Episodes

If you’ve ever thought about turning your side hustle into a real business in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, this episode is for you. Business law attorney Matthew Fornaro joins me to share practical, plain‑English advice on choosing the right business structure, avoiding partnership disasters, dealing with commercial landlords and surviving South Florida’s wild real‑estate market.

Mental health is part of everyday life here in Broward, but we don’t always talk about it out loud. In this episode of Let’s Talk Lauderdale, I’m joined by NAMI Broward development manager Melanie Hoffman and artist, trainer, and former UCLA and NFL wide receiver Brian Poli‑Dixon to dig into Artful Minds, a one‑night event at Mad Arts in Dania Beach that uses art, music, fashion, and performance to support free mental health programs for our neighbors.

We take a fast lap around South Florida’s business and entertainment scene, from Port Everglades expansion talk and 20 million-plus visitors to Tortuga Music Festival, weekend markets, Hollywood art walks, and big shows at Hard Rock Live. If you are a local, a small business owner, or just planning your next night out, this one gives you a cheat sheet for what is happening across Broward County and beyond.

Today I’m talking with Karen “You Need Sneed” Sneed, a long‑time South Florida local who’s seen Fort Lauderdale grow from spring‑break town to global destination. We mix real estate talk with lifestyle, Las Olas stories, neighborhood vibes, and what it really feels like to live, work, and raise a family in Broward County.

Spring break feels a little different on Fort Lauderdale Beach this year—calmer vibes, new alcohol rules, and plenty of opinions from locals and businesses. In the latest Let’s Talk Lauderdale, we cover that PLUS Carter Park upgrades, YMCA youth programs, and all the big events hitting downtown and the beach.​

If you’ve driven past the Broward Convention Center lately and thought, “What’s actually going on in there?” this episode has your answer. Marv brings firsthand impressions from speaking on a panel in the brand-new building, while Jen counters with food, festivals, and a ladies-only dance night that proves Fort Lauderdale knows how to mix business, nightlife, and neighborhood charm.

Fort Lauderdale’s got a lot happening right now—from a big (and pricey) rail tunnel debate to fun, super-local ways to get out this month (reggae by the river, a dog-friendly fundraiser walk, and a downtown history stroll). This episode keeps it close to home with stories that hit your commute, your weekend plans, and the people making a difference across Broward.

Marv and Jen swap Super Bowl watch plans, talk Puppy Bowl 2026, reminisce about old-school Beach Place and Baja Beach Club, and run through Ignite Broward, Greek Fest, Pier 66, and what’s next for downtown Fort Lauderdale’s old federal courthouse.

Marv and Jen break down a busy week of Broward headlines, from the future of Fort Lauderdale’s soon-to-be-vacated federal courthouse to a massive new hospital in Sunrise. They also spotlight a hands-on CEO Build tackling the housing crisis, the return of the Florida Renaissance Festival, turbulence at FLL, and a new riverfront restaurant headed to Huizinga Park.