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Some truths don't arrive wrapped in comfort.

They arrive through heartbreak. Through discipline. Through music. Through the quiet decision to become someone better than your circumstances.

Hate can be ancient, loud, and deeply personal. Yet every morning we still have to answer one question:

Who are we going to be today?

This episode on Schmooze with Suze, I sit down with Reese the Poet. Marine Corps veteran, composer, storyteller, spoken word artist, mentor, and living proof that our deepest wounds can become our greatest purpose.

If you've ever wondered what authenticity actually means in a world that rewards performance, this conversation goes straight to the nerve.

We begin with music. Reese shares his earliest memory of sitting at a grand piano, learning entirely by ear, and the unforgettable Marine Corps Band audition that humbled him in ways success never could.

From there, we explore how speeches, church, hip hop, and Def Jam Poetry shaped his voice. Why slowing down helped people actually hear his message. And why performing before hundreds of strangers can sometimes feel easier than being vulnerable with one person who truly knows you.

Then the conversation shifts toward survival.

Reese opens up about joining the Marine Corps during one of the hardest seasons of his life, learning that "time waits for no man," and confronting one of the most difficult lessons of adulthood.

You cannot do everything alone.

We also discuss youth mentorship, mental health, loneliness hiding beneath "bad behavior," the healing power of nature and music, and one unforgettable perspective.

What if we treated every person like a piece of art we're trying to understand instead of a problem we're trying to solve?

It's one of the most moving conversations we've had this season.

Whether you're an artist, veteran, educator, parent, mentor, or simply someone trying to make sense of the world, this conversation reminds us that healing rarely happens by accident.

It happens one honest conversation at a time.

About Our Recording Partner

This episode was recorded at The Performance Academy (TPA), a Jacksonville nonprofit dedicated to helping young people discover purpose, confidence, and opportunity through the performing arts. TPA offers programs in music, theater, podcasting, film, visual arts, dance, fashion, creative writing, and leadership, creating safe spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing and transformation. Learn more about their mission, youth programs, and ways to get involved at jaxtpa.org.

Follow The Performance Academy

Website: The Performance Academy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePerformersAcademy

#SchmoozeWithSuze #ReeseThePoet #Poetry #SpokenWord #Authenticity #MentalHealth #HealingThroughArt #MarineCorps #Veterans #Leadership #YouthMentorship #Hope #Resilience #Jacksonville #CreativeCommunity #ArtsMatter #ThePerformanceAcademy #CommunityLeadership #Culture #Purpose #ChooseHope #ViewsWithSuze

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As a Gen X mom born in 1976, I've had a front-row seat to one of the greatest transformations in human history: a technological revolution. I grew up in a world where advertising was something that happened to me. Companies bought television commercials, radio spots, billboards, and full-page newspaper ads, planning for us to know what was coming. Today, anyone can create a video in their kitchen, wearing sweatpants, and reach millions before dinner. This isn't just evolution; it's a complete rewriting of the rules. My generation remembers both worlds—rotary phones, encyclopedias, and film that had to be developed. We became digital natives, learning technology well enough to teach our boomer parents.

But then, our kids arrived, and suddenly we weren't the experts anymore. They navigate apps I've never heard of and communicate through platforms that seem to appear and disappear overnight. I've watched social media evolve from a digital yearbook into one of the most powerful communication tools ever created. Every generation thinks they're living through unprecedented change, but Gen X actually did. We are the bridge generation, old enough to remember life before technology ran everything.

Today, I'm excited to discuss the difference between those who use social media to get attention and those who use it to direct attention. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Dunn, who has spent over a decade defining communication in this new era, not through traditional advertisements but through storytelling and authenticity. Eric amassed over 3 million followers on Vine, where he learned a critical lesson: attention is easy to earn, but trust is much harder.

Eric's story is fascinating because he could have remained in the world of viral moments but chose to evolve. He became a marketer, a strategist, a nonprofit co-founder, and importantly, a storyteller. Today, we're diving deep into the themes of influence, authenticity, community, and the future of media, exploring what happens when someone uses a camera for something bigger than themselves.

Eric currently sits at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community pride in Jacksonville. He's navigated multiple iterations of digital media, from Vine to today's creator economy, while also elevating Jacksonville's parks and businesses.

Join us as we unpack Eric's journey, his thoughts on the evolving digital landscape, and how he harnesses his platform for meaningful impact. We'll explore the importance of taking risks, the value of community, and how to build authenticity in a digital age. This conversation is not just for content creators; it's for anyone looking to understand the nuances of communication in our rapidly changing world.

Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, marketer, or simply someone wondering how to use your voice for good, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and honest perspective.

Connect with Eric Dunn

🌐 Website: EricVDunn.com

Instagram: @ericvdunn_

Facebook: Eric Dunn

LinkedIn: Eric V. Dunn

Learn More About Jax Parks

🌳 Website: Jax Parks

Instagram: @jaxparks

Facebook: Jax Parks

Whether you're looking for hiking trails, community centers, summer camps, fitness programs, family events, or hidden gems throughout Jacksonville, Jax Parks has something for everyone.

Learn More About H.E.A.D. On Youth Impact

Visit Eric's website to learn more about the nonprofit and ways to support its mission of serving children and families throughout Northeast Florida.

Because at the end of the day...Your platform isn't defined by how many people are watching. It's defined by where you lead them.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #Jacksonville #JaxParks #EricDunn #CreatorEconomy #DigitalMarketing #Community #PersonalBranding #Leadership #DigitalAmbassador #SocialMediaStrategy #JacksonvilleFlorida #PurposeDriven #Marketing #Storytelling

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What happens when a player puts up a once-in-a-generation stat line and still gets overlooked?

That question sparked this conversation with Donna Orender, one of the most influential voices in sports, business, and women's leadership. It also reveals something deeper about the way women's achievements have often been evaluated through a different lens.

In this episode, Donna shares her journey from New York athlete to professional basketball player, sports executive, WNBA President, entrepreneur, and founder. We discuss the early days of women's professional sports, the challenges of building leagues before the world was ready to invest in them, and why progress is almost always driven by people willing to show up before recognition arrives.

Donna also shares the vision behind Generation W and the importance of creating environments where women and girls can see what is possible for themselves before the world tells them otherwise.

Whether you're passionate about sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, or creating meaningful change, this episode is a reminder that progress often begins with the courage to step onto a court, into a boardroom, or into a conversation where you don't yet see yourself represented.

Learn More

Generation W
Generation W

Upshot League
The Upshot League

About Donna Orender

Donna Orender is a former professional basketball player, business executive, author, and nationally recognized advocate for women's leadership. She served as President of the WNBA from 2005 to 2010, helping guide a period of significant growth and visibility for women's professional basketball. Following her tenure, she founded Generation W, a platform dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and advancing women through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Through her work across sports, business, and philanthropy, Donna continues to champion opportunities that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #MeaningfulConversations #JacksonvilleVoices #DonnaOrender
#GenerationW #UpshotLeague #WomenInSports #WNBA #TitleIX
#WomenLeaders #InvestInWomensSports #SportsLeadership
#ConfidenceMatters #BreakingBarriers #CommunityLeadership
#PeopleWhoInspire #StoriesThatMatter #Changemakers #JaxPodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.
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The Jetsons promised us flying cars, robot assistants, and futuristic technology that seemed impossible. What they really got right was something simpler.

One day, the things that sound ridiculous become normal.

Artificial intelligence has crossed that threshold, and for many people, the pace of change feels exciting, confusing, and occasionally overwhelming. That's why I sat down with global technologist, executive AI coach, entrepreneur, and community builder Angelina Grissom to talk about what AI actually means for our lives, our businesses, and our future.

Angelina brings a rare combination of technical expertise and human-centered leadership to the conversation. Rather than focusing on hype, she helps people understand how to use AI responsibly, strategically, and safely.

In this episode, we explore:

• What most people misunderstand about AI today
• The truth about privacy, data collection, and always-listening technology
• Why "free" AI tools may come with hidden costs
• How AI models learn and why that matters for users and businesses
• The risks and opportunities of AI-assisted app development
• Understanding security, encryption, scalability, and intellectual property in an AI-driven world
• The rise of AI agents and what they could mean for the future of work
• Why AI auditing and oversight may become some of the fastest-growing career opportunities
• How individuals can begin learning AI without a technical background or large budget
• Practical ways to build confidence with emerging technology

Angelina also introduces the concept of "vibe coding" using one of the most relatable analogies I've ever heard. An Easy-Bake Oven. Just because something makes building easier doesn't mean you fully understand what's happening under the hood. And when businesses rely on AI-generated products without understanding security, ownership, compliance, or infrastructure, the consequences can be significant.

Beyond technology, this conversation is about people.

We discuss women entrepreneurs, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the mental load of leadership, charging what you're worth, and the importance of finding communities that challenge and support you. Angelina shares insights from her work with SheEO VIP and explains why connection remains one of the most valuable resources any leader can cultivate.

If you're curious about artificial intelligence, concerned about where technology is heading, or looking for practical guidance on staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers both clarity and optimism.

The future may be arriving faster than we expected, but as Angelina reminds us, staying human is still our greatest advantage.

Connect with Angelina Grissom

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinagrissom

SheEO VIP
https://sheeovip.com

About Angelina Grissom

Angelina Grissom is a global technology leader, executive AI coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical innovation. Through her work helping organizations and leaders navigate artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, she empowers businesses to embrace innovation while maintaining a strong focus on people, trust, and responsible implementation. As the founder of SheEO VIP, Angelina also supports women entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, collaboration, and community-building initiatives designed to help women scale both their businesses and their confidence.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #HonorableMensch #MeaningfulConversations #StoriesThatMatter #AngelinaGrissom #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIEducation #AIEthics #AISafety #DigitalLiteracy #FutureOfWork #AIForBusiness #WomenInTech #WomenWhoLead #SheEOVIP #InnovationWithHeart #LeadershipMatters #EntrepreneurMindset #TechForGood #HumanCenteredLeadership #FutureReady #CommunityLeadership #JaxPodcast #Jacksonville

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Cities love to celebrate the things you can see. New buildings. New roads. New development. But the strongest infrastructure in any community may be the part that's invisible.

The stories people tell. The risks they take. The collaborations that happen when creative people find one another and decide to build something together.

In this episode I sit down with filmmaker, producer, festival organizer, and community builder Monique Madrid for a conversation about the creative heartbeat of Jacksonville and the people working behind the scenes to strengthen it.

Monique shares her journey into filmmaking and event production, including the unexpected moments that led her to become one of the driving forces behind LOL Jax Film Festival. What began as a passion project has evolved into a growing creative ecosystem where independent film, comedy, music, artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses come together to create something larger than themselves.

We also take a deep dive into the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, one of the most exciting creative challenges in Northeast Florida. Monique explains the high-energy kickoff, the required elements every team must include, the pressure of completing a film in just 48 hours, and why the experience has become a proving ground for both new and experienced filmmakers.

Along the way, we explore lessons learned from producing events during COVID, adapting through uncertainty, and embracing what Monique describes as her "soft era" of leadership. One rooted in peace, boundaries, authenticity, and sustainable success.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, filmmaker, community advocate, or someone looking for inspiration to take the next creative leap, this conversation offers practical insight and a powerful reminder that thriving communities are built by people willing to show up and create.

Learn More

LOL Jax Film Festival
LOL Jax Film Festival

Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project
Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project

About Monique Madrid

Monique Madrid is a Jacksonville-based filmmaker, producer, and arts advocate dedicated to strengthening Northeast Florida's creative community. Through her work with LOL Jax Film Festival and the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, she has helped create opportunities for emerging filmmakers, performers, and artists to showcase their work, build meaningful connections, and develop their craft. Passionate about collaboration, local storytelling, and supporting independent creators, Monique has become a respected leader within Jacksonville's growing film and arts ecosystem.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #HonorableMensch
#MeaningfulConversations #StoriesThatMatter #CommunityLeadership #PeopleWhoInspire #Changemakers
#JacksonvilleVoices #NortheastFlorida #CommunityMatters
#LeadershipMatters #PodcastLife #PodcastHost #JaxPodcast #MoniqueMadrid #LOLJax #LOLFilmFestival #LoveOurLocals
#JaxFilm #JaxFilmScene #JacksonvilleFilm #FilmFestival
#IndependentFilm #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #WomenFilmmakers
#48HourFilmProject #CreativeCommunity #SupportLocalArtists
#CreativeLeadership #StorytellingMatters #FilmMakersLife
#ArtsAndCulture #CreateYourCommunity

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City Hall doesn’t feel dramatic until you realize a single vote can reshape a neighborhood for generations. We sit down with Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso to get past the headlines and into the decisions that actually change daily life: where investment lands, how development gets approved, why some communities thrive while others get ignored, and what it takes to build trust when residents have heard big promises before.

We talk leadership through the lens of service. Jimmy shares how the Navy taught him to learn fast in uncomfortable situations, earn respect, and then teach the next person, and how that approach carries into local politics through consistency, responsiveness, and showing up more than once. From community benefit agreements tied to the stadium deal to practical fixes that speed up drainage projects, he explains what wins look like when government is doing its job quietly and well.

Housing affordability takes center stage, with a clear-eyed look at why “Jacksonville is affordable” can be true on paper and still feel false on the ground. We dig into tenant protections, the idea of a tenant ombudsman, a landlord registry that helps renters see code compliance history, and the need for better data on corporate ownership and rising prices. We also explore missing middle housing, TIF districts for home repair in legacy neighborhoods, homelessness services, and why light rail and smart infill planning can shape a healthier, more connected city over the next decade.

If you care about city council, urban planning, tenant rights, affordable housing, homelessness, transportation, and what community-centered growth actually requires, this conversation is for you.

To reach Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso (District 7), use the official contact details below:

Official City Hall Office

• Phone Number: (904) 255-5207
• Email Address: JPeluso@coj.net
• Mailing Address: 117 W. Duval St., Suite 425, Jacksonville, FL 32202

District 7 Staff

• Executive Council Assistant: Brooks Dame
• Assistant Phone Number: (904) 255-5135
• Assistant Email: bdame@coj.net

Online and Social Media

• Campaign & Political Site: jimmyforjax.com
• Official Facebook Page: Councilman Jimmy Peluso on Facebook

To check further council updates or meetings, verify details directly through the Jacksonville City Council Members page.

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