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
113 episodes
What's the latest in the development of the Emerald Trail?
Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, is a driving force behind one of the city's most transformative urban renewal projects—the Emerald Trail. With a deep commitment to environmental justice, equitable development, and communi...
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Episode 112
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25:35
Navigating Jacksonville's Budget: A Political Landscape with David Bauerlein
Jacksonville’s budget battle is heating up — and the stakes are higher than ever.After 3 weeks, we sit sit down with veteran Times-Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the political tug-of-war shaping the city’s financial future...
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Episode 111
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33:34
Who Pays for Progress? Former Mayor John Peyton Weighs In (Best Of Mikes On Mic)
Jacksonville is at a crossroads—tough decisions are being made about the city's future, and they all come with a price tag.From infrastructure and public safety to education and economic development, what should the city prioritize—and ...
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Episode 110
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28:39
Best of Mikes On Mic - How Susie Wiles Shaped American Politics, The Untold Story with Michael Kruse
Today we are revisiting the intriguing world of Susie Wiles, the mastermind behind the success of key Republican campaigns.From her instrumental role in Ron DeSantis's 2018 victory to her critical contributions to Donald Trump's 2020 ef...
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Episode 109
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33:06
Overcoming Racial Challenges: How Sheriff Nathaniel Glover Transformed His Life
In this captivating episode our guest, Nathaniel Glover, shares his powerful and inspirational story. From a traumatic encounter with racism to becoming a sheriff, Nathaniel's journey is filled with resilience, forgiveness, and the...
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Episode 108
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35:35
Developing and reimagining downtown Jacksonville with Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll
This week Mikes on Mic sits down with Bryan Moll, the CEO of Gateway Jax. Brian has been at the forefront of transforming downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of culture, business, and community. His vision and leadership have been pivotal...
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Episode 107
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32:54
Jacksonville’s Parks Under Pressure: Safeguarding Natural Beauty and Historic Sites
Do you love Jacksonville’s parks or wonder how our local green spaces survive under constant pressure from funding cuts and development? Today we sit down with acclaimed Times Union columnist and author Mark Woods for a revealing co...
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Episode 106
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28:10
TA launches the Bay St. Innovation Corridor service
It's said that Jacksonville is a "City on the Move! Well there's no better example of that than JTA's U2C project, a three-phase program revolutionizing public transportation in Jacksonville. Launched on June 30th, the first phase ...
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Episode 105
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31:46
Unpacking the city's $2 Billion proposed 2025-26 annual budget
Welcome to Mikes On Mic — the podcast where Jacksonville talks politics, policy, and the people shaping our city.This week, we’re celebrating our 2nd anniversary with a deep dive into Mayor Donna Deegan’s proposed&nb...
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Episode 104
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30:53
Inside Jacksonville’s City Council: Mike Gay on Campaign Challenges, Party Divides & Stadium Deal
Welcome to another exciting episode of Mikes on Mic.This week, Councilman Mike Gay.We discuss how he overcame strong opposition and a flood of attack ads to win his campaign. His strong values guided him through a tough race.
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Episode 103
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25:08
Dr. Rahman Johnson on Redistricting, Race & Jacksonville’s Evolving Politics
This week, we chat with our dear friend, Dr. Rahman Johnson. He’s a City Councilman, award-winning broadcaster, educator, and true Renaissance man.Dr. Johnson shares his journey from Jacksonville neighborhoods to becoming the...
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Episode 102
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27:50
Inside Jacksonville: Mayor’s Leadership, Stadium Deal, and City Council Power Plays
Last week, we spoke with Mayor Donna Deegan. Today, we’ll break down that meeting. We’ll reflect on her leadership style, coalition building, and big wins. These include the stadium contract talks and impressive downtown growth.We’ll al...
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19:30
Celebrating Mikes on Mic's 100th episode with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan
The focus of Mikes on Mic has been on the city of Jacksonville. We follow the politics of the city and projects and events that affect our quality of life. As we celebrate our 100th episode we again invited Mayor Donna Deegan to rev...
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25:27
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