With the longest coastline in the continental U.S. and 825 miles of warm beaches, Florida has a lot of shoreline to protect. That's where Pepper Uchino comes in.

As president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, he leads the state's only organization devoted entirely to safeguarding the coastlines that make Florida so special. And with beach and waterfront activities among the most popular draws for out-of-state visitors, the state's natural beauty isn't just scenic – it's essential to our economy.

In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway talks with Pepper about his unexpected path into environmental advocacy and why investing in the next generation of coastal engineers may be the key to preserving Florida's future.

How is Palm Beach County reshaping mental health care? On this episode of Fluent in Floridian, Health Care District CEO Darcy J. Davis and Dr. Courtney Phillips share how passion and innovation are changing the game - from crisis response to long-term care. Together, they're building a model that not only treats mental health challenges but also restores dignity and saves lives.

From a childhood spent playing with snakes to leading some of Florida's most innovative wildlife programs, Keith Winsten shares his journey in conservation and immersive animal experiences.

As executive director of the Brevard Zoo, which welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, he helps rehabilitate sea turtles and manatees, restore habitats and create exciting adventures for visitors. In this episode, Keith and SMPR President Heidi Otway discuss how he inspires people to get outside and connect with Florida's natural beauty.

Talethia Edwards is shaping the future of neighborhoods throughout Florida's Big Bend region. As executive director of Good News Outreach, she works to connect residents with critical resources that help communities flourish.

In this episode, Talethia talks with SMPR President Heidi Otway about her path from Miami to the state capital, and why she believes investing and advocating for people is the foundation for real, lasting change.

Cybercrime is rising, and Danny Jenkins is one of Florida's first lines of defense.

As co-founder and CEO of ThreatLocker, Danny leads a global cybersecurity company headquartered right here in Florida, protecting more than 50,000 businesses from digital threats that grow more sophisticated each day.

In this episode, Danny shares his journey with SMPR President Heidi Otway from the UK to the Sunshine State and how he's helping businesses and communities stay secure. From the future of cybersecurity in Florida to the importance of staying one step ahead, Danny offers a powerful look at what it means to protect the digital landscape of the state we call home.

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.

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.

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 lovers.

Tune in to hear how James is shaping the future of film in Miami and discover how you can help keep the industry alive.