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PODCAST

Mikes on Mic

Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, Mike Hightower

Welcome to "Mike"s on Mike," your newest favorite political podcast.Hosted by Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower. We delve deep into the political landscape.Tune in every week as we unpack the complex world of politics, observing and discussing the most pressing issues of the time.Drawing from our extensive experience and unique perspectives, we"re dedicated to providing you with thoughtful insights, sparking meaningful discussions, and challenging conventional wisdom.So, whether you"re a

government politics

All Episodes

31:37

Mikes on Mic Episode 130: Accountability, Legacy, and...

Mikes on Mic ·

2026/04/15

In this episode, the "Three Mikes"—Mike Miller, Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert—are joined by long-time political leader and 5th-term City Councilman Matt Carlucci. With a legacy stretching back to the dawn of Jacksonville’s consolidation, Carlucci offers a candid look at the friction currently defines City Hall. From the "cancer" of partisanship to the ongoing investigations surrounding JEA, this conversation cuts through the noise to ask: Is Jacksonville's government still working the way ...

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29:57

JEA Under Fire — Toxic Culture, Ethics, and the...

Mikes on Mic ·

2026/04/02

Jacksonville’s public utility is back in the headlines, and as the "Mikes" point out, it’s not for a billion-dollar deal or privatization efforts this time. In this episode, hosts Mike Miller,Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with David Bauerlein, the tireless investigative reporter for the Florida Times-Union, to peel back the layers of the latest controversies surrounding the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA). From allegations of a "toxic workplace" and racism to uncollected fee...

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28:19

The Real Power Fight Behind Jacksonville’s Biggest Asset

Mikes on Mic ·

2026/03/23

We’ve been watching Jacksonville politics for a long time… and I keep seeing the same pattern. Something happens. Tension builds. People point fingers. And then somehow, it all circles back to the same place. But this time feels different. There’s a message. A “favor.” And a series of moves that raise more questions than answers. The kind of questions most people don’t ask out loud. If you’ve ever felt like growth is slow… like decisions happen behind the scenes… like the real story never get...

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29:25

Why Florida May Not Be as Safe as It Looks in 2026

Mikes on Mic ·

2026/03/09

Back for a new season, and this time I’m getting right into the pressure points shaping Jacksonville and Florida politics. A lot of people still believe party labels tell the whole story. They do not. Beneath the headlines, there are deeper problems driving voters, testing incumbents, and putting real pressure on local leadership. In this episode, we dig into what may really decide the next big races, why some public approval numbers can fool people, and how one growing controversy could carr...

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25:10

Reflecting on Two and a Half Years: Jacksonville’s...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/12/22

Welcome to a special year-end milestone episode of Mikes on Mic. In this reflective wrap-up, the hosts come together with community leaders and longtime friends of the show to look back on more than two and a half years of meaningful conversations. With 125 episodes recorded, the podcast reflects on its journey exploring politics, government, and the evolving story of the Jacksonville community. This episode revisits some of the most impactful discussions—from conversations with city leaders,...

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26:01

Lenny Curry, JEA, and the Jacksonville Public Trust...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/12/15

Today we talk about something important happening in Jacksonville. A former mayor, Lenny Curry, just became a lobbyist for JEA—the city’s power and water company. This is surprising because, not long ago, he tried to sell JEA, which caused a lot of people to get upset and worry about the future of the city’s utilities. We sit down with people who were part of the investigation into that attempted sale. We also talk with someone who reported the story and followed it closely. Together,...

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26:22

Mayor Donna Deegan on Jacksonville’s Downtown...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/12/08

For this episode we sat down with Mayor Donna Deegan—right in her office—for an open, honest conversation about where Jacksonville’s headed. Two and a half years into her first term, she’s had some big wins—downtown development, the riverfront parks, and real investment in neighborhoods that have been overlooked for years. But we also got into the tough stuff: the pushback, the politics, and the challenges that come with trying to do things differently at City Hall. We talked city spending,...

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25:23

Jacksonville’s Growth, Community Impact, and...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/12/01

What does it take to turn a hometown credit union into a driving force behind a city’s rebirth? Today, we sit down with Brian Wolfburg, President & CEO of Vystar Credit Union, for a powerful conversation on corporate culture, civic leadership, and Jacksonville’s future. From its roots serving military families on a naval air base to becoming a billion-dollar financial institution with over a million members, Vystar’s journey is nothing short of transformational. Brian shares how purpose-d...

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27:37

Why Are We So Divided? A Thanksgiving Reflection on...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/11/24

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 c...

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31:20

Are We Repeating the Skyway Mistake? The Shocking...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/11/17

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, ...

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29:02

Florida’s Top Concern: Housing Costs and What Polls...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/11/10

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 le...

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21:38

Navigating Political Challenges in City Governance...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/11/03

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 p...

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28:18

An Inside Look Into the Ukraine/Russian War

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/10/27

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 tur...

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43:27

Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Whole Lot of...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/10/20

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 ins...

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27:56

Why Are We So Divided? Exploring the Roots and...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/10/13

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...

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35:01

Leslie Jean-Bart on Sunshine Law, City Hall...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/10/06

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. Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic...

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40:11

How will our local public broadcasting stations deal...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/09/29

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 c...

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32:44

The bold strategy behind Gateway Jax’s $500M+...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/09/22

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 balan...

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25:35

What's the latest in the development of the Emerald...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/09/15

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...

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33:34

Navigating Jacksonville's Budget: A Political...

Mikes on Mic ·

2025/09/08

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 conversation dives deep into the growing divide between the mayor's administration and the City Council's Finance Committee. Is public safety...

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131 results

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