Top of Mind Florida is where we mix Headlines, Hard Questions and Humor with stories that matter.

This week, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley talk with a Florida rocket engineer from L3Harris Aerojet Rocketdyne who helps lead the Artemis mission. She shares her inspiring path from Wellington High School to FAU to the frontlines of America’s space program, managing the RL-10 engine that powers spacecraft into lunar orbit.

She opens up about:

• Overcoming barriers in a male-dominated field
• The mentors who shaped her career
• How diversity fuels better problem-solving
• Florida’s role in the future of space exploration
• Inspiring students to dream bigger in STEM

From rocket launches that never get old to her mission of motivating the next generation, this conversation is about purpose, perseverance, and progress.

• #FloridaEducation
• #STEMInspiration
• #TopOfMindFlorida

In this 15th edition of Top of Mind Florida, veteran journalists Michael Williams and Brian Crowley reflect on why they launched the show and the value of mixing tough political discussion with personal storytelling. They share lighter moments from their careers — from newsroom lessons to campaign trail humor and even a brush with Ronald Reagan — while underscoring why thoughtful conversations still matter.

The discussion then turns serious as the hosts examine political decisions, Florida’s ongoing redistricting debates, and the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz.” They highlight how nationalized politics often overshadows local issues like affordability, elder care, and hurricane preparedness. With warmth, wit, and decades of journalistic experience, Michael and Brian deliver a thoughtful and entertaining half-hour that informs while encouraging listeners to think for themselves.

#FloridaPolitics #TopOfMindFlorida #PublicAffairsPodcast #FloridaNews #HeadlinesHardQuestions

Summary Bullet Points

• Michael Williams & Brian Crowley reflect on launching Top of Mind Florida
• Mixing humor with serious political and cultural analysis
• From Reagan’s hair to campaign trail anecdotes
• Governor DeSantis, redistricting, and Florida politics today
• The Alligator Alcatraz controversy and its implications
• Why local issues like affordability, elder care, and hurricane prep matter most

Nonprofit law expert Philip DiComo, who facilitated the WXEL-WPBT merger creating South Florida PBS, breaks down the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcasting. From his unique perspective as both a former PBS executive and attorney, DiComo explains why the recent Congressional rescission threatens the backbone of America's Emergency Broadcasting System and essential educational programming.

Discover innovative survival strategies including immersive exhibits, enhanced underwriting, and digital pivots that stations are using to stay afloat. DiComo addresses the political bias debate, explains why rural and underserved communities face the biggest threat, and reveals how public media lost touch with local supporters. Plus insights on the future of nonprofit media, AI's impact on legal practice, and why some stations get 60% of revenue from federal sources while others get only 6%.

Essential listening for nonprofit leaders, media professionals, and anyone concerned about public broadcasting's survival in the digital age.

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.

@topofmindflorida

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.