Hidden Florida and Beyond

ICON
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Welcome to Hidden Florida and Beyond. This is a show about the people, passions, and moments shaping culture, leadership, and influence. Each episode dives beneath the surface with athletes, entertainers, business leaders, and cultural figures to talk ambition, discipline, success, failure, reinvention, and the paths that get people where they are. Some conversations start around major moments or careers, others wander into unexpected territory, but all of them are candid, wide-ranging, and driven by curiosity. Big guests. Real access. No small talk.

  1. 4D AGO

    Below Deck’s Captain Lee: Yachting Stories, No‑Filter Leadership & How He Accidentally Became a TV Star

    Known as the “Stud of the Seas” and one of the most unforgettable personalities in reality TV, Captain Lee Rosbach from Below Deck joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a hilarious, unfiltered conversation about life on the water—and how he ended up there in the first place. Captain Lee breaks down the origin of his now‑iconic one‑liners (spoiler: they’re completely unfiltered and never planned), shares what it’s really like managing chaotic charter crews, and explains why sometimes… firing someone can actually be enjoyable. From handling crew meltdowns at 3 AM to kicking people off boats mid‑season, Lee walks us through the realities of leadership under pressure—where safety comes first, drama comes second, and excuses don’t fly. He also reveals how Below Deck actually came together, including the unbelievable story of how he was supposed to just “babysit a yacht”… and ended up becoming the captain of a global hit TV show instead. Beyond the show, the conversation dives into Lee’s unexpected path into yachting—starting at 35 after going broke in the Caribbean, battling seasickness, and working his way up from zero experience to captain. It’s a story of resilience, risk, and figuring things out as you go—even when Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Spirit Airlines COO Rana Ghosh: Flying the Value Airline, Customer Perception, and the Stories We Tell

    Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded before Spirit Airlines announced it was shutting down—back when yellow planes were still everywhere and Amelia and John were enthusiastically “testing” the free flight benefits… perhaps a little too thoroughly. In this wide‑ranging and refreshingly human conversation, Rana Ghosh, longtime airline executive and Chief Commercial Officer, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to talk candidly about the business of flying, customer perception, and what really happens behind the scenes of a value airline. Rana breaks down what his role actually entails—from pricing, distribution, and loyalty programs to shaping the overall customer experience—and why airlines make the choices they do (yes, including seat size, baggage fees, and snacks). He addresses the jokes and misconceptions around budget airlines head‑on, explaining how perception often lags reality, especially when performance, safety, and reliability don’t match the punchlines. The conversation dives into traveler behavior, airline “hacks,” TSA frustrations airlines can’t control, why seats don’t recline on certain planes (problem solved), and some truly unbelievable passenger stories—including one involving a melting bag of ice in an overhead bin. Beyond aviation, Rana shares insights on leadership, storytelling in business, managing large teams, recognizing employees, and why loving the product you work on matters. He also opens up about global travel, favorite South Florida hidden gems, why Italy might be the dream retirement destination, and how curiosity—not job titles—has shaped his career across banking, energy, and airlines. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min

  3. APR 30

    Joe Vairo: Building Vision, Strategy & Long‑Term Value in South Florida

    Entrepreneur and real estate leader Joe Vairo, founder of The Vairo Group, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an insightful conversation on leadership, strategy, and what it really takes to build sustainable success in a competitive market. Joe shares his journey into the world of real estate and investment, breaking down how discipline, vision, and long‑term thinking shape both strong companies and strong communities. From navigating growth and market cycles to building teams that align with core values, he offers a grounded look at what separates short‑term wins from lasting impact. The episode dives into the mindset behind scaling a business, balancing opportunity with risk, and staying focused in an industry that rewards patience as much as ambition. Joe discusses the importance of relationships, reputation, and adaptability—and why integrity and consistency still matter, even as markets shift. Beyond business, the conversation explores leadership lessons learned along the way: decision‑making under pressure, learning from setbacks, and building a career rooted in purpose, not just profit. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  4. APR 28

    Von Freeman: Radio Legends, Wild Promotions & the Stories That Shaped Pop Culture

    Radio pioneer, event architect, and behind‑the‑scenes legend Von Freeman joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an unforgettable deep dive into the moments, risks, and phone calls that helped shape modern radio, music events, and pop‑culture history. From growing up on a Kansas farm dreaming of radio, to sitting on station couches until someone finally gave him a shot, Von walks us through a career built on persistence, creativity, and absolute fearlessness. He shares how radio promotions evolved from street teams and balloon stunts to massive cultural moments—helping launch and redefine events like Jingle Ball, Wango Tango, and the Radio Music Awards. But this episode goes far beyond radio history. Von tells legendary stories about producing stadium concerts before they were the norm, bringing rising artists to massive stages before the world knew their names, and working with icons like Will Smith, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin, MC Hammer, and more. He explains how one phone call led to another—and how those calls sometimes went all the way to the White House. Then comes the story you won’t forget: receiving a call from Michael Jackson, flying by jet helicopter to Neverland Ranch, sharing ice cream, meeting Bubbles the chimp, and ultimately helping Michael bring a never‑released humanitarian song to national television. It’s a surreal, firsthand account of a moment in pop culture history few people can tell. The conversation also tackles the realities of the industry—temptation, excess, the darker sides of fame—and why Von managed to survive it where many didn’t. He reflects on luck versus hustle, creativity versus execution, and why sometimes the most powerful move is simply making the call no one else is willing to make. The episode wraps inside Von’s latest passion project: Frozen Dead Guy Days, a bizarre, beloved festival born from a cryogenically frozen Norwegian grandfather—proving that even decades later, Vaon is still reinventing what an event can be. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 3m

  5. APR 23

    Steve Glassman: Arts, Infrastructure & the Future of Fort Lauderdale

    Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a wide‑ranging, candid conversation about what’s really shaping the city—above the water, below the streets, and behind the scenes of local government. From overseeing the world’s largest in‑water boat show to guiding massive infrastructure investments, Steve breaks down why the marine industry fuels Fort Lauderdale’s economy, how the Venetian waterways create jobs on land, and what it takes to host a global event that moves nearly a billion dollars in sales in just five days. He shares the realities of hurricane prep for boats, the surprisingly complex world of marinas and dry storage, and why protecting waterways now includes something called a pump‑out boat—yes, for exactly what you think. The conversation goes beyond boats and beaches, diving into neighborhood revitalization, smart growth, flood mitigation, and how Fort Lauderdale is evolving without losing its soul. Steve talks about arts districts like FATVillage and Thrive, historic preservation, balancing development with character, and why investing nearly $2 billion in underground infrastructure is just as important as building what people see above ground. We also get personal: what a city commissioner actually does day‑to‑day, why helping residents one call at a time is the most rewarding part of the job, pickleball habits shared by half the city’s leadership, hidden local restaurant gems, and why Fort Lauderdale is becoming a cultural destination—not just a beach town. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min

  6. MAR 5

    Angela Posillico: Pageants, Purpose & the Power Behind Miss International World

    Angela Posillico — former pageant queen, classically trained vocalist, longtime cosmetics industry pro, and the founder/CEO of Miss International World and Miss Latina International — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a lively, eye‑opening conversation that goes far deeper than crowns and evening gowns. Angela breaks down the reality of modern pageantry: empowerment, cultural representation, professional development, and the life‑changing opportunities that can come from walking onto a stage with confidence. From her years performing internationally after training at Juilliard, to creating two global pageant systems centered on diversity and opportunity, Angela reveals how pageants helped launch her own entertainment career — including singing across Europe and landing roles like Phantom of the Opera — and how she now builds those same pathways for women around the world. The episode also explores the misunderstood parts of pageants: the nerves, the alter‑egos, the blackout moments on stage, the values judges actually look for, the misconceptions families have, and why authenticity often beats years of pageant experience. Angela shares stories of women competing well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond; how confidence evolves with age; and why diversity and cultural pride are central to her international competition. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  7. FEB 26

    Alev Ersoy: Luxury Dining, Leadership, and the Passion Behind Eddie V’s Experience

    Alev Ersoy — the charismatic managing partner of Eddie V’s Fort Lauderdale — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a passionate, high‑energy conversation about hospitality, culture, leadership, and what it really takes to run one of South Florida’s busiest luxury dining destinations. Born in France to Turkish parents and starting in the restaurant industry as a young busboy who barely spoke English, Alev shares his journey from Orlando’s fine‑dining scene to managing partner roles at The Capital Grille and now Eddie V’s. He talks about how his multicultural background shaped his approach to hospitality: the warmth and generosity of Turkish culture mixed with the sophistication and elegance of French dining. Alev breaks down what makes Eddie V’s special — the “culture of indulgence,” the live nightly music, the award‑winning wine list, prime steaks, elite seafood sourcing, and the effortless glamor woven into every detail. He reveals the behind‑the‑scenes preparation that goes into delivering “the ultimate luxury guest experience,” from personalized menus for CEOs to custom runway‑themed table setups, roses at the table, and remembering guests by association, story, and instinct. The conversation goes deeper into the heart of restaurant leadership: hiring with intention, building deep loyalty among staff, shaping culture, managing 87 employees, maintaining standards, handling mistakes with generosity (“you fix it fast, and then you plus‑one it”), and why people — not plates — are the soul of a successful restaurant. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  8. FEB 19

    Eric Schwartzreich: High‑Stakes Law, Wild Florida Cases & the Truth Behind the Courtroom

    Criminal defense attorney Eric Schwartzreich joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a fast‑talking, unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the adrenaline, chaos, and strategy behind some of Florida’s wildest courtrooms. From being wrongly accused at boarding school to defending judges, celebrities, cartel members, cops, and true Florida‑man characters, Eric shares how he built a 30‑year career on creativity, instinct, and the belief that any case can be won if you find the right angle. He opens up about early losses, hard lessons, and the moment he realized being a trial lawyer meant being part‑performer, part‑psychologist, and part‑magician. Eric breaks down the real meaning of “not guilty,” the power of charm in front of a jury, and why authenticity matters more than theatrics. He talks about NDAs that don’t hold up, jurors who fall asleep mid‑trial, dangerous clients, mob and cartel cases, stand‑your‑ground battles that went all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, and how he once dismantled a prosecution by blowing up a photo of a late‑night sex shop called “Booby’s Love Trap.” Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
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About

Welcome to Hidden Florida and Beyond. This is a show about the people, passions, and moments shaping culture, leadership, and influence. Each episode dives beneath the surface with athletes, entertainers, business leaders, and cultural figures to talk ambition, discipline, success, failure, reinvention, and the paths that get people where they are. Some conversations start around major moments or careers, others wander into unexpected territory, but all of them are candid, wide-ranging, and driven by curiosity. Big guests. Real access. No small talk.

Information

  • Creator
    ICON
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Hidden Florida and Beyond

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