One of the most hostile places to exist on Earth is the deep-sea floor. Light only penetrates so far, and beyond that is complete darkness where alien looking creatures thrive. But what do they eat down there? And how do humans perform deep-sea research? We borrow an excerpt from our sister podcast, “Coast to Canopy”, and join Rob Diaz de Villegas as he talks to three deep-sea researchers about life around methane seeps and hydrothermal vents, and the difficulties of studying ecosystems far beneath the surface of the ocean.

Tornadoes can be traumatic experiences, one moment a storm is blowing in just like any other Floridian day—and the next your phone is going off with alerts, sirens are blaring, and it sounds like a freight train is outside your house. After a tornado, there is often widespread damage, but no one should have to pick up the pieces alone. Gina Jordan is hosting a discussion with stories from our live studio audience about the lasting effects and damage caused by the May 10th tornadoes.

Refuge House has been providing emergency shelter services and attempting to aid victims of domestic and sexual violence for over 45 years. But recently, the center has been forced to turn away some of those seeking help. WFSU reporter Margie Menzel is discussing the situation with TSC Professor Iris Davis Pendleton (who previously sought help from the center), Leon County undersheriff Ron Cave who details his upbringing in the foster care system, and more…

Last year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved a draft permit for a company to drill an exploratory well near the Apalachicola River. Recently, a judge ruled the state should have rejected the permit and said the department did not adequately consider the sensitive nature of the area. Craig Diamond is a board member with Apalachicola Riverkeeper, the nonprofit advocacy group that successfully challenged the permit. He is sitting down with Gina Jordan to discuss recent developments…

A devastating tragedy struck Florida State University’s campus this past Thursday, April 17th. A gunman opened fire near the student union, killing two and injuring 6. This episode features a special extended look into the events that day and will provide viewpoints from students who were on campus, a roundtable of WFSU reporters who covered the events, and a conversation with FSU professor and mental health expert Sally Karioth.

Longleaf pines thrive with regular fire, and humans attempt to aid that with prescribed burns. But fire predates our use of it, leaving humans to try to mimic how fires once burned naturally. Rob Diaz de Villegas talks with Dr. Jean Huffman, a dendrochronologist who is using tree stumps to extract some surprising information from the tree-ring record about fires.

The Eastern Indigo is the longest native snake in the United States, but since the late 1970’s the serpent has been federally designated as threatened. New efforts are underway to return the Eastern Indigo to Florida. Gina Jordan sits down with WFSU Ecology Reporter Rob Diaz de Villegas and Catherine Ricketts with The Nature Conservancy, to discuss the return of the Eastern Indigo.

Writers and musicians have always had a dynamic relationship. Some authors write with a melodic rhythm, and some musicians are considered lyricists. Word of South Festival celebrates and explores the relationship between music and literature. Their first festival was in 2015, and ever since attendees have been presented a variety of talented authors and musicians (sometimes appearing together in what they call a “mu-aushups”). Gina Jordan is talking with authors Shonda Knight and Kristen Arnett, as well as Florida journalist Craig Pittman about this year’s festival…

Homelessness is a consistent issue across the country, and the big bend region is not excluded. Homelessness has increased both nationwide and locally, and some new initiatives are being put in place to try and help the housing insecure here in Tallahassee. But as these efforts are being made, some are trying to raise the question of personal responsibility vs government aid. Margie Menzel is sitting down with retired FSU Women’s basketball coach Sue Semrau, Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch, Dr. Heather Flynn with the FSU College of Medicine, and more to discuss Tallahassee’s unhoused population and the new efforts to help them…

This week on Speaking Of… has your phone been buzzing with text messages regarding an unpaid toll balance, or perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end of repeated calls from unsaved phone numbers? Well, you’re not the only one, many Floridians are feeling frustrated by the constant annoyance of scam calls and texts. Gina Jordan is diving into the issue and sitting down with Attorney Jana McConnaughhay, WFSU reporter Margie Menzel, Lawyer Twyla Sketchley (whose law firm is an underwriter of WFSU Public Media), and a Tallahassee resident helping a friend who was scammed. All ages are at risk, and the elderly are especially vulnerable, but we discuss what is going on and what can be done about these out-of-control scams…