Open Forum in The Villages, Florida
This weekly podcast will cover in detail, people, clubs and activities here in The Villages, Florida. Each show will run 10-30 minutes. Become a Supporter of this show for $3/month. Supporters will have access to all episodes. Our newest Supporters will get a Shout-out during a show. Supporters can help the podcast by purchasing products from Amazon using the links in the Support section.
Episodes
Debbie Johnson's story is one of resilience and reinvention – a tale that begins with a leap of faith from California to Florida, and blossoms into a community-embraced fitness phenomenon. As your host, I had the privilege of capturing her inspiring journey, one that will resonate with anyone who's ever faced the daunting prospect of starting over. With Debbie's transition from homemaker to celebrated fitness instruc...
From the heart of The Villages, Florida, we've stitched together a tapestry of tales that spans the gamut from high-flying adventure to the rich froth of brewery life. Gather round as three guests from my Podcasting 101 class—Alex Lakatos, Ken Lee, and Rich Radcliffe—bring their diverse experiences to the mic. Alex unfolds his serendipitous path from electronics to the data communications industry, Ken shares the life-altering...
From Pittsburgh's punch card days to the sunny expanses of The Villages in Florida, our guest Michael Prascak brings the kind of stories that turn strangers into friends. Settle in as Michael paints a vivid picture of his journey through the worlds of accounting and IT, revealing how a knack for numbers and a passion for woodworking found a harmonious intersection in our bustling community. He'll take you through the twis...
Discover how to transform your living space into a voice-controlled haven as we sit down with Peter Bernard, the tech maestro of the Villages. This week, Peter unveils the secrets behind smart home magic, from Ecobee thermostats synced with Alexa, to the merits of having a C-wire and the allure of the Nest alternative. Our chat reveals the inside track on why wired doorbell cameras trump their battery-operated cousins, with a nod t...
Discover the seismic shifts in media over four transformative decades as we sit down with Peter Bernard, a seasoned TV reporter who's seen it all. From the golden age of unbiased journalism embodied by Walter Cronkite to today's opinion-laden newsrooms headlined by figures like Tucker Carlson and Rachel Maddow, Peter reveals how the narrative has changed. Together, we grapple with the repercussions of these changes on soc...
Get ready to unlock the secrets of a thriving community and optimal brain health in one energizing episode. We're taking you to the heart of The Villages, Florida, where the Enrichment Academy Expo buzzes with life, thanks to the dedication of people like John Rohan and Tweet Coleman. You'll feel the pulse of community engagement, from the beats of the Homemade Jam band to the whir of Don Wiley's drones overhead. It&...
They say the best tales come from the heart, and mine is no exception. Settle in as I, Mike Roth, trade the interviewer's mic for the hot seat, with Wayne Richard leading the charge. From my humble beginnings in Far Rockaway to the vibrant pulse of Miami, I unravel the threads of my family tapestry, complete with the legacy of my father's leather business. Memories of high school band days and backstage drama antics stitc...
In today's special episode of Open Forum in the Villages, Florida, I have a special guest, Kathleen Gowin. Kathleen is a member of the VPSDDD. That is the new board that's managing the fire district here in Sumter County
Unlock the secrets to potentially lower fire district taxes in Sumter County's slice of the Villages, Florida, with board member Kathleen Gowin guiding us through the intricacies of the pr...
As Sheila Keane recounts her early years amidst the colorful backdrop of the Caribbean, you'll find yourself transported to the sights and sounds that shaped her formidable spirit. Our conversation with Sheila unfolds an intimate sliver of history, from the Cuban revolution to the sun-soaked shores of St. Lucia, and the spiritual awakening that followed her harrowing brushes with death. Through her vivid storytelling, Sheila i...
Embrace the transformative journey to self-discovery and healing with Janet Philbin, the insightful clinical social worker and author behind "Show Up for Yourself: A Guide to Inner Awareness and Growth." Our enlightening conversation with Janet unveils the delicate dance between professional therapy and conscious parenting, where authority takes a backseat to companionship in guiding our children. Her Spiral of Healing fr...
Uncover the charm and health benefits of Touch Tennis as Mike Dumbropski, a tennis aficionado, paints a vivid picture of this emerging sport in the sunny climes of Florida's Villages. It's a game that promises extended rallies, fun, and accessibility for everyone, regardless of mobility or fitness levels. Our chat with Mike is not just a revelation of Touch Tennis's unique attributes, like its soft foam balls, but al...
Unlock the mysteries of the mind with Dr. Craig Curtis as we journey through the latest innovations in Alzheimer's research and the promise of novel treatments that have the power to alter the trajectory of this devastating disease. With America's silver generation growing by the minute, Dr. Curtis enlightens us on a breakthrough blood test that could signal the presence of Alzheimer's plaques early on, and Aducanuma...
Unlock the potential of your voice and ideas as I recount my electrifying journey through PodFest 2024, brimming with the latest podcasting innovations and savvy monetization tactics awaiting your discovery. As the narrative unwinds, you'll glimpse the future of content creation, learn about a pioneering course crafted for audio aficionados eager to monetize their mellifluous musings, and understand how the inclusion of YouTub...
Embark on an inspirational journey with Janet and Howard Underwood, who graciously open up about their transformative life experiences and the power of community in The Villages of Florida. Janet's narrative begins with the challenges she faced after losing her sight at 15, and how this profound change led her to conquer Braille and build an impressive 32-year career with the IRS. Howard, a former litigation attorney, shares a...
Have you ever considered how a passion for art could beautifully align with the precision of science? Stephanie Steckel, a seasoned orthodontist, joins us to share the captivating story of her career switch from general dentistry to a fulfilling life in orthodontics, spanning over two decades. Her heartfelt dedication not only to her practice but also to guiding others through their orthodontic journeys led her to author "Croo...
Get ready to embark on an adventurous ride with car enthusiast and collector, Frank O'Donnell. This episode is studded with powerful stories of how Frank's love for cars shaped his life, from restoring his first car to writing about cars. He lives by his philosophy, "Tempest Fugit Momento Mori," reminding us all to treasure every moment. His infectious enthusiasm is sure to start your engines as he gives us a pe...
Is your health a priority? Need solid advice on how to keep your blood sugar levels in check and shed those extra pounds? Look no further! We're bringing you a fascinating discussion with the acclaimed author, William Shang, MD. His book, "The Thin Prediabetic: A Plant-Based Approach," have been great game changers. In our chat, he highlights the crucial role of plant-based supplements and fiber in maintaining blood...
Ready to revolutionize the way you think about weight loss and exercise? We promise you'll gain newfound insight as we chat with Dr. William Shang, sharing his personal journey and profound understanding of insulin resistance and weight management. Hear about the transformative role of exercise, particularly strength training, in boosting basal metabolic rate and preventing diabetes. Learn why building lean body mass is a game...
Are you ready to time travel through music? Join us on a captivating journey into the world of antique musical instruments with our special guest, Craig Darlak. A proud owner of the 1984 Bruins violino pan organ, Craig gives us a fascinating insight into the making and mechanics of this historical piece. We're also treated to some enchanting organ melodies that resonate through time.
But that's not all! We'...
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