The King-dom

May is recognized in Florida as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, and with recent local celebrations, we're taking a moment to honor those who serve. In this episode, I am joined by Sergeant at Arms Edson Abbott and Omar Ayala, two dedicated officers raised in Miami's District 5. We discuss their personal journeys, what inspired them to join law enforcement, and their efforts to encourage local youth. They also shed light on the critical role Sergeants at Arms play in supporting elected officials and why that relationship matters. Most importantly, we reflect on the deep sense of camaraderie that exists within law enforcement—how that shared bond, rooted in mutual respect and support, helps officers serve with integrity and strength.

In a powerful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we bring you a special episode taped at the Adrienne Arsht Center during our annual Reclaim the Dream event—held each year on April 4 at 6:01 p.m., the same moment Dr. King was assassinated. The event honors his enduring legacy and reminds us to continue that legacy. This year's celebration featured soul-stirring performances from gospel greats and Grammy Award-winners Hezekiah Walker and The Clark Sisters. Join us as we sit down with Hezekiah Walker and Jacky Clark Chisholm for a heartfelt conversation on music, faith, and the ongoing work of justice and unity.

In honor of Women's History Month, we welcome Bea Hines, the Miami Herald's first African-American female journalist. With a career spanning over 50 years, Bea's journey began at the age of six when she and her family moved to Overtown, later growing up in Liberty City. Raised during a pivotal time in Miami, she covered some of the city's most controversial headlines. The story of her professional and personal journey will leave you in awe.

In honor of Black History Month, we welcome Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields who is responsible for the establishment of Miami's Black Archives, the designation and restoration of the landmark Lyric Theater and other historic sites, the creation of the Black Heritage Trail, and the designation of the Historic Overtown Folklife Village as a National Trust “Main Street” community. She was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities for her unprecedented research and documentation of African American history. We discuss what drove her to create the Black Archives and preserve a vital part of Miami's history, and how the community can learn from this invaluable resource.

We are kicking off the new year with Tracy Wilson Mourning, Miami-based philanthropist, mentor, designer, broadcast journalist, motivational speaker, author, and devoted mother. In a heartfelt conversation, we reflect on memories of our mothers and the paths that have shaped our lives. Tracy shares exciting details about the upcoming Hats Off Luncheon on April 24th, hosted by her Honey Shine foundation, a mentorship program that encourages the balance of mind, body, and soul in girls and young women by providing nurturing experiences that inform their decisions with self-reliance and hope. Tracy also introduces her clothing line, L.O.V.E. (Living On Vacation Everyday), which celebrates the spirit of effortless living and joy.

In 2023, City of Miami was ranked one of the safest cities in America. The City of Miami Police have done a phenomenal job keeping our community safe. Please welcome City of Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales. In a historic move, he is responsible for appointing the first black female Assistant Chief, Cherise Gause. We also discuss the year-to-year decrease in homicides and gang violence as well as Chief Morales vision of law enforcement and neighborhoods working together to build safer, stronger communities.

On The King-dom podcast, where we talk all things Miami and all voices are heard, we like to feature local businesses doing wonderful things for the community. Today, we welcome Dr. Randall Thompson of Miami Spine Clinic, a chiropractic practice. We address common misconceptions about chiropractic care and discuss its surprising health benefits for various chronic ailments to everyday pains.

Our Magic City is bustling with visitors from around the world, reflecting our melting pot of residents. The tourism industry in Miami is thriving, and today, we welcome Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau President & CEO David Whitaker. We explore everything Miami, from our Michelin-rated restaurants and hotels to iconic events like Art Basel Miami Beach and the upcoming FIFA 2026.

On this episode of The King-dom podcast, I interview Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry, Miami's own 2024 Paris Olympic Gold Medalist. Over 500 guests joined us for a LIVE audience taping at the Historic Lyric Theater to honor our champion. We discussed her journey as an athlete born and raised in Miami who continues to give back to the community. A surprise guest made the morning even more special – stay tuned to find out who it is.

Please welcome City of Miami's ACM/CFO Larry Spring to the September episode to discuss all things budget. Wondering how the City of Miami manages its 1.2 billion dollar budget? You'll learn how Miami staff and Commissioners work together to serve almost half a million residents and ensure budgets are properly allocated to areas most needed. You'll also learn what Mr. Spring thinks is the 'sexiest' thing in budgeting!

In this August episode, join me as we dive into what makes Miami an irresistible city for living, playing, and investing. I am thrilled to have Hospitality Impresario Roman Jones and NBA player Bismack Biyombo join the conversation. Roman, son of Mick Jones, the founding member of rock band Foreigner, and owner of the local restaurant favorite Kiki on the River, shares his unique insight on Miami's allure. Bismack Biyombo, Congolese professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, adds his perspective on why Miami is a top destination. This enlightening discussion puts a spotlight on the magic of Miami!

Welcome to our next podcast episode celebrating Parks & Recreation Month! Join me as I sit down with Chris Evans, Director of the City of Miami Parks & Recreation Department, where we explore the vital roles of our City's green spaces, community centers, playgrounds, and award-winning pools. Managing over 500 employees, Evans ensures the city's third-largest department continues to enrich the community through inclusivity and innovation in every public space under the department. Enjoy this insightful conversation about the importance of parks, recreation, and the impact they have on our vibrant Miami community.

In this episode of The King-dom podcast, we welcome Miami City Manager Art Noreiga as we discuss how he manages a city and five district commissioners. With a behind the scenes look, listeners hear how having fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and meaningful relationships is the key to successfully managing a big city. Also, you'll never guess Mr. Noreiga's answer to my question about who, passed or currently alive, he would want to join for dinner.

This month, we're on location again at the beautiful Adrienne Arsht Center with guest Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Lt. Tina Guiler. In celebration of International Firefighter's Day earlier this month, we chatted about the lack of visibility and acknowledgment of women in fire rescue across the nation. Yet, in Miami-Dade County, there are 262 female firefighters, making it the number one leading department for women in fire service. Because of this notion that many people and children don't realize that women can be firefighters, Lt. Guiler created a series of female firefighter dolls so that "if they can see it, they can be it."

April marks the month for our annual 'Reclaim the Dream' Candlelight Memorial and Gospel Concert  where we commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a celebration of his enduring legacy as we reignite his dream of justice and equality for all. Headlining the event was gospel singer and actress Tamela Mann who was kind enough to join us for this very special podcast episode on location at the Adrienne Arsht Center. We talk about the essence of life, the power of God/faith, the pursuit of liberty, and the resilience in chasing our dreams.

In celebration of International Women's Month, we welcome two local female business owners who have flourished in their careers through hard work and determination. Listen to this episode where I chat with Fayola Nicaisse of Ebene, an organic beauty product line located in Overtown, and Camille Rhone of CNR Beauty, specializing in all things hair. We discuss career, community, and their journeys to discovering the magic behind their personally crafted products. 

Please join me for a special episode as we prepare to celebrate Women's History Month and welcome Madeline Pumariega, the first female president of Miami Dade College. In this episode, we discuss President Pumariega's inspiring story of breaking barriers and leading with passion and purpose. We also explore our shared experiences as Miami-Dade College Alumni, and the positive impact that Miami Dade College has had on our lives and Miami as a whole. Tune in as we discuss empowerment, leadership, and the importance of recognizing and honoring women's contributions throughout history.

Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2024 with Kamila Pritchett, the Executive Director of the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida at the Historic Lyric Theater, where we always record The King-dom podcast. In this episode, we discuss the Lyric Theater's 110 anniversary celebrated in 2023 and its importance to the Overtown community, and Miami at large. If you have never been to the historic theater in Overtown or the Black Archives cultural locations (one of which includes the home of Miami's first black millionaire, Dana A. Dorsey), now is the time to check out their calendar of events.

I'm thrilled to be wrapping 2023 with our very own City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. In this episode, we have a heartfelt and open discussion about the meaning of being a public servant, what comes with the territory, and the truth about how Miami is really doing. For example, the city grew at 14%, has one of the lowest homicide rates per capita and one of the lowest in our history, homelessness is down 17%, and currently has the lowest tax rate in our history. Wishing all our listeners a happy and healthy new year!

In time for Miami Art Week when Art Basel Miami Beach and satellite fairs descend on our Magic City, we welcome locally loved art world visionaries Chris Norwood and Craig Robins to the show. We'll talk about how they started their careers in the art world as well as what they have planned for the big week of artistic celebrations. Their best advice during this famed week: just get lost in the areas that are vibing during Miami Art Week!

Today, we welcome affordable housing developers Alben Duffie & Michael Swerdlow who are responsible for the Block 55 mixed-use development in Overtown. The property features 578 high-quality apartments for low-income seniors on top of 250,000 square feet of retail space and a parking garage. The entire retail space has been completely leased to some exciting retailers. I'm thrilled to see developments of this nature that continue to revive Overtown as the destination it was once known to be.

Today, we welcome Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to the show. We discussed what it means to be a public servant and explore Miami topics including budget season, investment in Black communities, small businesses, housing, public safety, climate change, affordable housing, transportation, and the County's tree canopy initiative. The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County have a lot to celebrate as we enter the holiday season!

Summer comes to an end and school is in session! Please welcome Lesline Anglade-Dorlean, Director of Family & Community Services, Family Safety at the Florida Department of Children & Families, as we discuss the importance of crisis prevention, education, and supporting our youth for bright futures. It takes a village to raise a child! We also discuss Ms. Anglade-Dorlean role as the Chair of the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust, an organization charged with providing resources and funding to the Little Haiti community.

As we bring this hot July to an end, I'm overjoyed to welcome South Florida rapper and activist Luther Campbell, also known as Uncle Luke, to discuss our Miami community and its future through the support and mentorship of our youth.  A homegrown celebrity, who was raised in Liberty City, Campbell gives back to the community.  He co-founded the Liberty City Optimist Club, an after-school program that assists kids with tutoring, mentoring, and beyond. As a coach at the club, he explains the importance of after-school activities and emphasized the power of pride and self-confidence. Wait until you hear at the end his answers to my Spit Fire Round questions "What is the most dangerous thing you do?" and "What is your favorite book?" This episode drops Friday, July 28th. 

Thank you, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, for joining me on June's episode to speak about the importance of family, community, and education. This podcast episode is a beautiful representation of our collaborations and constant communication as Commissioners with overlapping districts. You will hear about his mission to beautify Liberty City as former City of  Miami District Five Commissioner, and passing the baton to me so I can continue the work.

In honor of Haitian Heritage Month, please welcome musician, producer, and philanthropist Wyclef Jean. Known for some of his greatest hits like "No Woman, No Cry" during his time in The Fugees, Wyclef continues to bring peace and support to Haiti through his foundation Yéle Haiti. In this episode, we discuss life as a Haitian American in the United States, the importance of the community's history including Little Haiti, and the act of true philanthropy.

 As we approach Stress Awareness Month in May, learn how Miami is helping its most vulnerable population take back their lives. Join me in welcoming The Honorable Judge Steve Leifman of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit as we discuss mental health in Miami's homeless community and the opening of the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery, a pioneer facility that will change lives and assist Miami in achieving its goal of functional zero. The facility, I like to refer to as a resort because of its thoughtful decor and amenities, will be a one-stop shop for primary care and psychiatric services for unhoused people with acute mental illnesses who are in the criminal justice system or at risk of entering it.

In honor of Women's History Month, my first guest will be Monique Idlett-Mosley, a globally recognized entertainment pioneer, and CEO of Reign Venture Capital. You will hear about the experiences that have shaped her life and defined her purpose.