Panhandle Pulse

Chuck Asbury
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

“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. Aug 26

    The Future of Healthcare Is AI | Sam Morhaim on Patient Data, Startups & What Comes Next

    Artificial intelligence is changing healthcare faster than most hospitals, startups, and even regulators can keep up. In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, Chuck Asbury sits down with Sam Morhaim, software engineer, entrepreneur, startup advisor, and founder of VantageIO, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of healthcare technology, AI, patient data, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship. Sam shares his journey from discovering computers as a child in Colombia to building a career in software and healthcare technology. He explains why AI has dramatically reduced the time and capital required to launch a software company—and why simply being able to build an application is no longer enough. The conversation dives into some of the biggest challenges facing healthcare today, including disconnected medical systems, interoperability, HIPAA compliance, cybersecurity, accessibility, rising healthcare costs, and the bureaucracy surrounding patient information. Chuck and Sam also explore what healthcare could look like when patients have greater control over their own medical data and AI can securely connect medical records, lab results, wearable data, and other health information to give physicians a more complete picture of the patient. For entrepreneurs, Sam breaks down how healthcare startups can go from idea to MVP, validate their market before overbuilding, measure real outcomes, create a competitive moat, and avoid one of the biggest mistakes founders make: assuming a massive market automatically means customers will show up. In This Episode How AI is transforming healthcare software developmentWhy healthcare interoperability remains a major challengeThe future of patient-owned medical dataAI, HIPAA compliance, cybersecurity, and privacyHow startups can build healthcare products fasterWhy founders should validate before they buildBuilding an MVP that actually solves a problemWhy healthcare startups don’t need as much capital as they once didWhat investors really want to see from early-stage companiesAccessibility and overlooked opportunities in health techHow data can become a startup’s competitive moatThe biggest mistake healthcare founders makeAI-powered early detection and personalized medicineThe future of healthcare over the next 5–10 yearsConnect with Sam Morhaim: Visit VantageIO.com/book to schedule a 30-minute conversation with Sam and his team about healthcare software development, startup strategy, security, compliance, or product development. Support the show

  2. Aug 19

    Why 70% of Family Businesses Fail | Peter Bergeron on The Trapped Operator & Small Business Success

    Why do so many successful small businesses fail during succession? In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, Chuck Asbury sits down with entrepreneur, author, and business strategist Peter Bergeron to discuss his new book, The Trapped Operator, and the hidden challenges that keep business owners from scaling, exiting, or passing their companies to the next generation. Peter shares insights from more than 50 years of family business experience, explains the 12 Fatal Issues that threaten small businesses, and reveals why nearly 70% of family business transitions fail. The conversation covers leadership, succession planning, AI, delegation, business growth, operational systems, and how owners can escape becoming trapped inside the companies they built. Whether you're an entrepreneur, family business owner, CEO, or planning your exit strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a business that lasts. Topics Covered: Why family business succession failsThe "Trapped Operator" frameworkThe 12 Fatal Issues affecting small businessesHow to scale without becoming the bottleneckLeadership, delegation, and AI in modern businessPreparing your company for sale or generational transitionBuilding systems that create long-term valueConnect with Peter Bergeron: Visit TheTrappedOperator.com to learn more about the book, access business diagnostics, and connect with Peter. Small Business • Family Business • Entrepreneurship • Business Growth • Succession Planning • Leadership • The Trapped Operator • Peter Bergeron • Small Business Podcast • Business Systems • Business Exit Strategy • Family-Owned Business • CEO • Founder • Business Operations • Panhandle Pulse Podcast Support the show

  3. Jul 29

    Marketing, AI & Podcasting with Dave Fiore | Panhandle Pulse

    In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, Chuck sits down with Dave Fiore, founder of Fiore Communications and host of the How I Got Here podcast, to discuss entrepreneurship, digital marketing, AI, and building lasting relationships with customers. Dave shares how he transitioned from journalism and magazine publishing into launching his own marketing agency, the lessons learned over 25 years in business, and why authentic relationships still matter in an AI-driven world. They also discuss: How marketing has evolved over the past 25 yearsUsing AI as a tool without replacing human creativityWhy long-term marketing strategy beats chasing viral momentsThe relationship between marketing and salesStarting and growing a successful podcastEntrepreneurship, business ownership, and taking calculated risksThe future of work and AIWhy Tallahassee and Florida's Panhandle are great places to build a businessWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, or podcast creator, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world advice. Keywords: marketing, AI marketing, entrepreneurship, Tallahassee business, Florida business, digital marketing, podcasting, content marketing, small business growth, Panhandle Pulse, Dave Fiore, Fiore Communications, business strategy, branding, customer relationships, Florida entrepreneurs https://fiorecommunications.com/ Support the show

  4. Jul 15

    Finding Hope in Exile with Niki Kirby | Faith, Purpose & The Garden of Exile

    In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, Chuck Asbury sits down with author, entrepreneur, and 30A resident Niki Kirby to discuss her new book, The Garden of Exile. Together they explore what it means to remain faithful during life's difficult seasons, why exile can become a place of growth instead of defeat, and how identity in Christ provides hope in a changing culture. Niki shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind her book, parenting through uncertainty, entrepreneurship, taking bold risks, and how God often uses our hardest seasons to prepare us for something greater. Whether you're navigating a challenging season, searching for purpose, or looking to strengthen your faith, this conversation offers practical encouragement and timeless biblical wisdom.  Topics Covered: The inspiration behind The Garden of ExileFinding purpose during difficult seasonsParenting and raising children in today's cultureFaith beyond religionEntrepreneurship and trusting God's directionLiving with courage instead of fearDiscovering your God-given purposeConnect with Niki Kirby: 🌐 https://nikikirby.com Subscribe to Panhandle Pulse for more conversations with the people shaping Northwest Florida and beyond—real issues, real conversations, no filters. Support the show

  5. Jul 8

    From 14-Year-Old Entrepreneur to 1,300 Stores: Joe Tomarchio's Business, Leadership & Customer Service Blueprint

    What does it take to build a business from a single tire shop into a company that grows to 1,300 locations across 32 states? In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, Chuck sits down with entrepreneur and business leader Joe Tomarchio to uncover the timeless leadership principles that helped him build, scale, and eventually sell one of the nation's most successful automotive service businesses. Joe shares the incredible story of launching his first business at just 14 years old, growing it into 26 full-service tire and auto centers, and selling the company before leading acquisitions that expanded Monroe's footprint from 550 stores to 1,300 locations nationwide. Along the way, he reveals the business philosophies that transformed employees into leaders and customers into lifelong advocates. In this conversation, you'll learn: How Joe started his first business as a teenager and built a multimillion-dollar company.The Four Pillars of Successful Hiring: attitude, enthusiasm, work ethic, and moral compass.Why paying employees more can dramatically improve retention and company culture.The importance of building a customer-first organization instead of chasing short-term profits.How exceptional customer service creates lifelong loyalty and organic word-of-mouth marketing.Leadership lessons on hiring, accountability, company culture, and motivating teams.Why entrepreneurs should focus on mastering one business before chasing multiple opportunities.The mindset required to overcome fear, uncertainty, and the challenges of starting a business.Why your spouse, family, and support system can determine entrepreneurial success.Joe's thoughts on Florida's business climate, taxes, insurance, economic growth, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.His personal mantra for success that has guided him throughout more than five decades in business.Whether you're launching your first startup, growing a small business, leading a team, or simply looking for practical leadership advice, this episode is packed with real-world lessons from someone who has spent over 50 years building successful companies and developing winning teams. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, executive, manager, or anyone passionate about leadership and customer service, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately. Support the show

  6. Jul 1

    From Combat to 'Florida Noir': Veteran & Author Jared Maxwell | Panhandle Pulse

    Welcome back to the Panhandle Pulse! This week, host Chuck Asbury sits down with native Floridian, combat veteran, and grit-infused fiction author Jared Maxwell for an unfiltered look at what it truly means to stare down chaos—and live to write about it. Growing up with parents in the entertainment industry, Jared always had a knack for storytelling. But before he ever picked up a pen professionally, he answered the call of duty following 9/11. What followed was a decorated military career spanning nine years, three deployments, and 35 months in heavy combat. In this episode, Jared opens up about: The Baptism by Fire: From jumping out of airplanes with the 82nd Airborne to the initial push into Fallujah, Iraq.Surviving the Corngal Valley: Living out of remote outposts in Afghanistan, navigating brutal mountain terrain, and surviving nearly 200 daily firefights in one of the most dangerous sectors on earth.From the Frontlines to the Thin Blue Line: Turning the page to an 11-year career in law enforcement, navigating the grit and politics of modern policing, and dealing with PTSD.Pioneering "Florida Noir": How real-life combat skills and wild "Florida Man" police encounters birthed his viral new crime epic, Code of Vengeance, and how he successfully mastered the brutal world of indie self-publishing.Whether you are a fan of military history, true-to-life tactical thrillers, or just love a raw, honest look at human resilience, this conversation is one you don't want to miss. Connect with Jared Maxwell: Find his books (Code of Vengeance) on Amazon and Goodreads by searching "Jared Maxwell".Subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the show! Support the show

  7. Jun 17

    How Two Childhood Friends Built Lawless Coast Brewing in Santa Rosa Beach

    What does it take to turn a childhood dream into a thriving craft brewery? In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Chris and Josh, the founders of Lawless Coast Brewing Company in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, to discuss their incredible journey from home brewing enthusiasts to brewery owners on Florida's Emerald Coast. The conversation begins with the origins of Lawless Coast Brewing, a dream the two friends first discussed as teenagers before they were even old enough to legally drink beer. Chris and Josh share how a life-changing accident, career frustrations, and a passion for craft beer pushed them to finally pursue the brewery idea years later. They recount their early days brewing beer in a kitchen using simple homebrew kits, learning through trial and error, and producing batches they now laugh about but were once proud to share. Chris and Josh dive deep into the realities of opening a brewery, including navigating construction delays, equipment shortages, county permitting challenges, and the lengthy licensing process that delayed their opening for years. They explain how they continued refining recipes throughout the process, allowing them to launch with a strong lineup of beers once the doors finally opened. The founders discuss how they create unique beer styles, name their brews, and balance creativity with consistency. They also share the stories behind some of their most popular beers, including Triple D, Uncle Ed's Irish-style ale, and several movie-inspired creations that reflect their personalities and sense of humor. Beyond beer, the episode highlights the importance of community involvement and local partnerships. Chris and Josh discuss hosting charity events, supporting local schools, working with organizations like Bed 4 Me and Shelter House, and creating a gathering place where locals and visitors can connect. They explain why they view their brewery as a modern version of a traditional public house—a community hub rather than just a place to grab a drink. Whether you're interested in craft beer, entrepreneurship, small business ownership, or life on Florida's Emerald Coast, this episode offers valuable insights, entertaining stories, and practical lessons about perseverance, friendship, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Topics Covered: • Starting a craft brewery in Florida • Homebrewing and recipe development • Overcoming business and permitting challenges • Craft beer culture and brewing science • Community involvement and charity partnerships • Entrepreneurship and small business growth • Santa Rosa Beach and Walton County development • Future plans for Lawless Coast Brewing Company Follow Lawless Coast Brewing Company: Instagram: @lawless.coast.brewing Facebook: Lawless Coast Brewing Company Subscribe to Panhandle Pulse for more conversations with local business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and the people helping shape the future of Florida's Panhandle. Support the show

  8. Jun 10

    Former Green Beret John Frankman on Running for Congress in Florida District 1 | Veterans, Freedom & Conservative Leadership

    In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with John Frankman, former U.S. Army Green Beret, veteran advocate, and Republican candidate for Florida's 1st Congressional District. John shares his journey from military service and Special Forces training to entering the political arena after being affected by the military COVID-19 vaccine mandate. He discusses the challenges of becoming a Green Beret, his faith-driven leadership philosophy, and why he believes Florida's most veteran-dense congressional district needs stronger representation in Washington. Topics covered include: • John Frankman's military background and path to the Green Berets • Life in Northwest Florida and why he chose to make the Panhandle home • The impact of federal government expansion and constitutional concerns • Veterans' healthcare and the push for a VA hospital in the region • Government spending, inflation, and affordability challenges • Medical freedom and accountability in government • Congressional term limits and stock trading reform • Infrastructure, military readiness, and transportation priorities • Campaigning as a grassroots challenger against an incumbent candidate • The role of faith, service, and leadership in public office Whether you're a voter in Florida's 1st Congressional District or simply interested in military service, public policy, and grassroots politics, this conversation provides an in-depth look at the issues shaping the future of Northwest Florida. 🎙️ Listen now to hear John Frankman's vision for veterans, freedom, accountability, and conservative leadership in Congress. Support the show

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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
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Panhandle Pulse
  • Show Website
    Panhandle Pulse