I Am Lakeland®

Donald P. Burns
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Spreading love & kindness from Lakeland, Florida.

  1. 22h ago

    Brandon Moore a boxing champion and currently ranked #1 in the U.S. sits down with Don Burns.

    In this compelling episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down for an in-depth conversation with elite heavyweight boxer and Lakeland native Brandon Moore. Currently holding the title of boxing champion and ranked #1 in the United States, Brandon shares an inside look into his journey from local beginnings to rising through the professional boxing ranks on the national stage. Throughout the interview, Brandon opens up about the dedication, mindset, and intense training regimen required to perform at the highest levels of the sport. Don and Brandon dive into key milestones from his career, the physical and mental challenges of stepping into the ring, and the vital role community and family support play in sustaining long-term focus and drive. Beyond the gloves and accolades, the discussion highlights Brandon’s strong Lakeland roots, his commitment to serving as a positive role model for aspiring athletes, and his ultimate ambition to capture a world championship. Whether you are a boxing enthusiast or simply drawn to inspiring stories of athletic perseverance and local excellence, this episode offers a powerful and motivational look into what it truly takes to reach the top. Be sure to like, comment with your favorite takeaways, and subscribe to I Am Lakeland and @Ojbam for more deep dives with extraordinary individuals making an impact in our community and beyond. 163

    Brandon Moore a boxing champion and currently ranked #1 in the U.S. sits down with Don Burns.

  2. 1d ago

    Marie Spears of Skippity Do Daday explains her event Pins, Pals & Pixy Dust with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Marie Spears (known online as Skippy Doo Daday) to discuss her upcoming event, Pins, Pals & Pixie Dust, held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Marie shares how her lifelong passion for Disney and live pin-selling on platforms like Whatnot inspired her to create a welcoming, drama-free space for collectors. Designed for both seasoned traders and first-time enthusiasts, the event brings together the pin-trading community while also featuring unique fan-made Disney items, custom 3D-printed accessories, Loungefly gear, and Disney-inspired apparel. Throughout the conversation, Marie offers valuable tips for spotting authentic collectibles versus "scrapper" or counterfeit pins, highlighting the importance of educating buyers and building a supportive trading culture. The inaugural Pins, Pals & Pixie Dust event takes place on Sunday, October 11th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the RP Funding Center. Admission is $5 at the door (which covers parking), and vendor tables are available for Disney creators and collectors. Whether you are looking to trade Disney, Universal, or pop culture pins, pick up one-of-a-kind fan creations, or simply connect with fellow enthusiasts, this family-friendly event brings the magic of the collector community right to Lakeland. 162

    Marie Spears of Skippity Do Daday explains her event Pins, Pals & Pixy Dust with Don Burns.

  3. Sep 8

    Jeremiah & Adriana of Longest Table Lakeland sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode, host Don Burns sits down with community organizers Jeremiah Washington and Adriana Eraso to discuss the inaugural Longest Table Lakeland event. Inspired by a post-pandemic grassroots movement in New York that brought hundreds together over a shared meal, Longest Table Lakeland is designed to unite residents from all walks of life, break bread together, and turn strangers into neighbors.Taking place on Saturday, November 14th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Main Street in downtown Lakeland will transform into a single gathering space featuring 81 continuous tables and 700 chairs centered around Munn Park, right alongside the Saturday Downtown Farmers Market.Tables are hosted by local businesses, non-profits, and civic leaders serving as table captains. Attendees can enjoy a wide array of free activities and amenities, including:Complimentary Food & Treats: Free hot dogs, chips, and water provided by Citizens Bank, along with ice cream and popsicles from local partners. Family Fun & Entertainment: Bounce houses in Munn Park, a free photo booth, music from DJ Mini, special live performances including saxophonist Jazz Hamilton, and on-site vow renewals. Downtown Mural Scavenger Hunt: An interactive downtown hunt celebrating newly unveiled city murals with opportunities to win local prizes. Giving Back: Attendees are encouraged to bring personal hygiene products for donation to support local community members in need.Registration is free via the official website and Eventbrite, though anyone strolling through downtown or the Farmers Market is welcome to walk over and take a seat. The team is also actively welcoming volunteers to help make this impactful gathering a success and establish it as an annual Lakeland tradition. 161 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-longest-table-lakeland-tickets-1992449411826aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true longesttablelakeland.com #longesttablelakeland #lakelandlongesttable #longesttablelkld #lakelandlove Registration is free via the official website and Eventbrite, though anyone strolling through downtown or the Farmers Market is welcome to walk over and take a seat. The team is also actively welcoming volunteers to help make this impactful gathering a success and establish it as an annual Lakeland tradition.

    Jeremiah & Adriana of Longest Table Lakeland sits down with Don Burns.

  4. Sep 2

    Jason Cropper of Cropper Consultancy sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Jason Cropper, the driving force behind Cropper Consultancy, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, strategic business growth, and making a lasting impact in the local community. Throughout the interview, Jason shares his professional journey, breaking down the core principles that guide Cropper Consultancy’s approach to helping businesses navigate challenges, scale operations, and achieve sustainable success. Don and Jason dive deep into the mindset required to lead effectively in today’s evolving market, discussing everything from the importance of clear vision and strategic planning to building strong client relationships and fostering local collaboration. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner looking to sharpen your strategy, or simply passionate about the leaders shaping our community, this conversation offers practical takeaways, actionable business advice, and inspiration to help you elevate your own endeavors. 160

    Jason Cropper of Cropper Consultancy sits down with Don Burns.

  5. Aug 28

    Britt Olson a personal coach sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Britt Olson—integrative health coach, wellness strategist, and founder of Britt Olson LLC—to explore holistic wellness, nervous system regulation, and authentic content messaging. Britt shares her journey from managing high-profile corporate VIP events in New York City to discovering her true passion for health, community, and personal alignment. She opens up about overcoming burnout, navigating major life and career transitions, and the pivotal moments that led her to launch her coaching practice. Throughout their conversation, Don and Britt dive into the connection between modern lifestyle stressors, inflammation, and overall well-being. Britt explains the vital importance of "slowing down to speed up"—shifting the body out of chronic fight-or-flight into rest and digest—and shares practical tools like breath work, mindfulness, and staying grounded in the present moment. Additionally, Britt details how she combines her strategic marketing background with authentic storytelling, revealing how creators and entrepreneurs can connect deeply with their ideal audience without losing their true identity in trends. 159

    Britt Olson a personal coach sits down with Don Burns.

  6. Jul 13

    Author, JP Sims of Three Loves sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with local author J.P. Sims to discuss his journey from a storyteller in training to a published novelist. Sims shares the inspiration behind his debut book, Three Loves, a coming-of-age romance that follows a protagonist through three pivotal relationships spanning over 20 years. He describes the story as a blend of romance, comedy, action, and drama, heavily influenced by his own experiences growing up in Lakeland and attending the University of South Florida. J.P. reflects on how a creative writing course at Lakeland High School first ignited his passion for writing. Despite life’s many responsibilities, he continued to fill notebooks with ideas for decades. It wasn't until the passing of his father in 2023 that he felt the urgency to finally finish and publish his work. He discusses the intense process of rewriting and refining the manuscript with the help of fellow local artists and publishers, emphasizing that while the book is fictional, it captures the nostalgia of 2000s Lakeland, featuring iconic local spots like Merchants Walk and Palace Pizza. The conversation also touches on the success Sims has found as an indie author, with his book maintaining high ratings on major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He expresses deep gratitude for the support of the Lakeland community and shares his excitement for upcoming local events and future projects, including two more novels already in development. 158

    Author, JP Sims of Three Loves sits down with Don Burns.

  7. Jul 6

    Michele Cash a financial advisor sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Michele Cash, a financial advisor at Allen & Company, for an engaging conversation about her journey, the importance of financial planning, and her deep involvement in the Lakeland community. Michele shares her transition from a background in fitness and campus recreation to becoming a financial advisor. She emphasizes that whether she’s teaching a group fitness class at Crunch or helping a client plan for retirement, her core passion remains the same: helping people find their "aha moment." She discusses how Allen & Company, the oldest investment firm in Florida, focuses on building long-term relationships and providing clarity through intimate financial guidance. Michele highlights her upcoming YouTube channel, "Clarity with Cash," and her "Coffee with Cash" sessions at Cohatch and Mitchell's Coffee House, where she meets community members one-on-one. She also discusses her involvement with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and Polk County Women Mean Business, including initiatives like the "Confidence Closet." 157

    Michele Cash a financial advisor sits down with Don Burns.

  8. Jun 29

    Dwight & Rebecca MacPherson of MAD SCOT Media sit down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with the creative powerhouse couple behind MAD SCOT Media, Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson. The conversation journeys through their fascinating personal histories, from their roots in Michigan and New York to the unique way they met—a story that sounds like it was pulled straight from one of Dwight’s scripts. Dwight, a former Army combat medic and prolific writer, shares how his military service in South Korea and Fort Hood shaped his storytelling. Interestingly, it was his comic book, Dead Men Tell No Tales, that eventually brought him and Rebecca together. Rebecca, an independent producer with a background in theater and PR in Los Angeles, discovered Dwight’s work in a comic shop, leading to a three-hour phone call that changed their lives. The MacPhersons discuss their transition to Lakeland and the evolution of their creative business. They dive into their transition from comics to novels, highlighting their latest projects under the MAD SCOT Media banner. Dwight introduces his “Wadzi Cycle,” a series of atmospheric horror novels set in a fictionalized Northern Michigan town. He describes the series as a blend of The Twilight Zone, H.P. Lovecraft, and Stephen King, exploring themes of memory, legacy, and generational trauma. 156

    Dwight & Rebecca MacPherson of MAD SCOT Media sit down with Don Burns.
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Spreading love & kindness from Lakeland, Florida.

Information

  • Creator
    Donald P. Burns
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Donald P. Burns
  • Show Website
    I Am Lakeland®
  • Provider
    Donald Patrick Burns