Let's Talk Lauderdale gives you a front-row seat to the stories, people, and pulse of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Each episode, we dive deep into the issues shaping our vibrant community, from innovative transportation solutions and local business growth to the cultural trends and civic challenges that make Lauderdale unique.
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
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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 ...
Marv and Jen return to share laughs, city news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Fort Lauderdale’s thriving community. They review local venues like Fleming’s Steakhouse, discuss the upcoming Broadway show “Life of Pi” at Broward Center, and break down what the new Galleria Mall renovation means for local businesses and shoppers. Guests include city insiders and guest surprises, as well as updates on Stranahan House’s $3.3M rest...
Join Marv and Jen as they recap a spirited weekend around South Florida—ranging from the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup celebration at Jackson's Ice Cream shop, a moving Hans Zimmer concert at Amerant Arena, and an oceanfront retreat at Singer Island. Discover must-try dining like the Buccaneer Waterfront Grill and local hangouts such as Two Drunken Goats. The conversation dives into pressing issues including Tri-Rail’s funding cris...
Marv and Jen welcome listeners to a broad-ranging episode covering the joys and challenges of living in Fort Lauderdale. Jen recounts paddleboarding escapades, offering weather and safety tips and revealing her favorite launching spots. Marv reviews La Birra Bar’s legendary burger, detailing accolades and menu must-haves. Together, they preview the grand opening of the Omni Hotel, discuss Bahia Mar’s renovation, and consider the ec...
Uncover Fort Lauderdale’s quirky traditions with Marv and Jen, from rainy Las Olas escapades to the wild antics at Florida Man Games and the future of tech at Infinite Reality. Experience nostalgia, innovation, and community spirit woven through music, local food, and waterfront festivities.
Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned:
Join Marv and Jen as they explore the ever-changing cityscape of Fort Lauderdale. From new housing and luxury high-rises to affordable housing debates, this episode is both practical and aspirational. The hosts dish on Top Hat Deli’s menu, noisy charm, and business crowd, and spotlight local breweries and bars worth trying. Get the lowdown on Broward’s surprising sports facilities and upcoming events—including world championships i...
What’s happening in Fort Lauderdale? Marv and Jen give listeners the playbook, from beach day hacks to eating at Archibald’s, securing Lucky Seat event deals, and attending unique festivals—even dog foam parties. Hear firsthand the story behind the city’s aquatic champions, insider updates on changing neighborhoods, and the best ways to run, walk, or “couch route” through new experiences. Plus, the hosts revisit classic clubs, shar...
Discover how Chef David MacClennan turned fresh, local ingredients and a passion for hospitality into one of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s most beloved restaurants—Even Keel Fish Shack. From weathering COVID challenges to busting oyster myths, this conversation is packed with insider wisdom for foodies and locals alike.
Why listen:
Join Marv and Jen as they embark on a mouthwatering journey through Dine Out Lauderdale 2025, unraveling the best deals, most intriguing menus, and local secrets behind Fort Lauderdale’s culinary celebration. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy seafood shacks and mysterious venues, this episode is packed with tips, reviews, and laugh-out-loud moments—perfect for foodies and explorers alike.
People, Places, Things w/ URLs
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If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.