Mikes On Mic

Mikes On Mic Join us on this enlightening journey and let's dive into politics, one episode at a time!

11/24/2025

Hi! Today we’re doing something a little different—and a little deeper—to honor the Thanksgiving holiday.

This episode brings back one of our most requested conversations: *Why are we so divided?*

Together with my co-hosts Mike Hightower and Mike Tolbert, we sit down with Dr. Sean Freeder, political science professor at UNF and expert on political polarization, to unpack the hard truths behind today’s fractured political landscape.

We talk about why it feels nearly impossible to have civil conversations, how social media might be warping our sense of reality, and why we’re stuck in what feels like a never-ending culture war. Dr. Freeder doesn’t sugarcoat it—but he also doesn’t leave us without hope.

Whether you're deeply political or completely burned out by the noise, this is a timely episode that will challenge the way you think, feel, and talk about politics in America.

11/17/2025

Is Jacksonville’s $370-a-Ride Transit Bet a Bust?

Today we dive deep into Jacksonville’s bold experiment with autonomous transportation — NAVI — a cutting-edge, self-driving shuttle system meant to revolutionize downtown transit.

But with only 76 daily riders and a staggering $370-per-passenger cost, is it already headed for the scrap heap?

Joining us is veteran journalist David Bauerlein from the Florida Times-Union, whose relentless reporting exposes the real numbers, political infighting, and future stakes surrounding NAVI and the U2C initiative.

We dig into:
• Why JTA employees were riding NAVI on the clock
• Whether city leaders are being sold another "Skyway" dream
• The looming $240M+ price tag for phase two
• And whether this is innovative foresight… or déjà vu disaster

Today we tackle the real question: Is NAVI the future — or Jacksonville’s next transportation failure?

Brought to you by the Jacksonville History Center.

Enjoy!

11/10/2025

Welcome back to the show!

This week, we are diving headfirst into the kitchen-table issues hitting Floridians the hardest—**housing costs, property taxes, and skyrocketing insurance rates**.

Joining the conversation is special guest **Dr. Michael Binder** from UNF’s Public Opinion Research Lab, here to break down **fresh polling data** revealing what’s *really* keeping voters up at night—and why these concerns are resonating **across party lines**.

- What’s fueling the anxiety over affordability?
- Are Florida’s leaders addressing the crisis—or just dodging it?
- And how might this all shape the upcoming elections?

Dr. Binder shares insider insights, surprising data points, and the rare issues **uniting Republicans and Democrats**.

We unpack what it all means for **Tallahassee, local governments**, and the delicate balance of political power in the state.

**Tune in now—and get the scoop before the next headline hits.**

11/03/2025

Why do city leaders say "no" so often—and what does it really cost them?

Today we dive deep into the behind-the-scenes world of city council politics, revealing the often unseen pressures, personal dilemmas, and power dynamics that shape local decision-making.

You’ll hear how political leaders juggle transparency, legal fears, and public interest—all while keeping their cool (and sometimes cracking a joke) in high-stakes environments.

We also talk:
• Why the fear of legal backlash shapes political decisions
• How humor becomes a survival tool in tense council meetings
• The delicate dance of saying “no” and what it means for leadership
• Why transparency isn’t just ideal—it’s essential for public trust
• How personal and public interests clash behind closed doors

Whether you're a policy wonk, a curious voter, or an aspiring leader, this episode pulls back the curtain on governance, leadership, and the real cost of power in city politics.

10/27/2025

It was an experience that very few or any Americans will ever have this opportunity to witness. Our podcast co-host, Mike Hightower, recently returned from a two week trip to Ukraine with an international group.

The primary purpose was to deliver much needed medical supplies to battle field Ukraine soldiers. During this episode of Mikes on Mic, Hightower describes what he saw and summaries of meetings he had with Ukraine officials, doctors, patients and others whose lives have been turned upside down by the killing and destruction for more than two years. It was an emotional experience which Mike describes in great detail.

Join us as Hightower takes us to the front lines of this war.

10/20/2025

We're throwing it back to one of our favorite milestone moments—the one-year anniversary of Mikes on Mic! In this special episode, originally recorded at The Jacksonville History Center, the Mikes reflect on highlights from the first 51 episodes that helped shape the conversation in and around Jacksonville.

From Sheriff Nat Glover’s powerful stories, to Michael Krause of Politico on the influence of political strategist Susie Wiles, to early memories of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and insights from UNF pollster Dr. Michael Bender on the city's shifting political landscape—this episode packs a punch.

We’re also joined in-studio by Dr. Alan Bliss, CEO of the Jacksonville Historical Society, for a rich discussion on how history continues to shape the city’s future.

Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is a perfect snapshot of what Mikes on Mic is all about—and a reminder of the big stories and voices we've brought to the mic.

🎙️ Tune in and get ready—because there’s a lot more coming your way.

10/13/2025

This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s hard to ignore: the growing political polarization in the U.S. To help us unpack it, we sat down with Dr. Sean Freeder, associate professor of political science at UNF, for a powerful and timely conversation.

Why does the divide feel so personal these days? Why do disagreements so often spiral into full-blown hostility?

Dr. Freeder brings a wealth of insight into the why behind the polarization — from the psychology driving it, to the role social media plays in fueling our echo chambers, to the steep decline in trust among American voters.

We also ask the big question: is there any hope for bridging the gap? Whether it’s through tough conversations, institutional change, or waiting on the next generation — we explore what it might take to rediscover a sense of shared purpose.

This one’s thoughtful, raw, and real — and we hope it gets you thinking.

Stick around to the end, and don’t miss what’s coming next week, when Mike Hightower takes us behind the scenes of his eye-opening journey to Ukraine.

Hit play, and let’s talk about where we go from here — is unity possible, or is polarization here to stay?

10/06/2025

On this episode of Mics on Mic, hosts Mike Miller and Mike Tolbert sit down with Leslie Jean-Bart—fifth-gen Jacksonville native, attorney, and activist—for a bold conversation on ethics, transparency, and power at City Hall.

From Sunshine Law concerns to nonprofit funding tied to council members, Leslie brings legal insight and personal passion to the table.

This one’s all about civic courage—don’t miss it.

09/29/2025

Welcome back to Mikes on Mic, where we dive into the conversations shaping our community, government, and the future of Jacksonville. Today, we’re joined by David McGowan, CEO of WJCT Public Media — the voice and vision behind our city’s public radio and television outlets. Under his leadership, WJCT continues to inform, educate, and inspire Northeast Florida through trusted journalism, cultural programming, and innovative storytelling.

In this episode, we dig into one of the most pressing challenges facing public media: the elimination of federal and state funding for public broadcasting. David shares what this shift could mean for WJCT’s programming, community services, and long-term sustainability, as well as the broader impact on listeners and viewers who rely on public media every day. It’s a timely conversation about the value of public broadcasting — and what’s at stake for our community if these resources disappear.

09/22/2025

In this week’s episode of Mikes on Mic, we sit down with Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, the visionary developer behind one of the most ambitious urban revitalization efforts in Florida.

Bryan pulls back the curtain on how he and his team are reimagining downtown Jacksonville—turning overlooked blocks into a dynamic, inclusive destination where business, culture, and community thrive.

You'll hear:

The bold strategy behind Gateway Jax’s $500M+ investment in the urban core

How they're balancing growth with inclusivity and sustainability

The challenges of revitalization—and how to turn resistance into momentum

Why this isn’t just real estate—it’s a movement to reshape a city’s soul

Whether you're a civic leader, real estate enthusiast, or just passionate about what makes a city great—you’ll leave this conversation inspired and informed.

09/15/2025

Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, is a driving force behind one of the city's most transformative urban renewal projects—the Emerald Trail.

With a deep commitment to environmental justice, equitable development, and community engagement, Ehas has led Groundwork Jacksonville in its mission to restore and reconnect the city's urban core through green infrastructure.

Under her leadership, the Emerald Trail is taking shape as a 30-mile network of trails, parks, and waterways that encircle downtown Jacksonville, weaving together neighborhoods long divided by highways and disinvestment.

At the heart of the Emerald Trail vision is a bold, yet practical goal: to create a safe, accessible, and sustainable alternative to car travel that links people to jobs, schools, and public spaces.

Kay Ehas envisions a city where walking and biking aren’t just options—they’re viable, vibrant ways of life. Through strong partnerships, community input, and a clear sense of purpose, Ehas and Groundwork Jacksonville are not only reshaping the physical landscape, but also advancing a more inclusive, connected future for all residents of Jacksonville.

09/08/2025

This is one show you won’t want to miss.

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