
Speaking Of (Full Program)
Weekly
We’re all about “keeping it real, keeping it simple, and keeping it local.” We’ll dive into tough topics but also make sure to have some fun along the way.
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Speaking Of is produced with support from PRX, and made possible in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Latest Episodes
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This week on Speaking Of… 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 several guests. Also, Josh Johnson is sitting down with Linda Schulyer Ford, a storyteller and word artist, to discuss the modern practice of her art. And… we’re adding it all up and talking about the “new math” children are learning in schools today.
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A judge recently ruled the Florida Department of Environmental Protection should have rejected a permit to allow drilling of an exploratory oil well near the Apalachicola River. 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 these recent developments. Also, Josh Johnson is joined by local performance artist and dancer Maria White, to discuss the joys of teaching dance, Tallahassee’s dance scene, and more. And, we’re comparing TVs and home theater projectors.
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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. And, LeMoyne Arts has been holding the Chain of Parks Art Festival for 25 years, with the goal of amplifying local artists and bringing the community together. And, their work hasn’t gone unnoticed, Sunshine Artist Magazine has ranked the fest in the top 100 fine art festivals for 10 years running. Powell Kries is the Chain of Parks Art Festival Manager, and is sitting down with host Josh Johnson to discuss this weekend’s events.
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This week on Speaking Of… 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. Also, Rachel Elspeth Gross joins host Josh Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on her inspirations, thoughts on art, and future goals. And… we explore the intersection between fast fashion, trade, and tariffs.
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This week on Speaking Of… 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. Also, the art of printmaking goes back hundreds of years, and many different cultures have their own version or take. Sangha Press is a Tallahassee workshop that is home to printmaker Mika Fowler, an artist working with wooden type and a vintage press to create one of a kind works of art. Fowler joins host Josh Johnson to discuss printmaking, collaboration, and more. And… we’re going for a spin and discussing the essentials of vinyl records. Jason Acuna sits down with Matt Sampson of Real Cool Time Records to talk about how to care for, clean, and shop for your vinyl.
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Writers and musicians have long had a dynamic relationship, and Word of South Festival celebrates and explores the connection between music and literature. Gina Jordan is talking with authors Shonda Knight and Kristen Arnett, as well as Florida journalist Craig Pittman about this year’s Word of South fest. Also, Josh Johnson is sitting down with Earth’s Garden CEO Camille Lewis to discuss this year’s fourth annual Tallahassee Earth Day Festival. And… we meet a sweating robot that's trying to save firefighters from injury.
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This week on Speaking Of… Homelessness is a consistent issue across the country, and the big bend region is not excluded. 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. Also, Josh Johnson is talking with Opening Nights at Florida State Executive Director Kevin Maynard. And… get ready to rinse, wash, and repeat because we’re learning all about textured and curly hair.
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Have you been receiving an onslaught of scam calls and texts? Many Floridians are feeling frustrated by the constant annoyance of unsolicited communications, and all ages are at risk. Gina Jordan is sitting down with several experts to discuss what is going on and what can be done about these out-of-control scams. And Josh Johnson sat down with Chef Brunson at his restaurant to discuss the history of his restaurant, his appearance Food Networks “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives”, and his outlook on food. Also, grab your leash and treats, because we’re talking about dog training.
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This week on Speaking Of… Spring is right around the corner and we’re discussing how No-Mow-March can help native species. Also, we’re talking with Comedian Ed Larson from “Last Podcast On The Left” about his current tour! And… grab your starter for our bread baking deep-dive.
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The Florida Legislature is back in session and Gina Jordan is sitting down with WFSU assistant news director Regan McCarthy and Government Reporter Tristan Wood for a rundown and reminder of the legislative basics. We’ll also hear from Dara Kam, of the News Service of Florida, about what she expects to see this session. Also, Tom Flanigan is about town, talking with several small business owners to hear their stories and find out how they’re staying competitive in the modern market. And, we are discussing the history of the Film Industry in Florida.