Hidden Florida and Beyond
Hidden Florida and Beyond
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Welcome to Hidden Florida and Beyond. This is a show about the people, passions, and moments shaping culture, leadership, and influence. Each episode dives beneath the surface with athletes, entertainers, business leaders, and cultural figures to talk ambition, discipline, success, failure, reinvention, and the paths that get people where they are. Some conversations start around major moments or careers, others wander into unexpected territory, but all of them are candid, wide-ranging, and driven by curiosity. Big guests. Real access. No small talk.
Miami Police Chief Manny Morales: 32 Years of Service, Fighting Crime & The Future of Policing
After more than three decades with the Miami Police Department, including serving as the city's 43rd Chief of Police, Manny Morales joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid conversation as he reflects on a career dedicated to public service. From his early days as a military police officer in the U.S. Army to leading one of America's most recognizable police departments, Manny shares the experiences, lessons, and relationships that shaped his journey. He explains why policing is ultimately about serving people, how officers can change lives for better or worse every single day, and why building trust within the community became one of his biggest priorities as chief. The conversation dives into the realities of modern law enforcement, including body cameras, accountability, internal affairs investigations, and how technology has transformed police work. Manny also discusses the dramatic drop in violent crime during his tenure, the challenges of policing a fast-growing international city like Miami, and how data, technology, and community engagement helped drive those results. Along the way, he shares stories from the job, including the truth behind Miami's infamous "Bayside aliens" rumors as well as some of the toughest moments of his career and the emotional toll law enforcement can take on officers. Hidden Florida & Beyond...where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 30
44 min
BONUS CLIP: Guy Bavli Brings Mind-Blowing Mentalism to Dine Out Lauderdale
Guy Bavli What happens when a world-renowned mentalist crashes a food festival? In this special mini episode, we sit down with Guy Bavli, whose mind-bending show has captivated audiences around the world and is now a staple at Fort Lauderdale's historic Riverside Hotel. Guy explains the difference between magic and mentalism before leaving us completely speechless with demonstrations that have to be seen to be believed—including one that had us convinced we'd been touched... when we hadn't. We also dive into the psychology behind his performances, the passion that led him into mentalism, and why every show is a one-of-a-kind experience.   About Dine Out Lauderdale Dine Out Lauderdale is Visit Lauderdale's annual restaurant celebration, where locals and visitors can experience some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants through specially priced prix fixe menus. Running throughout August and September, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite spot or finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit—all at a great value. From neighborhood gems to award-winning chefs, Dine Out Lauderdale showcases the incredible variety of Broward's dining scene. VisitLauderdale.com/DineOutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25
8 min
BONUS CLIP: Experience Casa Playa & Chimney House with Dine Out Lauderdale
Casa Playa Just steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Casa Playa brings the vibrant flavors of Latin America to a stylish, beach-chic setting. Inspired by the cuisines of Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, and beyond, the restaurant pairs fresh coastal ingredients with bold, authentic recipes and handcrafted cocktails. Whether you're stopping by for brunch, happy hour, or a memorable dinner, Casa Playa offers an inviting atmosphere where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and the laid-back energy of the beach come together.   The Chimney House Nestled inside a beautifully restored historic home in Fort Lauderdale's Sailboat Bend neighborhood, The Chimney House offers a warm, welcoming dining experience inspired by the flavors of South America. Family recipes from Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, and Guatemala are thoughtfully reimagined using high-quality ingredients and a contemporary approach, creating dishes that are both comforting and refined. With its charming atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails, and heartfelt hospitality, The Chimney House has become a favorite for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable taste of Latin American cuisine.   About Dine Out Lauderdale Dine Out Lauderdale is Visit Lauderdale's annual restaurant celebration, where locals and visitors can experience some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants through specially priced prix fixe menus. Running throughout August and September, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite spot or finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit—all at a great value. From neighborhood gems to award-winning chefs, Dine Out Lauderdale showcases the incredible variety of Broward's dining scene. VisitLauderdale.com/DineOutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25
7 min
BONUS CLIP: Experience Wan's Mandarin House with Dine Out Lauderdale
Wan's Mandarin House A Fort Lauderdale landmark since 1966, Wan's Mandarin House has been serving authentic Cantonese and traditional Chinese cuisine for nearly six decades. Now operated by the fourth generation of the Wan family, the restaurant blends time-honored family recipes with warm hospitality that has kept generations of guests coming back. As one of Broward County's longest-standing family-owned restaurants, Wan's Mandarin House is a true local institution and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a piece of Fort Lauderdale's culinary history.   About Dine Out Lauderdale Dine Out Lauderdale is Visit Lauderdale's annual restaurant celebration, where locals and visitors can experience some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants through specially priced prix fixe menus. Running throughout August and September, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite spot or finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit—all at a great value. From neighborhood gems to award-winning chefs, Dine Out Lauderdale showcases the incredible variety of Broward's dining scene. VisitLauderdale.com/DineOutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25
6 min
BONUS CLIP: Experience Sunness Supper Club with Dine Out Lauderdale
Sunness Supper Club & Bar Betty Sunness Supper Club blends the nostalgia of a classic American supper club with a fresh, modern approach to dining. The chef-driven menu features elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and warm hospitality in a stylish yet inviting atmosphere. The culinary program is led by Chef Allen Susser, the only two-time James Beard Award-winning chef in Broward County, whose influence helped shape South Florida's modern dining scene. After dinner, head upstairs to Bar Betty, the restaurant's hidden speakeasy, where expertly crafted cocktails, live music, and vintage-inspired décor create one of Fort Lauderdale's most memorable nightlife experiences. Whether you're planning a date night, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for an unforgettable evening out, Sunness and Bar Betty deliver dinner and drinks with timeless style.   About Dine Out Lauderdale Dine Out Lauderdale is Visit Lauderdale's annual restaurant celebration, where locals and visitors can experience some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants through specially priced prix fixe menus. Running throughout August and September, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite spot or finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit—all at a great value. From neighborhood gems to award-winning chefs, Dine Out Lauderdale showcases the incredible variety of Broward's dining scene. visitlauderdale.com/dineoutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25
9 min
BONUS CLIP:  Experience Craft Food Tours with Dine Out Lauderdale
Craft Food Tours Craft Food Tours offers a delicious way to experience Greater Fort Lauderdale beyond the typical restaurant visit. Their guided walking food tours combine chef-selected tastings, local history, and behind-the-scenes stories, giving guests the chance to explore neighborhoods one bite at a time. Whether you're a longtime local or visiting for the first time, Craft Food Tours showcases the people, flavors, and hidden gems that make South Florida's culinary scene so unique.   About Dine Out Lauderdale Dine Out Lauderdale is Visit Lauderdale's annual restaurant celebration, where locals and visitors can experience some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants through specially priced prix fixe menus. Running throughout August and September, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite spot or finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit—all at a great value. From neighborhood gems to award-winning chefs, Dine Out Lauderdale showcases the incredible variety of Broward's dining scene. VisitLauderdale.com/DineOutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25
6 min
BONUS CLIP: Talking Dine Out Lauderdale with Stacy Ritter
Stacy Ritter, President & CEO of Visit Lauderdale We sit down with Stacy Ritter, President & CEO of Visit Lauderdale, to talk about the mission behind Dine Out Lauderdale and why supporting local restaurants matters more than ever. Stacy shares how the annual dining event helps Broward County restaurants navigate the slower summer months while giving locals the chance to experience incredible prix fixe menus at some of the area's best restaurants. We also dive into Fort Lauderdale's growing culinary scene, what makes the destination so unique, and how tourism helps keep thousands of local residents employed. If you're looking for a great meal, a great deal, and a deeper appreciation for South Florida's vibrant food culture, this is an episode you won't want to miss. About Dine Out Lauderdale Dine Out Lauderdale is Visit Lauderdale's annual restaurant celebration, where locals and visitors can experience some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants through specially priced prix fixe menus. Running throughout August and September, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite spot or finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit—all at a great value. From neighborhood gems to award-winning chefs, Dine Out Lauderdale showcases the incredible variety of Broward's dining scene. VisitLauderdale.com/DineOutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25
8 min
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Chelsea Michaels: Botox, Peptides, Anti-Aging & What Actually Works
Chelsea Michaels, trained family nurse practitioner and aesthetic medicine specialist, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid conversation about beauty, aging, wellness, and the science behind some of today's most talked-about treatments. With a background spanning pediatrics, plastic surgery, and aesthetic medicine, Chelsea shares her journey from studying business and considering law school to building a career in one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare. Along the way, she explains how aesthetic medicine has evolved from simply chasing a certain look to focusing on overall wellness, longevity, and helping people feel more confident in their own skin. The conversation dives into everything from Botox, fillers, and collagen loss to strength training, nutrition, skincare, and why what’s happening inside the body eventually shows on the outside. Chelsea breaks down common misconceptions about anti-aging treatments, why social media filters have created unrealistic expectations, and how she approaches creating natural-looking results that enhance rather than change a person's appearance.  She also tackles some of the biggest trends dominating the wellness world right now, including peptides, GLP-1 medications, red light therapy, celebrity skincare brands, and the growing influence of TikTok health advice. Chelsea explains what’s worth paying attention to, what’s mostly hype, and why consumers need to be careful when buying treatments and supplements from unverified sources online.  Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 23
33 min
Professional Organizer CeCe Luca: Organizing Celebrity Homes, Decluttering & Why Your Home Keeps Getting Messy
CeCe Luca, founder of Sorted Living Company and former organizing expert with Netflix's The Home Edit, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a fun, behind-the-scenes conversation about clutter, organization, and the surprising psychology behind why so many of us struggle to keep our homes in order. After years of helping everyone from busy families to celebrities create order out of chaos, CeCe shares how a childhood obsession with organizing turned into a full-time career. She talks about her experience working with The Home Edit, being flown around the country for major projects, and what it was like organizing homes for high-profile clients and celebrities. The conversation dives into the habits that create clutter in the first place—from shopping addictions and Amazon impulse buys to overflowing garages, junk drawers, and closets packed with things people haven't touched in years. CeCe explains why buying storage bins isn't actually the same thing as being organized, and why creating systems matters far more than buying containers. She also shares practical tips for decluttering, including how to decide what to keep, what to donate, and why starting with a small space is often the key to tackling bigger organizational challenges. Along the way, the hosts compare organizing styles, debate color-coded closets, discuss emotional attachment to everyday items, and reveal some of their own clutter habits.  Hidden Florida & Beyond...where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 16
41 min
Sex Therapist Mela Headley: Intimacy, Communication & What Most Couples Get Wrong
Mela Headley, licensed mental health clinician and relationship therapist, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an honest, eye-opening conversation about intimacy, communication, and the relationship issues most people struggle with. Drawing from her work with individuals and couples, Mela breaks down the difference between sex and sexuality, why so many people learn about intimacy from the wrong sources, and how misconceptions formed in childhood, culture, and media often follow us into adulthood.  The conversation explores everything from sexual compatibility and mismatched libidos to why communication breaks down in long-term relationships.  Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from modern dating and marriage to social expectations, family influences, and the ways our upbringing shapes how we view relationships and ourselves.  Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 9
42 min
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