Episode 138: Reporter Roundtable with Jeffrey Schweers
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
In the race to the end of this year's legislative session (or not), today's Reporter Roundtable features Jeffrey Schweers, capitol bureau reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. Jeff and Dara continue to dig into the House's probe of First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program, Hope Florida, and its affiliated charity, the Hope Florida Foundation. Jeff discusses what his investigations into the program and the nonprofit have revealed. The pair also expound on how the Hope Florida inquiry has affected the legislative session, which (sadly) won't conclude as scheduled next week....
info_outline
Episode 137: Reporter Roundtable with Alexandra Glorioso and Lawrence Mower
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
That's right, we're having another Reporter Roundtable -- this time with Capitol Press Corps dynamic duo Alexandra Glorioso (state government reporter, The Miami Herald) and Lawrence Mower (Tallahassee correspondent, Tampa Bay Times). The power couple (IRL, as well as in breaking news) join Dara in the Speakeasy to dive deep into their investigation into First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program, Hope Florida, and its affiliated charity, the Hope Florida Foundation, Inc. Alexandra, Lawrence and Dara also discuss the twists and turns of the Florida House's probe into the...
info_outline
Episode 136: Reporter Roundtable with Forrest Saunders and Jason Delgado
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
Back by popular demand, E.W. Scripps Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders & Spectrum News Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado rejoin Dara in the Speakeasy as we head into the last half of the 2025 legislative session. The highly caffeinated trio dig into the verbal fisticuffs exchanged by House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, and discuss this week's Winners and Losers. Is Hope Florida on the ropes? Come for the Super Smash Brothers and stay for dogs, moms, and conspiracy theories in the latest episode of Deeper Dive with Dara!
info_outline
Episode 135: Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, Part 2
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research might impact Florida institutes of higher learning. The former House member also shares his views on the university presidential search process. College athletes? Professor tenure? Join Deeper Dive with Dara for all that and so much more in the latest...
info_outline
Episode 134: Chancellor Ray Rodrigues
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for the first of a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research might impact Florida institutes of higher learning. The former House member also shares his views on the university presidential search process. College athletes? Professor tenure? Join Deeper Dive this week and next week for all that and...
info_outline
Episode 133: State Sen. Blaise "GovGoneWild" Ingoglia
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia joins Dara for a freewheeling chat about politics, legislation and rumors that he might be the state's next chief financial officer. Sen. Ingoglia also talks about his legacy as a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. The Spring Hill Republican shares some insights about Gov. Ron DeSantis that might surprise divas! Join Deeper Dive this week to discover what Blaise would do if he were king for a day, hear his take on a so-called proxy war between President Donald Trump and the governor, and much, much more.
info_outline
Episode 132: Legislative Check-in with House Speaker Daniel Perez & Senate President Ben Albritton
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, rejoin the show (for the first time since they've taken over as leaders in their respective chambers!) to give give Dara an update on the 2025 legislative session. Speaker Perez talks about the House's probe into reports that insurance industry leaders allegedly withheld critical information about their revenues as the Legislature passed a series of reforms aimed at stabilizing the property insurance market. President Albritton says the Senate will also launch dig into the issue. Hemp, condo reforms, help for...
info_outline
Episode 131: Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power Gets Disruptive
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power finally visits Dara in the Speakeasy to dish about DOGE, talk about the Sunshine State's political prominence and weigh in on the 2026 elections. Evan and Dara also discuss the impact President Donald Trump, aka the Disrupter in Chief, has had on GOP politics in Florida and the nation. The chairman gives his take on a move to eliminate property taxes and shrink local government. Plus, hemp, Crocs and much, much more!
info_outline
Episode 130: Reporter Roundtable with Forrest Saunders and Jason Delgado
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
They're baaaack! EW Scripps Capitol reporter Forrest Saunders and Spectrum News' Capitol reporter Jason Delgado -- two of Dara's fave Capitol cohorts -- join the Chief Diva in the Speakeasy to prep listeners for the upcoming multi-layered legislative session. The trio break down all things DOGE, dig into immigration and dissect the 2026 gubernatorial race. Key players? President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, just to name a few. Plus, snacks and shoes!
info_outline
Episode 129: Sen. Jennifer Bradley Classes Up the Show
Deeper Dive with Dara Kam
Senate Regulated Industries Chairwoman Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, joins Dara this week for a wide-ranging chat about issues facing Floridians. The senator dispels myths about recent efforts to strengthen condo safety laws and discusses a move to make structural-integrity reports more transparent. Sen. Bradley, who was instrumental in securing funding for improvements to the state's aged prisons, also shares insights about the third largest correctional system in the nation. The pair dig into decoupling, hearing aids and school start times. Stick around for snacks and golf!
info_outlineIn this week's Reporter Roundtable, state capital reporters Jason Delgado of Spectrum News and Forrest Saunders of EW Scripps join Dara in the Speakeasy for a fresh take on journalism, politics and so much more. How does social media affect broadcast news? Do TV reporters get more access to state leaders than print journos? What are real voters talking about on the campaign trail? Listen and find out! Plus, someone feels VERY strongly about Crocs ...