Michael Williams and Brian Crowley are joined by Joel Engelhardt, co-founder of Stet News. We talk about the state of Florida journalism and where it's at.

0:44

Joel describes Stet News, explains what it means, and how local newspapers are fading.

3:23

Joel says the nonprofit model is the future of journalism. The for-profit model is collapsing.

4:31

Discussing the mission of providing accurate, fair and unbiased news and information that helps readers hold public officials accountable.

7:20

About the documentaries program involving private citizens trained to monitor their local governments.

11:02

Sometimes the government tells the public what it is doing when it is too late to change it. News organizations are pushing back on behalf of the public by keeping them informed.

15:52

Brian talks about the public’s lack of access to public records, the decline of the Sunshine Law and difficulty the public has getting information they need.

23:30

More examples of the public being left in the dark. And the need to keep people informed.

27:22

The Crowley Closer.

In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Representative Toby Overdorf, from the Treasure Coast, joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a wide-ranging conversation on policy, politics, and personal reflections. Overdorf makes news by announcing his 2028 run for the Florida Senate and discusses legislative accomplishments—including his work to combat human trafficking, education reform to improve nursing school standards, and efforts to hold predatory institutions accountable. The conversation turns to pressing issues like Florida’s property tax structure, with Overdorf offering insights into proposed reforms and his leadership role in crafting a potential constitutional amendment. He addresses the ongoing affordability crisis, controversial development proposals in state parks, and the complex realities of immigration policy.

#TobyOverdorf #FloridaPolitics #TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaSenate #PropertyTaxes#AffordableFlorida #humantraffickingawareness

@topofmindflorida

Does AI Mean Bye-Bye to My Job? Why That Degree May Not Protect You

In this thought-provoking episode of Top of Mind Florida, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley are joined by cybersecurity expert Alan Crowetz, President and CEO of Infostream.cc

Together, they dive deep into the current reality and fast-approaching future of artificial intelligence — its promises, dangers, and disruptions. From AI’s impact on jobs, education, and healthcare to global power struggles and universal basic income, Alan breaks it down with insight, urgency, and humor. Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-wary, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

• AI is poised to disrupt nearly every white-collar profession — including law, finance, education, and medicine.
• Exponential growth in AI technology could outpace society’s ability to adapt, raising concerns about unemployment and economic stability.
• Real-world applications are already reshaping how we learn, access healthcare, and even receive therapy.
• The U.S. and China are locked in an AI "arms race" with global leadership and national security implications.
• Now is the time for individuals to engage with AI tools — before the learning curve grows too steep.

In this inspiring and urgent conversation, Top of Mind Florida hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley sit down with Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. From his personal journey as a cellist and arts advocate to navigating funding cuts, Dave shares how the arts shape lives, communities, and economies — and why the fight for Florida’s cultural future is more important than ever.

🎭 Learn how arts education impacts young minds, why artists are small business owners, and how AI is reshaping creativity.

🎨 Hear real stories of resilience and connection — including a powerful moment with a blind visitor at a tactile art exhibit.

💸 Explore what’s at stake in Florida and how you can help keep the arts alive.

Dave Lawrence emphasizes the broader impact of the arts on society, including cognitive development, social interaction, and community engagement.

Brian Crowley shares a personal experience with AI creating a song from a poem he wrote, raising questions about the role of AI in creativity.

Lawrence acknowledges the potential of AI to facilitate creativity but emphasizes the unique value of human expression in the arts.

@topofmindflorida

In this heartwarming episode, Taylor Morgan, founder of the Kind Diners Society, joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to share her mission of spreading kindness throughout South Florida’s restaurant community. The Kind Diner Society offers a unique $8.99/month membership that gives diners a 25% discount at over 140 local restaurants—and uses those fees to surprise servers with generous tips.

Taylor recounts her personal story, the inspiration behind the movement, and how over $15,500 in tips have already made a difference in servers’ lives. From paying for medical bills to car repairs, these acts of kindness are transforming the dining experience. Hear how this movement started, where it’s going, and why small gestures can make a big impact. @TopofMindFlorida

Michael Barnett talks politics with the best of them. He should. He once chaired the Palm Beach County GOP. Then he got elected to the commission. Barnett got a whole new perspective on the gulf that exist between political talk and real world impact for the people he served. No matter where you live ..it is worth hearing the difference.

He is the gold standard for radio comedy in South Florida and now his reach is international too. Meet Paul Castronovo, the man always getting laughs and making a difference in his community.

She was a rising star in a Florida Democratic party that has seen its political lights dimmed--a lot--over the last generation. So she stepped away from the arena. What is Melissa McKinlay saying about the future? It's a message the party is grappling with nationwide. That and the debate over taxes and more.