Panhandle Pulse

Chuck Asbury

“Real issues. Real people. No filters.” Welcome to Panhandle Pulse — the podcast that gives North Florida a voice. Hosted by Chuck Asbury, Panhandle Pulse dives into the real challenges and real conversations shaping our communities. From small business owners, farmers to veterans, healthcare workers, and defense professionals, we talk with the people who keep our region moving. Every week, we bring you candid interviews, frontline stories, and unfiltered insight on the issues that matter most — including agriculture, national defense, healthcare access, deregulation, and the fight to keep rural America strong.

  1. 3D AGO

    Russell Van Brocklen on Dyslexia Breakthroughs, Brain Science & Helping Students

    In this powerful episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with “The Dyslexia Professor” Russell Van Brocklen to unpack the real science behind dyslexia and why traditional school systems are failing bright students. From his own journey with a first-grade reading level to developing a results-driven method that helped students jump from the 4th percentile to the 65th percentile, Russell shares practical strategies parents and educators can use immediately. Learn how early intervention can save millions in education costs, how to tap into a child’s “specialty” to unlock reading and writing skills, and why motivation—not medication—is often the missing piece. If you're a parent, teacher, or policymaker in Florida’s Panhandle, this conversation could change how you think about dyslexia, special education, and student potential. https://dyslexiaclasses.com/ Support the show

    56 min

  2. FEB 25

    Anesthesia, Healthcare & Music in the Florida Panhandle | Corey Fernandez

    In this episode of PanHandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with local anesthetist Corey Fernandez of Destin Surgical Center. Corey shares his journey from growing up in Freeport to training at Florida State, the University of Florida, and Nova Southeastern, eventually returning home to serve the community. They discuss healthcare access challenges in Northwest Florida, physician turnover, population growth, and what it will take to strengthen medical services in the Panhandle. Beyond medicine, Corey opens up about his passion for songwriting and performing with his band, The Salty Strays, balancing life as a husband, father of three, medical professional, and musician. If you care about local healthcare, community growth, entrepreneurship, or creative pursuits in the Florida Panhandle, this episode delivers honest insight and real conversation. You can find Corey’s music, social media, and latest releases here: https://linktr.ee/coreyfernandez Support the show

    33 min

  3. FEB 18

    From Mate to Millionaire: Kevin O’Neill on Building Destiny Water Adventures & Scaling Blue-Collar Businesses on the Emerald Coast

    Kevin O’Neill, Master Captain and owner of Destiny Water Adventures, joins Panhandle Pulse with host Chuck Asbury, to share his incredible journey from a laid-off Detroit plumber to one of the Emerald Coast’s most successful water sports entrepreneurs. In this episode, Kevin breaks down how he got his captain’s license, moved from Key West to North Florida, navigated strict water sports regulations, and scaled Destiny Water Adventures into a thriving multi-business operation with over 35 boats. Chuck and Kevin dive deep into entrepreneurship, blue-collar work ethic, digital marketing, team building, leadership, and the realities of running seasonal businesses in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Navarre. Kevin also shares lessons learned from setbacks, health challenges, and why investing in people—and not being afraid to bet on yourself—is the key to long-term success. Whether you’re interested in water sports, small business growth, marketing strategy, or building a life and business on the Emerald Coast, this episode delivers real-world insights and inspiration. Topics Covered: Starting and scaling a water sports business in FloridaCaptain’s licenses and working on the waterMarketing, SEO, and digital ads for local businessesLeadership, team building, and employee developmentNavigating regulations and growth on the Emerald CoastEntrepreneurship, grit, and betting on yourselfSupport the show

    54 min

  4. FEB 11

    Local Stories, History & Living on Florida’s Panhandle | Judson Stone

    In this episode, host Chuck Asbury sits down with author and speaker Judson Stone to discuss his journey from Maine to Florida, his passion for history and writing, and the importance of preserving family stories. Judson reflects on his work as a substitute teacher, his involvement in local organizations, and building meaningful community connections in the Panhandle. The conversation also touches on healthcare challenges in the area, the customary use controversy impacting beach access, and practical advice for new residents and retirees seeking purpose and connection along Florida’s Panhandle. Support the show

    43 min

  5. FEB 4

    Protecting Small Businesses from Fraud with Forensic Accounting Expert | Kelly Todd Panhandle Pulse

    On this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Kelly Todd, President of Forensic Strategy Solutions, to discuss real-world fraud risks facing small businesses. From forensic accounting insights to practical fraud prevention tips, this honest conversation covers trust, accountability, red flags, and how business owners can protect themselves in today’s digital and AI-driven world. Support the show

    40 min

  6. JAN 28

    Faith, Politics, and Gen Z Leadership with Owen Girard on Panhandle Pulse

    In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Owen Girard, Florida Panhandle Field Representative for Turning Point USA, to discuss faith, politics, and the future of Gen Z leadership in Northwest Florida. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Owen shares his personal journey from growing up on the political left to finding purpose through faith, conservative values, and community engagement. The conversation dives into the importance of civil discourse, planting seeds rather than winning arguments, and how young people can move from wanting change to livingchange—both on campus and in their communities. Chuck and Owen also explore major issues facing the Florida Panhandle, including political representation, community division, the role of faith in public life, social media echo chambers, and why getting off the internet and back into real conversations matters now more than ever. This episode is a thoughtful, honest discussion about bridging divides, strengthening families, and raising the next generation with purpose, discipline, and compassion. Topics Covered: Gen Z and conservative activismFaith and politics in the Florida PanhandleTurning Point USA and student leadershipCivil discourse and healing political divisionCommunity engagement vs. social media outrageRaising strong families and future leaders🎧 Subscribe to Panhandle Pulse for real conversations, real issues, and no filters—focused on the people shaping the Florida Panhandle. Follow Owen on X https://x.com/realowengirard?s=21 Support the show

    46 min

  7. JAN 21

    Kidney Health in the Florida Panhandle: Dr. Marc McKinley | Panhandle Pulse

    In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Dr. Marc McKinley, a nephrologist (kidney doctor)serving Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida. Dr. McKinley shares his journey from private practice in Cleveland, Ohio to the Florida Panhandle—and why moving here in late 2020 became one of the best decisions for his family and career. We cover practical, real-world kidney health topics including: What a nephrologist treats: kidney disease, high blood pressure, dialysis, electrolytes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD)Why kidney disease often has few symptoms until it’s advancedWhat to look for in your labs: creatinine, BUN, urinalysis, protein/blood in urineDialysis explained: in-center hemodialysis vs. at-home options, including peritoneal dialysisIV hydration bars, “banana bags,” and what people with kidney disease should be cautious aboutCaring for veterans and the real-world friction of referrals and approvalsThe challenge of doctor recruitment in the Panhandle—and how new medical facilities could change access to careThis is an approachable conversation for anyone who wants to be smarter about kidney health, prevention, and navigating healthcare in the Florida Panhandle. Guest: Dr. Marc McKinley, Nephrology (Panama City / Panama City Beach) Show: Panhandle Pulse Support the show

    48 min

  8. JAN 14

    Humanizing AI: Digital Twins, Emotional Intelligence | Stephanie Sylvestre

    In this episode of Pan Handle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Stephanie Sylvestre, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Avatar Buddy, for a deep and honest conversation about the human side of artificial intelligence. Stephanie shares her unexpected journey into tech—from economics and government work to building AI-powered digital mentors—and explains how Avatar Buddy creates “spiritual” digital twins that capture personality, values, and lived experience rather than just physical appearance. Together, they explore how AI can amplify human potential, improve confidence and self-esteem, streamline work, and even help people stay emotionally balanced in an increasingly complex world. The conversation also dives into real-world applications of AI in business, the future of digital identity and security, startup resilience, and why trusting your instincts matters when building something new. This episode challenges the idea that AI replaces people—and instead shows how it can help us become more present, mindful, and connected. Support the show

    43 min
See All (20)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

“Real issues. Real people. No filters.” Welcome to Panhandle Pulse — the podcast that gives North Florida a voice. Hosted by Chuck Asbury, Panhandle Pulse dives into the real challenges and real conversations shaping our communities. From small business owners, farmers to veterans, healthcare workers, and defense professionals, we talk with the people who keep our region moving. Every week, we bring you candid interviews, frontline stories, and unfiltered insight on the issues that matter most — including agriculture, national defense, healthcare access, deregulation, and the fight to keep rural America strong.

Information

  • Creator
    Chuck Asbury
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Panhandle Pulse
  • Show Website
    Panhandle Pulse