Todd's Podcast

67: The Local Impact of Florida Property Tax Reform with Commissioner Bill Braswell

Polk County Commissioner Bill Braswell joins Todd for a timely conversation on the proposed Florida constitutional amendment involving property taxes and homestead exemptions. Bill breaks down how property tax bills are calculated, the role of the property appraiser, how millage rates are set, and why rising property values can increase tax bills even when local millage rates are reduced.  Todd and Bill also discuss how local government is funded, what the proposed amendment could mean for counties, cities, parks, libraries, public safety, and other local services, as well as the broader challenges tied to growth management, infrastructure, housing affordability, and the future of Polk County. The conversation offers a practical look at how state-level decisions can shape day-to-day services at the local level, and why understanding the full tax structure matters before voters head to the ballot box.  Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com [https://todddantzler.com/]. Click here to text Todd! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2238070/fan_mail/new]

66: Raising the Curtain on Community Theatres with Dan Chesnicka

Dan Chesnicka is the Producing Director and chief executive of Theatre Winter Haven, “one of the best community theatres in America.” This episode covers the role community theatres play beyond entertainment, creating a gathering place where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, participate, and help strengthen their local culture.  Dan shares how people can get involved in a production, as well as his team’s commitment to keeping ticket prices affordable, supporting children’s programming, and serving the broader community through partnerships, funding sources, and volunteer support. The conversation also touches on Dan’s personal path from entrepreneurship to Theatre Winter Haven and reflects on the legacy of Norman Small, who founded the organization more than 56 years ago. Dan expresses how that foundation continues to grow through main stage productions, the Ritz Theatre, the Ghost Light Lounge, the Penguin Project, and other programs that bring audiences together. Buy tickets, make a donation, or get involved with Theatre Winter Haven at TheatreWinterHaven.com [https://theatrewinterhaven.com/]. Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com [https://todddantzler.com/]. Click here to text Todd! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2238070/fan_mail/new]

65: Rare Bourbon, Sports Cards, and the Passion to Succeed with Ryan McKellen

Ryan McKellen is an entrepreneur, bourbon collector, sports card dealer, and founder of One Day Business Solutions. He joins Todd for a wide-ranging conversation on rare bourbon, collectible sports cards, business, and the relationships that often connect them. From building a 600-bottle bourbon collection to buying and selling sports cards through live-streamed markets, Ryan shares how passion, trust, timing, and reputation shape the world of collectibles.  The episode also explores Ryan’s path to Polk County, his work in the jewelry industry, his commitment to local philanthropy, and the launch of One Day Business Solutions. Built to help small businesses identify practical opportunities for improvement without a long-term consulting commitment, the concept reflects Ryan’s broader approach to business: use experience, fresh eyes, and strong community ties to help others move forward.  Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com [https://todddantzler.com/]. Click here to text Todd! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2238070/fan_mail/new]

64: Florida’s First Billboards with Citrus Hall of Famer Brenda Eubanks Burnette

Brenda Eubanks Burnette, a Florida Citrus Hall of Fame inductee, joins Todd to reflect on a career spanning more than four decades in the citrus industry. From her start as Florida Citrus Queen to her work as a spokesperson traveling across the U.S. and abroad, Brenda shares stories from a time when citrus marketing was at its peak, along with the relationships and experiences that shaped her path.  The conversation also covers her leadership with the Florida Citrus Showcase and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, where she focused on preserving the industry’s history and expanding community engagement. Brenda discusses the legacy of citrus crate labels, the development of the Florida Citrus Crate Label Trail, and the ongoing challenges facing the industry today, offering perspective on what remains and why its history still matters.  Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com [https://todddantzler.com/].  Click here to text Todd! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2238070/fan_mail/new]

63: Serving Aboard the USS Ronald Reagan with Super Hornet Pilot Zach Drum

Lieutenant Commander Zachary Drum is a Naval Aviator with over 1,800 flight hours and more than 400 carrier landings. In this episode, he shares what life is really like behind the scenes of naval aviation, including his path from the Naval Academy to flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet.  Zach offers a firsthand look at the intensity of military flight training, the discipline required to operate from an aircraft carrier, and the realities of combat-ready aviation. The conversation dives into the details most people never see, from the precision and pressure of day and night carrier landings to the teamwork required across pilots, maintainers, and crew to keep operations running safely and efficiently. Beyond the cockpit, Zach discusses daily life aboard a carrier, the mental and physical demands of deployment, and how pilots manage stress in high-stakes environments.  Learn more about Todd's Podcast at ToddDantzler.com [https://todddantzler.com/]. Click here to text Todd! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2238070/fan_mail/new]