Best Michael Tolbert Podcasts (2025)

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The bold strategy behind Gateway Jax’s $500M+ investment in the urban core 32:44

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2d ago32:44

32:44

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 bus…

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The Interest Rate Isn't the Only Thing Changing at Your Bank 39:22

5d ago39:22

39:22

After months of speculation, the Federal Reserve finally announced a quarter point interest rate cut. To get a better understanding of how 0.25% could put some dollars back into your bank account, the Jasons sat down with the President/CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association. Lindsey Johnson also explains how AI is transforming how we bank...and sh…

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Alisa Simmons, Michael McCaul, Sid Miller, and another Democratic Quorum Break 21:45

6d ago21:45

21:45

In the September 21 episode, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons explains why she skipped a meeting to prevent Commissioners from adopting a lower tax rate, and whether she plans to do it again. Congressman Michael McCaul tells us why he chose “door number 3.” And Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the steps being taken …

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What's the latest in the development of the Emerald Trail? 25:35

9d ago25:35

25:35

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 throu…

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☠️No Dead Careers Here, SPaMCAST 875 33:05

10d ago33:05

33:05

Impressions are NOT facts - No Matter What Your Gut Tells You! Stoic philosophy holds that impressions are not facts and must be tested. Why this matters: It is very easy to jump to conclusions. In some cases, this is harmless, while in others it leads to disaster. The question the panel faces is whether EVERY impression needs to be examined or is …

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: James Talarico, Lesley Briones, Roger Williams, and the Shakeup in the Race for U.S. Senate 21:46

13d ago21:46

21:46

In the September 14 episode, state Representative James Talarico explains why he entered the race for U.S. Senate, shaking everything up. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones tells us about the savings she found in the budget before asking residents to pay more. And Congressman Roger Williams reveals whether he sees signs of a weakening econom…

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The Middle School Teacher Running for U.S. Senate 30:44

13d ago30:44

30:44

Just like Republicans, Texas Democrats are now forced to take sides in their race for U.S. Senate. Seminarian, former middle school teacher and current state Representative James Talarico just announced he will run for the seat held by John Cornyn since 2002. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, the social media star with several viral cli…

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Navigating Jacksonville's Budget: A Political Landscape with David Bauerlein 33:34

16d ago33:34

33:34

Jacksonville’s budget battle is heating up — and the stakes are higher than ever. After 3 weeks, we sit sit down with veteran Times-Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the political tug-of-war shaping the city’s financial future. From proposed property tax cuts to controversial reductions in affordable housing and health services, this con…

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Republican Rancher: Renewables Can Save Rural Texas 57:52

17d ago57:52

57:52

It is a rare event in Texas these days: finding a Republican who supports renewables. Y’all-itics did just that. And John Davis tells us the money he makes from the wind turbines on his property saved his west Texas ranch, which has been in the family since 1880. But if you really want to get this Republican worked up, talk about the GOP’s attack o…

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Mark Scott, Paul Bettencourt, Donna Howard, and the Texas Water Crisis 21:45

21d ago21:45

21:45

In the September 7 episode, Corpus Christi councilmember Mark Scott explains how the city council defeat of a proposed desalination plant will harm residents, industry and perhaps cripple the city. State Senator Paul Bettencourt tells us why he was surprised and disappointed that so many House Republicans joined an effort to defeat his property tax…

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Who Pays for Progress? Former Mayor John Peyton Weighs In (Best Of Mikes On Mic) 28:39

24d ago28:39

28:39

Jacksonville is at a crossroads—tough decisions are being made about the city's future, and they all come with a price tag. From infrastructure and public safety to education and economic development, what should the city prioritize—and more importantly, how will it pay for it? This week on Mikes on Mic, we go over one of our Best Of the Best conve…

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🪈 Dichotomy of Control, Stick with STIC, A Panel Discussion, SPaMCAST 874 34:44

24d ago34:44

34:44

We only have control over ourselves! The dichotomy of control. Why it matters: We have direct control over our thoughts, judgments, and actions, but external events, other people's opinions, and the outcomes of our actions are not directly within our control. When discussing problem statements, Jeremy Berriault stated, “stick with STIC.” The allite…

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The Future of Dallas Goes Through Her Office 37:04

26d ago37:04

37:04

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert was selected in January as the first Black woman to serve as Dallas City Manager after beginning her career more than 30 years ago as an intern at City Hall. And it’s been non-stop work since, from trying to figure out what happens to the Dallas Mavericks, to the $5 billion budget. WFAA anchor Dia Wall scored an exclusive sit…

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Richard Hayes, Sheryl Cole, Cody Harris, and Punishing Democrats 21:45

27d ago21:45

21:45

In the August 31 episode, state Representative Richard Hayes explains why he wants voters to change the definition of a quorum. State Representative Sheryl Cole responds to the punishment Republicans are debating for the quorum breakers. And state Representative Cody Harris discusses his legislation that puts a temporary stop to moving water out of…

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Best of Mikes On Mic - How Susie Wiles Shaped American Politics, The Untold Story with Michael Kruse 33:06

30d ago33:06

33:06

Today we are revisiting the intriguing world of Susie Wiles, the mastermind behind the success of key Republican campaigns. From her instrumental role in Ron DeSantis's 2018 victory to her critical contributions to Donald Trump's 2020 efforts, uncover how Wiles navigates the complex web of politics with finesse. Journalist Michael Kruse shares excl…

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Julie Johnson, John McQueeney, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, and the new political map in Texas 21:45

1M ago21:45

21:45

In the August 24 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson reveals how some lawmakers may divvy up offices now that Republicans have passed the redistricting map in Texas. State Rep. John McQueeney tells us what punishment Republicans are considering for the Democrats who left the state. And Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert discusses their $5 …

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“Strong A$$ B****” (her words, not ours) 42:26

1M ago42:26

42:26

If you’re like us, you love podcasts that come with a language warning. For this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ve been warned. Congresswoman Julie Johnson joins the Jasons for a cold one at her favorite Dallas watering hole. And the Democrat got candid on everything from how lawmakers might divvy up offices now that the Republican redistricting map h…

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Overcoming Racial Challenges: How Sheriff Nathaniel Glover Transformed His Life 35:35

1M ago35:35

35:35

In this captivating episode our guest, Nathaniel Glover, shares his powerful and inspirational story. From a traumatic encounter with racism to becoming a sheriff, Nathaniel's journey is filled with resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice. Tune in as he discusses his experiences with the criminal justice system, his path to law enforcem…

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🚣Flow, Flow and More Flow, A Panel Discussion, SPaMCAST 873 29:15

1M ago29:15

29:15

Dry riverbeds or flash floods - flow matters! Why it matters: Understanding how value is created and moves through an organization is critical. The problem is that the concept is complicated. Freddie Clark stated, “measuring flow is a two-dimensional measure of a three-dimensional problem.” Our panel flows with: Jeremy Berriault - Freddie Clark - h…

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The Shark Tank Billionaire Trying to Defang American Politics 54:16

1M ago54:16

54:16

There’s another billionaire who is getting active in American politics. But this is different. Daniel Lubetzky, the son of a holocaust survivor and founder of the company behind KIND Bars, started the Builders Movement with a goal to help voters learn how to think in politics, not what to think. And the key to it all is technology that counteracts …

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Jasmine Crockett, Abraham George, John H. Bucy III, and the Special Session that Ended Early 21:46

1M ago21:46

21:46

In the August 17 episode, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett reveals the one thing that would get her to consider a U.S. Senate campaign. Abraham George, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, lays out why the party wants to also redistrict the Texas House. And state Representative John H. Bucy III explains the two reasons why Texas Democrats belie…

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Developing and reimagining downtown Jacksonville with Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll 32:54

1M ago32:54

32:54

This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in revitalizing the area, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play. In this …

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Texas Democrats, Shelley Luther, Kevin Kiley, and the Redistricting Battle That’s Getting Ugly 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

In the August 10 episode, leading Texas Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. State Rep. Shelley Luther tells us why she thinks lawmakers who leave the state to stall legislative action should face even stiffer penalties. And U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California’s 3rd District, spells out why h…

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Arrest Warrants, Lawsuits, and the FBI: The Texas Redistricting Battle is Getting Ugly 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

It’s been five days since Democrats left Texas to deny quorum in the Texas House and stall redistricting legislation. There has been a non-stop whirlwind of activity and developments since they left. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, leading Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. Puck political reporter Abby…

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Jacksonville’s Parks Under Pressure: Safeguarding Natural Beauty and Historic Sites 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

Do you love Jacksonville’s parks or wonder how our local green spaces survive under constant pressure from funding cuts and development? Today we sit down with acclaimed Times Union columnist and author Mark Woods for a revealing conversation about the past, present, and future of our treasured parks. Together, they discuss the pivotal roles played…

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Nerd Joy, A Panel Discussion, SPaMCAST 872 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

The work has to get done, be miserable, or find JOY in it – it’s your choice. Why it matters: It is hard to motivate yourself and your team if you do not find joy in the work you do day in and day out. Our panel finds a joyful path: Jeremy Berriault - Jon M Quigley - - Me - Mastering Work Intake sponsors SPaMCAST! Starting Everything Means Finishin…

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The Texas Water War Leading to Lawsuits and Legislation 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

A plan to drill wells into an east Texas aquifer has led to angry public hearings, lawsuits, even new legislation lawmakers are trying to add to the special session agenda. East Texas residents say the wealthy businessman’s project would drain their water for his profit, while leaving their communities high and dry. In this episode of Y’all-itics, …

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Gene Wu, Salman Bhojani, Beth Van Duyne, and the new Republican Map 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

In the August 3 episode, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, State Rep. Gene Wu, says the new GOP congressional map calls for “extraordinary action.” State Rep. Salman Bhojani explains why he and other Democrats were looking for allies in New Mexico. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne tells us why she doesn’t think any district is safe an…

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TA launches the Bay St. Innovation Corridor service 31:46

2M ago31:46

31:46

It's said that Jacksonville is a "City on the Move! Well there's no better example of that than JTA's U2C project, a three-phase program revolutionizing public transportation in Jacksonville. Launched on June 30th, the first phase of the project features autonomous shuttles running on Bay St. in downtown Jacksonville between the Jacksonville Region…

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‘Dropping a city out of the sky.’ The Lawsuit that Could Slow New Home Building in Texas 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

One of the nation’s largest homebuilders is suing the smallest county in Texas over a planned development, even though Texas desperately needs new homes. The issue is who pays for the water, the roads, the damage from heavy trucks, and all the infrastructure associated with a huge, new development: the builder or the residents who already live in t…

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Julie Johnson, Chris Turner, Nathaniel Moran, and will Democrats Flee Texas? 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

In the July 27 episode, U.S. Representative Julie Johnson discusses whether she’ll even have a seat to run for next year. State Representative Chris Turner tells us why he thinks Republicans have yet to release the new political map. And Congressman Nathaniel Moran on how he’s trying to improve weather radar coverage in certain areas. GUESTSU.S. Re…

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Unpacking the city's $2 Billion proposed 2025-26 annual budget 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

Welcome to Mikes On Mic — the podcast where Jacksonville talks politics, policy, and the people shaping our city. This week, we’re celebrating our 2nd anniversary with a deep dive into Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed $2 billion city budget for 2025-26. Joining us is Mike Mendenhall, Associate Editor of JAXToday, to unpack where the money’s going — an…

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When Management Won’t Buy In, A Panel Discussion, SPaMCAST 871 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

Pushing cooked spaghetti uphill…is exhausting. Why it matters: It is hard to make change happen if leaders provide lip service to the cause. It is impossible if they actively oppose change. So what are you going to do? Panelists include: Jeremy Berriault - - Jon M Quigley - - Me - Mastering Work Intake sponsors SPaMCAST! Starting Everything Means F…

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Texas Political Musical Chairs: Who’s Losing Their Seat? 44:25

2M ago44:25

44:25

President Donald Trump wants Republicans to gain five additional Congressional seats in Texas. And it appears the GOP will stop at nothing to carve out those seats for him, a battle that will rage during the special legislative session that begins July 21. In this episode of Y’all-itics, our insiders discuss the risk associated with a mid-decade re…

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Paul Bettencourt, Lizzie Fletcher, Nathan Johnson, and the Special Session 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

On this episode, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt lays out one idea to keep Texans safe during flash floods, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher takes questions on Democratic options in the upcoming redistricting, and state Sen. Nathan Johnson on his campaign for Texas Attorney General.By WFAA

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Inside Jacksonville’s City Council: Mike Gay on Campaign Challenges, Party Divides & Stadium Deal 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

Welcome to another exciting episode of Mikes on Mic. This week, Councilman Mike Gay. We discuss how he overcame strong opposition and a flood of attack ads to win his campaign. His strong values guided him through a tough race. Join the Mikes as they examine Gay’s lone 'no' vote on Jacksonville's massive $1.4 billion stadium deal. They explore his …

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‘Inside Texas Politics’: Mihaela Plesa, Troy Kimmel, Keith Self, and the Expanded Special Session 21:45

3M ago21:45

21:45

In the July 13 episode, State Rep. Mihaela Plesa explains why she’s concerned about the expanded special session. Renowned Texas meteorologist Troy Kimmel has a candid conversation about forecasters’ role leading up to the deadly Texas flooding. And Congressman Keith Self on why he voted for the tax and spending bill despite criticizing it up until…

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“Hope Is Not a Plan”: A Candid Conversation About the Deadly Texas Flooding 56:27

3M ago56:27

56:27

Still reeling from the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, state and local leaders are scrambling to come with a plan to prevent it from ever happening again. That starts with an examination of what went wrong. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, we discuss the next steps. Renowned meteorologist Troy…

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Dr. Rahman Johnson on Redistricting, Race & Jacksonville’s Evolving Politics 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

This week, we chat with our dear friend, Dr. Rahman Johnson. He’s a City Councilman, award-winning broadcaster, educator, and true Renaissance man. Dr. Johnson shares his journey from Jacksonville neighborhoods to becoming the first person of color and the first Democrat to represent District 14 since consolidation. He discusses running for office …

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Habits Stink, A Panel Discussion, SPaMCAST 870 38:50

3M ago38:50

38:50

Habits, doing work without thinking, are the death of process improvement. Why it matters: When your brain goes on autopilot, it is easy to miss subtle changes and problems in product flow. Is it ever ok to stop thinking? Panelists include: Jeremy Berriault - - Jon M Quigley - Freddie Clark - Me - Mastering Work Intake sponsors SPaMCAST! Starting E…