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Urban Planner. Community Leader. Passionate Orlandoan. Each of these descriptions accurately reflect who Sarah Elbadri is, but can’t quite capture everything she’s about. From the moment Sarah laid eyes on Orlando (or the I4 & 408 interchange, more accurately) she’s been on a mission to help make our city the best version of itself that it can be. In this episode, Sarah shares her Orlando timeline, from the Rethinking The City radio program and discussion meetups, to Juice Bike Share, serving as Executive Director of the SODO Main Street District and now, her candidacy for Orlando City Council in District 5 – all part of her vision of Orlando becoming a more competitive city on the national scale. Ben and Kevin also discuss some local events that are hidden gems, their favorite places to ride bikes, the new city of Orlando flag, and the possibility of Ben getting a face tattoo… Special thanks this episode go out to: Reason Creative Pathos, Pathos: stream | follow | support The Orlando Story Club Nerd Nite Orlando Artlando Greenwood Cemetary Tour Sarah Elbadri Our new city flag designer – Tim Eggert and who we’ll be voting for mayor for the next 142 years, #bestmayorinamerica Buddy Dyer

Most of us are just happy to be (legally) served a drink when we turn 21. But Ashley Dishman was operating her own bar by the time she hit the legal drinking age. After getting the iconic Bar-B-Que Bar off the ground, Ashley brought us downtown Orlando staples including The Social, Sky 60, and Eye Spy. These days, she’s turned her attention to distinctive Mills50 lounge The Guesthouse, when she’s not busy with her two kids. In this episode, Ashley shares what she learned as an entrepreneur at such a young age, her thoughts on the growth of downtown Orlando, the “other” bar she opened and the most unique piece of furniture in the Guesthouse. Ben and Kevin also discuss the search for Orlando’s poet laureate and Ben even nominates himself and submits an original work. Also, don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts this month – we’ll be picking our favorite one and giving the winner their very own Orlando shirt, courtesy of GoBig Marketing! Special thanks this episode go out to: Reason Creative Pathos, Pathos: stream | follow | support Haze Over Hollywood: stream | follow | support The Guesthouse United Arts of Central Florida and the man whose every word is poetry, #bestmayorinamerica Buddy Dyer

After graduation, Thomas Waterman was quickly climbing the corporate ladder. Only problem was, Thomas realized it wasn’t even the ladder he wanted to be on. In this episode, Thomas tells us about quitting his job with no backup plan, taking 30 days to self-reflect on why he exists, and ultimately developing the plan for local startup BackStory – a crowdfunding platform that fuels social causes from local for-purpose organizations. Ben & Kevin also answer some Orlando questions to better introduce themselves to listeners and recap the recent NBA Draft and the current state of the Orlando Magic. AND! Don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts this month – we’ll be picking our favorite one and giving the winner their very own Orlando shirt, courtesty of GoBig Marketing! Special thanks this episode go out to: Reason Creative Pathos, Pathos Florida Man (band) The Courtesy Stuff the Magic Dragon & Mickey Mouse and our once & future king, #bestmayorinamerica Buddy Dyer

Mike Kilbride bleeds black and gold. From his days as a UCF student, to SGA President, and now as the Associate Director and Project Manager for UCF Downtown, Mike’s always been passionate about UCF becoming one of the top universities in the nation. In this episode, Mike shares the vision for UCF’s downtown campus, including how they’re partnering with Valencia College, the ways he sees the campus transforming life in downtown Orlando and much more. Ben & Kevin also share some of their go-to Orlando summer activities and discuss the 1 year anniversary of the Pulse tragedy and Orlando United Day. Orlando Date Night Guide’s Orlando United List Special thanks this episode go out to: Reason Creative Volcano Bay Water Park Ocean Sun Brewing Paddleboard Orlando Loch Haven Park and as always, #bestmayorinamerica Buddy Dyer

Local photographer David Lawrence always wanted to be a writer growing up. After he realized that he didn’t want to write, but to tell stories, he funneled his passion for storytelling into photography. Aside from his regular wedding and corporate photography his latest project, Inhabit – An Exploration Of Home, has become his greatest expression of storytelling yet. In this episode, Lawrence talks with us about his project photographing the houses (and other places) that Orlandoans call home, how the project got started, who some of his subjects have been so far and what he’s learning about himself, about people and about the importance of human connection.   On the rest of the episode, Ben and Kevin are joined by special correspondent Katie (Ben’s wife) to discuss the confederate statue at Lake Eola and she brings one of her Orlando hot takes. Later, they introduce a new segment called “Only in Orlando”.   Special thanks this episode go out to: Reason Creative See Art Orlando Dr. David Wartinger and as always, #bestmayorinamerica Buddy Dyer

John Rife is the founder of foodie hub East End Market, but wears many other hats. Rife is also an urban farmer, entrepreneur, real estate developer, beekeeper, philosopher and an integral part of the Orlando community. In this episode, we dive into Rife’s many adventures and discuss what Orlando provides to visitors beyond theme parks and where it still has opportunity to grow. Special thanks this episode go out to: Reason Creative East End Market and #bestmayorinamerica Buddy Dyer