In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Mark and Saundra Biddinger, the dedicated owners of Mitchell’s Coffee House in downtown Lakeland. Together, they dive into their journeys to Central Florida, the unexpected twists and "divine appointments" that crossed their paths, and what originally inspired them to take over one of Lakeland’s most cherished local staples.

Mark and Saundra open up about life behind the counter and beyond—from balancing day jobs and restaurant operations to overcoming severe health challenges and navigating surprising family discoveries. Through every trial, their focus has remained firmly rooted in faith, gratitude, and living fully in the present moment.

More than just a place to grab your morning caffeine fix, Mitchell’s Coffee House serves as a true community hub. The couple shares their passion for fostering meaningful connections, from spotlighting local artists with the Lakeland Art Association and hosting live music curated by Soundhouse Studios, to offering event spaces, catering, pet-friendly patio seating, and delicious seasonal comfort food made fresh to order. Sandra also highlights their commitment to ethically sourced, fair-trade coffee beans—including direct support for international women entrepreneurs.

Whether you are a longtime regular at Mitchell’s or looking to discover more about the heart and soul behind downtown Lakeland’s thriving small-business scene, this warm, honest, and inspiring conversation has something for everyone. Tune in to hear the story of community, resilience, and great coffee! 166

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Victoria, an experienced massage therapist of over 20 years, spiritual practitioner, and the creator behind the Age of Aquarius Sanctuary in Mulberry, Florida.

Victoria shares her personal journey—from growing up in Wauchula and working long hours in a corporate call center to discovering her true life's calling in healing, bodywork, and spiritual alignment. She opens up about the pivotal moments during the pandemic that deepened her connection with God, manifestation, and energy work, sparking her passion to create a welcoming physical sanctuary for the community.

Together, Don and Victoria explore the upcoming grand opening of the Age of Aquarius Sanctuary (located at 109 Badcock Blvd W, Mulberry, FL). Rather than focusing solely on traditional massage, the sanctuary is designed as a peaceful haven to help individuals de-stress, raise their frequency, and tap into their inner creativity. Victoria highlights the space's community-driven offerings, including:

Sound Healing & Energy Work: Crystal and sound bowl performances alongside expert collaborators like Heather Fam and Melinda. Accessible Workshops: Affordable sessions for both adults and youth, covering art, drawing, goddess awakening, and automatic journaling. Sanctuary Retail & Garden: Propagated plants grown with care in her home garden, healing crystals, oracle cards, artisanal jewelry, and local artwork. Spiritual Reflection: Thoughtful discussions on the balance of prayer, meditation, and finding serenity amidst modern-day chaos. 165

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with prominent local Realtor and community leader Todd Dantzler for an insightful conversation about the Lakeland area’s real estate landscape, regional growth, and community development.

Drawing on decades of experience in commercial and residential real estate, Todd shares his unique perspective on what makes Polk County such an attractive destination for families and businesses alike. The discussion dives into the strategic factors driving local development, from Lakeland's central position between Tampa and Orlando to key infrastructure projects shaping the future of the community. Don and Todd explore how the market has evolved over the years, balancing rapid expansion with the preservation of Lakeland's rich history, vibrant downtown, and close-knit charm.

Beyond the business and economic aspects of real estate, the conversation highlights the vital role of local leadership, civic involvement, and smart planning. Todd reflects on his public service, key community initiatives, and what it takes to guide sustainable growth that benefits both long-time residents and newcomers. Whether you are a local homeowner, prospective buyer, business owner, or simply passionate about the trajectory of our community, this episode offers a valuable, behind-the-scenes look at where Lakeland has been and where it’s headed next. 164

In this compelling episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down for an in-depth conversation with elite heavyweight boxer and Lakeland native Brandon Moore. Currently holding the title of boxing champion and ranked #1 in the United States, Brandon shares an inside look into his journey from local beginnings to rising through the professional boxing ranks on the national stage.

Throughout the interview, Brandon opens up about the dedication, mindset, and intense training regimen required to perform at the highest levels of the sport. Don and Brandon dive into key milestones from his career, the physical and mental challenges of stepping into the ring, and the vital role community and family support play in sustaining long-term focus and drive. Beyond the gloves and accolades, the discussion highlights Brandon’s strong Lakeland roots, his commitment to serving as a positive role model for aspiring athletes, and his ultimate ambition to capture a world championship.

Whether you are a boxing enthusiast or simply drawn to inspiring stories of athletic perseverance and local excellence, this episode offers a powerful and motivational look into what it truly takes to reach the top. Be sure to like, comment with your favorite takeaways, and subscribe to I Am Lakeland and @Ojbam for more deep dives with extraordinary individuals making an impact in our community and beyond. 163

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Marie Spears (known online as Skippy Doo Daday) to discuss her upcoming event, Pins, Pals & Pixie Dust, held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

Marie shares how her lifelong passion for Disney and live pin-selling on platforms like Whatnot inspired her to create a welcoming, drama-free space for collectors. Designed for both seasoned traders and first-time enthusiasts, the event brings together the pin-trading community while also featuring unique fan-made Disney items, custom 3D-printed accessories, Loungefly gear, and Disney-inspired apparel. Throughout the conversation, Marie offers valuable tips for spotting authentic collectibles versus "scrapper" or counterfeit pins, highlighting the importance of educating buyers and building a supportive trading culture.

The inaugural Pins, Pals & Pixie Dust event takes place on Sunday, October 11th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the RP Funding Center. Admission is $5 at the door (which covers parking), and vendor tables are available for Disney creators and collectors. Whether you are looking to trade Disney, Universal, or pop culture pins, pick up one-of-a-kind fan creations, or simply connect with fellow enthusiasts, this family-friendly event brings the magic of the collector community right to Lakeland. 162

In this episode, host Don Burns sits down with community organizers Jeremiah Washington and Adriana Eraso to discuss the inaugural Longest Table Lakeland event. Inspired by a post-pandemic grassroots movement in New York that brought hundreds together over a shared meal, Longest Table Lakeland is designed to unite residents from all walks of life, break bread together, and turn strangers into neighbors.Taking place on Saturday, November 14th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Main Street in downtown Lakeland will transform into a single gathering space featuring 81 continuous tables and 700 chairs centered around Munn Park, right alongside the Saturday Downtown Farmers Market.Tables are hosted by local businesses, non-profits, and civic leaders serving as table captains. Attendees can enjoy a wide array of free activities and amenities, including:Complimentary Food & Treats: Free hot dogs, chips, and water provided by Citizens Bank, along with ice cream and popsicles from local partners. Family Fun & Entertainment: Bounce houses in Munn Park, a free photo booth, music from DJ Mini, special live performances including saxophonist Jazz Hamilton, and on-site vow renewals. Downtown Mural Scavenger Hunt: An interactive downtown hunt celebrating newly unveiled city murals with opportunities to win local prizes. Giving Back: Attendees are encouraged to bring personal hygiene products for donation to support local community members in need.Registration is free via the official website and Eventbrite, though anyone strolling through downtown or the Farmers Market is welcome to walk over and take a seat. The team is also actively welcoming volunteers to help make this impactful gathering a success and establish it as an annual Lakeland tradition. 161 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-longest-table-lakeland-tickets-1992449411826aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true longesttablelakeland.com #longesttablelakeland #lakelandlongesttable #longesttablelkld #lakelandlove

Registration is free via the official website and Eventbrite, though anyone strolling through downtown or the Farmers Market is welcome to walk over and take a seat. The team is also actively welcoming volunteers to help make this impactful gathering a success and establish it as an annual Lakeland tradition.

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Jason Cropper, the driving force behind Cropper Consultancy, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, strategic business growth, and making a lasting impact in the local community.

Throughout the interview, Jason shares his professional journey, breaking down the core principles that guide Cropper Consultancy’s approach to helping businesses navigate challenges, scale operations, and achieve sustainable success. Don and Jason dive deep into the mindset required to lead effectively in today’s evolving market, discussing everything from the importance of clear vision and strategic planning to building strong client relationships and fostering local collaboration.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner looking to sharpen your strategy, or simply passionate about the leaders shaping our community, this conversation offers practical takeaways, actionable business advice, and inspiration to help you elevate your own endeavors. 160

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Britt Olson—integrative health coach, wellness strategist, and founder of Britt Olson LLC—to explore holistic wellness, nervous system regulation, and authentic content messaging.

Britt shares her journey from managing high-profile corporate VIP events in New York City to discovering her true passion for health, community, and personal alignment. She opens up about overcoming burnout, navigating major life and career transitions, and the pivotal moments that led her to launch her coaching practice.

Throughout their conversation, Don and Britt dive into the connection between modern lifestyle stressors, inflammation, and overall well-being. Britt explains the vital importance of "slowing down to speed up"—shifting the body out of chronic fight-or-flight into rest and digest—and shares practical tools like breath work, mindfulness, and staying grounded in the present moment. Additionally, Britt details how she combines her strategic marketing background with authentic storytelling, revealing how creators and entrepreneurs can connect deeply with their ideal audience without losing their true identity in trends. 159