Water, Wildlife and Your Family's Future : Our At Risk Florida

In this episode of @TopOfMindFlorida , host Brian Crowley sits down with Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, for a no-holds-barred conversation on the environmental crossroads Florida faces.

From a controversial detention facility built in the heart of protected wetlands to the long-term consequences of unchecked development, Eve explains why the fight to protect the Everglades is more urgent than ever. She sheds light on the environmental laws being sidestepped, the significance of preserving aquifers, and how decisions made today will impact Florida’s water supply, economy, and quality of life tomorrow.

Eve also shares insights on the legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the challenges facing environmental advocates, and what it really means to “save the Everglades.” Whether you're a longtime Floridian or a newcomer, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the Everglades isn’t just a place on a map — it’s a vital part of our future.

Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg joins Brian Crowley on Top of Mind Florida to talk about conspiracy theories, Florida justice, court mistrust, and a broken Democratic Party in Florida.

From Epstein to DeSantis to addiction reform — it’s all here. @TopOfMindFlorida #floridajustice #brokendemocraticparty #davearonberg

Aronberg, a Democrat and onetime state legislator, engages in a revealing, in-depth discussion. From reflecting with Brian on his Miami upbringing and the challenges of being a state prosecutor to national topics like the jury system, Epstein files, and the politicization of courts, Aronberg offers insight with candor and wit.

He discusses his book "Fighting the Florida Shuffle", advocating for reform in the drug treatment industry, and opens up about life after public office — including his passion for animal rescue. Whether he’s debunking viral myths or joking about his beagle Geddy Lee, Aronberg brings thoughtful perspective to some of Florida’s most complex and controversial issues.

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Democracy:Crisis or Not

Dr. Charles Zelden is a History and Politics professor, at Nova SE University in South Florida. He sits down with Brian Crowley and Michael Williams to discuss the current constitutional debate in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Constitution amidst polarized politics. He highlights Trump Administration actions, and U.S. Supreme Court's decisions on Trump's policies, including immigration enforcement and due process. Zelden warns of the dangers of concentrating too much power in one branch of government and the potential for corruption and oppression. He also addresses the challenges students face in navigating misinformation and the importance of critical thinking in a digital age.

Angie Santalo, also known as "That Pink Science Teacher," has a social media following of more than 200,000 across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Angie's unique teaching style, which includes humor and visual aids, has made science engaging for her students. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and maintaining a balance between her social media presence and teaching responsibilities. Angie's impact extends beyond her classroom, inspiring both students and other teachers to be more spontaneous and engaging. #TopofMindFlorida #ThatPinkScienceTeacher #AngieSantalo #socialmediafollowers #teachers #studentengagement #media #storytelling #educationalimpact #classroomhumor #teacherinfluence #Tiktok #Youtube #Instagram #Miami

Michael Williams and Brian Crowley are joined by Joel Engelhardt, co-founder of Stet News. We talk about the state of Florida journalism and where it's at.

0:44

Joel describes Stet News, explains what it means, and how local newspapers are fading.

3:23

Joel says the nonprofit model is the future of journalism. The for-profit model is collapsing.

4:31

Discussing the mission of providing accurate, fair and unbiased news and information that helps readers hold public officials accountable.

7:20

About the documentaries program involving private citizens trained to monitor their local governments.

11:02

Sometimes the government tells the public what it is doing when it is too late to change it. News organizations are pushing back on behalf of the public by keeping them informed.

15:52

Brian talks about the public’s lack of access to public records, the decline of the Sunshine Law and difficulty the public has getting information they need.

23:30

More examples of the public being left in the dark. And the need to keep people informed.

27:22

The Crowley Closer.

In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Representative Toby Overdorf, from the Treasure Coast, joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a wide-ranging conversation on policy, politics, and personal reflections. Overdorf makes news by announcing his 2028 run for the Florida Senate and discusses legislative accomplishments—including his work to combat human trafficking, education reform to improve nursing school standards, and efforts to hold predatory institutions accountable. The conversation turns to pressing issues like Florida’s property tax structure, with Overdorf offering insights into proposed reforms and his leadership role in crafting a potential constitutional amendment. He addresses the ongoing affordability crisis, controversial development proposals in state parks, and the complex realities of immigration policy.

#TobyOverdorf #FloridaPolitics #TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaSenate #PropertyTaxes#AffordableFlorida #humantraffickingawareness

@topofmindflorida

Does AI Mean Bye-Bye to My Job? Why That Degree May Not Protect You

In this thought-provoking episode of Top of Mind Florida, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley are joined by cybersecurity expert Alan Crowetz, President and CEO of Infostream.cc

Together, they dive deep into the current reality and fast-approaching future of artificial intelligence — its promises, dangers, and disruptions. From AI’s impact on jobs, education, and healthcare to global power struggles and universal basic income, Alan breaks it down with insight, urgency, and humor. Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-wary, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

• AI is poised to disrupt nearly every white-collar profession — including law, finance, education, and medicine.
• Exponential growth in AI technology could outpace society’s ability to adapt, raising concerns about unemployment and economic stability.
• Real-world applications are already reshaping how we learn, access healthcare, and even receive therapy.
• The U.S. and China are locked in an AI "arms race" with global leadership and national security implications.
• Now is the time for individuals to engage with AI tools — before the learning curve grows too steep.

In this inspiring and urgent conversation, Top of Mind Florida hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley sit down with Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. From his personal journey as a cellist and arts advocate to navigating funding cuts, Dave shares how the arts shape lives, communities, and economies — and why the fight for Florida’s cultural future is more important than ever.

🎭 Learn how arts education impacts young minds, why artists are small business owners, and how AI is reshaping creativity.

🎨 Hear real stories of resilience and connection — including a powerful moment with a blind visitor at a tactile art exhibit.

💸 Explore what’s at stake in Florida and how you can help keep the arts alive.

Dave Lawrence emphasizes the broader impact of the arts on society, including cognitive development, social interaction, and community engagement.

Brian Crowley shares a personal experience with AI creating a song from a poem he wrote, raising questions about the role of AI in creativity.

Lawrence acknowledges the potential of AI to facilitate creativity but emphasizes the unique value of human expression in the arts.

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