Florida Keys Weekly Podcast

Britt Myers interviewed Brian Vander Ark, the lead singer of The Verve Pipe, ahead of their April 25 show at the Key West Theater. The multi-platinum alternative rock band is famous for their hits "Photograph," "Hero," "Never Let You Down" and the no. 1 smash single "The Freshmen." The Verve Pipe released their first rock album in over 13 years with Overboard, a collection of ten new songs including the haunting title track. They soon followed with Parachute and their first-ever live album, Villains – Live & Acoustic, featuring an acoustic re-imaging of their platinum debut album Villains. Their latest is the critically acclaimed Threads. www.brianvanderark.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philly sports legend joins Keys Weekly podcast If you haven’t caught any of the Keys Weekly Podcast yet, start with this episode, our latest one. Philadelphia sports legend Pat Croce showed up last week at the Keys Weekly office in Key West to sit down with publisher Britt Myers and managed to blow him away. Croce is known internationally as a wildly successful sports physical therapist and trainer for the Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers. After he sold his network of sports physical therapy centers, Croce became an NBA owner of the then-struggling Philadelphia 76ers, who managed to turn the team, and some would say the city of fans, around in five years. Tune into keysweekly.com or wherever you listen to podcasts to catch the latest episode of the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast featuring Pat Croce with Britt Myers and Annie Briening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning Florida columnist and novelist Carl Hiaasen joins Britt Myers and Mandy Miles on the latest episode of the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast. Following the release of his latest young-adult book, "Wrecker," which takes place in Key West, and just weeks before he joins the Key West Literary Seminar's panel of distinguished Florida writers, Hiaasen talks to us about his 30+ years covering South Florida and the Keys. He has exposed corruption, shamed elected officials and worked feverishly to protect our fragile ecosystems. And he's done it all with an acerbic wit and incomparable irreverence. Carl Hiaasen has covered everything in Florida from the '80s cocaine wars to today's culture wars and now he's in Key West with us recalling the best and worst of times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Brown worked his way into the Hollywood mainstream, now boasting a celebrated resume as producer, writer and director in the movie business. His latest film, “The Retirement Plan,” is currently streaming on all major platforms and includes a star-studded cast including Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Ashley Greene and Jackie Earle Haley. Tim joins our podcast to discuss the dedication and drive it takes to make it in showbiz, along with his humble approach to directing some of the biggest stars on the planet. Movie lovers will love Tim Brown, whose dynamic personality and creative approach to life are just as engaging as his films — so grab your popcorn and enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Very few men can say they trained, sparred with and still share a special friendship with Mike Tyson. Tom Patti is one of them. His relationship with the champ originated under the legendary trainer “Cus” D’Amato. Patti joins the the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his lifelong friendship with Tyson, his list of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers in history and a massive affordable housing project he and Tyson are embarking on in the near future. Today, Patti serves as an elected County Supervisor in San Joaquin, California, where he is recognized for his servitude and philanthropic endeavors. So lace up the gloves and join us as we chat with the five-time state and Golden Gloves champ, Tom Patti. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Norman and Mike Stack are two of Key West’s most celebrated local musicians. In fact, singer-songwriter Nick Norman is a former winner of the Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Award for “Best Local Musician,” while Stack, known for his popular hiphop track, “I’m From Key West," was voted “Best Local Celebrity” in 2022. So when the two teamed on a song we had to hear more — and you can, too. Listen to an acoustic sneak peek of “Yesterday’s Rain” performed live on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast, hear about Stack’s favorite recording space (Hint: it’s his bathroom), and future plans between the two artists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dirty Heads return to Key West on Aug. 9 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, and we caught up with Jared “Dirty J” Watson on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss their upcoming show. To date, the California-based band has produced eight albums, collaborated across genres with dozens of performers (such as Pat Monahan of Train and Cypress Hill) and created some of the world’s most recognizable hits such as “Lay Me Down,” Vacation,” and “Rescue Me.” Watson gets candid about his creative journey within sobriety, a unique secret about his bandmate and best friend, Duddy, and why their latest album, “Midnight Control," is their best yet. For more on their Key West show, visit thekeywestamp.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See Creature is challenging the norms of Nashville as they pioneer and blend country, rock and reggae into Coastal American Alternative Music. It’s a rare opportunity these days to chat with a band that is on the ascent to stardom — before the average fan has discovered their sound and the blizzard of downloads begins. But that’s just what we did with See Creature on the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast this past week. In town for Key West Songwriters Festival, See Creature is composed of three accomplished musicians who are challenging the norms of Nashville and Country Music. Rob Snyder, a Philly native (who has written No. 1 songs for stars like Luke Combs and performed on music’s biggest stages) joined forces with Ryan Nelson and Job Fortner to create a unique fusion that includes rock, reggae and country elements into a Coastal American Alternative genre they may very well be pioneering. Most of all, the three are as fun to chat with as they are to listen to on stage, so join us as we dig in with See Creature to discuss their anticipated new album, their plans to travel the nation and how the three juggle family, careers and friendship along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country music’s most unconventional star, Jelly Roll, joins our podcast before headlining the 27th Annual Key West Songwriters' Festival on May 5. The Nashville native discusses his sudden ascent into stardom, his accomplished hip hop roots and his recent takeover at the CMT Music Awards, where he won all three of the categories he was nominated for. And the best part? The famed “Son of a Sinner” — and husband to Bunnie XO — loves sharing fantastic stories from his journey and lightening the mood on a podcast episode you don’t want to miss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Bertelli lives in the past, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Widely considered one of the resident history buffs in the Florida Keys, Bertelli joins our podcast to discuss the origins and tales that make the Florida Keys so wildly unique. From Native American encounters and Spanish treasure seekers to American presidents and pirates, Bertelli offers his captivating brand of storytelling to the rich history of the Keys. So join us for a blast into the past with Brad Bertelli, a regular contributor to the Key Weekly Newspapers and one of the few people to (perhaps) ever encounter the elusive Florida Keys Skunk Ape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his “once in a lifetime experience” flying aboard an F/A-18 Super Hornet with the elite Blue Angels. He and our host, Britt Myers, were recently selected by the Blue Angels to take a 45-minute flight that included flying the speed of sound, maneuvers that pressed over 7 G’s of force against their bodies and inverted spins that tested their consciousness. Key West Weekly editor, Mandy Miles, co-hosts this episode and recounts her own experience aboard a Blue Angels jet back in 2006. So come take a ride with Chief Sean Brandenburg and discover why he's one of the most beloved public figures in all of the Florida Keys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Wyland, known to millions simply as Wyland, is one of the most renowned and recognized artists and conservationists on the globe. He joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his love for the Florida Keys, his Whaling Wall murals seen around the world and the 45th anniversary of Wyland Galleries. USA Today called him the “Marine Michelangelo” and during his career an estimated 1 billion people have seen his artwork on an annual basis. But for us in the Keys, he’s a guy who regularly shows up and gives back to the community, which is why we hope you enjoy a few minutes with one of our favorites. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed "Peanuts" artist Tom Everhart, who continued the work of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast as he prepares for his show and appearances at Ocean Blue Galleries, 109 Duval St. in Key West on March 10 & 11. Everhart discuses his tutelage and enduring friendship with Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, who approved Everhart as the only artist legally authorized to use the cartoonist's subject matter to create fine art. Everhart also recalls a conversation with Andy Warhol that persuaded him to seize the opportunity to work with Schulz, and reveals how his battle with — and victory over — stage 4 colon and liver cancer changed his perspective on art and life over 30 years ago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People talk about changing the world every day, but some actually make the mission a lifelong journey. The last time we spoke with author, professor and philanthropist Alex Counts on the Keys Weekly Podcast, we discussed his book, "When in Doubt. Ask for More: And 213 Other Life and Career Lessons for Mission-Driven Leaders.” During his most recent visit, Counts discusses his book, "Small Loans Big Dreams,” which shares intimate stories about how microfinance and the Grameen Bank have changed the lives of impoverished women and their families in America and across the globe. Counts discusses why we should rethink how the world approaches loans and how his microfinance approach, created by his mentor Muhammad Yunus, applies practical life tools and valuable lessons, in addition to the loans, to change the trajectory of poverty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Siegal was hired in 1994 to coach the Key West Conchs’ football team. At just 24 years old, he was the youngest head football coach in the state. Taking the team to the postseason in both of his years coaching, his career since Key West has spanned across many high schools, universities and consulting positions. Listen as coach Sean McDonald catches up with Siegal to talk about his foray into the coaching world, his fondest memories of Key West, including a district championship, and his plans for a new sports-themed restaurant, “Coach’s Championship Grill.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might not recognize the name Danny Clinch, but you've seen his work. Some of the most iconic photo shoots in music, from album covers to documentaries, have been captured by the imaginative eye of Clinch and his camera. From Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Bob Dylan and Stevie Nicks to Neil Young, Elvis Costello and Steve Martin, Clinch is the artist stars request to capture and document their moments in time and in musical history. Clinch will be in Key West on Dec. 1, taking part in the COAST is Clear Music Festival, where he will showcase a photography exhibit at the Tropic Cinema, followed by a screening of his documentary, “A Tuba to Cuba,’ which follows the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (who will perform later that evening at the San Carlos Institute) through an unforgettable journey to Cuba. The Florida Keys Weekly Podcast and Britt Myers caught up with Clinch before his arrival, discussing his relationship with Springsteen, how (Imaybe) he is still starstruck by Bob Dylan and why you might be surprised to hear the details of a particular photoshoot with Tupac Shakur. For more on the COAST is Clear Music & Arts Festival and tickets visit: coastisclearfest.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast we are joined by legendary Key West High baseball coach Ralph Henriquez. During his 17 years at KWHS, Henriquez has won over 538 games, along with three state titles. His Conch baseball teams have been ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation under his tenure and over 120 of his players have signed college scholarships, with 11 of his student athletes drafted into the pros straight out of high school. Henriquez discusses his coaching stints with the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees systems and is joined by Scott Atwell as we chat about what it takes to build a winning culture, the expectations that come with winning in a baseball town—and a moving tribute to the late, legendary pitcher, Bruce Sutter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Haynes is widely considered one of the greatest live performers to ever command a stage. And on Oct. 18, Haynes and his band, Government Mule, will play the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West. Haynes’ career includes stints with the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and dozens of collaborations with legendary names across the music spectrum, along with almost three decades of Government Mule projects and solo work. The Florida Keys Weekly Podcast recently caught up with the Grammy-winning artist. The discussion ranges from his earlier years, including his first-ever live gig with Gregg Allman on Duval Street, to which artists Haynes believes will carry the guitar hero torch into the next generations of music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.