<figure><figcaption> Untold Stories. A WJCT Public Media and Florida Threatre Production.(Morgan Gesell, Rain Henderson)</figcaption></figure>

In this evocative episode of "Untold Stories," recorded live at the Florida Theater, we dive into the theme of 'There and Back Again.' The show features an array of captivating stories that take us on a journey through the diverse experiences of our storytellers.

Barbara Colaciello of BAB'S LAB expertly guides the narrative as the artistic director and host of "Untold Stories," bringing unique stories to life with her insightful leadership.

The evening begins with Jolie, an independent singer, songwriter, and keyboard player from Saint Augustine, celebrated for her two CDs and recognition as Saint Augustine's Best Female Vocalist and Best Musician in 2019 and 2020. Her soulful melodies in "Belong" reflect on the bittersweet nostalgia for childhood friendships and the simplicity of the 'good old days.'

Yanira Cardona, with her vibrant personality and gripping narrative, transports us from the vibrant beaches of Puerto Rico to the challenging yet rewarding journey in Jacksonville, Florida. Her story is a vivid depiction of cultural shock, personal growth, and her eventual role in shaping the city's cultural landscape.

Bob Wiltfong's story provides a contrast, focusing on the evolution of dreams and identity. From his childhood moniker 'Goober' in Omaha, Nebraska, to his aspirations of fame and a stark encounter with reality, Bob's narrative is a candid reflection on finding purpose and contentment beyond the allure of fame.

The episode concludes with the powerful voice of Yvette Angelique, who spans six decades in her storytelling. From imaginative childhood tales to challenging corporate norms as a diversity leader, and finally embracing her artistic identity, Yvette's journey underscores the importance of remaining true to one's convictions and the transformative power of art and activism.

Each story, unique in its essence, is bound by the common thread of resilience, self-discovery, and the unexpected turns life takes. Tune in to "Untold Stories" for an evening of inspiration, laughter, and introspection, capturing the essence of human experience and the paths we navigate in our journey there and back again.

Transcript

Please note that the following transcript has been generated by automated technology. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, there may be errors, inconsistencies, or deviations from the original audio. We encourage listeners to refer to the actual podcast episode for complete and accurate content. This transcript is provided for convenience and may not fully capture the nuances of the spoken word.

(gentle music)
David Luckin:
- Welcome to Untold Stories, a production of the Florida Theater and WJCT Public Media.
Tonight's program was recorded May 6th, 2022.
The theme, There and Back Again.

Barbara Colaciello:
- So welcome, welcome to tonight's Untold Stories.
And our theme is There and Back Again.
It was a very interesting theme.
And I found myself constantly saying
to the storytellers when I'd work with them,
"Where is there?"
I am thrilled to present, Jolie.
(audience applauds)

Jolie:
- Thank you so much for the warm welcome.
I'm just gonna play some songs throughout the evening
and this first one I wanna play for you is a song
that I wrote kind of about missing my childhood friends
and what I like to call my good old days.
This one's called "Belong".

(gentle music)
♪ Close doors ignored ♪
♪ I can't say that I don't care anymore ♪
♪ Where you are these days ♪
♪ Contoured that keeps score ♪
♪ Is it too late to call for an encore? ♪
♪ All the better days ♪

♪ All the times you saved me from myself ♪
♪ And made me feel like I could measure up ♪
♪ And I know those days are gone ♪
♪ I think I've known it all along ♪
♪ But can can you blame me for wanting to belong? ♪

♪ I've tried and I've lied ♪
♪ For the sake of keeping us alive ♪
♪ But here I am missing you ♪

♪ And all the times you saved me from myself ♪
(gentle music)
♪ And made me feel like I could measure up ♪
♪ And I know those days are gone ♪
♪ I think I've known it all along ♪
♪ But can can you blame me for wanting to belong? ♪

♪ Years passed I still go back to the chapter titled Us ♪
♪ Nowadays I find it all a little better left untouched ♪
♪ You turn the page on me and I'm still stuck ♪

♪ I remember all the times you saved me from myself ♪
♪ And made me feel like I could measure up ♪
♪ And I know those days are gone ♪
♪ I think I've known it all along ♪
♪ But can can you blame me for wanting to belong? ♪
♪ But can can you blame me for wanting to belong? ♪
♪ I miss the feeling that you and I belong ♪
(audience cheering)
(audience applauding)

Barbara Colaciello:
Okay, so I'm excited.
I want you to give a big round of applause
to my dear friend, Yaya! — Yanira Cardona!
(audience applauding)
(audience cheering)
(audience applauding)

Yanira Cardona:
Oh man.
I love daydreaming about the days
when I was a senior in high school in Puerto Rico.
I could hear the seven fell going off
and I'm telling my friends to hurry up
and grab their stuff so we could walk to the beach
that was literally right next to our high school.
I could feel the warmth of the sand in my feet
and I closed my eyes and I could hear my friends dancing salsa.
I could feel the warmth of the sun hitting my face
and when I opened my eyes, it's 40 degrees.
I'm in a town that worships a dinosaur statue for some reason
with a football team that, well, let's just say go jags.
(audience laughing)
It was a culture shock.
I mean, I just came from an island
that literally celebrates everything.
I mean, our baseball team came in second place
for the World Baseball Series
and the governor shut down the island.
We had a parade.
Even our kayakers came out with the little kayaks to celebrate, okay?
That's how much we celebrate in Puerto Rico.
To a city that if it rains, oh my God, a tsunami is coming.
We can't go out.
Can't do anything.
It was hard for me.
And although I started working in radio off the bat
in my senior year, I still saw Jacksonville like a 1950s television.
It was still very black and white.
It was an unseasoned barbecue chicken.
Just with salt and pepper.
Then I got married.
Yes, believe it or not,
I got married at the age of 20
and I thought I found my Prince Charming.
But I quickly realized I didn't want to be a military wife.
I'm a Navy brat.
I grew up in that life.
I know what that life is.
And I respect it and I love it.
But when you're a military wife,
you have to follow your husband wherever he goes.
And I wanted to be my own independent woman.
So I got divorced.
And I was like, "Aha, this is my golden ticket."
I felt like Charlie from Willy Wonka.
So I went to Full Sail University in Orlando
and I have graduated with my associates
as the advanced achiever
with my associates in sound engineer
and my bachelor's in music business.
I thought I 'd hit the road.
I was gonna be like the girl in the journey song.
You know that song that you guys love?
Don't stop believing here in Jacksonville.
Can we retire that song, please?
Anyways.
So I thought I was gonna get on the train
and go on the midnight train and take me anywhere.
Took me back to Jacksonville.
(audience laughs)
Now I'm staying with my mom.
And at that time, that AM radio station turned FM.
And so I started working with them.
And the landing called us
and wanted to do a Hispanic festival.
And so I did three Hispanic festivals
in the Jacksonville Landing.
Latina hot summer fiesta.
It was the first Latina summer.
It was the first Latina festival ever
at the Jacksonville Landing in 2014.
We had over 10,000 people attend each and every festival.
And that's when I started seeing Jacksonville
a little bit more colorful.
That's when I started seeing the blues in our waters.
That's when I started seeing the beautiful different shades of browns that we have here.
But even then, it wasn't enough for me to stay.
I got a phone call from a friend and he was like, "Hey, come back to Orlando."
"I know some people that are starting some radio stations and I think it'll be great for you to join them."
I was like, "All right, let's go."
So I packed up my stuff and I went back to Orlando and I helped start the first ever Reggaeton radio station in Florida.
And on top of that, I was the only woman in the company, okay, honey?
And I was a general manager.
(audience cheers)
Although literally I slept in my car a couple times, okay, I'm not gonna lie.
It was rough, but I was sitting with the city.
I was sitting with the mayor of Orlando.
I was sitting with all these CEO and executive people from Orlando and Kissimmee, making big moves.
I did a car show.
I didn't know, I don't know anything about cars,but I did a car show for them.
I felt like I was the boss.
In fact, they started calling me la jefa (the boss), right?
They really did.
And in one of