Natives and Transplants have made their homes throughout Jacksonville, forging friendships and building communities. On this last episode of Season 1, we share insights from several of our guests at the last popup event, sponsored and hosted by event management In Gud Company. What do you consider to be good company? Josh Cuellar and Charlee Guillaume wrap up the season with their thoughts. Guests on this episode include Emily from Future Joy, Justin Little, Natalie and Aaron Leedy, Cindy Caldwell, and Zach from Future Joy.

In comparison to other cities, Jacksonville does not have a wide array of gathering places for the LGBTQ+ community. However, popup events create opportunities to celebrate and support diversity and inclusion. On this episode, our co-host, Josh Cuellar, is joined by Charlee Guillaume and two local vendors, Liane Roman and Tabitha Haytaian. The discussion spans topics from the local scene to the current political landscape in Florida and its controversial "Parental Rights in Education" bill.

Jacksonville and the surrounding areas offer a variety of social opportunities if you are in the neighborhood. But, it can be challenging as a newcomer to navigate the city and find a crowd you fit in with. For Justin Little, it took the pandemic and eight years to figure out his social calendar in town. He talks with our co-hosts about the nightlife from the venues, music and DJs to dress codes.

Jacksonville brings many free music events to its citizens. During our last popup studio, we bumped into Emily and Zach of Future Joy, a live electronic DJ project duo, performing at Ruby Beach Brewing. While their van sports Colorado tags, these nomads travel the country running from gig to gig. Listen to this episode to hear how Future Joy gives new meaning to the phrases 'working from home' and 'house party.'

Opportunities come in many shapes and sizes, and Jacksonville brings room for growth from its universities to real world experience. On this episode, Charlee Guillaume and Connor Pumpfrey discuss education's influence on their career paths and how they are finding their way.

The pandemic has brought many challenges through the front door of our education system. Cindy Caldwell gives insight into its impact from multiple viewpoints. She touches on staffing shortages, different education models and the early data that has been collected. Now more than ever, she feels we have opportunities to make innovative changes for the betterment as long as we keep our students front and center.

Aaron and Natalie Leedy grew up in Jacksonville from young ages. They settled in downtown to take advantage of the diversity of the area. This couple discusses their views of the area and its revitalization efforts. Avoiding gentrification can be tricky. Existing residents and historic buildings should be at the forefront of everyone's consideration.

The military and veteran communities have major impacts on local economies. As a matter of fact, Jacksonville is the home to six military installations, making the U.S. Navy one of the city's largest employers. Yet, Hope Bradley, a military spouse and job placement advocate for military connected candidates, feels the local city government and private employers can do a better job supporting these residents. This episode discusses some of the ways from hiring military spouses to helping veteran-owned businesses.