Renowned political columnist and author Eugene Robinson took a moment to join the podcast to discuss his latest book, "Freedom Lost, Freedom Won: A Personal History of America." The Pulitzer Prize-winner also dove into the current state of media, including his recent departure from the Washington Post where he served as associate editor. Robinson's visit to the southernmost city was also in support of Take Stock in Children, which provides scholarships to local students across the Keys. Jump on now with the Weekly's Mandy Miles and Josh Mothner on a can't-miss podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peyton Porter is a rising music star who has already played the Grand Ole Opry, while sharing stages with names like Wille Nelson and Tim McGraw. As her star ascends, Porter visited Key West this past January and took some time on our podcast to discuss road life, navigating the Nashville scene and how her small town Georgia roots keep her grounded throughout the journey. Porter is joined by "Coach" Kristi Creegan (who just so happened to graduate high school with our host). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Tyler Childers, Whiskey Myers, The Red Clay Strays and Jason Isbell- some  of the biggest names in music have come through Key West at Mile 0 Fest. As the "red dirt" festival returns for a seventh year, founder Kyle Carter joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss the festival's magic formula of stars and upcoming talent, including this year's list of mind-blowing artists that features Stephen Wilson Jr, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Shane Smith & The Saints and many more. So buckle up for Mile 0 Fest on Jan 27-31 in Key West and visit www.mile0fest.com for more.  (Pictured: Kyle Carter with Jamie Lin Wilson and Pam Tillis). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the second edition of the “On The Rock” podcast, Mark Hedden speaks with Emily Schulten. Schulten is a classic Key West multi-hyphenate – a poet who has published three books, a professor, a Fulbright Scholar, and the reigning poet laureate of Key West. We talked about the perks of the poet laureate gig, playing David Brubeck records on Jack Keruoac’s hifi, donating a kidney, writing a book of poetry about donating a kidney, sharks in bottles, and how she got to Key West in the first place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Hedden kicks off the first edition of his "On the Rock" podcast with one of the most beloved people in the Florida Keys. Farmer Jeanne Selander, of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Animal Farm (commonly referred to as "the jail zoo") joins the show to discuss her career spanning over 20 years. From kinkajous, sloths, ponies, alligators and more, the jail zoo boasts one of the most unique jail programs on the globe. Approaching retirement, Selander recounts riding out Hurricane Irma alone in a jail with 150 animals, tips on how to catch alligators and which sloths are ok to pet.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duane Betts carries a legacy forged by his father (the legendary Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band) while forging his own path of soul-stirring blues blends, raw passion and six-string mastery. Joined by his band, Palmetto Motel, Betts plays The Key West Theater on May 15. Britt Myers is joined by Josh Mothner on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast, as they chat with Betts on what it was like growing up with legendary musicians, flying around the Keys as a child with his father and Don Johnson in a helicopter, along with upcoming projects with iconic producer Dave Cobb. Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel show is an unforgettable journey that no music lover should miss. For more visit thekeywesttheater.com.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eli Pancamo's living room, now a makeshift office, is a polemical museum dedicated to counterculture. Works from artists like Erik Foss, Captain Outrageous and Bast hang with a story behind each piece.  To his right, a pinball machine from Key West’s Star Roller Rink backs up to the late Shel Silverstein’s piano—something Pancamo taught himself to play over the past several months. His surroundings are a symbolic reflection to the juxtaposition of his psyche—both as an artist and intellectualist. During his rise as a notable restauranteur in Key West, Eli avoided the meritocratic path to success. His natural tendency is the road less traveled, where every failure and success are utilized as creative fuel. So it came as no surprise when he privately shared with me he was dabbling in AI (or Artificial Intelligence) and invited me over to showcase a platform he believes can change the world. Pictured: Eli Pancamo reads from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" from his Seminary Street home in Key West. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brett Young's piercing eyes and 6'6 athletic frame is the prototype for a Hollywood set. Instead, the family man and country star made a run at professional baseball before an elbow injury took him down his journey as a singer-songwriter. Today, the music icon has recorded six number 1 hits and doesn't appear to be slowing down. Young joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his love for music and family, while juggling a career from the road. For remaining tickets visit thekeywestamp.com to see Brett Young live on March 8th from the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CW Colt tried to retire after a celebrated career playing music across the globe. But just a few years after he set down his guitar, a dream pulled Colt back into music. This time, his passion extends beyond the need for a paycheck. Instead, the renowned journeyman has a vision for the world to "Be Love." To ignite his revelation of love, Colt wants to spread Key West's "One Human Family" way of life across the world. With tears of gratitude and joy throughout, Colt joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to share his vision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LT Mark "JABA" Buck knows his way around F/A-18 Super Hornet. And on March 29 & 30th, he will join the Southernmost Air Spectacular airshow in Key West, alongside others who have earned right to call themselves the best pilots in the world--including the celebrated Blue Angels. LT Buck carried out three deployments onboard the USS Ronald Reagan and is currently an instructor pilot, teaching F/A-18 tactics. We caught up with LT Buck on his career in the Navy, what it was like to live at sea during a pandemic and whether Hollywood "gets it right" when depicting the men and women inside the cockpit. Listen here on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast and please visit Keywestairshow.com for more on the Southernmost Spectacular, March 29-30.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debbie Gibson plays the Key West Theater on Feb 16. As a teen, she became one of the most iconic singer songwriters of the late 80's, with her debut album, "Out of the Blue" going triple platinum behind songs like "Foolish Beat." She became the youngest female to write and produce a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single, which still stands to this day. Britt Myers catches up with Gibson on what it was like to emerge and be discovered before social media, the female artists she admires today and her love for Broadway & the big screen. For tickets visit: thekeywesttheater.com and be on the lookout for Debbie's new memoir, "Eternally Electric" in September of 25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world’s most recognized and authentic comedians, Paula Poundstone, returns to Key West on Jan 9 at the Key West Theater. Hailed for her improv and “never doing the same act twice,” Poundstone has trailblazed a path in her industry for over four decades. This includes her her acclaimed HBO series, standups, acting and mainstream commentary.   And yet, it is Poundstone’s nonconforming style that is indigenous to her approach to comedy. Honest and raw –and yet relatable and lovable. The Florida Keys Weekly Podcast caught up with Poundstone before she arrives in Key West, For ticket information visit thekeywesttheater.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most influential bands in American music history performs Dec. 7 at Key West Theater.  The Kingston Trio, a legacy band that carries the torch for one of the most influential musical movements in modern history, blending calypso, folk, bluegrass and rock themes into the Americana mainstream, performs Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Key West Theater.Keys Weekly's Britt Myers and Mandy Miles catch up with the trio for the latest episode of the Florida Keys Weekly podcast. They discuss the band's historic feats of record-breaking hits and album sales; the Beatles opening for the trio and their influence on Bob Dylan and the folk revival of the early '60s. Many argue the Kingston Trio transformed modern American music alongside pioneers such as Elvis Presley, BB King and The Beach Boys — blending sounds and genres that forever changed how music was performed and marketed. Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Buddy Woodward represent the group today, performing hits like “Tom Dooley” and "MTA" while reminiscing with nostalgic stories of growing up around the original trio. Don’t miss the podcast, which drops some breaking news (spoiler alert) on a potential upcoming Netflix miniseries on the Kingston Trio. Some tickets remain at thekeywesttheater.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does Badfish, the Sublime tribute band, continue to capture the music of a timeless moment, while maintaining sold-out shows and growing popularity for over a quarter century? For founder Scott Begin it’s simple — have a blast while staying true to the music of Sublime. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, one of Key West’s most popular bands returns to the Key West Theater. Britt Myers catches up with Scott Begin on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss how a new generation of fans is embracing the unique ska-reggae music of Sublime, some of his favorite memories from the road and why he loves stopping in Key West to perform for fans.  Limited tickets remain at thekeywesttheater.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who can say they’ve starred alongside Rowan Atkinson, landed roles with Mel Brooks and was cast on Saturday Night Live? Pamela Stephenson Connolly.She is making an indelible and unforgettable mark on Key West's cultural scene with celebrated international dancers and Emmy-nominated talent performing with her Key West International Dance Company/Pasion Project. The company is in the midst of four Broadway-worthy shows that span more than three months at the San Carlos Theater on Duval Street. The Florida Keys Weekly Podcast recently caught up with Connolly, who details her storied acting career; what it’s like being a regular contributor to The Guardian, an iconic news outlet; how she found time to earn a doctorate in psychology — and the key to a successful marriage of over 40 years with her soulmate and famed co-star in life, Sir Billy Connolly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They were signed by Jimmy Buffett’s label. They inked a three-year residency at the Palms Casino and have been shooting music videos with Mario Lopez.Yachtley Crew has officially launched a Yacht Rock revival across the globe. The seven-piece themed band brings its “Full Steam Ahead” tour to Key West on Oct. 29 at the Key West Theater. Britt Myers catches up with lead vocalist Phillip “Philly Ocean” Daniel on the band’s success and why they love bringing fun and joy back to  audiences across the world.  Oct 29 at the Key West Theater / Tickets at keywesttheater.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s an internationally renowned DJ, a Miami style icon and the pregame opener for the Miami Heat for the past seven years. But perhaps the most intriguing facet of DJ Cardi is his humility. This is no small feat for someone who just returned from working a private gig for Dakota Johnson at the Toronto Film Festival. But catering to A-list stars like Leonardo DiCaprio or regularly performing at the Cannes Film Festival, Formula 1 Grand Prix and Pegasus World Cup is just another day’s work for the Miami native.  If that’s not enough, Cardi is a recognized fashion aficionado. Forbes recently hailed him as “one of Miami’s style icons,” where he curates soundscapes for brands such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Vogue.  On Oct. 12, the celebrity DJ will return to Key West to support United Way of Collier and the  Keys — a retirement benefit to celebrate Monroe County’s longest-serving elected official, Andy Griffiths.  DJ Cardi joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his love for South Florida, the influences that shaped his eclectic style and his love for exquisite cuisine and movies.  Limited tickets remain for DJ Cardi, performing at Andy Griffiths’ “Gone Fishing” retirement benefit for United Way of Collier and the Keys on Oct. 12 at the Beachside Resort. Tickets are on sale now and available on web or Facebook at United Way of Collier and the Keys. https://uwcollierkeys.org/event/andy-griffiths-retirement-party/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Dube and Steve Diamond join the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss their stop at the Key West Theater on Sept 22. The duo, professionally known as Dube Diamond: Dueling Impersonators, take over the Key West Theater for an evening of comedy, pageantry and mind-blowing talent. Larry King referred to the act as “a must see,” as they perform (often in character) dozens of the world’s most recognized ballads ranging from pop, rock, opera and disco. The duo discusses their growing popularity, the most difficult singers to impersonate and even go into character during a fun segment on this week’s show.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Awaken: The Music of YES promises to be the tribute band of the summer.  Joe Luca, keyboardist and band leader of Awaken: The Music of YES, joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss their upcoming show on Sept 5 at the Key West Theater. Luca discusses how he and his band embarked on the journey of preserving the legacy of YES, as they tour and perform the legendary band's songs that span more than three decades. This is one of those interviews that peaks behind the curtain of professional entertainers with a passion for music. And you’ll see and hear why this is a can’t miss show as the band hits Key West in the coming days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician Tim Williams joined Keys Weekly digital editor Gwen Filosa on the Key West Side Tracks podcast for a deep dive on one of the most endearing and enduring albums of the past half century: August and Everything After by Counting Crows.  The Tim Williams Band is headed to the Key West Theater on Monday, Aug. 12, to perform August and 30 Years After: A Counting Crows Tribute.  Tim arrived in Key West in July to play shows in Key West and dropped by the Weekly’s office on Stock Island. From “Mr. Jones” to “Anna Begins,” Tim and Gwen go song-by-song sharing what they find meaningful in the roots rock staple.  Tim and his band will play in its entirety the smash debut album by Counting Crows, released Sept. 14, 2023, to rave reviews and eventually sold seven times platinum.  As he introduced Counting Crows on his show in 1994, David Letterman said, "And I’m telling you something, if you don’t have a copy of this, there’s something wrong with you.” Key West Side Tracks is presented by the Keys Weekly Newspapers, the only locally owned and operated media outlet in the Florida Keys. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Gwen Filosa hosts the podcast, with a wide-ranging guest list that includes touring musicians as they make stops in Key West, along with local creatives. Key West Side Tracks is available wherever you find podcasts.  keysweekly.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.