Fluent in Floridian

Central Florida's arts scene is booming and Orlando Shakes Executive Director Cheryl Collins is reinventing the stage for a new generation through immersive environments, interactive staging and accessible pricing. In this episode, Collins joins SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway to discuss how that forward-looking vision took root, tracing Orlando Shakes' journey from a 1989 Lake Eola festival to working with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights today. Tune in to preview the upcoming lineup and discover why there's always a seat waiting for you.  

Football season is back! But we've got a different game on our minds… With Orlando City SC Co-Founder Kay Rawlins retiring this year after nearly 15 years with the club, we're re-releasing her fan-favorite episode.  Tune in to hear Kay and SMPR President Heidi Otway as they reflect on her historic legacy in Florida sports and the true "Believe" spirit she brought to the Sunshine State.

What happens when girls are given the extra support and resources they need to flourish? Yessica Cancel knows. As CEO of Pace Center for Girls, Cancel brings more than two decades of experience in education and nonprofit work. In this episode, she joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to discuss the importance of pairing academics with comprehensive mental health support and the impact of giving young Florida women the tools and confidence to shape their futures.  

With 176 state parks across Florida, your next adventure might be closer than you think. In this episode, SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway and Florida State Parks Foundation Board President Matt Caldwell discuss what makes the Sunshine State's public lands so extraordinary. Listen to hear about Florida's crystal-clear springs, best-kept-secret spots and how to keep these natural treasures alive for generations to come.

Behind every hurricane forecast is a team making predictions that can impact millions of lives. As the current director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center, Michael Brennan's career has been defined by one mission: helping people make better decisions before, during and after a hurricane. From forecasting major storms such as Irma, Michael and Matthew to directly influencing emergency planning and public safety across Florida.  In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway sits down with Michael to discuss the human expertise behind every forecast and the responsibility that comes with protecting one of the nation's most hurricane-prone states.