Let's Talk Lauderdale

A major New River rail crossing proposal is getting called a “zombie project,” while Fort Lauderdale’s event calendar stays very much alive—think reggae legends, a Riverwalk takeover by thousands of dogs, and a guided downtown architecture walk. Plus, a feel-good workforce trend (reverse mentoring) and a spotlight on women trailblazers remind us why community connections still matter.

Story recaps

• New River train tunnel “zombie p...

This episode is your casual guide to what’s happening in Fort Lauderdale right now, whether you’re into football, food, art, or just people-watching along the New River. Marv and Jen mix hyper-local insight with personal stories that make you feel like you’ve lived here for decades, even if you’re new to the 954.

Why Listen

• Get real, local Super Bowl weekend ideas without the tourist‑trap feel.
• Hear nostalgic stories from Lauderda...

For more on today’s stories, check out these links: Mayor Dean Trantalis’s proposal for the old federal courthouse and a potential AI-focused charter school, Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s 7th Annual CEO Build at BBI Village, and Baptist Health’s new $500 million Sunrise hospital project and groundbreaking coverage.

Mayor's newsletter: New role for old courthouse -- downtown charter school?

• Source: https://linkly.link/2Zf79

Marv and Jen spotlight South Florida restaurants like Cote Miami, LARB Thai Nissan, Revelry in Pompano, Rosalia’s Kitchen in Miramar, and Archibald’s in Fort Lauderdale, plus the arrival of Filipino fast food chain Jollibee. They connect the dots between Yelp rankings, community reviews, high-rise development on Hollywood Beach, affordable housing policy, and the evolving professional job market.

Why Listen

• Hear how Jollibee, the...

NHS Management slashes hiring time with UKG Rapid Hire, reopening facility wings and generating $2.2 million in new annual revenue. 

• Read more: https://linkly.link/2ZI5a

South Florida continues to post the strongest job market in Florida, adding nearly 4,000 jobs with Broward County leading the gains. 

• Read more: https://linkly.link/2ZI5x

After backlash over inequitable venues, Broward schools reverse plans to hold ma...

Join Marv and Jen as they spotlight local eats, waterfront living, and Fort Lauderdale’s growth spurt. From a zero-violation Clean Plate Award seafood spot that supports returning citizens, to super yacht-oriented condo projects, Huizenga Park’s reopening, and Florida’s top ranking on U-Haul’s 2025 growth list, you’ll hear how the city is booming while residents fight to keep public spaces like beach basketball courts.

=== Why liste...

If you love Fort Lauderdale’s food, history, and neighborhood stories—but also care how tech, healthcare, and tourism shape daily life—this episode is a must-listen. Marv and Jen balance nostalgia with what’s next, from Lester’s and Jungle Queen to Omni, Huizenga Park and zero-trust.

• Hear Jen’s Disney 10K journey and how she ran in memory of her late husband for the Brain Tumor Society.
• Learn what really happens at Disney races (...

If you live in or love Greater Fort Lauderdale, this New Year’s episode is your cheat sheet to what’s coming in 2026. Marv and Jen mix real local life—holiday chaos, hospital stays, TV binges, paddleboarding, and dog stories—with practical tips on where to walk, eat, sip, and hang out as the city changes.

=== Why Listen

• Hear how Huizenga Park is becoming Fort Lauderdale’s new outdoor living room, complete with yoga, movies on the...

This is the episode for anyone wondering what Fort Lauderdale really feels like right now—busy ports, bigger buildings, hotter restaurants, and tougher choices about trees, courts, and parking. Marv and Jen blend neighborhood gossip with stats, stories, and plenty of laughs.

Why listen:

• Hear local takes on top Chinese spots like Lotus Chinese Kitchen, Wing Loon, Wans, and Sun Rice, plus the $5 sushi phenomenon at Publix.
• Get the r...

Dr. Deborah “Missy” Williams joins Let’s Talk Lauderdale to share the incredible, very-Florida story of Dania Beach’s wild vervet monkey colony living on 160 acres of mangroves between Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale airport. She explains their escape from a former biomedical facility, her creation of the Dania Beach Vervet Project and Monkey Sanctuary, and why these primates must be treated as wildlife—not pets.​

• Hear the t...

Marv and Jen kick off this Let’s Talk Lauderdale episode with a candid debrief on Thanksgiving—who hosts, who travels, how long the prep really takes, and what it feels like when decades-old traditions start to shift. From there, the holiday theme rolls into Christmas trees, lights, inflatables, and the logistics (and risk) of getting on the roof in South Florida weather.​

• Learn what makes the VIP movie experience at Regal Dania...

Dive into South Florida’s top trending news, from Blue Martini’s bankruptcy to JetBlue’s expansion at FLL and real estate changes at the Galleria Mall, plus local foodie tips and holiday giving opportunities.​

Takeaways 

• Blue Martini bankruptcy’s impact on Galleria Mall nightlife
• JetBlue’s rapid route expansions at Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
• New workforce housing, development, and legal debates in Broward
• All about ...

Marv and Jen catch up after travel and discuss Fort Lauderdale’s major downtown investment, a hot debate over changing Broward County’s name, and surprising local stories — including the bankruptcy of the Ritz-Carlton condo association and an inspiring interview with 101-year-old swimmer Trudy Jacobs. The team shares insider info on development projects, trendy restaurants like Florida Room, must-see holiday events, and the latest ...

Explore why Windows 10 end-of-life matters for your business security and compliance. Marv unpacks critical upgrade reasons, debunks common myths, and details the real costs of waiting to move to Windows 11.​

• Learn the real costs of delaying your upgrade
• Hear how unpatched systems expose you to ransomware and hacking
• Discover why insurance and compliance hinge on staying current
• Get answers to: Can third-party software run after an...

Marv and Jen spotlight must-see places—like Pier 66, The Cove, and local breweries—then dig into the local commission’s debate around land development and wildlife protection. Hear candid reflections, local love, and practical tips, plus details about upcoming nonprofit and festive events. For links, guest bios, and more, check out the episode show notes.​

Why Listen:

• “How does a two-year-old know Among Us? Welcome to old age!”
• In...

In this feel‑good episode, Marv and Jen celebrate the start of South Florida’s event season. They chat about the Mega Pickleball World Cup at Fort Swish, the iconic Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and all the excitement sweeping the 954. Jen shares her “goat yoga” adventure in Southwest Ranches, while Marv muses over real estate cap rates, the city’s booming marine industry, and why Fort Lauderdale consistently ranks among...

Marv and Jen return for another engaging chat from the heart of Fort Lauderdale. They recap October’s flooding, share laughs over soggy trash day adventures, and celebrate the city’s resilience. Jen walks through her visit to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Annual Meeting, revealing insights about Fort Lauderdale’s booming business scene — over 200 major headquarters, low taxes, and a dynamic workforce. They discuss the War Me...

This episode features the vibrant Nosh (Ninowtzka Mier-Soika) as she shares her South Florida story, from growing up in Miami to making a name in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano’s music scene. 

Hear how Nosh’s passion for performance, sparked by karaoke nights, turned into a 15-year adventure with Main Street and a new chapter with her acoustic duo, Nosh & Gress. Enjoy insights on building meaningful connections with venues, channeling ...

Immerse yourself in the pulse of Fort Lauderdale with this week’s podcast! This episode dives deep into the city’s shifting business landscape (bankruptcies are up 50%!), explores new culinary frontiers like Worth Wild, and throws in wild, laugh-out-loud takes on sports, travel, and local trivia. From insider tips on gala season and restaurant launches to truly bizarre headlines—you’ll get practical advice, historical tidbits, and ...