Mikes on Mic
Welcome to 'Mike's on Mike,' your newest favorite political podcast.
Hosted by Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower. We delve deep into the political landscape.
Tune in every week as we unpack the complex world of politics, observing and discussing the most pressing issues of the time.
Drawing from our extensive experience and unique perspectives, we're dedicated to providing you with thoughtful insights, sparking meaningful discussions, and challenging conventional wisdom.
So, whether you're a political junkie or just curious about what's going on in the world, 'Mikes on Mic' is here to guide you through it all.
Join us on this enlightening journey and let's dive into politics, one episode at a time!
Episodes
100 episodes
Unpacking the latest UNF polling numbers of local politics
The numbers go up and the numbers go down. And sometimes it's found that the most important issues are no longer what we've seen in the past. Joining the Mikes again this week is UNF Political Science and Public Administration professor Michael...
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20:33
An in-depth and often times humorous conversation with recently retired meteorologist Tim Deegan
This week the Mikes have a candid and often humorous conversation with Tim Deegan. Tim discusses his 43 yrs at First Coast News, his relationships with other TV meteorologists in Jacksonville and a glimpse into the discussions with...
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Episode 98
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45:32
The University of Florida in Jacksonville and Firearms in City Hall
Florida Times Union Reporter David Bauerlein joins the Mikes to discuss how the University of Florida may increase its presence in Jacksonville, thanks to major investments by both the City and private developers. Bauerlein also we...
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Episode 97
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32:41
Jacksonville's business community is booming
We're seeing cranes all over downtown Jacksonville. Construction is thriving in every part of the 844 sq miles of the city. Our population has surpassed one million residents and the seven county region is approaching two million residents....
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Episode 96
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26:39
How Politics Changed: Former Mayor Elaine Brown’s Take After Years in Office
Former Jacksonville Council member, and former Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown shares her thoughts and impressions on how politics have changed over the years of her extensive public service.There aren't many people who can claim to ha...
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Episode 95
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26:39
The evolution of the Florida Times Union between 2003 and 2025
This week's guest on Mikes on Mic is Mary Kelli Palka, former executive editor of the Times Union. Mary Kelli joined the TU in 2003 as a staff reporter, later as Investigative Editor and finally as Executive Editor. She talks about...
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Episode 94
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39:31
Cracks in the GOP: State legislators and the Governor spar over tax cuts and tourism.
The usually united Governor and the Republican dominated legislature forces the 2025 session into overtime or special session to iron out tax differences, including the bed taxes which partially fund Visit Jacksonville and other cities tourist ...
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28:03
UNF’s Michael Binder Unpacks the Political Drama Dividing Florida—from Jacksonville's City Hall to Tallahassee
UNF Professor Michael Binder returns to Mikes on Mic to share his thoughts on the current political climate in Tallahassee as the governor finds his influence on the legislature waning. Dr. Binder also gives his assessment of Democrat M...
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23:47
Inside Jacksonville with Mayor Donna Deegan!
Join Mike Miller, Mike Tolbert, and Mike Hightower as they sit down for an in-depth conversation with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, broadcasting live from her office in City Hall.Mayor Deegan reflects on her first 22 months, since ta...
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Episode 91
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20:28
From Polling to Frontlines: Bruce Barcelo’s Mission Shift in Ukraine’s Darkest Hour
Mikes on Mic welcomes political strategist-turned-humanitarian Bruce Barcelo for a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at how one nonprofit transformed overnight when war broke out in Ukraine.When Russia invaded Ukraine on F...
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21:51
Jacksonville political pollster's thoughts on his long relationship with Ukraine
Jacksonville's Bruce Barcelo has had a personal relationship consulting the government of Ukraine since before the Russian invasion three years ago. Bruce joins the Mikes this week and next with his observations about Ukraine's inde...
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25:25
Was the murder trial of Kenneth Hartley a case of an innocent man wrongfully sentenced or perhaps railroaded prosecution?
In 1991, Gino Mayhew, age 17, was kidnapped and murdered.Kenneth Hartley was convicted of kidnapping and murder and sentenced to die in the electric chair. But there were many questions about the case, particularly the testimony against Hartley...
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29:58
Politics: Showmanship or Statesmanship?
Two very important issues we may be facing in the coming months;Eliminating property taxes as a source of local revenue, andDuval DOGE.Councilman Matt Carlucci again joins the Mikes to give us his take on both ...
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Episode 87
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24:14
Following Up on Downtown Development
What’s the latest on downtown development? Mikes on Mic this week again features Downtown Investment Authority CEO, Lori Boyer. We’re seeing more cranes popping up downtown meaning more projects are breaking ground.&nb...
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Episode 86
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35:42
Mixing it up with the Mikes
Mikes On Mic is holding a round table discussion of some of the most current issues facing NE Florida and the state. They discuss the current rift between Mayor Deegan and former City Council president Ron Salem over how to ne...
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Episode 85
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29:19
The evolution of the Jacksonville Civic Council with CEO Dennis Whittle
In 1993, the so-called Non-Group was formed at the time to tackle education issues in Jacksonville. In 2009, the organization of civic minded business leaders disbanded the Non Group and created the Jacksonville Civic Council. Whil...
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Episode 84
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25:57
Reflections from a former Mayor
Jacksonville’s mayor and the City Council have recently faced some difficult and at times controversial decisions about current and future issues which share one thing in common; they all cost money? What projects and programs shou...
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28:22
Tariffs and a change in ownership of the Panama Canal impact Jaxport?
JaxPort is a major economic engine for NE Florida. How might tariffs and a change in ownership of the Panama Canal impact JaxPort? Our guest this week on Mikes on Mic is Robert Peek, JaxPort’s Chief Commercial Officer.
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26:27
Jacksonville's Media Landscape: Nate Monroe Talks Changes and Challenges
This week, we're thrilled to welcome Nate Monroe, a distinguished columnist and newly appointed executive editor of the Tributary. Join us as we explore Nate's illustrious career, his motivations for transitioning from the Florida T...
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25:24
Some trashy talk on this week’s Mikes On Mic
Jacksonville’s resident trash collection fee hasn’t increased in nearly 15 years. As a result the only way to meet the ever increasing service costs is to continue borrowing the deficit from the general fund. Councilma...
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Episode 80
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30:29
How Will Government Actions on State & Federal Level Impact Jacksonville & The NE Florida Region?
The three Mikes this week give you their take on some potentially impactful state and national issues that would impact NE Florida. How would Jaxport be affected if the US tries to take re-control of the Panama Canal? Is...
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25:14
Reflecting on Four Decades: Jim Piggott Talks Local Journalism and Jacksonville
Welcome to another episode of Mikes on Mic where we dive into conversations about politics, government, and the Jacksonville community. Today we are joined by veteran journalist Jim Piggott. With an impressive 39-year ca...
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Episode 78
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33:06
Inside the Mayor Deegan's administration with veteran civil servant and Chief of Staff Mike Weinstein
Mike Weinstein has served in numerous roles of city government and as an Asst. State Attorney. He started as an interim Finance Dir. when the new administration began, headed the negotiations for the Stadium of the Future with the...
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Episode 77
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33:58
From peanut farmer to the White House: A personal history of Pres. Jimmy Carter
Producer Scott Westerman serves as ringmaster this week as the Mikes pay tribute to former president Jimmy Carter. Each of the Mikes has a personal history with Pres. Carter in the political arena, as well as, in the media.
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27:35
Looking Ahead in 2025, Mikes Speculate How National Elections Might Impact Jacksonville & Florida
Looking Ahead to 2025.The Mikes share a behind-the-scenes analysis of recent events impacting local Republican leadership, and look into the 2025 crystal ball, with predictions and insights about North Florida’s influence on both the St...
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20:54