PODCAST · news
Tropical Depression
by Tropical Depression
Ever wonder what the hell's going on in Florida? Host Ryan Ray brings guests and interviews that get to the core of the political moment the Sunshine State is having. As we're now seeing at the highest levels of government, Florida IS America.
Episodes
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Blog of War II: Remembering the Dark Star
Tropical Depression is back, baby! And with a doozy for you: Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch on the titanic legacy of former Sen. Jack Latvala — the Dark Star of the Florida Senate. The irascible combination journalist offers his takes on forg. Listen to the end for perhaps the most...
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Episode 42: Power Grab w/ Kartik Krishnaiyer
Friend of the show and Florida historian Kartik Krishnaiyer makes his return to the show to talk about Florida Republicans' gerrymandering power grab. We already knew the GOP were rigging districts to benefit their own party, but Kartik breaks it down further and shows how Republicans from rural...
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Episode 41: Double Trouble w/ Alexandra Glorioso and Lawrence Mower
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,...
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Episode 40: Public Futilities w/ Bryan Eastman
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...
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Episode 39: Tropical De-Session w/ Mitch Perry
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...
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Episode 38: A New Tallahassee w/ Jeremy Matlow
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...
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Episode 37: Bamboleo w/ Windy March
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...
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Episode 36: A Flourishing Florida w/ Rep. Angie Nixon
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…
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Episode 35: Blog of War w/ Peter Schorsch
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...
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Episode 34: Black Voters Matter, 365 w/ Jamil Davis
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...
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Episode 33: Groyping Out on Main w/ Nathan Taylor Pemberton
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...
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Episode 32: All Oligarchy is Local w/ David O’Keefe
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…
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Episode 31: Enter the Rotunda w/ Trimmel Gomes
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...
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Episode 30: The Heart of Darkness w/ Sarah Gerard
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...
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Episode 29: Rippin' Cigs at the Florida Capitol w/ Douglas Soule
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...
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Episode 28: Hurricane Season’s Greetings w/ Amy Keith
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...
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Episode 27: From the River to the Gulf w/ Kent Wascom
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?…
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Episode 26: Reading RAYnbow w/ Alec Niedenthal
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:...
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Episode 25: Keeping Florida Florida w/ Kaitlynn Black & Dean Fraser of Florida Keepers
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…
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Episode 24: Love Wins w/ Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith
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...
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Ep. 23: Fighting Traffic at City Hall w/ Dayna Lazarus
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...
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Episode 22: No Choice But Life w/ Jason Garcia
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 &...
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Episode 20: 2024 Year in Review
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...
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Episode 19: Taxpayer Moneyball w/ Richie Floyd
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…
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Episode 18: The Braver and the Bold w/ Ben Braver
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.
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The Big One
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.
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Episode 17: De-Policing the Police
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…
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Episode 16: Ghostbusters w/ Valerie Crowder
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...
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Episode 15: Farewell, Mr. Florida
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...
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Episode 14: Doubling Down on DEI w/ Mayor Harvey Ward
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…
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Bonus: Tiger Bay Debate
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…
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Episode 12: Don't Say Three-Way w/ Rick Wilson
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...
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Episode 11: "Laboratories of Evil" w/ Alec Niedenthal
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...
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Episode 10: Viva Gaines Vegas w/ Katy Burnett
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.
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Episode 9: The Future is Florida ft. Isaac Eger
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…
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🚨 EMERGENCY POD: Tropical Depression (Hurricane Version) 🌀
A quick dispatch from the calm before the big one.
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Episode 7: Paradise Annihilated ⛽ w/ Jeff VanderMeer
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...
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Episode 6: Florida is America, But More So w/ Kartik Krishnaiyer
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...
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Episode 5: Seeking Rents w/ Jason Garcia
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.
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Episode 4: An interview with David O'Keefe
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
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Episode 3: Capitol Reactions w/ Richie Floyd
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…
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BONUS: Why Are We Like This x Tropical Depression – Ronny D Real Estate
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.
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Episode 2: An interview with Lauren Brenzel, Organizing Director, Planned Parenthood FL
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...
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Episode 2: *teaser* Lauren Brenzel
Teaser for our next episode, an interview with Lauren Brenzel - Statewide Director of Organizing, Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Inc.
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Episode 1: Tallahassee ✈️ Jacksonville w/ Nate Monroe
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ever wonder what the hell's going on in Florida? Host Ryan Ray brings guests and interviews that get to the core of the political moment the Sunshine State is having. As we're now seeing at the highest levels of government, Florida IS America.
HOSTED BY
Tropical Depression
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Tropical Depression have?
Tropical Depression currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Tropical Depression about?
Ever wonder what the hell's going on in Florida? Host Ryan Ray brings guests and interviews that get to the core of the political moment the Sunshine State is having. As we're now seeing at the highest levels of government, Florida IS America.
How often does Tropical Depression release new episodes?
Tropical Depression has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Tropical Depression?
You can listen to Tropical Depression on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Tropical Depression?
Tropical Depression is created and hosted by Tropical Depression.
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