Fluent in Floridian is a podcast featuring the Sunshine State’s brightest leaders talking about the issues most important to the people of Florida and its more than 100 million yearly visitors. These issues include health care, economic development, environmental protection, transportation, tourism, politics, taxes, education, energy and more.   

Fluent in Floridian is a new podcast featuring the Sunshine State’s brightest leaders talking about the issues most important to the people of Florida and its more than 100 million yearly visitors. These issues include health care, economic development, environmental protection, transportation, tourism, politics, taxes, education, energy and more.   

Latest

Episode 114

Good News Outreach Executive Director Talethia Edwards

Talethia Edwards is shaping the future of neighborhoods throughout Florida’s Big Bend region. As executive director of Good News Outreach, she works to connect residents to critical resources, helping communities grow stronger and more resilient.

Her journey began when she moved to Tallahassee as a first-generation student at Florida A&M University. Since then, she has founded the Greater Bond Neighborhood Association and developed a successful career in urban planning. Today, she leads efforts in the state capital focused on affordable housing, reentry programs and food assistance.

In this episode, Talethia talks with SMPR President Heidi Otway about her path from Miami to Tallahassee and why she believes investing in people is the key to creating lasting change across Florida.

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Episode 113
ThreatLocker CEO & Co-Founder Danny Jenkins
Science

Cybercrime is rising, and Danny Jenkins is one of Florida’s first lines of defense.

As co-founder and CEO of ThreatLocker, Danny leads a global cybersecurity company headquartered right here in Florida, protecting more than 50,000 businesses from digital threats that grow more sophisticated each day.

In this episode, Danny shares his journey with SMPR President Heidi Otway from the UK to the Sunshine State and how he’s helping businesses and communities stay secure. From the future of cybersecurity in Florida to the importance of staying one step ahead, Danny offers a powerful look at what it means to protect the digital landscape of the state we call home.

Episode 112
NAMI Florida Executive Director Carali McLean
Health

Meet Carali McLean, a lifelong advocate for mental health in the Sunshine State. From her roots in Pinellas County to her leadership as executive director of NAMI Florida, she’s spent her career uplifting individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges. With a background in clinical social work and a passion for smart policy, Carali is all about creating real impact through advocacy, support and systemic change. 

In this episode, she sits down with SMPR President Heidi Otway to chat about her journey, including her early career in social work and how NAMI is making a difference in communities across the state. Together, they explore an important question: How do we make mental health care a priority – not a privilege – for every Floridian?

Episode 111
President + CEO of Conservation FL Traci Deen
Environment

Traci Deen has dedicated her career to advocating for Florida, first as a public defender and now as the CEO of Conservation Florida, a nonprofit focused on preserving the state’s water, land and wildlife. With over 34 million acres of land, Florida’s ecosystems are central to the state’s identity. But now, more than ever, they need our protection.

In this episode, Traci sits down with SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey, what drives her passion, and why every Floridian has a role in protecting this special place they call home.

Episode 110
Miami Film Festival Executive Director James Woolley
Art

James Woolley’s love of film has become the blueprint for his career. As executive director of the Miami Film Festival, he brings compelling stories to audiences from around the world while creating a lineup that resonates with Miami’s diverse culture.

With experience managing more than 30 film festivals, Woolley is a dedicated advocate for both the film industry and aspiring filmmakers. From star-studded panels to Oscar nomination buzz, he believes the heart of cinema lies in one thing: getting people into theaters to experience the magic themselves.

In this episode, SalterMitchell PR President and Partner Heidi Otway sits down with James to discuss his vision for the festival’s future and how the industry plays an important role in telling Florida stories. 

Episode 109
ESPN Commentator & Reporter Tiffany Greene
Sports

Tiffany Greene has always wanted to be a trailblazer as a woman in sports. For over a decade, Tiffany spent the beginning of her broadcasting career in local television before becoming the first African American woman to commentate a college football game on a prominent sports network: ESPN. Now as a notable figure in the HBCU broadcasting space, she plans to further expand her skill sets and expertise and live out her dreams.

Tune into this special episode to hear SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway sit down with Tiffany and find out what she has in store for the future and find out why women in sports are continuously climbing the ladder and challenging the status quo.

Episode 108
Guadalupe Center President & CEO Dawn Montecalvo
Education

One of Florida's most successful early learning models can be found where you may least expect it – a rural, multicultural community in South Florida with a population of 34,000 people.

Immokalee is home to Guadalupe Center, where educators are breaking the poverty cycle and shaping childrens’ futures through innovative educational programs. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway chats with Guadalupe Center CEO Dawn Montecalvo about her inspiring transition from film studies to the nonprofit industry, and the importance of early childhood education in strengthening communities.

Episode 107
FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr
Economics

Florida is often celebrated for its beaches and tourism scene, but did you know it’s also a manufacturing powerhouse? In this episode, experienced manufacturing professional and FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr sits down with SMPR President Heidi Otway to discuss this expanding industry.

The word "manufacturing" is often associated primarily with cars, but it encompasses everything around you, from chocolate and medical devices to cheesecakes and everyday essentials. Kevin maps out how vital manufacturing is in creating self-sufficiency and strengthening Florida’s economy.

Tune in to discover how this business impacts your daily life and shapes the future of the Sunshine State!

Episode 106
President & CEO of Florida's Great Northwest Jennifer Conoley
Economics

Jennifer Conoley has always been a trailblazer. Early in her career, she boldly transitioned from public relations to economic development, teaching herself the ropes along the way. Now, as president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, she's teaching the world that the Panhandle's economic potential goes beyond its beautiful beaches.

Tune into this special episode to hear SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway catch up with Jennifer, a former SalterMitchell PR intern, and find out why Northwest Florida, with its blend of old Florida charm and forward-thinking leadership, is a hub for innovation and diverse job opportunity.

Episode 105
Legendary Sports Broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff
Sports

Legendary sports broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff has captivated audiences calling Florida State Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers games for decades. Known for his iconic commentary and enthusiasm, Deckerhoff has become a beloved voice in sports media, leaving a mark on fans across the state.

In this episode, SMPR Founder and CEO April Salter sits down with Deckerhoff to discuss his decades-long career and the transformation of the broadcast industry. Deckerhoff shares his advice for future broadcasters and addresses how technology and automation are reshaping the field and the hurdles newcomers might encounter.

Tune in to hear from one of Florida's most iconic sports voices and gain insights into the art of broadcasting from a true industry veteran.