112. NAMI Florida Executive Director Carali McLean
Fluent in Floridian
What does it really take to build hope, support and lasting change in the mental health space? Carali McLean, executive director of NAMI Florida, has some ideas. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway sits down with Carali, a lifelong advocate whose journey from Pinellas County to statewide leadership is rooted in a core belief: asking for help is a strength. They discuss her early work in clinical social work, Florida’s evolving mental health landscape, and NAMI’s role in supporting communities from big cities to rural towns.
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111. President + CEO of Conservation FL Traci Deen
Fluent in Floridian
Traci Deen has dedicated her career to advocating for Florida, first as a public defender and now as the CEO of Conservation Florida, a nonprofit focused on preserving the state’s water, land and wildlife. With over 34 million acres of land, Florida’s ecosystems are central to the state’s identity. But now, more than ever, they need our protection. In this episode, Traci sits down with SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey, what drives her passion, and why every Floridian has a role in protecting this special place they call home.
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110. Miami Film Festival Executive Director James Woolley
Fluent in Floridian
In this episode, SMPR President and Partner Heidi Otway sits down with James Woolley, a lifelong film enthusiast and executive director of the Miami Film Festival. He shares his journey from studying film management to gaining global festival experience and now curating a lineup that celebrates Miami’s rich culture. James shares that film festivals are more than just watching movies. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, opportunities to hear from filmmakers, and the chance to ask questions to rising stars. All while experiencing Oscar-worthy cinema alongside fellow movie...
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109. ESPN Commentator & Reporter Tiffany Greene
Fluent in Floridian
In this inspiring episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway sits down with Tiffany Greene, a proud FAMU alumna and trailblazing ESPN play-by-play commentator. As a Tampa native, Tiffany shares how her father’s influence and her passion for storytelling led her from FAMU’s broadcast journalism program to making history as the first African American woman to call NCAA football on a major network. From her early days as a local TV reporter to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in HBCU football, Tiffany opens up about the challenges and successes of being a woman in sports media. Plus, she...
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108. Guadalupe Center President & CEO Dawn Montecalvo
Fluent in Floridian
One of Florida's most successful early learning models can be found where you may least expect it – a rural, multicultural community in South Florida with a population of 34,000 people. Immokalee is home to Guadalupe Center, where educators are breaking the poverty cycle and shaping childrens’ futures through innovative educational programs. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway chats with Guadalupe Center CEO Dawn Montecalvo about her inspiring transition from film studies to the nonprofit industry, and the importance of early childhood education in strengthening communities. ...
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107. FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr
Fluent in Floridian
Florida may be best known for its beaches and tourism, but it is also a manufacturing powerhouse. In this episode, seasoned manufacturing expert and FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to chat about this growing industry. The word "manufacturing" is often associated primarily with cars, but it encompasses everything around you, from chocolate and medical devices to cheesecakes and everyday essentials. Tune in to hear Kevin map out how vital manufacturing is in creating self-sufficiency and strengthening Florida’s economy.
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106. President & CEO of Florida's Great Northwest Jennifer Conoley
Fluent in Floridian
In this special homecoming episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway is joined by Jennifer Conoley, former SMPR intern and now president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. Jennifer shares her journey from studying Public Relations at Florida State University to becoming a self-taught economic developer, driven by her passion for creating diverse, high-wage jobs. Tune in to learn about Jennifer’s vision for promoting the region’s thriving industries and how the Panhandle is more than its famous beaches but rather a hub of diverse job opportunities and economic potential.
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105. Legendary Sports Broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff
Fluent in Floridian
SMPR Founder and CEO April Salter sits down with legendary sports broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff. Deckerhoff shares highlights of his decades-long career, calling electrifying Florida State Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and memorable moments with icons such as Coach Bobby Bowden and Burt Reynolds. Deckerhoff also shares insights into the evolving media landscape, the challenges of breaking into the broadcast industry, and his personal experiences that shaped his career. Tune in to hear Gene’s inspiring stories and his thoughts on staying connected to community values while...
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104. Orlando Leader & Founder of Dick Batchelor Management Group Dick Batchelor
Fluent in Floridian
SMPR founder and CEO April Salter chats with Dick Batchelor, founder of Dick Batchelor Management Group. Dick shares his journey from citrus farming and activism during the Vietnam War to becoming one of the youngest members of the Florida House of Representatives. He also gives listeners a glimpse into his latest book, Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times: A Road Map for Community Leaders, offering practical strategies for tackling grassroots issues.
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103. Children’s Forum President & CEO Erin Smeltzer
Fluent in Floridian
Children aren’t just our future – they’re also our present. That’s why SMPR President Heidi Otway sat down to talk with Children’s Forum President and CEO Erin Smeltzer, an advocate for quality early childhood education for young students across the country. Inspired by her mother’s impact as the first female first responder in her county, Erin knew she wanted to make a life-long difference in her community. But it wasn’t until she discovered her passion for public policy and early learning that she found she could advocate for childhood education. After starting her career as a...
info_outlineTraci Deen has dedicated her career to advocating for Florida, first as a public defender and now as the CEO of Conservation Florida, a nonprofit focused on preserving the state’s water, land and wildlife. With over 34 million acres of land, Florida’s ecosystems are central to the state’s identity. But now, more than ever, they need our protection.
In this episode, Traci sits down with SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey, what drives her passion, and why every Floridian has a role in protecting this special place they call home.