Hidden Florida and Beyond

Troop Commander Ellery Collado of the Florida Highway Patrol joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond traffic stops. With more than two decades in law enforcement, Ellery shares the unexpected journey that led him from growing up in New York with a very different perception of police, to becoming a leader responsible for protecting South Florida’s highways. Along the way, he opens up about the 21 rejections he faced before getting his shot, the mentor who changed his life, and the mindset that’s helped him rise through the ranks. The conversation dives into the realities of the job—from making split-second decisions on the road to the emotional side of what officers experience but rarely talk about. Ellery shares how discretion really works when pulling someone over, why attitude can matter more than speed, and the truth behind common myths like ticket quotas and unmarked vehicles.  There are also the moments you don’t expect—from high-speed pursuits and helicopter call-ins to the strange, funny, and sometimes unbelievable situations that only happen in Florida. At the same time, Ellery brings a grounded perspective on leadership, explaining how his role today is less about writing tickets and more about guiding others and preparing them for the realities of the job.  Beyond the action, he talks openly about the human side of policing: helping families in their worst moments, staying connected to people long after cases are closed, and the importance of mental health for officers dealing with high-stress situations every day. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s really going on behind the scenes of Below Deck? In this episode of Hidden Florida & Beyond, former cast members Katie Glaser and Bobby Giancola sit down and pull back the curtain on what life is actually like working (and filming) on a luxury yacht. They talk about the reality of balancing two jobs at once—handling demanding charter guests while also filming a TV show—and why things can get even more chaotic when the cameras aren’t rolling.  The conversation dives into how production really works, including moments being recreated for cameras, storylines getting shaped in editing, and how certain situations may be pushed just enough to keep things interesting. They also share what it’s like dealing with over-the-top guests, massive tips, and the physical grind of working 16+ hour days with little sleep. Beyond the show, they get into life after reality TV, what they’re doing now in the yachting industry, and how being on Below Deck has followed them long after filming wrapped. They also share their perspective on fame, social media, and what it’s like having millions of people form opinions about you based on an edited version of events. Unfiltered, behind-the-scenes, and full of stories you won’t see on Bravo, this episode gives a real look at what life is like below deck—when the cameras are rolling and when they’re not. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a simple hobby to a thriving luxury catering brand, Maura Hoban, founder of Boardgasm Charcuterie, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to share how she turned her love of food into a fast‑growing business serving South Florida’s high‑end events, yachts, and private parties. Maura walks through how it all started with her being “the cheese board person” among friends, before a single Instagram post unexpectedly brought in a wave of orders—forcing her to quickly shift from hobbyist to business owner. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, from pricing her product to figuring out logistics, scaling operations, and building a recognizable brand. The conversation explores what it really takes to grow a business, including the challenges of letting go of control and learning how to delegate, as well as the importance of standing out in a crowded market. Maura explains how bold branding played a role in her success, why convenience and a seamless customer experience matter more than ever, and how she continues to evolve her offerings to stay ahead. As the business expanded, so did the vision. What began as charcuterie boards has grown into full‑scale catering, featuring elaborate grazing tables, yacht provisioning, and a unique new concept called SEA Deduction—a roaming caviar and oyster experience designed to bring a high‑end, interactive element to events. Along the way, Maura shares practical tips on building the perfect charcuterie board, choosing quality ingredients, and creating a visually appealing spread, while also offering behind‑the‑scenes insight into working with luxury clients and high‑profile events. The conversation highlights not just the food itself, but the importance of creating an experience that people remember. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran journalist, NBC 6 anchor, Air Force combat pilot, and attorney Willard Shepard joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a remarkable conversation about discipline, purpose, and building an extraordinary career across multiple worlds. Willard shares his journey from growing up in the Midwest to becoming an Air Force A‑10 pilot, flying combat missions over the Persian Gulf, and later transitioning into a successful career in broadcast journalism—earning multiple Emmys through investigative reporting that made a real impact in South Florida. He breaks down what it takes to operate at the highest level under pressure—from surviving intense G‑forces in fighter jets to executing perfectly timed flyovers, to handling dangerous and emotionally heavy reporting assignments. The conversation also explores the reality behind military training, the mindset required to perform in life‑or‑death situations, and how those lessons translate into everyday life. Beyond the military and media, Willard opens up about going to law school while working full‑time in television, balancing multiple careers at once, and how becoming an attorney gave him a unique edge as an investigative journalist—allowing him to tell deeper, more impactful stories that others couldn’t access. The episode also touches on some of the most challenging moments of his career, including covering tragic events like the Parkland shooting, as well as the responsibility that comes with telling those stories the right way. At the same time, he reflects on the moments that made it all worth it—when viewers share how his work and presence inspired them to change their lives. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded before Spirit Airlines announced it was shutting down—back when yellow planes were still everywhere and Amelia and John were enthusiastically “testing” the free flight benefits… perhaps a little too thoroughly. In this wide‑ranging and refreshingly human conversation, Rana Ghosh, longtime airline executive and Chief Commercial Officer, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to talk candidly about the business of flying, customer perception, and what really happens behind the scenes of a value airline. Rana breaks down what his role actually entails—from pricing, distribution, and loyalty programs to shaping the overall customer experience—and why airlines make the choices they do (yes, including seat size, baggage fees, and snacks). He addresses the jokes and misconceptions around budget airlines head‑on, explaining how perception often lags reality, especially when performance, safety, and reliability don’t match the punchlines. The conversation dives into traveler behavior, airline “hacks,” TSA frustrations airlines can’t control, why seats don’t recline on certain planes (problem solved), and some truly unbelievable passenger stories—including one involving a melting bag of ice in an overhead bin. Beyond aviation, Rana shares insights on leadership, storytelling in business, managing large teams, recognizing employees, and why loving the product you work on matters. He also opens up about global travel, favorite South Florida hidden gems, why Italy might be the dream retirement destination, and how curiosity—not job titles—has shaped his career across banking, energy, and airlines. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio pioneer, event architect, and behind‑the‑scenes legend Von Freeman joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for an unforgettable deep dive into the moments, risks, and phone calls that helped shape modern radio, music events, and pop‑culture history. From growing up on a Kansas farm dreaming of radio, to sitting on station couches until someone finally gave him a shot, Von walks us through a career built on persistence, creativity, and absolute fearlessness. He shares how radio promotions evolved from street teams and balloon stunts to massive cultural moments—helping launch and redefine events like Jingle Ball, Wango Tango, and the Radio Music Awards. But this episode goes far beyond radio history. Von tells legendary stories about producing stadium concerts before they were the norm, bringing rising artists to massive stages before the world knew their names, and working with icons like Will Smith, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin, MC Hammer, and more. He explains how one phone call led to another—and how those calls sometimes went all the way to the White House. Then comes the story you won’t forget: receiving a call from Michael Jackson, flying by jet helicopter to Neverland Ranch, sharing ice cream, meeting Bubbles the chimp, and ultimately helping Michael bring a never‑released humanitarian song to national television. It’s a surreal, firsthand account of a moment in pop culture history few people can tell. The conversation also tackles the realities of the industry—temptation, excess, the darker sides of fame—and why Von managed to survive it where many didn’t. He reflects on luck versus hustle, creativity versus execution, and why sometimes the most powerful move is simply making the call no one else is willing to make. The episode wraps inside Von’s latest passion project: Frozen Dead Guy Days, a bizarre, beloved festival born from a cryogenically frozen Norwegian grandfather—proving that even decades later, Vaon is still reinventing what an event can be. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela Posillico — former pageant queen, classically trained vocalist, longtime cosmetics industry pro, and the founder/CEO of Miss International World and Miss Latina International — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a lively, eye‑opening conversation that goes far deeper than crowns and evening gowns. Angela breaks down the reality of modern pageantry: empowerment, cultural representation, professional development, and the life‑changing opportunities that can come from walking onto a stage with confidence. From her years performing internationally after training at Juilliard, to creating two global pageant systems centered on diversity and opportunity, Angela reveals how pageants helped launch her own entertainment career — including singing across Europe and landing roles like Phantom of the Opera — and how she now builds those same pathways for women around the world. The episode also explores the misunderstood parts of pageants: the nerves, the alter‑egos, the blackout moments on stage, the values judges actually look for, the misconceptions families have, and why authenticity often beats years of pageant experience. Angela shares stories of women competing well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond; how confidence evolves with age; and why diversity and cultural pride are central to her international competition. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Criminal defense attorney Eric Schwartzreich joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a fast‑talking, unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the adrenaline, chaos, and strategy behind some of Florida’s wildest courtrooms. From being wrongly accused at boarding school to defending judges, celebrities, cartel members, cops, and true Florida‑man characters, Eric shares how he built a 30‑year career on creativity, instinct, and the belief that any case can be won if you find the right angle. He opens up about early losses, hard lessons, and the moment he realized being a trial lawyer meant being part‑performer, part‑psychologist, and part‑magician. Eric breaks down the real meaning of “not guilty,” the power of charm in front of a jury, and why authenticity matters more than theatrics. He talks about NDAs that don’t hold up, jurors who fall asleep mid‑trial, dangerous clients, mob and cartel cases, stand‑your‑ground battles that went all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, and how he once dismantled a prosecution by blowing up a photo of a late‑night sex shop called “Booby’s Love Trap.” Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, high‑energy conversation that reveals what really goes into running one of South Florida’s most desirable cities. From how Aventura became home to America’s favorite mall and one of the lowest tax rates in the region, to behind‑the‑scenes decisions on transportation, schools, development, and public safety, Mayor Weinberg breaks down city leadership in a way you rarely hear. He shares how Aventura built a top‑rated public charter school system, why families are flocking in, and the bold ideas — like free citywide Tesla transportation and “hero housing” for teachers and police — shaping the city’s future. The episode also dives into traffic myths, ribbon‑cutting rituals, international mayor conferences, pickleball rivalries, and the real work that happens far beyond council meetings.  Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity defense attorney Bradford “Brad” Cohen joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, behind‑the‑scenes conversation that pulls back the curtain on celebrity law, power, perception, and what really happens when the spotlight meets the justice system. Known for representing high‑profile clients like Drake and Kodak Black — and for his time on The Apprentice — Brad breaks down the realities of defending famous names when public opinion, media narratives, and legal consequences collide. He opens up about his real relationship with Kodak Black, the mentorship behind the headlines, and why the media often gets it wrong. The conversation goes far deeper than celebrity gossip. Brad explains how law enforcement tracks phone metadata, digital behavior, and minute‑by‑minute activity — details that can change lives in an instant. He answers the uncomfortable questions most lawyers dodge, including what happens when a lawyer knows their client is guilty, how cases are truly fought behind closed doors, and why being “famous” can help and hurt in court. Along the way, Brad shares how he landed on reality television, what it takes to survive at the highest levels of the legal world, and how trust, loyalty, and strategy matter just as much as statutes and case law. Hidden Florida & Beyond... where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef Ben Robinson, best known from Bravo’s Below Deck, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond the galley.From growing up between England, Cape Cod, and Australia to becoming head chef on some of the world’s largest yachts, Ben shares the unexpected path that led him to reality TV fame, including the late-night, slightly buzzed audition tape that changed his life forever. He opens up about what Below Deck doesn’t show: the grueling hours, behind-the-scenes production moments, celebrity guests, yacht life realities, and the pressure of cooking under constant scrutiny.The conversation dives into global food culture, wild culinary experiences, South Florida’s dining scene, life at sea, storms, pirates, fame, and the truth about being a chef in high-stakes environments. Along the way, Ben’s humor, honesty, and storytelling shine.  From cooking for Mariah Carey to dodging chaos on luxury yachts and navigating a career transformed by television.It’s funny, insightful, and packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.Hidden Florida & Beyond...where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.