I Am Lakeland®

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Britt Olson—integrative health coach, wellness strategist, and founder of Britt Olson LLC—to explore holistic wellness, nervous system regulation, and authentic content messaging.

Britt shares her journey from managing high-profile corporate VIP events in New York City to discovering her true passion for health, community, and personal alignment. She opens u...

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with local author J.P. Sims to discuss his journey from a storyteller in training to a published novelist. Sims shares the inspiration behind his debut book, Three Loves, a coming-of-age romance that follows a protagonist through three pivotal relationships spanning over 20 years. He describes the story as a blend of romance, comedy, action, and drama, heavily influenced by...

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Michele Cash, a financial advisor at Allen & Company, for an engaging conversation about her journey, the importance of financial planning, and her deep involvement in the Lakeland community.

Michele shares her transition from a background in fitness and campus recreation to becoming a financial advisor. She emphasizes that whether she’s teaching a group fitne...

In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with the creative powerhouse couple behind MAD SCOT Media, Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson. The conversation journeys through their fascinating personal histories, from their roots in Michigan and New York to the unique way they met—a story that sounds like it was pulled straight from one of Dwight’s scripts.

Dwight, a former Army combat medic and pro...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host is joined by Emily Higman, the owner of Highlight Capital Property Management. A fifth-generation Tampa native, Emily shares her journey from renovating "fix and flips" in the cold winters of New Hampshire to returning home to Florida to launch her own property management business.

Emily discusses her hands-on experience in real estate, including the physical labor of dry-walling and renovati...

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns welcomes world-renowned saxophonist and composer Jazz Hamilton, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez, and choreographer Ferdinand “Freddy” De Jesus to discuss an extraordinary upcoming cultural event: the Jazz Ha...

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Cyle Rickner, a native Floridian, Army veteran, and the owner of Rickner Smart Solutions, a Lakeland-based security company. Cyle shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Fort Myers and serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in the Army to his transition into the private sector. He recounts several humorous and unexpected stories about his move to Lakeland in ...

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, we sit down with Carol Pope, a seasoned personal finance writer and author of the new book Credit 101. Carol shares her fascinating journey from her roots in Detroit and Michigan to her move to Lakeland, Florida, where she spent over a decade working in the insurance and finance industries, including several years at gieco.

Carol explains how a surprise LinkedIn message from a simon and & schust...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Robin Pettersson, the founder of Pathway Consultants, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of human-centered HR. Robin shares his fascinating journey from being born in Sweden and moving to Florida as the child of missionaries to his current role as a champion for small businesses in Lakeland.

Robin’s path is anything but conventi...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors for a compelling look at his journey from military service to becoming a leader in the global business brokerage industry. Michael shares how his background as a chemical weapons officer in the U.S. Army and his corporate experience with PepsiCo and Nestle prepared him for the high-stakes world of buying and selling compan...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Jessica Robinson and Luanna Baughman to share the story behind Polk County Women Mean Business (PCWMB). This rapidly growing organization has transformed from an informal networking group into a powerful community dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs across Polk County through collaboration, education, and genuine connection.

The guests discuss how PCWMB fosters ...

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, Yusuf Wanders announces the upcoming Wanderverse Studios event happening March 28th in Lakeland — a dedicated space for artists to share their stories. Music artists will have two reels, a full YouTube feature, and five media press kit ready photos.

The goal isn’t just content; it’s creating moments rooted in emotion so your music actually stays with people instead of getting lost ...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Shwetha (Shay) and Mina, the founders of JJ’s Fusion Khaana. This vibrant local business is taking the Lakeland food scene by storm with its "Indo-Fusion" cuisine, blending traditional Indian flavors with global influences like Chinese, Mexican, and Italian.

Shay, who is actually a trained doctor (MBBS), shares her incredible "faith story" of how she traded her st...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Elmo Stephen Jr., also known as Mo, the founder of GTE Academy (Guys Time & Elite) and the Mo Knowledge Youth Foundation. A former pro basketball player who played both in the U.S. and overseas, Mo shares his mission to combine elite athletic training with a strong, Christ-centered foundation for Lakeland’s youth.

The conversation explores Mo’s journey...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Brian Corbin, the founder of Airship 3D. Brian, a fellow Ohio native who moved to Lakeland to escape the cold, shares the story of how a chance encounter at a First Friday market led to a thriving partnership and a unique business specializing in 3D-printed local nostalgia.

Brian discusses his journey with 3D printing technology and how his passion for "nostalgic piec...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Tiana, Olga, and Dory to discuss an exciting upcoming community event: FOPFest. Organized by Fuel Our Power (FOP), this celebration of health and wellness is designed to bring the Lakeland and Polk County community together through fun, fitness, and social connection.

The guests share the inspiring origin of Fuel Our Power, which evolved from a successful food truck (Fe...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with John Bedell and Ray Ramos of H Visa Solutions. Drawing from John’s extensive background as a former investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor, the team discusses the critical importance of labor compliance and how their company helps local employers navigate the complex world of seasonal work visas.

The conversation clarifies the often-misunderstood differen...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Anne Yasalonis, a residential horticulture agent with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, and Patricia Uiterwyk, a business owner and current Master Gardener volunteer intern. They delve into the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, a initiative that empowers residents to become "garden champions" and share science-based gardening knowledge with the community.

Anne and Patrici...

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Cody White and Dan Povey, the founders of the Lakeland Bearded Villains. Far from the "villain" stereotype, this local chapter of a worldwide fraternal brotherhood is dedicated to community service, charity, and breaking the stigma often associated with bearded men.

Cody and Dan share the history of the organization, which grew from a social media page for bearded model...