Episodes

  • The Skunk Ape: Florida's Bigfoot
    Oct 29 2025

    Halloween is coming soon and there are almost as many scary stories about Florida to be told than there are waves at a beach. And it seems that some of them may be true.

    Yes, I know, legends abound everywhere but in Florida we grow them big, loud, and...smelly?

    You've heard of Bigfoot? Sasquatch? The Abominable Snowman? Well get ready to meet, our very own Skunk Ape.

    Join me for another TALK Down Memory Lane as we explore another of the many Tales From South Florida.

    Related Episode - Haunted South Florida:

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260646/episodes/14045911

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    14 mins
  • From Hollywood to Hollywood: Interview with Hometown Filmmaker Joseph Greco
    Oct 24 2025

    Hollywood, Florida is turning 100 this year! But what do you get a city that’s celebrating a full century of sunshine, stories, and South Florida style?

    In this special centennial episode, we’re honoring one of Hollywood’s own — a hometown talent who traded our palm-lined boulevards for the glitz of Hollywood, California. It’s a journey that bridges two coasts and two versions of the same dream: from the beaches of Broward County to the backlots of the entertainment capital of the world.

    Take a TALK Down Memory Lane as Bill Monty speaks with Joseph Greco — writer, director, producer, and filmmaker. In 2006, Joseph released his award-winning film Canvas, starring Marcia Gay Harden and Joe Pantoliano, filmed right here in South Florida. The story, based on Joseph’s childhood memories, beautifully captures the heart and soul of our community — featuring familiar neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks that Hollywood locals will instantly recognize.

    And here’s the best part: on November 1 at 7:30 p.m., Canvas will be shown at Cinema Paradiso in Downtown Hollywood, followed by a Q&A session with Joseph Greco and some of the film’s producers and crew. It’s sure to be an unforgettable evening, and you’re invited!

    🎟️ Tickets are free but limited, so right after you listen to this episode, visit cinemahollywood.org/cinema to reserve your spot and maybe we'll meet because I will be there too.

    Mentioned in this episode: Growing Up in South Florida:

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260646/episodes/14845263-growing-up-in-south-florida

    Making Lemonade Out of Lemons:

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2192481/episodes/17643192-when-life-hands-you-lemons




    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    47 mins
  • Haunted South Florida: Part 1
    Oct 14 2025

    In this special episode, we explore a couple of haunted Tales from South Florida for you.

    First up, The Biltmore Hotel where a mischievous mobster murdered in 1929 likes playing elevator man with the ladies. But is he a smooth operator? And what's up with those spectral flashers in the hospital gowns?

    Next, we travel to Broward County to learn about six spirits who just may make your next visit to the Stranahan House more interesting than you thought possible. Or impossible.
    Please Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe#

    1.3.24

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    14 mins
  • Gambling SoFla Style: Jai Alai, Cruises to Nowhere, and Old Time Casinos
    Oct 1 2025

    The history of gambling in South Florida is as colorful as it is nostalgic. On this TALK Down Memory Lane, we dive into the world of smoky jai alai frontons, the thrill of betting on Joey and other players, and those unforgettable “cruises to nowhere” where the real destination was the blackjack table.

    From Meyer Lansky and the mob’s early casinos in Hallandale, to the neon-lit days of the SeaEscape and SunCruz ships, all the way to the modern Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, South Florida has always been rolling the dice on chance, money, and dreams.

    So, grab your chips, place your bets, and take a gamble with us on this episode of Tales From South Florida.

    #SouthFloridaHistory #MiamiNostalgia #FloridaCasinos #JaiAlai #MeyerLansky #HardRockCasino

    Mentioned in this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260646/episodes/14707224

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    14 mins
  • Happy International Podcast Day!
    Sep 30 2025

    We're celebrating International Podcast Day today! Thank you for your support of my podcasts, Tales from South Florida and Bill Monty's Guide for Getting Older, BUT, if you've ever wondered what I listen to, I'm gonna tell you here.

    I hope that you will give these independent podcasters a listen because they are the heart and soul of podcasting around the world.

    So, hit that play button and let's get started.

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    11 mins
  • WPLG Local 10 Breaks Free: A New Era in South Florida Broadcasting
    Sep 17 2025

    On August 4, 2025, South Florida media history was made. After more than 60 years as a major TV network affiliate, WPLG Local 10 boldly stepped away to reinvent itself as an independent powerhouse in Miami-Fort Lauderdale broadcasting.

    What really happened behind the scenes? Why now? And what does this bold move mean for the future of local television in South Florida?

    In this episode of Tales From South Florida, I sit down with WPLG’s Director of Community Relations, Mayte Padron, to uncover the story behind this seismic shift. Together, we’ll explore the station’s vision, its role in the community, and what viewers can expect in this new era of South Florida broadcasting.

    So grab a cool drink, settle into your favorite chair (or hop on that elliptical), and join me for an inside look at the transformation of WPLG Local 10 News.

    #SouthFlorida #Miami #FortLauderdale #Broadcasting #WPLG #Local10 #TelevisionHistory #SouthFloridaNews #Media #Podcast

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    31 mins
  • The Gilded Age of South Florida: Addison Mizner
    Sep 10 2025

    In this episode of Tales From South Florida, we wrap up our series on the Gilded Age of South Florida with my favorite figure from that era: Addison Mizner. And "character" is the perfect word to describe him.

    From humble beginnings to becoming the visionary architect of Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Mizner had no formal training in architecture, yet he went on to design some of Florida’s most iconic landmarks. His story is one of determination, creativity, perseverance, and a little bit of luck. Along the way, he mingled with the rich and famous, left his imprint on Florida’s Gold Coast, and shaped the glamorous lifestyle that would define the region for decades.

    And of course, no story about Addison would be complete without mentioning his colorful brother, Wilson Mizner, whose antics were just as legendary.

    Take a TALK down Memory Lane as we dive into this unforgettable tale of ambition, artistry, and South Florida history.

    #TalesFromSouthFlorida #SouthFloridaHistory #AddisonMizner #PalmBeachHistory #BocaRaton #FloridaArchitecture #WilsonMizner #GildedAge #FloridaHistoryPodcast

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    14 mins
  • The Gilded Age of South Florida: Carl Fisher
    Aug 28 2025

    The Gilded Age Series

    Step into the riveting saga of Carl Fisher, a visionary from Indiana whose passion for bicycles blossomed into an unparalleled legacy. From pioneering the Indianapolis Speedway to constructing the nation's inaugural East-West highway and later the groundbreaking Dixie Highway, Carl's relentless drive reshaped the American landscape.

    But his most daring venture awaited in Miami Beach, where he sought to craft a utopian getaway. Join host Bill Monty as he unveils the remarkable journey of a man whose boundless imagination knew no bounds.

    Yet, amidst the glimmer of his triumphs, shadows lurk. Discover the gripping unraveling of his dreams in a tale as tumultuous as it is captivating.

    5.20.24

    Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

    Support the show

    Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
    Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
    Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

    Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

    Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
    at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

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    9 mins