Commander Ellery Collado: Florida Highway Patrol and the Stories Behind the Badge

Commander Ellery Collado: Florida Highway Patrol and the Stories Behind the Badge

Troop Commander Ellery Collado of the Florida Highway Patrol joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond traffic stops. With more than two decades in law enforcement, Ellery shares the unexpected journey that led him from growing up in New York with a very different perception of police, to becoming a leader responsible for protecting South Florida’s highways. Along the way, he opens up about the 21 rejections he faced before getting his shot, the mentor who changed his life, and the mindset that’s helped him rise through the ranks. The conversation dives into the realities of the job—from making split-second decisions on the road to the emotional side of what officers experience but rarely talk about. Ellery shares how discretion really works when pulling someone over, why attitude can matter more than speed, and the truth behind common myths like ticket quotas and unmarked vehicles.  There are also the moments you don’t expect—from high-speed pursuits and helicopter call-ins to the strange, funny, and sometimes unbelievable situations that only happen in Florida. At the same time, Ellery brings a grounded perspective on leadership, explaining how his role today is less about writing tickets and more about guiding others and preparing them for the realities of the job.  Beyond the action, he talks openly about the human side of policing: helping families in their worst moments, staying connected to people long after cases are closed, and the importance of mental health for officers dealing with high-stress situations every day. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From Hollywood to NASCAR: Ed Burns, Benjamin Bratt & Michael Waltrip

This episode brings together two very different conversations... First up, Ed Burns and Benjamin Bratt sit down fresh off the golf course and get into how a film turned into a real-life friendship. They talk about meeting later in their careers despite running in the same circles for decades, why they connected so quickly, and how priorities shift as you get older—family, time, and keeping a tighter circle.  They also get into the reality of working in Hollywood today—why they don’t wait around for opportunities anymore, how they create their own projects, and what it really takes to keep momentum going in an industry that doesn’t slow down. There’s plenty in there too on golf, filmmaking, and why doing what you actually care about matters more than ever. Then we sit down with two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip. Michael shares stories from everything he’s done outside of racing, from Dancing with the Stars (where his main goal was just not to fall over) to training for marathons and pushing himself mentally long after he’d already proven himself on the track. He talks about growing up without much, finding a way into racing without money behind him, and the reality that talent alone isn’t always enough—you have to be relentless, creative, and willing to figure things out as you go.  Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Below Deck Secrets with Katie Glaser & Bobby Giancola: What Really Happens Off Camera

What’s really going on behind the scenes of Below Deck? In this episode of Hidden Florida & Beyond, former cast members Katie Glaser and Bobby Giancola sit down and pull back the curtain on what life is actually like working (and filming) on a luxury yacht. They talk about the reality of balancing two jobs at once—handling demanding charter guests while also filming a TV show—and why things can get even more chaotic when the cameras aren’t rolling.  The conversation dives into how production really works, including moments being recreated for cameras, storylines getting shaped in editing, and how certain situations may be pushed just enough to keep things interesting. They also share what it’s like dealing with over-the-top guests, massive tips, and the physical grind of working 16+ hour days with little sleep. Beyond the show, they get into life after reality TV, what they’re doing now in the yachting industry, and how being on Below Deck has followed them long after filming wrapped. They also share their perspective on fame, social media, and what it’s like having millions of people form opinions about you based on an edited version of events. Unfiltered, behind-the-scenes, and full of stories you won’t see on Bravo, this episode gives a real look at what life is like below deck—when the cameras are rolling and when they’re not. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Mark Wahlberg Unfiltered: Golfing, Business, Faith & His Life Off Camera

What happens when you spend hours with Mark Wahlberg—on the golf course and then at lunch? In this episode of Hidden Florida & Beyond, the crew heads to the Bahamas for the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation Celebrity Invitational at Baha Mar and ends up getting a rare, candid look at how Mark really thinks, works, and lives day to day. From the jump, one thing is clear: everything in his life revolves around discipline and structure. He talks about why getting proper sleep is non-negotiable, how his early morning routine sets the tone for everything else, and why he actually enjoys being disciplined now more than ever.  The conversation moves into business, where Mark breaks down his mindset in a way that’s simple but hard to execute. He explains why working with the right people matters more than anything else, why going into the wrong partnership is almost guaranteed to fail, and how he’s learned to walk away when something doesn’t feel right—even if money is on the table. He also opens up about how he approaches acting today, constantly pushing himself to do something different instead of repeating the same roles, while still feeling the pressure every time someone invests in a project he’s leading. Outside of work, things get more personal. Mark talks about where he came from, how growing up in chaos led him to value structure, and why staying grounded, focused, and connected to his faith is a daily effort—not something that just happens automatically. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Boardgasm Founder Maura Hoban: Building a Luxury Charcuterie Business, Viral Food Branding & High‑End Catering

From a simple hobby to a thriving luxury catering brand, Maura Hoban, founder of Boardgasm Charcuterie, joins Hidden Florida & Beyond to share how she turned her love of food into a fast‑growing business serving South Florida’s high‑end events, yachts, and private parties. Maura walks through how it all started with her being “the cheese board person” among friends, before a single Instagram post unexpectedly brought in a wave of orders—forcing her to quickly shift from hobbyist to business owner. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, from pricing her product to figuring out logistics, scaling operations, and building a recognizable brand. The conversation explores what it really takes to grow a business, including the challenges of letting go of control and learning how to delegate, as well as the importance of standing out in a crowded market. Maura explains how bold branding played a role in her success, why convenience and a seamless customer experience matter more than ever, and how she continues to evolve her offerings to stay ahead. As the business expanded, so did the vision. What began as charcuterie boards has grown into full‑scale catering, featuring elaborate grazing tables, yacht provisioning, and a unique new concept called SEA Deduction—a roaming caviar and oyster experience designed to bring a high‑end, interactive element to events. Along the way, Maura shares practical tips on building the perfect charcuterie board, choosing quality ingredients, and creating a visually appealing spread, while also offering behind‑the‑scenes insight into working with luxury clients and high‑profile events. The conversation highlights not just the food itself, but the importance of creating an experience that people remember. Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.