S2E13: Kevin Carrico
Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico joins the conversation for a candid discussion on leadership, governance, and the future of Jacksonville. Representing District 4 and serving as Council President, Carrico shares insights into the priorities shaping City Hall, the challenges of balancing growth with accountability, and what effective leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving city.
S2E12: Megha Parekh
Megha Parekh joins us to share her perspective on Jacksonville’s growth, leadership, and the major civic and sports initiatives shaping the city. She offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing Jacksonville and what drives her commitment to public service. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the community’s key voices.
S2E11: Donna Deegan
City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan sits down with Daniel and TJ for an open, powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Jacksonville. From her years as a trusted journalist to her nationally recognized advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and ultimately, her historic election as Jacksonville’s 45th mayor, Donna shares what drives her, what grounds her, and what she hopes to build for the city she loves.
S2E10: Andy Kaufmann
Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Jacksonville-based Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, engages Daniel and TJ in a conversation that blends creativity, conviction, and the kind of entrepreneurial clarity that only comes from years of building, leading, and reshaping organizations.
S2E9: Misty Skipper
Misty Skipper, Chief Strategy Officer at GATE Petroleum and 2025 JAX Chamber Chair-Elect, joins Speak Easy Jax to discuss leadership, communication, and community. She shares insights from her journey in public service and business, and her vision for Jacksonville’s continued growth.
S2E8: Admiral James Stavridis
Admiral James Stavridis joins Speak Easy Jax for a conversation on leadership, strategy, and service. Drawing on his decades in the Navy and experience as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, he shares insights on global security, teamwork, and the power of collaboration. Tune in for an engaging discussion with one of America’s most respected military minds.
S2E7: Jason McCarthy
This week, hosts Daniel & TJ sit down with Jason McCarthy, founder and CEO of GORUCK. From his Special Forces background to building a global fitness movement, Jason shares how grit, purpose, and community drive everything he does. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and redefining what strength means.
S2E6: Tim Cost
Tim Cost, President of Jacksonville University, returned to lead his alma mater after a 32-year career as a senior executive at Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson. He has since transformed JU with new programs, expanded facilities, and a renewed commitment to student success and community connection. Tim shares insights on leadership and his vision for higher education’s role in shaping Jacksonville’s future.
S2E5: Joby Martin
Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, sits down with Speak Easy Jax to discuss faith, leadership, and building one of the fastest-growing churches in the country.
S2E4: Andy Allen
Andy Allen, proud Jacksonville native and Co-Founder and CEO of one of Northeast Florida’s most prominent private real estate development firms, Corner Lot Development Group. Learn how he balances ambition with community sensitivity, manages risk in uncertain markets, and fosters a culture of innovation within his team.
S2E3: Lisa Almeida
Lisa Almeida, affectionately known as the "Boatanista," is the co-owner of Freedom Boat Club. She shares her unique career path, what it takes to fuel a growing fleet of more than 80 boats, and why she believes access to the water should be available to everyone. Tune in for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and life on the First Coast.
S2E2: T.K. Waters
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters opens up about the moments that shaped him most, including the defining milestones of his law enforcement career, and the role of faith and family in guiding his life and leadership.
S2E1: Fred Taylor
NFL legend Fred Taylor, one of the greatest running backs in Jacksonville Jaguars history, joins Speak Easy Jax to share stories from his playing days, his journey to becoming one of the league’s most respected athletes, and his life beyond the game.
S1E15: Darnell Smith
Hosts Daniel Davis and TJ Ward invite you to a candid, fireside‑style conversation with Darnell Smith, whose deep roots in Jacksonville’s civic and healthcare landscape make him a compelling voice on leadership and community growth.
S1E14: Donna Orender
Former WNBA President, PGA Tour exec, and founder of Generation W, Donna Orender sits down with Speak Easy Jax to talk leadership, equity, and what it means to build something that lasts. With stories from boardrooms, fairways, and locker rooms, Donna shares how bold vision and fearless tenacity have shaped her trailblazing career.
S1E13: Michael Corrigan
Daniel and TJ welcome Michael Corrigan, President & CEO of Visit Jacksonville. Hear some unique insights from their time on City Council and how Jacksonville is shaping up to be one of the premier travel destinations in the country.
S1E12: Tim Deegan
Daniel and TJ are joined by the First Coast's favorite meteorologist, Tim Deegan and they discuss a lot more than just the weather in Jacksonville. Hear what they have to say about how this community comes together to continually make this the greatest city in the nation.
S1E11: Patric Young
On this week's episode of SpeakEasy Jax, Daniel & TJ chat with former professional basketball player, Patric Young. Patric shares some amazing stories about growing up in Jacksonville, his time as a Florida Gator, and discusses his book, "Sit to Rise".
S1E10: Joe Hinrichs
Joe Hinrichs, President & CEO of CSX Corporation, joins Daniel and TJ on this week’s episode. Hear his unique career path from the automotive industry to the railroad industry, as well as his perspective on how to make a difference every single day.
S1E9: Eric Mann
On this week‘s episode, Daniel and TJ share a wine tasting with Eric Mann, President and CEO of Florida’s First Coast YMCA. Eric’s approach goes beyond the traditional CEO role. He actively engages with YMCA members, connecting with the community on a personal level. Hear his stories of breaking down barriers and creating change in the city of Jacksonville.
S1E8: Ken Babby
In this episode of Speak Easy Jax, Daniel and TJ sit down with Ken Babby, owner of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, to talk baseball, business, and the bold rebranding that shook up Minor League sports. From his start in media to building a reputation as one of the youngest owners in professional baseball, Babby shares insights on leadership, community engagement, and the future of America’s pastime in Jacksonville. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how one man turned a team into a beloved local brand.
S1E7: Susie Wiles
Hosts Daniel Davis and TJ Ward sit down with White House insider Susie Wiles, a prominent political strategist and Jacksonville native. Wiles shares insights from her extensive career, including her recent appointment as the first female White House Chief of Staff. The conversation delves into her early political work in Jacksonville, her experiences in national campaigns, and how she balances her demanding career with motherhood.
S1E6: Mark Lamping
In this week’s episode, guest Mark Lamping, President of the Jacksonville Jaguars joins Daniel and TJ to talk about his road to Jacksonville and what the future holds for the Jags.
S1E5: Ari Jolly
Daniel and TJ share a drink with Ari Jolly, Senior Assistant General Counsel at Florida Blue & Chairmember of JAX Chamber. Hear her amazing journey to Florida with some unique perspectives in this week’s episode.
S1E4: Mark Brunell
In this week’s episode, special guest Mark Brunell shares some of his favorite memories from his time in the NFL, as well as his love for Jacksonville and some interesting thoughts on the Jaguars.
S1E3: Frank Frangie
Daniel and TJ are on location this week at Bragan Baseball Complex with special guest Frank Frangie. Hear what an amazing impact Frank has had on the youth and the city of Jacksonville, FL.
S1E2: John Peyton
John Peyton, former Mayor of Jacksonville and current President of Gate Petroleum joins Daniel and TJ in this week’s episode to discuss his insights about Jacksonville and have some laughs over some shared memories.
S1E1: Tabitha Furyk
In this week’s episode, special guest Tabitha Furyk joins Daniel & TJ for a glass of bourbon and shares some of the amazing events her and her husband help make happen in the city of Jacksonville.