The Community Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Community Paper
Welcome to The Community Podcast, brought to you by The Community Paper. Since 1989, the Community Paper has been sharing good news happening in downtown Orlando and College Park. Learn more at YourCommunityPaper.com.
Your hosts for the show are Orlando native and publisher of The Community Paper, Debbie Gunter, and Orlando transplant and managing editor of The Community Paper, Tommy Cardinal.
On this episode, writer and UCF student Sabrina Hansen joins Nick in the studio. Items discussed: CALENDAR Wednesday, July 29 In-Focus Tour with Francisco Masó 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art Free Curator Tour 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Art & History Museums – Maitland Third Annual Vine & Dine: Global Bites, Great Wine… Continue reading The Community Podcast for July 27, 2026
Joshua-Paul Estabalaya joins Nick on this episode of the Community Podcast. They discuss some upcoming events and stories including: Wednesday, July 22 Help Us Dream the Future of Jubilee Tea Garden – A Community Vision Session6 – 8 p.m.Spiral Circle Bookstore & More Friday, July 24 Stellar Nights feat. Country laser light show10 a.m. –… Continue reading The Community Podcast for July 21, 2026
Allison Smith joins Nick on this episode of the Community Podcast. They discuss some upcoming events and stories including: Saturday, June 27 Intro to Coffee BrewingDining, Lifelong Learning9:30 – 11 a.m.Knowledge for LivingParramore Rainbow RaptorsLifelong Learning10 a.m. – 3 p.m.Audubon Center for Birds of PreyMaitland Liberty Weekend ConcertMusic7 p.m.Orlando International Airport
On this episode, Scottie Campbell, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for the Orange County Regional History Center joins Nick to discuss upcoming events at the downtown museum.
On this episode, Boutiq Medical Clinic owner Karen Buckalew discusses opening a business in late 2019 and never closing, leaning into menopause treatments, and more.
On this episode, Mel Gray, AKA Coach Mummabear, joins Nick to discuss her background, writing for the paper and one of her favorite spots in town. This episode is brought to you by The Packing District. Check out The Packing District Live! on Saturday, February 28, from 5–10 p.m. at the Great Southern Box Co.… Continue reading The Community Podcast for February 27, 2026
On this episode, Nick speaks with Clarissa Howard, the Director of the Communications Department for the City of Winter Park. Along with that role, Clarissa is Project Director for the Park Avenue Refresh project, a three-year update to one of Winter Park’s main thoroughfares. Construction began on January 20, 2026.
On this episode, Kendal Asbury joins Nick to discuss a busy weekend in The Packing District and 2026 story ideas. Follow Kendal on Instagram. Brought to you by The Packing District. Friday, December 12 Free Family Holiday Concert 7 p.m. Della Phillips Pavilion Saturday, December 13 4Roots Farmers Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 4Roots… Continue reading The Community Podcast for December 12, 2025
On this episode, Kendal Asbury joins Nick to discuss holiday events and some recent stories. Follow Kendal on Instagram. Brought to you by Boutiq Clinic. Through January 4 Magical Meadmas Holiday Zymarium Meadery Mills 50 Friday, December 5 Winter on the Avenue Holiday 5 – 9 p.m. Central Park Winter Park Holiday Jazz Jingle Jam… Continue reading The Community Podcast for December 5, 2025
On this episode, Kendal Asbury is on to discuss some weekend events, stories she’s been working on, and her experience interning at the New York Times over the summer. Stories mentioned: Orlando’s approach to homelessness: Counterproductively complicated or carefully complex? An Intern Climbs the Stairs, Learning With Every Step Wake Up With Orlando: Must-Visit Local… Continue reading The Community Podcast for October 10, 2025
On this episode, writer Juliette Kahn discusses several of her recent stories, including our new column, In Good Company. Here are some links to the stories, our sponsor, and Red Bull! It began as a part-time job. Then, I gained a second family. Reflect and connect: In service of our seniors Kyle Seitz on Kaleidoscope,… Continue reading The Community Podcast for October 7, 2025
On this episode, Steve Mort, Host and Executive Producer of NewsNight on WUCF, joins Nick to discuss the enrollment drop at Orange County Public Schools, potential changes to Orange County’s Vision 2050 plan and transportation in Central Florida.Watch NewsNight on WUCF at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays or anytime online.Schools See Larger Than Expected Enrollment DropOrange… Continue reading The Community Podcast for October 2, 2025
On this episode, Elisabeth Campbell joins Nick to discuss puppies and photos. Check out her story about Not Another Film Lab, and consider submitting a photo for their upcoming collection. Learn more about Elisabeth via her website. Brought to you by Winter Park Veterinary Hospital’s Doggie Playcamp.
On this episode, TCP writer and photographer Connor Barry joins Nick to discuss a recent profile of musician Marc with a C, profiling the unhoused and more. Here are the events they covered: Friday, September 12 Fall Exhibition Preview & Meet the new DirectorArts5:30 – 7 p.m.Rollins Museum of ArtWinter Park 30 Year AnniversaryMusic7 p.m.Will’s… Continue reading The Community Podcast for September 12, 2025
On this episode, Nick is joined by writer and poet Anna Claire Hodge. Check out the events coming up from Opera Orlando before “La Bohème” opens on October 3: September 10Opera Experience5:30 – 7:30 p.m.The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall|This cocktail hour includes a preview of music from “La Bohème” and “Rent.” September 20Masterclass… Continue reading The Community Podcast for September 8, 2025
Welcome to the Community Podcast, featuring Nick Georgoudiou and Logan Lamphere. This episode is brought to you by the Morse Museum! The stories we discussed: The missing middle of housing, revisited Replacing traditional lawns with native plants (Coming this fall) An urban planning take on painted crosswalks Thornton Park is hosting its monthly art and… Continue reading The Community Podcast for September 4, 2025
Welcome to the Community Podcast, featuring Nick Georgoudiou and Francesca Duarte. This episode is brought to you by Leu Gardens! The stories we discussed: Saturday, August 16 Track Shack’s Celebration of Running 5KWellness7:30 a.m.Orlando Cultural ParkLoch Haven Weekend Workshop: Lunchbox ResetWellness/Lifelong Learning11 a.m. – 1 p.m.The Kitchen HouseCollege Park Second Anniversary x National Honey Bee… Continue reading The Community Podcast for August 11, 2025
On this episode, Nick D’Alessandro joins Nick Georgoudiou to discuss an all-nighter at Enzian, social gaming in Orlando and the incredible Florida history podcast, Wait Five Minutes. Here are some links for you! Nick D. on Instagram Wait Five Minutes on Instagram Enzian hosts birthday all-nighter on August 16 The Packing District High Point Climbing… Continue reading The Community Podcast for August 4, 2025
Featuring correspondents Elisabeth Campbell and Connor Barry, here are a few events happening in and around Orlando this week: June 20 – 22 Hamlet, directed by Michael McNamaraArts7:30 – 10:15 p.m.Timucua White HouseSoDo June 21 – 22 Melrose Pop Festival ‘25MusicOrlando Public LibraryDowntown Make FestLifelong LearningOrlando Science CenterLoch Haven Saturday, June 21 Simply Cheese Grand… Continue reading The Community Calendar for June 20, 2025
Alicia from eatswithalicia is back! Here are the events we discuss on this episode: Saturday, June 14 Dogs Day Out!Community/Shop LocalNoon – 4 p.m.Ivanhoe Park Brewing CompanyIvanhoe Village Vegas, Baby! Hits of the HeadlinersMusic7:30 – 9 p.m.Timucua White HouseSoDo Sunday, June 15 A Day for DadFamily9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Leu GardensAudubon Park Free Admission for… Continue reading The Community Calendar for June 12, 2025
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: Saturday, May 17 Vintage Store Day Orlando Book FestivalLiterary10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Orlando Public LibraryDowntown Golden Jubilee 50th AnniversaryShop LocalNoon – 6 p.m.Spiral Circle Bookstore & MoreMills 50 Pet Alliance Pup Crawl: Ivanhoe Village EditionCommunity4 – 8 p.m.The Yard at IvanhoeIvanhoe… Continue reading The Community Calendar for May 14, 2025
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: Thursday, May 8 Late Night Thursdays (weekly through August 21)Music5 – 8 p.m.Leu GardensAudubon Park “Inspired” Book Release PartyLiterary5:30 – 8:30 p.m.Orlando Museum of ArtLoch Haven Mother’s Day MarketShop Local6 – 9 p.m.Palmer’s Garden and GoodsAudubon Park Saturday, May 10 Household… Continue reading The Community Calendar for May 7, 2025
Chris Hughes from Track Shack joins Nick to discuss the right fit for your feet. For nearly 50 years, the shop has been the go-to place for runners and people who need the right support for any active endeavor. Check out The Community Paper’s stories on Track Shack’s AdventHealth Corporate 5K and Orlando run clubs.
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: Thursday, May 1 Late Night Thursdays (weekly through August 21)Music5 – 8 p.m.Leu GardensAudubon Park Beginning May 2 World Music SeriesMusicTimuca Arts FoundationSoDo Saturday, May 3 East Meets WestDining/Shop Local9 a.m. – 9 p.m.East End MarketAudubon Park Sixth Anniversary CelebrationShop Local10… Continue reading The Community Calendar for April 30, 2025
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: Thursday, May 1 Late Night Thursdays (weekly through August 21) Music 5 – 8 p.m. Leu Gardens Audubon Park Beginning May 2 World Music Series Music Timuca Arts Foundation SoDo Saturday, May 3 East Meets West Dining/Shop Local 9… Continue reading The Community Calendar for April 30, 2025
Good Crowd owner and all-around great human Sarah Johnson-Markve joins Nick Georgoudiou for the first episode or Retail Therapy, a new podcast from The Community Paper. They discuss shop culture topics like upcoming events, new products and great customers.
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: April 24 Grand OpeningShokupan Bakehouse11 a.m. April 25 – 27 3 Year Anniversary CelebrationThe Vintage Chair Sip & Shophttps://www.instagram.com/p/DINd5iQsC9f/ Saturday, April 26 Healthy Kids DayYMCA locations10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Independent Bookstore DaySpiral Circle Park Ave CDsThe New RomanticsWalls of Books… Continue reading The Community Calendar for April 23, 2025
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: Go Magic! Saturday, April 19 Free Earth Day Family DayArt & History Museums of Maitland10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Central Florida Earth DayLake Eola Park10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Plant Nerd FestThornton Park (E. Washington Street from Summerlin Ave to Hyer… Continue reading The Community Calendar for April 16, 2025
There are some amazing events happening in Orlando this week! Here are a few: Science & Wine Giveaway Thursday, April 10 Dock & DineThe Great Southern Box Company Food Hall & Bar6:30 – 10 p.m. Friday, April 11 Orlando Collected Preview NightOrange County Regional History Center7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12 Orlando Kite FestivalOCPS… Continue reading The Community Calendar for April 9, 2025
Here are the Orlando events we discuss in this episode: Thursday, April 3 Spring is in the Air – Art Exhibition Opening ReceptionQuantum Leap Winery6 – 8 p.m. April 4 – 5 Monthly Art StrollFaith Arts Village Orlando April 4 – 6 Spring Book SaleOrlando Public Library April 5 – 6 Spring Fiesta in the… Continue reading The Community Calendar for April 2, 2025
Here are the Orlando events we discuss on this episode: Friday, March 28 Bike to Work DayLuminary Green Park; 437 N. Terry Avenue7 – 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29 The Great Duck DerbyMead Botanical Garden10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Women in the Arts ExpoOrlando Public Library2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30 Community Taste &… Continue reading The Community Calendar for March 26, 2025
The events we discussed on this episode! Thursday, March 20 Access for AllOrlando Museum of Art10 a.m. – 8 p.m.https://omart.org/events/access_for_all_oma/ Dog Day at the DerbyMennello Museum of American Art6 – 7:30 p.m.https://www.mennellomuseum.org/Events/Dog-Day-at-the-Derby Sensing: A Chocolate Tasting and Yoga ExperienceMennello Museum of American Art6 – 7:30 p.m.https://www.mennellomuseum.org/Events/Sensing-A-Chocolate-Tasting-and-Yoga-Experience-with-Chef-Paul-Joachim-and-Rachael-Joachim Girls’ Night Out Poetry WorkshopThe House on Lang6 –… Continue reading The Community Calendar for March 19, 2025
The events we discussed in this episode: March 11 – 17St. Patrick’s Day WeekThe Castle Irish Pub Thursday, March 13Pop-Up PoetryThe Monroe11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, March 14Milky Way – St . Paddy’s Bar + Bites CrawlThe Milk District6 – 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15Florida Coffee Culture Birthday BashEast End Market7 – 10:30 p.m.… Continue reading The Community Calendar for March 12, 2025
Thursday, June 13 Food and Livability Lesson – Summer Session McQuigg Urban Farm 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk Thornton Park District 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Low Slow and Deep Yoga College Park Gallery 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 14 But I’m a Cheerleader Film & Sketch Joybird Books 8 – 10… Continue reading What’s happening in Orlando – June 15 weekend
In this episode, Logan Lamphere joins Tommy and Nick as the three discuss the 4Roots Farm Campus, some community favorite businesses in the Dover Shores Shopping Center and Florida-friendly landscaping. Tommy also updates listeners on the latest news from city council including a 20-story building approved for the North Quarter.
Debbie, Tommy and Nick toast to 33 years of The Community Paper. Nick gives us a Packing District and pickleball update and talks about the “warehouse district” between College Park and OBT. Tommy gives us an update on the Under-i project and development on North Orange Avenue that could bridge the north quarter with the… Continue reading Episode 34
Tommy, Debbie and Nick reminisce on back-to-school memories, share resources to learn more about the candidates vying for the newly formed Florida House Districts 40 and 42 and talk about some cool new spots that opened in north downtown.
Tommy and Nick sit down with Nora Brooker, owner of Nora’s Sugar Shack in Ivanhoe Village. Nora talks about what brought her to Florida, taking the dive of opening the Sugar Shack, increasing events at Nora’s and more.
North downtown contributor Monika Knotts is the special guest on this episode to talk about the history of Mills 50 and Orlando’s booming wrestling scene. Nick talks about the Legacy Life Project, a unique and meaningful way to tell a loved one’s story. Nick and Monika also discuss their joint story on vintage fashion trends… Continue reading Episode 31
Local realtor Rob Kurzreiter is the special guest on this episode of The Community Podcast, where he breaks down the crazy real estate market. Rob talks with Debbie and Nick about interest rates, rent increases and the up-and-coming areas of Central Florida.
The Parramore District is the newest Main Street district in the City of Orlando, branching off from the City District and becoming its own district this February. Executive director Natasha Gaye comes on The Community Podcast to discuss her plans for the district and explains the mission of historic preservation and economic development in Main… Continue reading Episode 29
Tommy, Debbie and Nick break down the hot news from the June edition, including an in-depth look at the pizza ovens of Edgewater Drive, A La Cart’s expansion into the SoDo District and other new business openings. Nick also explains the plans to convert the Ambassador Hotel into affordable housing and Tommy updates listeners on… Continue reading Episode 28
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
Tommy heads to the WMFE studios to get to know local NPR station’s newly appointed president and general manager, Judith Smelser. The two talk about their paths to journalism, wine, road trips and what Smelser’s new role on the other side of the newsroom looks like.
In this episode, Debbie, Tommy and Nick discuss what events from the Community Calendar they’re looking forward to in March, the formation of the Parramore District, how the Packing District development is repurposing old buildings, the redrawing of commissioner district maps and the latest from city council including the latest on the Edgewater Drive redesign.
In this episode, Nick tells us about the new YMCA being built in the Packing District, Logan discusses the FDOT’s plans to reconnect the Griffin Park Housing Project to the Parramore neighborhood, Debbie breaks down the crazy real estate market, and Tommy tells us what city council is up to.
Debbie and Nick interview author and longtime Orlando resident Joanie Schirm about her latest book, Steadfast Ink: The Journey Within. This is the third book she has written about her father’s experiences escaping the Nazis in Czechoslovakia, working at a hospital in China where he met his wife, and eventually moving to Central Florida with… Continue reading Episode 23
In this episode, Tommy, Debbie, and Nick discuss the deals made to move the newest mixed-use apartment project in Ivanhoe Village forward, the science behind juice diets, and the planned renovations for the Wells’ Built Museum. They also discuss their new year’s resolutions and changes to The Community Paper being implemented in 2022.
Debbie, Tommy and Nick discuss the start of the holiday season and some of the iconic holiday decorations in downtown Orlando. The three also discuss what the future holds for the historic OUC building in Ivanhoe Village, the redesigns of Albert and Dartmouth Parks in College Park, how to help J. Henry’s after the iconic… Continue reading Episode 20
In this episode of The Community Podcast, Tommy and Nick take a trip to a new concept in the Milk District, the Milkhouse, a shared space which houses Foxtail Coffee, Ravenous Pig Brewing Company, Bagel Bruno, Cichetti, The Courtesy Bar and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream all in one space.
Debbie, Tommy and Nick break down the latest news from downtown and College Park. They discuss what’s coming in phase II of the Creative Village development, the philanthropic benefit of events returning, the Holocaust Center’s Take Action Institute, and the time Debbie got a standing ovation at karaoke on a cruise ship.
In this episode, Nick speaks with special guest Cameron Duke, head coach of Edgewater High’s football team, about the eventful start of the Eagle season. Logan and Debbie talk about the latest CP Interview with Holocaust Center board member Toni Turocy, the latest from the OnePulse Foundation, the loss of a Boone High school icon,… Continue reading Episode 17
In this episode of The Community Podcast, Debbie and Tommy talk about the latest CP Interview with food critic Scott Joseph, the story of a neighborhood favorite mail carrier, the latest from City Council and more. Our contributor Nick chimes in to tell us about the redistricting process and we all share a YouTube video… Continue reading Episode 16
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
In this episode, Debbie and Tommy talk about the news from each of The Community Paper’s coverage areas including the future of the old OUC building across from Lake Ivanhoe, the repurposing of the Grand Avenue School into a neighborhood center, and the return of Jazz Fest to College Park.
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
In this episode, South Downtown Bureau Chief Logan Lamphere makes his Community Podcast debut. Logan and Tommy discuss a football player who battled injuries and completed his law degree, the two discuss the start of hurricane season and how to determine your family home’s risk of flooding and Tommy accidentally causes Orlando City SC to… Continue reading Episode 12
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
In this episode, Debbie and Tommy talk about a local couple collecting shoes to fund their adoption, the Zebra Coalition’s new location for transient youth housing and the much anticipated update on changes coming to College Park’s parks.
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
In this episode of The Community Podcast, Tommy and Debbie discuss Tony Piloseno, better known as the Tonester from TikTok (TonesterPaints.com), new crosswalks in the Milk District, walkability and how to pronounce Kissimmee.
The Community Podcast is brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park.
In episode 3, Debbie and Tommy break down the March edition, hopping from section to section and discussing the latest news from downtown, College Park, north downtown and south downtown.
In episode 2, publisher Debbie Goetz and managing editor Tommy Cardinal explain what a “Main Street” organization is and break down the news coming in from a few of the Main Streets in The Community Paper’s coverage area.
This is the first episode of the Community Podcast, brought to you by the Community Paper. Join publisher Debbie Gunter and managing editor Tommy Cardinal as they discuss what’s happening around downtown Orlando and College Park. In this episode, they update you on the fundraiser for Will’s Pub, finishing a bicycle beltway around downtown, and… Continue reading Episode 1