John "Mac" Stipanovich, a veteran Republican party operative, left the GOP years ago because he considered President-elect Donald Trump to be an "existential threat" to democracy. The erudite Vietnam vet returns to Deeper Dive this week to dissect the MAGA movement. Mac and Dara have a LIVELY discussion about feminism, liberal autocracy, and so muc…

Karen Woodall, a legend in the Florida Capitol, has devoted more than 40 years advocating for people from marginalized communities, including immigrants, farmworkers, children and the poor. On this week's Deeper Dive, Karen tells Dara about her decade-long battle to get breakfast for school kids and talks about how powerful personal stories can hel…

To brine or not to brine? Chef Justin Timineri, Culinary Ambassador for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, returns to Deeper Dive this week to help divas prep for the holidays. Chef Justin dishes up some seasonal recipes, gives Dara some tips for the perfect turkey (or chicken!) and serves up some Sunshine State-style cock…

Whew! We finally made it through Nov. 5! Republicans made gains up and down the ballot in Florida and throughout the nation, handily returning President-elect Donald Trump to the White House. A majority of Florida voters approved measures that would have allowed recreational marijuana and enshrined abortion rights in the state Constitution -- but t…

Investigative journalist Jim DeFede has been covering Florida politics from the #305 for more than three decades. The host of CBS News Miami's "Facing South Florida" joins Dara on this week's episode to discuss the upcoming elections, reminisce about the campaign trail ("We're all a little nuts!"), and give a peek into the bare-knuckle politics in …

In this week's Reporter Roundtable, state capital reporters Jason Delgado of Spectrum News and Forrest Saunders of EW Scripps join Dara in the Speakeasy for a fresh take on journalism, politics and so much more. How does social media affect broadcast news? Do TV reporters get more access to state leaders than print journos? What are real voters tal…

Can Democrats bust the GOP's supermajority in the state House? Longtime Democratic political consultant Beth Matuga digs into House seats Dems are fighting to hang onto and dishes on districts they're aiming to flip. Beth, general consultant for state House Democratic campaigns, christens Deeper Dive's new recording space with Dara this week as the…

Remember the shark swimming down the street after Hurricane Ian? Didn't happen! But fake memes and dangerous rumors continue to swirl on social media as Florida grapples with the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton AND as voting in the presidential election is already underway. Janet Coats, the managing director for the Consortium on Trus…

Deadly Hurricane Helene slammed into storm-torn Taylor County and caused widespread damage in Tampa Bay and inland. In today's episode of Deeper Dive, Florida Municipal Electric Association Executive Director Amy Zubaly gives Dara the inside scoop on how city-owned utilities prep for and respond to storms. Amy also gives Dara a redecorating tip for…

In Part 2 of Deeper Dive's pre-election series, Dara speaks with Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus. Supervisor Marcus, whose career in the elections office spans more than two decades, discusses how she and her colleagues plan for Election Day and shares what gives her "heartburn" about changes to voting laws. Dara and her guest …

How are mail-in ballots counted? Are election results audited? What about signature matching? Join Deeper Dive for the first segment of a two-part, soup-to-nuts series on voting in Florida with SOEs from two very different parts of the state. This week, Lake County Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays gets feisty about election-denier "wackadoodles" a…

He's back! South Florida Sun Sentinel Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet joins Dara in the Terracotta Room for this week's Reporter Roundtable episode. The pair chat about all-things-politics, including the battle for the White House and legislative races to watch. Steve also weighs in on a proposal that would make school board races partisan and tells …

The Harris-Walz campaign kicked off a national "Reproductive Freedom" bus tour in the Sunshine State this month. On today's Deeper Dive, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison joined Dara to talk about why he's "bold" about Florida, which he called a "wild card" in the upcoming election. Friend-of-the-show U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman …

Sen. Shevrin Jones joins Deeper Dive this week to chat with Dara about attending his first Democratic National Convention and shares some takeaways from the Sunshine State primaries. Shev, who's chair of the Democratic Executive Committee in Miami-Dade County, also weighs in on Dems' biggest challenges heading into the November election. The pair a…

Maria DeLiberato, executive director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, joins Dara for a wide-ranging dive into the state's death penalty process. Maria, a former prosecutor, says she wants to have an "honest conversation" about the death penalty with people on both sides of the issue. Join Deeper Dive for this timely discussion, …

Rich Templin, director of politics and public policy for the Florida AFL-CIO, tells Dara why labor unions "are needed now more than ever" and talks about the impact of recent laws aimed at dismantling them. Rich also gives Dara an update on how Vice President Kamala Harris has shaken things up in down-ballot races in Florida. The pair swaps notes o…

Join Dara and First Amendment Foundation Executive Director Bobby Block for a dive into Florida's expansive public-records laws and efforts to chip away at what was once a national model for government in the sunshine. Bobby also warns about the "growing threat" to citizens' ability to hold government officials accountable.…

Dara takes Deeper Dive on the road to the annual Florida Media Conference! Join Dara and editors in as they dig into what's happening at media outlets of all sizes in an ever-evolving world of journalism. Also, discerning consumers of news get some tips amid a highly charged political season. Hear about podcasts, investigative journalism, fact-chec…

Former Gov. Jeb Bush joins Dara for Deeper Dive's 100th episode! Gov. Bush shares insights about some of his most controversial policies, such as the "One Florida" plan scrapping affirmative action in university admissions and state hiring and the sweeping "A-plus" education plan that assigned grades to schools, provided school vouchers for student…

State Rep. Vicki Lopez, R-Miami, returns to Deeper Dive to give us an update on "vertical living," following changes to the state's condo regulations. Rep. Lopez, aka the "Condo Queen," gives Dara the down-low on issues facing condominium owners and condo boards, shares some takeaways from a recent "life-changing" sojourn to Israel, and much, much …

Carlos Guillermo Smith won't appear on the ballot in November, but he'll be joining the Florida Senate this fall after cruising to victory without an opponent. The senator-elect chats with Dara about his priorities for the 2025 session, his passion for the arts, his advocacy for the LGBTQ community and much, much more. Plus, find out what he and Se…

House Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez talks about his love for the 305 (watch out, Pitbull!), shares his priorities for the upcoming 2024 session and makes predictions about state House races. The incoming Speaker also chats about Cuban-American culture and reveals one of his not-so-hidden talents!Von Dara Kam

You've seen him on billboards and on your TV... Trial lawyer extraordinaire John Morgan joins Deeper Dive this week to talk medical marijuana, politics, the 2024 elections and some legislative races he's interested in.Von Dara Kam

Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis talks about being a "people person," shares insights into the state's insurance market, discusses his political future, and much, much more!Von Dara Kam

In the second part of a two-part episode with Senate Majority Leader Ben Albritton, the incoming Senate president chats with Dara about the citrus industry and resilient citrus trees, his priorities for the 2025 legislative session and much more!Von Dara Kam

It's a big episode of Deeper Dive this week, as Senate Majority Leader Ben Albritton, who will take the gavel as Senate president after the November elections, chats with Dara about his faith, his family, 2024 Senate races and much more! This is the first of a two-part episode.Von Dara Kam

Hurricane season is about to start in Florida, and Deeper Dive has you covered with the latest and greatest information. Dara chats this week with Mark Wool, warning coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, about the forecast for this coming hurricane season (spoiler alert, we’re expecting more and stronger storms), the effect o…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NWF Health Network CEO Mike Watkins joins Dara this week to chat about increases in the need for mental health and substance abuse services. Mike talks about resources available to families in need, the effects of COVID and natural disasters - and shares successes about adoption.…

State Attorney Dave Aronberg, Deeper Dive's second-ever guest, returns for Episode 90 to chat with Dara about former president Donald Trump’s legal trials, campus protests, and whether Florida is in play for Democrats in 2024Von Dara Kam

Dara dives into the hottest topic in tech this week, as she is joined by two experts in generative artificial intelligence from the firm KPMG. The trio discuss how AI is so good at mimicking human intelligence that it may seem creepy - but don't be scared! Learn how businesses, students, government and even professional sports can benefit from the …

Dara gets the band back together! Jim Rosica brings his new title with him to the Terracotta Room, where the two mooks dig into this week in politicsVon Dara Kam

Dara chats this week with opponents of Amendment 4, a proposal that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. Mat Staver and John Stemberger talk about efforts to block the measure from passing. Check out Episode 85 to hear from supporters of the proposal. This week's guests are: Mat Staver, Chairman, Liberty Counsel John Stemberger…

Pass the dutchie! Dara dives into Potlandia with two experts this week to discuss Amendment 3, which will give voters the chance to legalize recreational marijuana in November. This week's guests are: John Lockwood, regulated industries attorney and founder, Lockwood Law Firm Steve Vancore, veteran political consultant and pollster…

Dara chats this week with proponents of Amendment 4, which will be on the ballot in November in a bid to enshrine abortion rights in the Florida Constitution. Dara and guests also discuss a six-week abortion restriction set to go into effect May 1, and dig into one of 2024's most contentious issues. This week's guests are: Laura Goodhue, executive …

South Florida Sun Sentinel Opinion Editor and Columnist Steve Bousquet chats with Dara about decisions pending at the Florida Supreme Court, controversial vacation rental legislation, Trump endorsements and much more!Von Dara Kam

Longtime Democratic political consultant Beth Matuga joins Dara this week for a Deeper Dive into the 2024 elections, the importance of 'institutions,' and voter turnout. Plus, tips on online dating!Von Dara Kam

This week's Deeper Dive features Howard Simon, interim executive director of the ACLU of Florida. Howard dishes with Dara about nearly five decades of fighting to uphold constitutional rights to free speech, voting and abortion. Simon also calls balls and strikes on the 2024 legislative session. Don't miss it!…

Coming to you from the Florida Capitol, Dara visits the fourth floor rotunda and chats with people involved in The Process as we wrap up the 2024 legislative session. This week's guests are: Lobbyists Yolanda Jackson, Chris Doolin & Steve Schale, with a special appearance by Florida House Chaplain Tim Perrier…

Top-tier lobbyist Nick Iarossi, who also played an instrumental role in Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign, shares insights into GOP politics and chats about how lobbying in Florida has morphed over the past two decades. The owner of Capitol City Consulting discusses what's happening now on the Fourth Floor in the run-up to the end of session…

Should kids under 16 be banned from social media? Longtime Capitol reporter Steve Bousquet joins Dara this week to discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' doubts about the effort - a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner - and to chat about other bills as the session winds down.Von Dara Kam

This week's Deeper Dive commemorates Black History Month with state lawmakers who highlight some of Florida's African American leaders, share their personal stories and much more! Our guests this week are Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Windermere, and Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg.Von Dara Kam

Former state Rep. Carlos Lacasa, a Republican, and fellow GOP'er Carol Whitmore, who served on the Manatee County Commission, join the podcast this week to discuss their work with the Florida Women's Freedom Coalition and why they - and other Republicans - support a proposed constitutional amendment that would protect abortion rights in Florida.…

Politico Florida's Gary Fineout and Dara dish about Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, a Trump v. Biden matchup, and some of the 2024 session's hot topics.Von Dara Kam

Al Cardenas, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, joins Dara weigh in on Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign and offer some advice for the GOP.Von Dara Kam

In the second of a two-part series, Dara's back with more from the 2024 Florida Chamber of Commerce Legislative Fly-In. This week, hear your host chat with: Beth Cicchetti, executive director, Florida Economic Development Council Derrick McGhee, chief operating officer, Johnson & Blanton Devin Stephenson, president, Northwest Florida State College …

‘Live’ from the 2024 Florida Chamber of Commerce Legislative Fly-In, Dara chats with movers and shakers about their priorities for the session and much more! In Part One, Dara has some fun with: Florida Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples Florida Chamber of Commerce Presi…

Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel joins the show for the second of a two-part episode to discuss what's on his reading list, his previous run for public office and how many U.S. presidents he has met.Von Dara Kam

Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel joins Dara in the Terracotta Room to chat about his approach to serving on the state's highest court, discuss his Cuban-born parents' influence on his life, and reveal how long he intends to stay on the job. Come for the gratitude, stay for the 'posse of nerds!'…

Rick Wilson - Lincoln Project Co-Founder, onetime GOP political consultant and #Florida man - joins Dara for Episode 70 to give the scorching lowdown on Gov. Ron DeSantis' political future, First Lady Casey DeSantis' ambitions and the Republican Party of Florida.Von Dara Kam

Barbara Petersen has long been a champion for Floridians’ access to public records from their government. Now the executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability, Petersen chats with Dara this week about how her team of investigative journalists uncovered records related to an accusation of sexual assault against the chairman…