Speak Easy Jax

Jacksonville business leader and visionary Blake Riber takes the Speak Easy hot seat to discuss his ascent to fame as the area’s undisputed bourbon aficionado, including insights on local business dynamics, industry-wide evolutions, and his decades-long love for the whiskey game. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico joins the conversation for a candid discussion on leadership, governance, and the future of Jacksonville. Representing District 4 and serving as Council President, Carrico shares insights into the priorities shaping City Hall, the challenges of balancing growth with accountability, and what effective leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving city. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Megha Parekh joins us to share her perspective on Jacksonville’s growth, leadership, and the major civic and sports initiatives shaping the city. She offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing Jacksonville and what drives her commitment to public service. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the community’s key voices. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan sits down with Daniel and TJ for an open, powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Jacksonville. From her years as a trusted journalist to her nationally recognized advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and ultimately, her historic election as Jacksonville’s 45th mayor, Donna shares what drives her, what grounds her, and what she hopes to build for the city she loves. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Jacksonville-based Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, engages Daniel and TJ in a conversation that blends creativity, conviction, and the kind of entrepreneurial clarity that only comes from years of building, leading, and reshaping organizations. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

 Misty Skipper, Vice President at GATE Petroleum and 2025 JAX Chamber Chair-Elect, joins Speak Easy Jax to discuss leadership, communication, and community. She shares insights from her journey in public service and business, and her vision for Jacksonville’s continued growth. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Admiral James Stavridis joins Speak Easy Jax for a conversation on leadership, strategy, and service. Drawing on his decades in the Navy and experience as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, he shares insights on global security, teamwork, and the power of collaboration. Tune in for an engaging discussion with one of America’s most respected military minds. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

This week, hosts Daniel & TJ sit down with Jason McCarthy, founder and CEO of GORUCK. From his Special Forces background to building a global fitness movement, Jason shares how grit, purpose, and community drive everything he does. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and redefining what strength means. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Tim Cost, President of Jacksonville University, returned to lead his alma mater after a 32-year career as a senior executive at Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson. He has since transformed JU with new programs, expanded facilities, and a renewed commitment to student success and community connection. Tim shares insights on leadership and his vision for higher education’s role in shaping Jacksonville’s future. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, sits down with Speak Easy Jax to discuss faith, leadership, and building one of the fastest-growing churches in the country. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Andy Allen, proud Jacksonville native and Co-Founder and CEO of one of Northeast Florida’s most prominent private real estate development firms, Corner Lot. Learn how he balances ambition with community sensitivity, manages risk in uncertain markets, and fosters a culture of innovation within his team. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Lisa Almeida, affectionately known as the "Boatanista," is the co-owner of Freedom Boat Club. She shares her unique career path, what it takes to fuel a growing fleet of more than 80 boats, and why she believes access to the water should be available to everyone. Tune in for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and life on the First Coast. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters opens up about the moments that shaped him most, including the defining milestones of his law enforcement career, the personal tragedies he’s endured, and the role of faith and family in guiding his life and leadership. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

NFL legend Fred Taylor, one of the greatest running backs in Jacksonville Jaguars history, joins Speak Easy Jax to share stories from his playing days, his journey to becoming one of the league’s most respected athletes, and his life beyond the game. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Hosts Daniel Davis and TJ Ward invite you to a candid, fireside‑style conversation with Darnell Smith, whose deep roots in Jacksonville’s civic and healthcare landscape make him a compelling voice on leadership and community growth. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Former WNBA President, PGA Tour exec, and founder of Generation W, Donna Orender sits down with Speak Easy Jax to talk leadership, equity, and what it means to build something that lasts. With stories from boardrooms, fairways, and locker rooms, Donna shares how bold vision and fearless tenacity have shaped her trailblazing career. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Daniel and TJ welcome Michael Corrigan, President & CEO of Visit Jacksonville.  Hear some unique insights from their time on City Council and how Jacksonville is shaping up to be one of the premier travel destinations in the country. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Daniel and TJ are joined by the First Coast's favorite meteorologist, Tim Deegan and they discuss a lot more than just the weather in Jacksonville.  Hear what they have to say about how this community comes together to continually make this the greatest city in the nation. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

On this week's episode of SpeakEasy Jax, Daniel & TJ chat with former professional basketball player, Patric Young.  Patric shares some amazing stories about growing up in Jacksonville, his time as a Florida Gator, and discusses his book, "Sit to Rise".  Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company

Special guest, Joe Hinrichs, President & CEO of CSX Corporation, joins Daniel and TJ on this week’s episode. Hear his unique career path from the automotive industry to the railroad industry, as well as his perspective on how to make a difference every single day. Connect with Speak Easy Jax:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookCreditsHosts: Daniel Davis and TJ WardPresenting Sponsor: JAX ChamberProducers: Kelly Pourciau and Ashley FolladoriVideo and Audio Production: CreativeWorx at WJCT Public MediaMarketing: Wander Media Company