Let's Talk Lauderdale

Jen Stewart, Uncle Marv
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Let's Talk Lauderdale gives you a front-row seat to the stories, people, and pulse of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Each episode, we dive deep into the issues shaping our vibrant community, from innovative transportation solutions and local business growth to the cultural trends and civic challenges that make Lauderdale unique.

  1. Jun 1

    Why Fort Lauderdale Is Booming in 2026

    Fort Lauderdale is not the same sleepy beach town you remember, and this week we unpack why it suddenly feels like the city hit fast forward. I walk you through everything from the Florida Air and Sea Show roaring over the coastline to the Great American Beach Party on Las Olas, plus the big economic headline about a Fortune 500 logistics company eyeing a headquarters move to our backyard with 150 high-paying jobs on the table. We get into the nuts and bolts of the projects that will actually change how you move through the city: a controversial new city hall price tag, a fifth terminal at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Broward County’s multi-billion-dollar Primo transit network connecting downtown to Miami, the airport, Port Everglades, and more. If you care about traffic, commuting, or where the next business hubs will pop up, this is your roadmap. Then we zoom into the neighborhoods, from the half-billion-dollar Fat Village redevelopment in Flagler Village to luxury living along the Riverwalk with projects like Six and Rio and Astor Park. I round things out with your summer game plan: Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations, concerts at the War Memorial and Hard Rock, recurring jazz brunches, waterfront markets, trivia nights, art museum evenings, and events in Pompano and beyond that keep the region feeling like one big community. Chapters 00:21 Air Show and City Buzz 00:58 Memorial Day and Economic News 02:23 Food Scene Highlights 03:23 Major Development Projects 05:58 Airport and Transit Expansion 07:00 Summer Events Calendar 08:54 Weekly Recurring Events 11:37 Sign-Off and Subscription Reminder === Summer Recurring Events Sunday Jazz Brunch: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar Big Sunday Energy at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com/events/ Pioneer Wednesdays at Historic Stranahan House: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar Huizenga Park Trivia Night: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar 2 for 1 Martini Thursdays at The Wharf: https://wharfftl.com/events/ Sunny Days/Starry Nights at NSU Art Museum: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar Happy Hour at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com/events/ Old Town Untapped in Pompano: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar Seaciety Saturdays at The Wharf: https://wharfftl.com/events/ Flamingo Flea at Tarpon River Brewing: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    13 min
  2. How Children’s Harbor Helps Broward Teens

    May 30

    How Children’s Harbor Helps Broward Teens

    I had a powerful conversation with Children’s Harbor Chief Development Officer, and Fort Lauderdale local, Vanessa Seltzer about what foster care really looks like in Broward County, far from the postcard beaches most of us picture when we think about South Florida. We talked about the thousands of kids in Florida’s foster care system, the teens who have bounced through 20 different placements before landing at Children’s Harbor’s eight‑acre, family‑style campus in Pembroke Pines and what it means for them to “age out” at 18 with no safety net. Vanessa walked me through how Children’s Harbor runs two campuses, including Browns Harbor’s affordable apartments for 18 to 23 year olds who still get life coaching, mental health support and a boutique where they can pick out furniture and clothes for their first real place. We dug into their family strengthening program that steps into real Broward homes after loss, job changes or trauma to keep kids out of foster care, and we talked about simple ways you and your business can help, from monthly gift card drives and mock interviews to hosting workshops on LinkedIn, taxes, credit and entrepreneurship. We also highlighted the Harbor Social at Palm Garden in East Broward, a June 25 event where your ticket turns directly into mission support so Children’s Harbor can keep kids safe, stable and seen as more than just a statistic. Chapters 00:27 Foster Care in Broward 02:41 Inside Children’s Harbor 06:49 Aging Out Explained 11:59 Family Strengthening Support 15:46 Ways to Get Involved 20:18 Workshops and Career Paths 23:02 Harbor Social Event 25:50 Breaking the Foster Care Stigma === Guest: Vanessa Seltzer, Children’s Harbor Website: https://childrensharbor.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-seltzer-0a430322 === People Mentioned Tiffany Dhooge (CEO), Children’s Harbor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanidhooge/ Nicholas Sproul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-sproul-pa-srs-clhms-62672347/ Cadence Real Estate Group: https://cadencerealtor-xdvumtih.manus.space/ DCF (Florida Department of Children and Families): https://www.myflfamilies.com ChildNet: Website: https://www.childnet.usdnet Palm Garden Event House: https://www.palmgardenevents.com === Events / Attractions / Venues Harbor Social presented by Cadence: https://app.betterunite.com/childrensharbor-harborsocialpresentedbycadence === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5 Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    29 min

  3. May 11

    Thunderbirds Light Up Fort Lauderdale Skies

    Fort Lauderdale just experienced one of its most turbulent weeks in recent history. Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations on May 2nd after 34 years, eliminating roughly 29,000 annual flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and devastating about 17,000 jobs, most held by Broward County workers.  Within hours of the collapse, JetBlue announced an aggressive expansion, adding 11 new cities to its Fort Lauderdale schedule starting July 9th and pushing its summer operations to nearly 130 daily departures, making it the dominant carrier at FLL.  While the airport was in chaos, Fort Lauderdale Beach transformed into a front-row seat for the 2026 Florida Air and Sea Show on May 9th and 10th, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor demo team, Navy's F-18 Super Hornet, and Red Bull helicopter aerobatics.  Off the beach, Uncle Marv attended Artful Minds, NAMI Broward's fifth annual fundraiser at Mad Arts in Dania Beach, where art, music, fashion, and theater came together to support mental health programs serving thousands of Broward residents. Chapters 00:14 Welcome to Let's Fort Lauderdale Podcast 01:30 The 2026 Air and Sea Show Experience 04:00 Artful Minds: A Night for Mental Health 06:55 Spirit Airlines: A Sudden Collapse 09:12 Upcoming Events in Fort Lauderdale 10:30 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Artful Minds Fundraiser Artful Minds - NAMIBroward County: https://namibroward.org/ Donate to Provide Free Mental Health for Broward County: https://namibroward.networkforgood.com/ Broward Kids Studio: https://www.browardkidsstudio.com/ Mad Arts (Dania Beach): https://www.madarts.com/ Self-Care Shirts: https://selfcareshirts.com/ Hip Clothing: https://www.hipapparelcompany.com/ Previous Podcast Episodes Referenced Podcast Episode with Melanie Hoffman and Brian Poli-Dixon (April 7, 2026): https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/36 Upcoming Events in Fort Lauderdale & Broward County Jason Mraz - Still Yours 2026 Tour - May 15, 2026 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://jasonmraz.com/still-yours-2026-east-coast-tour/ Carter Park Jamz - May 15, 2026 at 7 PM featuring Kedash Untouchable Band (R&B and Soul) at Joseph C. Carter Park: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/carter-park-jamz Samantha Bee: How to Survive Menopause - May 16, 2026 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://www.samanthabee.com/tour Sunday Jazz Brunch - Every Sunday along Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk: https://www.goriverwalk.com/ === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5   Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    12 min

  4. May 2

    Spirit Fails, Fort Lauderdale Flourishes

    News Chapters 00:04 Welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale 01:40 Spirit Airlines Faces Shutdown 03:50 The Water District Unveiled 04:32 Air Show Excitement Returns 05:41 New Restaurants on the Horizon SPIRIT AIRLINES ON THE BRINK (Source: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2026/05/01/spirit-airlines-flyers-employees-brace-for-potential-shutdown-i-wish-there-was-a-way-out/ | Published: May 1, 2026)  (Source: https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/wsj-south-florida-based-spirit-airlines-set-to-shutdown-after-failing-to-secure-500-million-government-bailout/ | Published: May 1, 2026) THE WATER DISTRICT: FORT LAUDERDALE’S BOLD NEW WATERFRONT VISION (Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/fort-lauderdale-water-district-makeover-construction/ | Published: April 30, 2026)  (Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/28/3282779/0/en/hall-of-fame-partners... | Published: April 28, 2026) FORT LAUDERDALE OPEN SWIMMING: WORLD-CLASS COMPETITION IN OUR BACKYARD (Source: https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/fort-lauderdale-open-day-3-prelims-katie-ledecky-summer-mcintosh-to-joust-again-in-200-free/ | Published: May 1, 2026) WHAT’S COMING UP FORT LAUDERDALE AIR SHOW ⭐ TOP PICK Date:    Saturday & Sunday, May 9–10, 2026 Time: Gates open 9 AM; performances 12–3 PM daily (Source: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/events/annual-events-festivals/air-show/ | March 31, 2026) Skinny Louie — Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Opening: Spring 2026  (Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/ | April 29, 2026) The Taco Stand — Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise Opening: May 4, 2026 (Cinco de Mayo week!)  (Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/ | April 29, 2026) Hula Kai Tiki Bar — 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale Type: Two-Story Tiki Bar & Restaurant | Opening: Coming Soon https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/ | April 29, 2026) ViceVersa at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale  (Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-restaurants-in-fort-lauderdale-january-2026-40514945/ | January 2026) === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5   Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    9 min

  5. Apr 27

    Fort Lauderdale Luxury Closets with Donna

    If you’ve ever looked at your jam‑packed closet and thought “too many clothes, nothing to wear,” this one is for you. In the studio with me is Fort Lauderdale luxury realtor and hanger founder Donna Zalter, who saw messy closets in million‑dollar South Florida properties and decided to tackle the problem starting with the hanger. We talk real estate cycles, e‑commerce reality, AI, and why All Hung Up Hangers is built from the ground up right here in Broward. Originally from Montreal, Donna has lived in South Florida for about 35 years, starting in Hallandale/Hollywood and eventually moving to Fort Lauderdale to get closer to Pine Crest School and out of I‑95 traffic. Donna loves Fort Lauderdale’s walkability, calling it a small city that feels like Buckhead in Atlanta, with new, shiny growth but still manageable size. Donna shares what her real estate business coach is telling agents: you must be “AI searchable” now, whether you’re in real estate, IT or selling hangers. Check out AllHungUpHangers.com for Donna’s curated hanger line and grab the limited-time 15% off discount. Chapters 00:23 Welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale 02:03 Entering Real Estate 03:28 The Market Shift 06:02 The Closet Dilemma 06:09 Hangers and Home Style 19:50 Business Life in Fort Lauderdale 26:07 Community and Culture 31:26 Launching All Hung Up 36:03 Embracing AI and E-commerce Guest: Donna Zalter,  All Hung Up Hangers: https://allhunguphangers.com Donna Zalter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnazalter/ People, Places and Events Mentioned Pine Crest School: https://www.pinecrest.edu The Container Store: https://www.containerstore.com Dolores Catania: https://www.instagram.com/dolorescatania Las Olas Boulevard: https://www.lasolasboulevard.com Flagler Village: https://www.flaglervillage.org FAT Village Arts District: https://fatvillage.com Riverfront (downtown Fort Lauderdale area): https://www.goriverwalk.com Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale: https://www.galleriamall-fl.com Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://www.browardcenter.org Museum of Discovery and Science: https://mods.org Buckhead (Atlanta): https://www.livablebuckhead.com Sway Nightclub: https://swaynightclub.com Dicey Riley’s: https://www.facebook.com/diceyrileyspub The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com A1A Fort Lauderdale Beach: https://www.myfortlauderdalebeach.com S3 Restaurant: https://s3restaurant.com Steak954: https://steak954.com/ Lululemon: https://shop.lululemon.com === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5 Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    38 min

  6. Apr 24

    Small Business Basics in Fort Lauderdale

    South Florida is full of people with big ideas and side hustles, but turning that into a real business is where a lot of locals get tripped up. In this episode, I’m joined by Coral Springs and Parkland business attorney Matthew Fornaro to talk about what it actually looks like to start, grow and protect a business in Broward County, Palm Beach and Miami‑Dade. We get into the good, the bad and the ugly of business formation, partnerships, contracts and commercial real estate in a market that never seems to stop building. Whether you’re working out of your spare bedroom in Fort Lauderdale or signing a lease on that storefront you’ve been eyeing, this conversation will give you some local perspective before you sign anything. Chapters 00:21 Welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale 04:11 Nostalgic Memories of South Florida 10:52 Transitioning from Big Law 13:40 Starting Your Business Right 19:04 Common Business Mistakes 24:08 Partnership Challenges 26:23 Real Estate Disputes 28:14 South Florida's Changing Landscape 32:45 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 40:27 Family Life and Community 44:30 Wrapping Up the Conversation Guest: Matthew Fornaro Website: https://fornarolegal.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfornaro/ People, Places and Events Mentioned Who Song and Larry’s (restaurant chain history): https://www.facebook.com/whosongandlarrys/ Morgan & Morgan law firm: https://www.forthepeople.com TopDog Law: https://www.topdoglaw.com Cohen and Cohen (injury lawyers): https://www.cohenandcohen.net Rubenstein Law: https://www.rubensteinlaw.com Florida Bar: https://www.floridabar.org Coral Springs Charter School: https://www.coralspringscharter.org/ Galleria Mall (The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale): https://www.galleriamall-fl.com The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com Coral Springs Center for the Arts: https://www.thecentercs.com Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://www.browardcenter.org Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (West Palm Beach): https://www.kravis.org Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    46 min

  7. Apr 8

    Artful Minds: Mental Health and the Arts in Broward

    Melanie lays out the vision for the fifth annual Artful Minds and how it has grown beyond a traditional gallery show. Every ticket, sponsorship, and piece of art sold sends funds back into NAMI Broward’s free programs for individuals and families here in Broward County. Brian shares how he always saw himself as an artist first, even while playing at UCLA and in the NFL.  He also gives us a peek into the Lux Neon space: a 4,500‑square‑foot front gallery and event venue, plus a big workshop in the back where they design and build custom LED art, signs, and installations for homes, businesses, and events across South Florida. === Chapters 00:27 Why mental health in Broward County matters 01:19 Introducing NAMI Broward and Artful Minds 06:03 Introducing guest artist and former NFL player Brian Poli‑Dixon 11:27 What Artful Minds is and how the event works 13:36 Art auction, artists, and how the funds support free programs 16:17 Live music, fashion, culinary arts, and performances at Artful Minds 21:16 Art, athletes, and mental health after sports 27:24 Mental health in the workplace and NAMI’s Stigma‑Free Workplace program 29:43 Local sponsors stepping up to support mental health 35:04 NAMIWalks at Nova Southeastern University and how to get involved 36:40 Inside Lux Neon Art Gallery and Brian’s “genius” artwork 39:03 Final thoughts on community, creativity, and mental health in Broward County Guest: Melanie Hoffman, NAMI Broward County Website: https://namibroward.org LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniehoffman/ Guest: Brian Poli‑Dixon, Lux Neon Art Gallery Website: https://brianpolidixonartwork.com/h-o-m-e Website: https://luxneonartgallery.com People, Places and Events Mentioned Mad Arts (MAD Arts, Dania Beach): https://madarts.org Carl Schmid (violinist): www.youtube.com/@carlviolinist Better Strangers (band): https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterStrangers Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood: https://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com Memorial Healthcare System: https://www.mhs.net Rotary Club of Weston: https://www.westonrotary.com Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance: https://www.gflalliance.org NAMIWalks Broward: https://www.namiwalks.org/home === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5 Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    44 min

  8. Apr 7

    Fort Lauderdale Numbers: Tourism, Traffic and Tunes

    If you want to know where the energy is in Broward County right now, this episode connects the dots between policy, tourism, and the parties lighting up South Florida nights. === Chapters 00:12 Welcome & South Florida headlines setup 00:43 Port Everglades land deal & economic ripple effects 01:47 Tourism surge, hotel numbers & major 2026 travel event 03:20 Tortuga Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach 04:23 Weekly local rhythm: markets, trivia nights & brewery events 05:40 Hollywood April highlights: art walk, beach music & Savor SoFlo 06:33 Regional events: Hallandale markets & Broward College Golf Classic 06:59 Big-name acts at Hard Rock & regional entertainment draw 07:36 Wrap-up: growth mode for business and entertainment in South Florida === Sources Big Money Move Near Port Everglades Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/commercial-real-estate Tourism Report – Broward Is On a Heater Source: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/media/press-releases-and-resources/post/tourism-fuels-broward-countys-economy-with-strong-start-to-2026 Story 3: Tortuga Music Festival Takes Over the Beach Source: https://www.bythesearealty.com/blog/south-florida-events-april-2026-2/ Source: https://bluestrawberrybythesea.com/tortuga-music-festival-2026-the-ultimate-guide-to-fort-lauderdales-premier-beach-music-experience/ Source: https://tortugamusicfestival.com Story 4: Everyday Nightlife & Neighborhood Economy Source: https://www.bythesearealty.com/blog/south-florida-events-april-2026-2/ Story 5: Community Festivals From Hollywood and Beyond Source: https://nationaltoday.com/us/fl/hollywood/news/2026/03/30/events-in-hollywood-florida-this-april/ Story 6: Big‑Name Entertainment at the Hard Rock & Miami Venues Source:https://www.condoblackbook.com/blog/top-11-standout-things-to-do-in-miami-in-april-2026 === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic Item ID: 195889930 Publisher: Saowakhon Brown Composer: Saowakhon Brown License: Individual License, Commercial Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5 Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

    9 min
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About

Let's Talk Lauderdale gives you a front-row seat to the stories, people, and pulse of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Each episode, we dive deep into the issues shaping our vibrant community, from innovative transportation solutions and local business growth to the cultural trends and civic challenges that make Lauderdale unique.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Stewart, Uncle Marv
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Let's Talk Lauderdale
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Lauderdale