Direct with Dana

RealWorks Media
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

Direct w/ Dana is a weekly talk show and podcast hosted by Dana Brooks. Each episode features candid conversations with the people making a real difference across North Florida. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    20 Years of Weightloss with Glenda Cato

    Is Ozempic changing weight loss forever? And what happens to your body, confidence, and relationships when the pounds come off? After 20 years in the weight loss business, Glenda Cato has seen it all — and she's sharing what most people never talk about. On this episode of Direct with Dana, host Dana Brooks sits down with Glenda Cato, owner of Fit Weight Loss in Tallahassee, to discuss the evolution of weight loss, GLP-1 medications, aging, nutrition, and the emotional side of transforming your health. From traditional diet pills to today's popular weight loss injections, Glenda shares her experiences working with clients and explains why she believes lasting change requires more than medication alone. In this episode: How weight loss treatments have changed over 20 yearsOzempic, GLP-1 medications, and potential side effectsWhy protein and maintaining muscle matter as we ageThe emotional and relationship changes that can follow weight lossWhy accountability and support make a differenceHow Fit Weight Loss approaches new clientsGlenda's passion for Springtime Tallahassee and community leadershipPlus, hear Glenda's perspective on staying active, aging with purpose, and why she has no plans to slow down. Whether you're considering medical weight loss, struggling with stubborn pounds, or simply interested in healthier aging, this conversation offers personal stories, practical perspectives, and plenty of straight talk. Subscribe to Direct with Dana for more conversations with the people making a difference in our community. Learn more about Fit Weight Loss and follow Direct with Dana for future episodes. This conversation includes personal experiences and opinions about medical treatments and nutrition. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. #DirectWithDana #WeightLoss #Ozempic #GLP1 #HealthyAging #MedicalWeightLoss #Tallahassee #DanaBrooks #GlendaCato Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Oct 5

    Why Good People Get Chewed Up in Politics w/ Quincee Messersmith

    What really happens when a community-minded person steps into local politics? Wakulla County Commissioner Quincee Messersmith opens up about the criticism, pressure, growth battles, and political games that come with public service. Dana Brooks sits down with Quincee for a candid conversation about going from longtime volunteer and political insider to elected county commissioner. Quincee discusses why she refused to become a traditional politician, what happens when supporters expect something in return, how social media has changed local government, and why leaders can’t make decisions based on whoever is shouting the loudest. They also tackle some of Wakulla County’s biggest issues: economic development, new jobs, infrastructure, internet access, environmental protection, population growth, and the tension between preserving a community and preparing it for the future. Quincee reflects on losing political support without losing herself—and hints that her next chapter in public service may be bigger than local government. Topics include: local politics, Wakulla County, county government, leadership, economic development, community growth, public service, social media, political campaigns, Florida politics, infrastructure, environmental protection, and running for office. Subscribe to Direct with Dana for more candid conversations with the people shaping North Florida, and follow Fasig Brooks for more from Dana and the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Sep 28

    Childhood Trauma Changes Everything

    Childhood trauma doesn’t always stay in childhood. But it also doesn’t have to determine the rest of your life. Dana Brooks sits down with Dr. Mimi Graham, Director of the FSU Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, for a powerful conversation about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment, trauma, resilience, foster care, early intervention, and the adults who can completely change a child’s trajectory. Dr. Graham explains how early experiences can affect brain development and behavior, why repeatedly moving children between caregivers can cause additional harm, and how trauma-informed courts and early-childhood programs can make better decisions for vulnerable families. Dana also shares deeply personal experiences from her own childhood and explains why experiencing adversity doesn’t automatically determine someone’s future. The conversation explores the importance of teachers, coaches, mentors, fathers, and other stable adults—and why sometimes one person believing in a child can make an enormous difference. Topics include childhood trauma, ACEs, attachment, foster care, resilience, early childhood development, parenting, fatherhood, mentorship, juvenile justice, Head Start, trauma-informed courts, and breaking generational cycles. Subscribe to Direct with Dana for more candid conversations with the people working to strengthen families and communities, and follow Fasig Brooks for more from the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Sep 21

    Florida Property Tax Relief: Who Really Pays the Price?

    Florida homeowners want property tax relief. But could lowering one tax make rent more expensive and put local services under pressure? What happens when counties lose millions in revenue—and who ends up paying the difference? On this episode of Direct with Dana, host Dana Brooks sits down with former Leon County Commissioner Brian Desloge to examine Florida's proposed Amendment 3 and its potential impact on homeowners, renters, businesses, and local communities. Brian draws on his experience in county government to explain how the proposed homestead exemption increase could affect local budgets. He discusses a projected $70 million annual revenue loss for Leon County, possible changes to property tax rates, and concerns about funding for first responders, parks, libraries, and animal shelters. Dana challenges Brian with the questions everyday Floridians are asking: Why can't government simply spend less? Why should homeowners pay for services they don't use? And could property tax relief end up shifting costs to renters and businesses? In this episode: How the proposed property tax amendment worksWhy homestead and non-homestead properties matterThe potential impact on rent and commercial propertyHow counties fund emergency services and public facilitiesWhether local governments can cut spending insteadAlternative approaches to property tax reformThe discussion also explores Florida's property insurance challenges and the importance of understanding local budget impacts before making decisions at the ballot box. Have a question about Florida property taxes? Share it with us! Subscribe to Direct with Dana for candid conversations about the issues affecting your community, your finances, and your future. #DirectWithDana #FloridaPropertyTaxes #Amendment3 #PropertyTaxRelief #FloridaHomeowners #FloridaRealEstate #HomesteadExemption #LocalGovernment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Sep 15

    Steve Birtman - Capital City Tiger Bay Club President

    American politics feels angrier, louder, and more divided—but did voters actually become more extreme? Dana Brooks sits down with longtime political insider Steve Burtman to talk about what happened to the political middle and whether our parties still represent everyday Americans. Steve, president of the Capital City Tiger Bay Club, brings decades of experience in Florida politics, government affairs, business, and advocacy to a wide-ranging conversation about the changing Republican and Democratic parties. Dana and Steve dig into political polarization, MAGA and the changing GOP, the progressive movement on the left, why outrage gets rewarded, the influence of PAC money, third-party politics, immigration, political discourse, and why so many moderate voters feel politically homeless. They also discuss whether people are actually nastier than they used to be—or whether social media simply gives our worst political instincts a bigger microphone. And they explore why organizations like Tiger Bay could help bring people back into face-to-face political conversations. If you're tired of political shouting matches and want a smarter conversation about where American politics is headed, this episode is for you. Keywords: American politics, political polarization, Democratic Party, Republican Party, MAGA, moderate voters, independent voters, third party politics, Florida politics, Tallahassee politics, PAC money, elections, political discourse, Capital City Tiger Bay Club Subscribe to Direct with Dana, follow the show, and join us for more conversations that inform, challenge, and inspire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 8

    Gary Yordon: Why Authenticity Wins in Media and Politics

    Gary explains his unconventional journey from baseball at Florida State to live television, elected office, The Usual Suspects, award-winning production, and the advertising strategy he developed with Fasig | Brooks. He shares why “the camera believes you or it doesn’t,” why quiet messaging can cut through a noisy marketplace, and why getting consumers to know, like, and trust you can matter more than shouting about results. Dana and Gary also get personal about his son Zachary and the profound impact he had on Gary’s life and creative perspective. Then they dive into today’s political landscape: the power of moderate voters, the rise of political extremes, why negative campaigning works, and Gary’s once-controversial idea to combine Leon and Wakulla counties. Topics include Tallahassee politics, political campaigns, advertising strategy, personal injury law marketing, storytelling, media production, Emmy-winning work, writing, authenticity, and building consumer trust. Subscribe for more conversations from Direct with Dana, follow the show, and visit Fasig | Brooks to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Aug 31

    The Real Greg Tish: Tallahassee, Radio & Reinvention

    Greg Tish is usually the one asking the questions. This time, Dana Brooks puts him in the hot seat. On this episode of Direct with Dana, Greg opens up about growing up in Tallahassee, his unexpected path from DJing to radio, nearly two decades with the Florida Sheriffs Association, and the leap that ultimately led to The Greg Tish Show. He and Dana also dig into why hyper-local radio matters, “outrage fatigue,” the Tallahassee people underestimate, and why there’s a lot more happening in this city than critics think. Then the conversation gets personal. Greg talks candidly about shyness, insecurity, relationships, learning to say no, walking away from alcohol, getting older, and the legacy he hopes his generation leaves behind in Tallahassee. If you enjoy honest conversations with the people shaping our community, subscribe to Direct with Dana, follow the show, and share this episode with someone who loves Tallahassee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Aug 24

    From Prison to Partner: The Jimmy Fasig Comeback Story

    Jimmy Fasig went from the top of his law school class to drug trafficking, prison, and a felony conviction. Then he set a goal almost everyone around him thought was impossible: become a lawyer and a partner in a law firm. On this episode of Direct with Dana, Dana Brooks sits down with her law partner of 18 years for a candid conversation about Jimmy’s extraordinary comeback. He shares how one trip to Amsterdam sent his life down a dark path, why getting arrested ultimately saved him, and how he spent years building the case that he deserved a second chance. Jimmy also opens up about resilience, goal setting, success, risk-taking, losing friends, local fame, family, and the philosophy behind “Come Back Stronger.” Plus, Dana and Jimmy get candid about what they’ve learned from each other after nearly two decades as law partners. Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback, pursuing an impossible goal, interested in the legal profession, or looking for a different perspective on success and personal growth, this conversation is proof that your worst chapter doesn’t have to be your last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All (14)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Direct w/ Dana is a weekly talk show and podcast hosted by Dana Brooks. Each episode features candid conversations with the people making a real difference across North Florida. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    RealWorks Media
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RealWorks Media
  • Show Website
    Direct with Dana

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