Drinks with Floridaman
A wild (and sometimes random) journey into the heart of Florida's future. Join us every other week as we explore the vibrant intersection of business, civics, culture, and adventure throughout the Sunshine State."
Episodes
One year, twenty-six incredible episodes, and way too many mentions of Publix chicken tenders later… it's time to wrap it up. For our very final episode, the roundtable gets personal: what the hell did this show become? What did we learn about Florida... and ourselves, after a year of talking, laughing, arguing, and sometimes getting a little too drunk?
We’re revisiting the best moments, the weirdest revelations, and the bigges...
You’ve been to the alligator farm. You’ve seen the sponge docks. But what about the places even your most diedhard Florida friend hasn’t heard of?
In this follow-up to our fan-favorite “Hidden Gems” episode, the Floridaman roundtable digs deeper into the backroads, backyards, and backwater gems of the Sunshine State, from unmarked swimming holes to dive bars with more local lore than liquor.
We ask: Why do we keep these places secret...
Legendary, best-selling Florida author Craig Pittman 🗿 joins our roundtable to get into what makes Florida beautiful, bizarre, and most importantly, worth fighting for. We'll be talking about everything Florida, including the wildest stories from his new book, Welcome to Florida. This episode hits with history, humor, and a heartfelt plea for Floridians to care... but also, to act, as we ask: can we save the the state we love...
Ah, Florida... land of sunshine, dolphins, cheap rent, and second chances. But is the dream still alive or just another faded promise baking on the side of the interstate? In this episode, the roundtable cracks open some raw conversation about the rising cost of living, Florida’s broken housing market, and whether everyday folks are being priced out of the life they were told they could build here. From personal stories of being pu...
Bootleggers, biker bars, and backyard militias, we're going to the wrong side of the tracks, where Florida’s outlaw spirit thrives. From the Prohibition-era coasts to modern meth labs, the crew unpacks what makes Florida’s lawless streak so enduring (and strangely lovable). Come for the history, stay for the swampland shootouts and Ponzi-scheme legends.
Florida isn't exactly known for its tame education system. Yet, we survived Florida’s schools—but how? In this episode, our roundtable takes on the challenge of education in the Sunshine State: from overcrowded classrooms and underpaid teachers to alligators in the parking lots and drug deals in the halls. We share our own wild stories growing up in Florida’s public schools, while also asking if there’s any hope for the future...
Florida isn’t just a place—it’s us. And it's our collection of memories, wild stories, near-misses, and fun moments that stick with you forever. In this special episode, we hit the streets (and our inbox) to ask audience members--everyday Floridians--two simple questions: What’s the most unforgettable thing you’ve ever experienced in Florida? and What does Florida mean to you? The answers? As unpredictable as the state itself....
What does it take to build something unique in Florida—a community that’s more than just another tourist trap? This week, we sit down with Michael Bryant Sr., founder of Dunedin Brewery, to talk about how he helped turn a small-town idea into Florida’s oldest craft brewery and, in the process, helped shape an entire community. From the challenges of keeping a business authentic in a state that thrives on reinvention to what Florida...
Florida is known for its chaos... and that’s exactly why we love it. But how do you turn this lawless paradise into home? In this episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to build authentic connections in a state where millionaires, outlaws, retirees, and weirdos all collide. From dive bars to backyard fish fries, from historic small towns to neon-drenched party beaches—what makes a real Florida community, and how do you fin...
Forget the tourist traps—Florida’s real flavor is hidden in the dive bars, fish shacks, and greasy spoons that locals swear by. It's where there's magic and memories. From backroad BBQ joints to beachside watering holes with questionable decor, we’re diving into the spots that make this state deliciously unruly. Got a favorite? Grab a drink and let’s debate the finer points of damn fine dining.
Florida’s beaches are more than just white sand and overpriced piña coladas—they’re battlefields of history, environmental concerns, and heated debates over which one reigns supreme. But they're also full of childhood memories for natives. In this episode, we dive into what our beaches say about us as Floridians, from buried treasure to shark-infested waters and more. Also, RIP to our original host. 😢☠️
What does it really take to start and run a successful small business in the Sunshine State? From the challenges of Florida’s transient culture to navigating local laws, weather, and a unique workforce, we’re breaking it all down. The roundtable shares personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a few chaotic experiments gone wrong. Is it all sunshine and profits, or is there more to the hustle? Whether you’re dreaming of launc...
S1E14. Homeruns, Hurricanes, & Housing: The Real Story of Florida's Entertainment & Sports Districts
From the saga of redoing the Rays' stadium to the redevelopment of iconic Old Florida areas, we’re diving into the controversial world of sports and entertainment districts. Real talk--who truly benefits once the promises have been made? Are these hubs a genuine boost to local economies or a form of exploitation? How do they reshape housing, transportation, and the culture of our communities? We’re not pulling any punches on t...
As the year wraps up, we’re crafting our very own Florida bucket list for 2025—an ode to what the next year might hold for the Sunshine State. From putting a Floridaman on Mars to rare Florida plants and more, we’re covering the must-dos, must-sees, and maybe a few "why nots." Whether you're chasing adventure, nostalgia, or just the perfect Insta photo, this episode is packed with Floridian flair. Let’s close out the...
We know that Florida isn’t exactly considered a winter wonderland, but that doesn’t mean we don’t bring the holiday cheer—our wild way. In this low-key episode of Drinks with Floridaman, we dive into the big debate: does Florida even have real holiday traditions, or are we just slapping tinsel on a palm tree and calling it a day? From seriously sandy Santas to unique local celebrations, we’re breaking down what makes the holidays i...
Is Florida REALLY the chaotic state the world thinks we are or is there more to the story? In this episode of Drinks with Floridaman, we sit down with Ray Roa, Editor-in-Chief of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, to dissect Florida’s wild reputation in the media. Grab a drink and join us as we unpack Florida’s image, the media’s role, and what it all means for the future of the Sunshine State.
In this untamed episode, we’re reflecting on Florida’s wild and unpredictable reputation, unpacking the major headlines and memes that have shaped how the rest of the country sees the Sunshine State. From hurricanes to political chaos, we explore what it is about Florida that sparks such fascination and bewilderment. Tune in for a look at what makes Florida… well, Florida.
Links Covered in This Episode
On our first special Halloween episode, our roundtable digs deep into the hidden stories lurking beneath Florida’s sunny façade. From chilling deaths to bizarre local legends, they explore the state’s more sinister elements. The Sunshine State isn't only beaches and theme parks—there's a shadowy side that’s just as captivating. Grab your drink and join the conversation as we uncover the mysteries that make Florida truly u...
In this episode, From Punk Rock to Public Office, we sit down with Shane Warth, a Dunedin local running for city commissioner. A former counter-cultural rebel with a flair for shaking things up, Shane brings a fresh and unorthodox approach to civic leadership in Florida. We dive deep into Tampa Bay politics, touching on broader issues that impact the entire state. From community engagement to the role of local governments, we explo...
In this special episode, we dive into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left devastation across Florida, including massive flooding in Tampa Bay. With another monster hurricane now heading straight for Tampa--Hurricane Milton--and with the rare west-to-east path, emotions are running high. Although our roundtable recorded this pre-Milton forming, we’ll talk about what makes these storms so unpredictable, how Floridians prepa...
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