’s dysfunctional relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis, as their political divorce takes an ugly turn through three Special Sessions in a fortnight and rhetoric hotter than a motel Jacuzzi.The People’s Champ in the Florida Senate discusses his current work on expanding mass transit and the arts in the world’s largest tourist destination, plus the ultimate goal of politics: neighborly love.Thanks for listening. Become a Patron to support the show! *About Tropical Depression*Tropical Depression dives into the chaos and charm of Florida, where the politics are messier, the culture louder, and the stories stranger—because Florida is America, only more so.From Tallahassee’s backrooms to the beaches and bayous, Tropical Depression and its host Ryan Ray, takes listeners on a journey to understand the forces that make Florida both fascinating and confounding. With a growing library of episodes and a reputation for sharp commentary and storytelling, we reveal why Florida is a microcosm of America’s weird, wild future. Whether you’re a Floridian, a frequent visitor, or just someone wondering, “What the hell is going on down there?” we promise to keep you informed, amused, and occasionally outraged. Available on all major platforms, Tropical Depression brings a uniquely Floridian voice to the national conversation. Produced by Abdelilah Skhir. *WATCH ON PATREON:*https://www.patreon.com/TropicalDepression*WATCH ON SPOTIFY:*https://open.spotify.com/show/3Sd6ldGOGesEcfFN9vHP9I*WATCH ON APPLE PODCASTS:*https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tropical-depression/id1684631733*WATCH ON YOUTUBE*https://www.youtube.com/@TropicalDepresssionFL*OTHER LINKS:*TikTok  /@tropicaldepressionfl Twitter:  /@td_FlaYouTube  /@TropicalDepressionFLInstagram /@tropicaldepressionflaFacebook  /@TropicalDepressionFL

This week we sat down with Tampa Bay transit advocate Dayna Lazarus, founder of Transit Now Tampa Bay, about recent struggles and progress for public transportation in one of America’s fastest-growing cities.  DAYNA LAZARUS has over a decade of experience in community organizing and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from University of South Florida. At USF, she won several professional and academic fellowships and scholarships, earning graduate certificates in Sustainable Transportation and Community Development. She authored a thesis on achieving transportation equity through the urban planning process. She co-founded the grassroots organization Transit Now Tampa Bay, sits on the board of the Sunshine Citizens, and has been a member of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization’s citizens advisory committee since 2017. About Tropical Depression Tropical Depression dives into the chaos and charm of Florida, where the politics are messier, the culture louder, and the stories stranger—because Florida is America, only more so. From Tallahassee’s backrooms to the beaches and bayous, Tropical Depression and its host, Ryan Ray, takes listeners on a journey to understand the forces that make Florida both fascinating and confounding. With a growing library of episodes and a reputation for sharp commentary and storytelling, — we reveal why Florida is a microcosm of America’s weird, wild future.  Whether you’re a Floridian, a frequent visitor, or just someone wondering, “What the hell is going on down there?” this podcast promises to keep you informed, amused, and occasionally outraged. Available on all major platforms, Tropical Depression brings a uniquely Floridian voice to the national conversation.   *WATCH ON PATREON:* https://www.patreon.com/TropicalDepression *WATCH ON SPOTIFY:* https://open.spotify.com/show/3Sd6ldGOGesEcfFN9vHP9I *WATCH ON APPLE PODCASTS:* https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tropical-depression/id1684631733 *WATCH ON YOUTUBE* https://www.youtube.com/@TropicalDepresssionFL *OTHER LINKS:* TikTok /@tropicaldepressionfl  Twitter: /@td_Fla YouTube /@TropicalDepressionFL Instagram /@tropicaldepressionfla Facebook /@TropicalDepressionFL

This week Ryan sat down with returning guest Jason Garcia, who discussed his brand new reporting on just how much money the Free State of Florida may have spent politically opposing abortion rights — despite the 57% of voters who want the exact opposite. Plus, reasons for optimism in Orlando & Orange county local elections with and more expert analysis from the author & publisher of Seeking Rents. __ In the first episode of Season 3 of Tropical Depression, we sit down with a friend of the show who just this week broke statewide news that the State of Florida has been funding advertisements supporting the Florida Pregnancy Center Network, an entirely state-funded anti-abortion “crisis pregnancy center.” Jason and Ryan talk about the growing politicization of the mechanisms of Florida state government and how it represents a more extensive cultural warfare on behalf of some parts of Florida’s Republican party.  *About Tropical Depression* Tropical Depression dives into the chaos and charm of Florida, where the politics are messier, the culture louder, and the stories stranger—because Florida is America, only more so. From Tallahassee’s backrooms to the beaches and swamps, Tropical Depression and its host, Ryan Ray, takes listeners on a journey to understand the forces that make Florida both fascinating and confounding. With a growing library of episodes and a reputation for sharp commentary and storytelling, — we reveal why Florida is a microcosm of America’s weird, wild future.  Whether you’re from Florida, a COVID transplant, or just someone wondering “What the hell is going on down there?” we keep you informed, amused, and occasionally outraged. Available on all major platforms, Tropical Depression brings a uniquely Floridian voice to the new American age of Florida. WATCH ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/TropicalDepression WATCH ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Sd6ldGOGesEcfFN9vHP9I WATCH ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tropical-depression/id1684631733 WATCH ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TropicalDepresssionFL OTHER LINKS: TikTok /@tropicaldepressionfl  Twitter: /@td_Fla YouTube /@TropicalDepressionFL Instagram /@tropicaldepressionfla Facebook /@TropicalDepressionFL

Our first year in review episode looks back at guests and highlights from the most Florida-pilled year in Florida history.  As Trump’s new administration lights a candle in broad Palm Beach daylight, Florida took on a new importance yet again. The villain of national politics and its new hometown saw federal intrigue, two major hurricanes, Matt Gaetz, and a sprinkling of taxpayer boondoggles — plus some successes and progress towards the Other Florida yet to come.Be sure to follow the show on social media! Check out linktr.ee/tropicaldepression for our Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, and Twitter etc. Happy New Year!

Host Ryan Ray sits down with St. Petersburg City Council Member Richie Floyd the day after a dramatic reversal on City stadium funding — and possibly the Rays' entire $600 million+ subsidies proposal they claim to need stay in Tampa Bay. We discussed whether in the era of climate catastrophes like Hurricanes Milton and Helene, that may be a good thing. Leave a review and subscribe on Patreon to support the show!

Ben Braver joins the show to talk political violence after the Trump shooting, his experience as a teacher navigating the continued defunding of Florida's public schools, and his vision for a state that works for the people over corporate interests. You can learn more about Ben at benbraver.org.

An emergency pod dispatch from the Cone of Concern. Stay safe all, and let's re-build a better Florida in the ruins of Helene.

This week we spoke with Rodney Jacobs, director of the City of Miami's Civilian Investigative Panel, about more heavy-handed state government intrusion into local affairs in Florida. Just as Miami City Hall cries out for more accountability, the long arm of backwater Tallahassee state politics has destroyed the ability for millions of Florida citizens to weigh in on local community issues yet again. Read Rodney's column in the Miami Herald: ⁠Civilian oversight of Miami police is about to end. Residents must speak up now⁠

It’s Halloween in June as we talk ghost candidates with award-winning independent journalist Valerie Crowder, founder of The Panhandle Press. Valerie is investigating a possible special interest-backed "ghost" effort to affect the outcome of a City Commission race here in the state capital. She takes us through the recent use of this shady political tactic, and what it means for our democracy if unchecked. Please consider supporting Valerie’s reporting at thepanhandlepress.substack.com To learn more about ghost candidates check out Integrity Florida’s report, “Ghost Candidates” How They Manipulate (and sometimes steal) Florida Elections

This week we mourned the loss Florida Governor & U.S. Senator Bob Graham, who passed away last week at age 87. Kartik Krishnaiyer, publisher of the The Florida Squeeze, joined host Ryan Ray to celebrate Gov. Graham's legendary life and career as Florida's crusading reformer within the highest corridors of power in American government. Thanks to The Florida History Podcast for co-producing this week's show. Rest in Peace, Bob Graham.

We sat down with Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward, just days after a racist vandal launched two bricks through the windows of his office along with a hate-filled note. Mayor Ward talks us through what brought us to this point, and how the city plans to double down on equity and justice going forward. We also chat about state politicians in Tallahassee attacking local government, exurban secessionist movements in Alachua County, and abolishing parking minimums. Classic. You can listen to Tropical Depression at tropicaldepressionfl.com, as well as on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

This week's bonus episode is a live debate between TD host Ryan Ray and Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power from September 2023 at the Capital Tiger Bay Club. Thanks to the illustrious Gary Fineout for moderating. More great interviews and shows coming up soon.  Make sure to leave a review or rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you're enjoying the show. Thanks for listening. 

This week we speak with famed Florida politico Rick Wilson about Republicans' chaotic orgy of shame in an age when nothing matters.  With voters revolting against Ron DeSantis' "Free State of Florida" regime in national polls, an opportunity for progress emerges as Christian and Bridget Ziegler's sordid Sarasota sex scandal puts a little swing back into our purple state.  Plus, how transactional local government in the Capital City— "pound for pound, as corrupt as New Orleans or Miami" according to Wilson— runs as pure as the developer-driven Tallahassee snow.

It's a Thanksgiving miracle! A new episode of Tropo featuring a sparkling conversation about bleak topics with literary writer and New College of Florida alum Alec Niedenthal.  We discuss what Florida means in the wider world, the far-right takeover of a public liberal arts school and how to do letters in an unlettered world. Plus a first-ever Tropical Depression exclusive as Alec reads from his novel in progress, "The Grief Jet." A better Florida is possible. Happy Thanksgiving, all. 

This week, we talk with Gainesville luminary Katy Burnett about state lawmakers' brazen attacks on the people of Florida's iconic college town — and how they may soon escalate even more.

Ryan talks with Isaac Eger, writer and host of "Cheeseburger in Babylon," about all manner of Florida topics. Is it foolish to be hopeful? Will Ron DeSantis be ok? Is North Florida underrated? Rebuilding the temple starts one brick at at time — it was a pleasure chucking some up with a close friend of the pod. Listen to Isaac's show on Spotify. Thanks for visiting bud, next year in Jerusalem.

A quick dispatch from the calm before the big one. 

Author Jeff VanderMeer came by this week to talk environmental catastrophes past, present, and future, and the promise of conservation in Florida. Learn more about helping to stop the insane proposed Wakulla Springs-adjacent gas station here. Check out the recent stories we referenced in TIME Magazine, Esquire and Current Affairs — and this 2016 classic celebrating Florida’s biodiversity in the Los Angeles Times. Thanks again to Jeff and to everyone listening and supporting the show.

This week we talked with Kartik Krishnaiyer, author of a new book on Florida’s little-understood colonial period under foreign rule. Multiple empires including the U.S. have tried to tame Florida and found it largely ungovernable. When the “Free State of Florida” regime runs aground as well, it will no doubt fascinate future historians. Check out Kartik’s new book Florida & the British Prior to the American Revolution here and support the show by becoming a Patron!

We talk with veteran Florida journalist Jason Garcia about how power and money flow through the State Capitol in the era of Ron DeSantis for President. Check out Jason's latest work at Seeking Rents.

This week, Ryan sat down with Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe to discuss Tallahassee, local government, and other matters of the heart. We also mourn the loss of Florida reporter Aimee Sachs (1985-2023). patreon.com/TropicalDepression

Ryan sat down for a conversation with St. Petersburg City Council Member Richie Floyd, just as polls were closing in Tampa local elections. We talked Tallahassee and Tampa Bay, what it's like serving as a progressive local councilman under Ron DeSantis' "Free State of Florida" regime, and why there ain't no power like the power of people. Happy Memorial Day, and thanks for listening.

A bonus crossover episode for you guys, with Ryan appearing on Miami/New York-based Why Are We Like This? Emphasis on based. Many thanks to the WAWLT boys, David Quiñones, Gerald Doherty, and former way-back OG Tropical Depression guest Thomas Kennedy.

A huge thank you to our guest this week, Lauren Brenzel, Statewide Organizing Director at Planned Parenthood. Sorry for the delay, in a very Florida turn of events, and unexpected tornado touched down in rural North Florida, between our dedicated editing and mixing staff and our intrepid reporter Ryan. Produced by Daniel Moran

Teaser for our next episode, an interview with Lauren Brenzel - Statewide Director of Organizing, Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Inc.

Florida Times-Union Metro columnist Nate Monroe talks State Capitol craziness, Gov. DeSantis' I-10 connections, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Jacksonville: a real choice for Mayor. We also break down "the Syndicate" — the Downtown donor class at the scene of every crime against the public interest in Duuuval. Big thanks to Nate for coming on, and thank you for listening.