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Mikes on Mic

Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower

108 episodes

6 days ago

This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in revitalizing the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play. In this conversation, Brian shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with urban development. He'll talk about the strategies bein...

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Society & Culture,

All content for Mikes on Mic is the property of Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in revitalizing the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play. In this conversation, Brian shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with urban development. He'll talk about the strategies bein...

Show more...

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/108)

Mikes on Mic

Overcoming Racial Challenges: How Sheriff Nathaniel Glover Transformed His Life

In this captivating episode our guest, Nathaniel Glover, shares his powerful and inspirational story. From a traumatic encounter with racism to becoming a sheriff, Nathaniel's journey is filled with resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice. Tune in as he discusses his experiences with the criminal justice system, his path to law enforcement, and the pivotal moments that shaped his life. Join us as we delve into topics of racial inequality, personal growth, and ...

1 day ago

35 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Developing and reimagining downtown Jacksonville with Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll

This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in revitalizing the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play. In this conversation, Brian shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with urban development. He'll talk about the strategies bein...

1 week ago

32 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Jacksonville’s Parks Under Pressure: Safeguarding Natural Beauty and Historic Sites

Do you love Jacksonville’s parks or wonder how our local green spaces survive under constant pressure from funding cuts and development? Today we sit down with acclaimed Times Union columnist and author Mark Woods for a revealing conversation about the past, present, and future of our treasured parks. Together, they discuss the pivotal roles played by influential figures like Congressman Charlie Bennett and passionate advocates Barbara Goodman and Mark Middlebrook. Mark shares uni...

2 weeks ago

28 minutes

Mikes on Mic

TA launches the Bay St. Innovation Corridor service

It's said that Jacksonville is a "City on the Move! Well there's no better example of that than JTA's U2C project, a three-phase program revolutionizing public transportation in Jacksonville. Launched on June 30th, the first phase of the project features autonomous shuttles running on Bay St. in downtown Jacksonville between the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center and the sports and entertainment district near the stadium. JTA's CEO, Nat Ford again joins the Mikes to discuss th...

3 weeks ago

31 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Unpacking the city's $2 Billion proposed 2025-26 annual budget

Welcome to Mikes On Mic — the podcast where Jacksonville talks politics, policy, and the people shaping our city. This week, we’re celebrating our 2nd anniversary with a deep dive into Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed $2 billion city budget for 2025-26. Joining us is Mike Mendenhall, Associate Editor of JAXToday, to unpack where the money’s going — and what it means for you. We’re talking about the Mayor’s $10 million plan to address homelessness, o...

4 weeks ago

30 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Inside Jacksonville’s City Council: Mike Gay on Campaign Challenges, Party Divides & Stadium Deal

Welcome to another exciting episode of Mikes on Mic. This week, Councilman Mike Gay. We discuss how he overcame strong opposition and a flood of attack ads to win his campaign. His strong values guided him through a tough race. Join the Mikes as they examine Gay’s lone 'no' vote on Jacksonville's massive $1.4 billion stadium deal. They explore his practical approach to fiscal conservatism and the changes within the city’s Republican Party. Gay also sheds light on local infrastructure proj...

1 month ago

25 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Dr. Rahman Johnson on Redistricting, Race & Jacksonville’s Evolving Politics

This week, we chat with our dear friend, Dr. Rahman Johnson. He’s a City Councilman, award-winning broadcaster, educator, and true Renaissance man. Dr. Johnson shares his journey from Jacksonville neighborhoods to becoming the first person of color and the first Democrat to represent District 14 since consolidation. He discusses running for office during a messy redistricting and navigating political divides at City Hall. His background in media, education, and the railroad gives ...

1 month ago

27 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Inside Jacksonville: Mayor’s Leadership, Stadium Deal, and City Council Power Plays

Last week, we spoke with Mayor Donna Deegan. Today, we’ll break down that meeting. We’ll reflect on her leadership style, coalition building, and big wins. These include the stadium contract talks and impressive downtown growth. We’ll also discuss the often dynamic—and sometimes dramatic—relationship between the Mayor and the Republican-led city council. A new council president is ready to take charge. Plus, we’ll cover hot topics from a UNF poll. It shows high approval for the Mayor but gr...

1 month ago

19 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Celebrating Mikes on Mic's 100th episode with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan

The focus of Mikes on Mic has been on the city of Jacksonville. We follow the politics of the city and projects and events that affect our quality of life. As we celebrate our 100th episode we again invited Mayor Donna Deegan to review with us all that's been done in her first two years of her administration and what she enters her third year. Join the celebration this week on Mikes on Mic. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Po...

1 month ago

25 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Unpacking the latest UNF polling numbers of local politics

The numbers go up and the numbers go down. And sometimes it's found that the most important issues are no longer what we've seen in the past. Joining the Mikes again this week is UNF Political Science and Public Administration professor Michael Binder. Dr. Binder is also the director of the highly respected Public Opinion Research Laboratory. The PORL has been tracking polling numbers for Mayor Deegan, the City Council and sheriff since they took office. While the latest polling numbers are q...

2 months ago

20 minutes

Mikes on Mic

An in-depth and often times humorous conversation with recently retired meteorologist Tim Deegan

This week the Mikes have a candid and often humorous conversation with Tim Deegan. Tim discusses his 43 yrs at First Coast News, his relationships with other TV meteorologists in Jacksonville and a glimpse into the discussions with his wife, Donna, about her decision to run for mayor. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731 Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show...

2 months ago

45 minutes

Mikes on Mic

The University of Florida in Jacksonville and Firearms in City Hall

Florida Times Union Reporter David Bauerlein joins the Mikes to discuss how the University of Florida may increase its presence in Jacksonville, thanks to major investments by both the City and private developers. Bauerlein also weighs in on the controversial story emerging at City Hall concerning carrying firearms there. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731 ...

2 months ago

32 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Jacksonville's business community is booming

We're seeing cranes all over downtown Jacksonville. Construction is thriving in every part of the 844 sq miles of the city. Our population has surpassed one million residents and the seven county region is approaching two million residents. Following all of this is 45 year business reporter Karen Mathis, Editor of the Jacksonville Daily Record. Karen takes us through the business history of Jacksonville and gives us a glimpse of Jacksonville's future. Tune in to the show on your favorite Pod...

2 months ago

26 minutes

Mikes on Mic

How Politics Changed: Former Mayor Elaine Brown’s Take After Years in Office

Former Jacksonville Council member, and former Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown shares her thoughts and impressions on how politics have changed over the years of her extensive public service. There aren't many people who can claim to have spent eight years on the Jacksonville City Council, then eight years as Mayor of Neptune Beach, and now newly appointed board member of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Elaine Brown has served our community with endless energy since first ...

3 months ago

26 minutes

Mikes on Mic

The evolution of the Florida Times Union between 2003 and 2025

This week's guest on Mikes on Mic is Mary Kelli Palka, former executive editor of the Times Union. Mary Kelli joined the TU in 2003 as a staff reporter, later as Investigative Editor and finally as Executive Editor. She talks about the challenges for a daily paper, the shrinking number of staff reporters, the changing ownership and the increasing role of online editions. Mary Kelli's current position is Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications and Initiatives for UNF...

3 months ago

39 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Cracks in the GOP: State legislators and the Governor spar over tax cuts and tourism.

The usually united Governor and the Republican dominated legislature forces the 2025 session into overtime or special session to iron out tax differences, including the bed taxes which partially fund Visit Jacksonville and other cities tourist marketing organizations to a standstill. Visit Jacksonville's CEO Michael Corrigan joins the Mikes to discuss the ramifications if those tax dollars are no longer allowed to be used for tourist marketing. Tune in to the show on...

3 months ago

28 minutes

Mikes on Mic

UNF’s Michael Binder Unpacks the Political Drama Dividing Florida—from Jacksonville's City Hall to Tallahassee

UNF Professor Michael Binder returns to Mikes on Mic to share his thoughts on the current political climate in Tallahassee as the governor finds his influence on the legislature waning. Dr. Binder also gives his assessment of Democrat Mayor Deegan's first 22 months and her relationship with the super majority Republican City Council and her priorities for the next two years. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcast...

3 months ago

23 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Inside Jacksonville with Mayor Donna Deegan!

Join Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower as they sit down for an in-depth conversation with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, broadcasting live from her office in City Hall. Mayor Deegan reflects on her first 22 months, since taking office in July 2023). They dive into crucial topics facing Jacksonville. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731 Spotify link: http...

4 months ago

20 minutes

Mikes on Mic

From Polling to Frontlines: Bruce Barcelo’s Mission Shift in Ukraine’s Darkest Hour

Mikes on Mic welcomes political strategist-turned-humanitarian Bruce Barcelo for a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at how one nonprofit transformed overnight when war broke out in Ukraine. When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Bruce—an American pollster with three decades of ties to the country—didn’t just watch the headlines. He answered the call. Alongside his team at P4 for Open Democracy, Bruce pivoted from democratic reform and polling to urgent, life-saving aid in one of th...

4 months ago

21 minutes

Mikes on Mic

Jacksonville political pollster's thoughts on his long relationship with Ukraine

Jacksonville's Bruce Barcelo has had a personal relationship consulting the government of Ukraine since before the Russian invasion three years ago. Bruce joins the Mikes this week and next with his observations about Ukraine's independence from the former Soviet Union and helping them in their democratization process and their elections. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-m...

4 months ago

25 minutes