The Orlando Real with Ken Pozek

If you've ever run a race in Central Florida, you've probably crossed paths with Track Shack. In this episode of The Orlando Real Podcast, Ken Pozek sits down with second-generation owner Chris Hughes to talk about how a small Mills 50 running store, open since 1977, became the hub of Orlando's running community.Chris Hughes is the Vice President of Business Operations of Orlando's beloved family-owned running store and event company, Track Shack. Since 1977, Track Shack has kept Central Florida's runners and walkers fit, inspired, and connected through retail expertise, training programs, and community events. Learn more about Track Shack at www.trackshack.com and stay up to date on the latest on Instagram at www.instagram.com/orlandotrackshack In this conversation we explore the store's history, growing up in the back of the shop, how Track Shack produces around 15 local races a year plus the run management for runDisney, the rise of Orlando's run clubs, and the Track Shack Youth Foundation, which has given more than $3 million to programs that improve kids' lives through sports. They also cover how Mills 50 transformed into one of Orlando's best neighborhoods, tips for getting into running, and what's next as Track Shack heads toward its 50th anniversary in 2027.This episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We'd love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email info@pozekgroup.com to get started.0:00 What Is Track Shack?1:19 Who owns Track Shack? The Hughes3:26 How Mills 50 Transformed Over the Decades4:26 What Makes Orlando's Community Unique?5:37 The 15 Races Track Shack Produces Each Year6:38 How Track Shack Got the runDisney Contract7:58 Early Race Memories: Chip Timing & Spindles9:54 The Original runDisney Marathon10:22 Track Shack's Running History Museum12:03 Producing the Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando13:01 How does a Running Shoe Fitting Work?14:41 The Track Shack Youth Foundation: $3M Given Back15:49 Is Running Having Another Boom in Orlando?16:43 Orlando's 100+ Run Clubs17:42 How to Get Started as a New Runner?18:47 How to Find Your First Runners High?20:10 How to get a runDisney Bib?20:46 Run Clubs, Events & Training Programs in Orlando22:12 Is Track Shack a Store or Event Company?23:36 Track Shack's 50th Anniversary: What's Next

How did Orlando go from an Applebee's town to a real food city? In this episode of The Orlando Real Podcast, Ken Pozek sits down with Jason Chin, co-founder of Good Salt Restaurant Group, the team behind some of Central Florida's most-loved restaurants, including Seito Sushi, Reyes Mezcaleria, and Sparrow Wine Bar.

Have you heard of FLOP FEST?! We're also talking road project updates, lost Orlando landmarks, and so much more. Come hang out, ask questions, and be informed!

Today we're discussing a great mix of real estate, theme park, and things to do in Orlando! Come hang out, ask questions, on Orlando Real Live!

What does tourism actually do for the people who live in Orlando?In this episode of Orlando Real, Ken sits down with the President & CEO of Visit Orlando Cassandra Matej to go behind the scenes of one of the most visited destinations in the world and break down the massive impact tourism has on Central Florida.Ken and Cassandra talk about Orlando's 76.7 million annual visitors, the $98.7 billion economic impact of tourism, how visitor spending helps fund infrastructure and public services, and why Orlando continues to compete with destinations around the world.We also dive into the future of Orlando tourism, Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, the Orange County Convention Center, how we brought in Michelin Guide restaurants, local businesses, Magical Dining, transportation and what it will take for Orlando to reach 80 million visitors.Whether you live in Orlando, own a Central Florida business or just love seeing what's next for the city, this conversation gives you a completely different perspective on the tourism industry driving the region.Casandra Matej is president and CEO of Visit Orlando, the official marketing organization for America's most visited destination and Theme Park Capital of the World. She leads the branding, marketing and selling of the destination on a global scale, representing 1,600 member companies across Orlando's tourism landscape. Learn more at https://www.visitorlando.org/ This episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We'd love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email info@pozekgroup.com to get started.

Orlando Schools Ranked, Leu Gardens Plans Shelved, and a controversial project moves forward

Did you know Orlando has two airports? Most people don't. In this episode, Ken Pozek goes behind the scenes at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to see how the "Orlando North" airport is growing, why travelers love flying out of it, and what makes it different from Orlando International (MCO).Airport leadership takes us on an exclusive tour sharing details on who flies out of Sanford, why airlines choose it, how the airport pays for itself without taxes, and why its private TSA screening kept lines moving during the government shutdown. Along the way we meet the airport's fire and police teams, check out the flight school training 650 pilots, and talk about the $3.5 billion economic impact this "city without a permanent population" has on Central Florida.

This week we're talking H-Mart Expansion, PopStroke SHARKS, and what's next for Disney World and your questions answered!

In this episode of The Orlando Real, Ken Pozek sits down with David Beattie, a former political pollster and current Executive Director of the Florida Research Development Alliance. They unpack the political changes in Central Florida, including the change in voter turnout, AI and data integration, as well as behavior motivations across 63 local races across Orange and Osceola counties with major shifts in open commission seats and upcoming mayoral races.David shares insights into the evolution of political data, moving away from traditional standalone polling toward modern AI-driven "social listening" and holistic data integration. They explore why local government budgets, like Orange County's massive $9 billion budget, have a far greater impact on residents' day-to-day lives than federal offices, despite suffering from chronically low voter turnout. Tune in as this episode gives a masterclass in how data, authenticity, and local engagement shape the community we live in.David Beattie is the current Executive Director of the Florida Research Development Alliance, a network of research development and research administration professionals from Florida universities, colleges, and other institutions engaged in research. Together, their goal is to help enable Florida's research institutions to work together and lead to further investment in Florida's growing research enterprise. Learn more at www.fl-rda.org This episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We'd love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email info@pozekgroup.com to get started.

Major Orlando Projects, Halloween in Orlando, and your Q&A

We sat down with Michelin Star chef, and Orlando legend, Mike Collantes. On this episode of The Orlando Real Podcast, Ken Pozek and Dillon O'Brien sit down with the Michelin chef behind Soseki, Sushi Saint, Perla's Pizza, and the new Nomikai by Sushi Saint coming to ICON Park.Best sushi in Orlando? Best omakase? What's it like to earn a Michelin star? What should you order at Sushi Saint? Is Orlando actually a good food city? Chef Mike Collantes answers all of that and more.Mike Collantes is an acclaimed chef with over 20 years of hospitality experience, best known in Orlando for earning a Michelin star at Soseki Modern Omakase in 2022 and launching Sushi Saint, which received a Bib Gourmand within three months of opening. With four Sushi Saint locations across Florida and New York City and a growing portfolio of concepts under 86 Hospitality Group, he continues to shape the culinary landscape in Orlando and beyond. Learn more at www.mikecollantes.com/ and stay up to date on all of his projects  on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chefmike_collantesThis episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We'd love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email info@pozekgroup.com to get started.00:00 Chef Mike Collantes: Who is he and what's his story?01:20 Soseki & Orlando's Omakase Wave02:43 How Did Soseki Win Its Michelin Star?03:26 Why Does a Michelin Star Even Matter?06:22 Building a Restaurant Group08:22 What Is Nomikai by Sushi Saint at ICON Park?09:00 Local Chefs in Tourist Orlando09:33 How Does a Chef Come Up With a New Concept?13:00 Orlando Chefs: Rivals or Allies?13:56 What Does Downtown Orlando Need to Fix?17:11 What Should You Order at Sushi Saint?20:49 How Do You Design a Restaurant?21:38 Modern Sushi vs Tradition24:56 Banana Pizza: Does It Work?28:46 Why Is Orlando's Food Scene Blowing Up?29:25 Sushi Saint vs Soseki: What's the Difference?31:02 Chef Mike's Death Row Meal32:39 What Do Most Chefs Get Wrong About Business?35:16 When Did Orlando's Food Scene Take Off?41:27 Are Developers Pushing Out Local Restaurants?43:09 "Mayor Mike" Fixes Downtown47:00 Will Orlando Get a Three Michelin Star Restaurant?

We're unpacking a ton of news this week from tourism, to e-bikes, to conservation. Come hang out as we discuss all things real estate, theme parks, and LIFE in Orlando.

Almost a million people came through the Dr. Phillips Center this year. Kathy Ramsberger, President and CEO, wants the next million to include those who may have never thought a performing arts center was for them.In this conversation, we dive into the history, culture, and goals for the future of this Orlando Arts and Culture cornerstone. Including leadership tidbits, challenging the status quo and working tirelessly for more, this is an interview for lovers of the Arts, Orlando and anyone inspired by changemakers.Kathy Ramsberger is President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Learn more at www.drphillipscenter.org/ and stay up to date on the latest happenings on Instagram at www.instagram.com/drphillipsctr

With the TDT funds vote coming up, the Orlando Dreamers are swinging for the fences with a BIG ask. At the same time, many municipalities are starting to freeze budgets due to caution over potential revenue loss.

Oviedo Mall Demolished, Orlando Development Opportunity, and new local insights, plus your questions answered!

Join us as we talk about new developments and fun updates to our great city of Orlando!

Today we're covering Florida Housing Affordability Study, Orlando High Rise, and Epic Rumors, plus questions you've sent in over the past few weeks.

Today we're talking Lake Eola Food Hall, Orlando Earthquake, and New Developments for our area. Come hang out!

Could we FINALLY see a Nickelodeon Resort back in Orlando? Also, I was SHOCKED to see THIS restaurant snubbed in the 2026 Michelin Guide. We'll also get into some real estate updates and your questions!

Greater Orlando Boomtown, Bugs, and Brightline! Come hang out as we dive into all things Orlando. Thinking of selling or buying a home in Central Florida? My team and I would love to help. Visit pozek.com/youtube to get started!

Disney Auditions, Florida Laws, and Hurricane Season

Universal + UCF team up, Ken Griffey Jr's MANSION listed, and Your Questions Answered

Multiple Florida bills have been signed into law. Also, Orlando lands high on a different type of list. We're answering your questions and talking all things real estate, theme parks, and life in Orlando!

It's officially official. The Jags are moving to Orlando (for a season). We'll break down how this happened and what it means. An interesting tax study came out about Florida taxes (and how we rank). We'll also get into your questions from the past week!

Today, we're diving into some changes in the area that affect everyone in Greater Orlando. Speed limits, schools, new developments (and changes coming) as well as your Q&A!New pod schedule 5pm EST Thursdays make sure to follow!

Today we're talking about a Central Florida city that was THE fastest growing in the country. We're also chatting through a story that's been blowing up on social media. The business closures and redevelopment of downtown Winter Garden. PLUS answering your Q&A!

Today we've got a wide variety of topics covering Elon Musk's Boring Company being tied to Epic Universe, a MASSIVE manatee rescue, and your Q&A!

U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost joins Ken for an in-depth conversation about his path from growing up in Orlando to becoming the youngest member of Congress.

We have a WIDE variety of topics on today's show. From Florida Insurance Premiums to Orlando rage rooms and history in the making. Come hang out as we talk about all things real estate, theme parks and living in Orlando!

2026 has brought so much to Orlando! We're excited to chat all things living in Orlando!

2025 was such an interesting year for Orlando. From a massive new theme park opening, new projects announced and an interesting economic shift. We'll dive into some of the highlights for 2025 and talk about thoughts going into 2026.

Come hang out while we talk about all things real estate, theme parks, and living in Orlando!

Go behind the scenes of the Orange County Convention Center with Executive Director Mark Tester.In this interview, Ken explores how the 7 million–square–foot OCCC operates, its $5 billion economic impact, and why Orlando is one of the top convention destinations in the country.

Orlando's population has boomed over the past 20 years. I thought I knew, but I had no idea. We also rank #2 in this super interesting age demographic. Tune in while we discuss what all this means for our future. We'll also iscuss IAAPA, New Roads that were approved, plus answer YOUR Q&A!

In this episode I sit down with Kelly Cohen. Kelly is a lobbyist, strategist, and fundraiser for The Southern Group. We discussed just what makes Orlando special and stick out as a city.

We've got a wide variety of Orlando topics for you. Epic universe scaling up, some road relief news, new developments finally underway, and your Q&A!

In this episode I sit down with Matty Bullitt on what's holding Downtown Orlando back as a whole and how it can be turned around for the better.

Progressive Insurance is issuing $1B in rebates to Florida residents. We're uncovering what's next for homeowners, the MCO expansion, and answering your Q&A!

We have some FOOTBALL news in Orlando, and I couldn't be more excited. We also have some controversy over a new road AND Disney ticket prices.

Tonight we're diving into multiple new neighborhoods, resort style living, Florida's largest animal shelter location, plus your QA!

Orlando's seeing some major projects start to go through permitting. We're also seeing data and transportation projects take shape!

We're back! This week we're diving into new development, new stores, and new rumors around all things Orlando.

I watched the State of the City address, and there are 5 key takeaways I had from Mayor Dyer's address. There was also some big Lake Nona news, and of course, we'll dive into your Q&A!

I sat down with City of Orlando District 5 Interim Commissioner Shan Rose and discussed the future of development and growth around Orlando. Join us as we discuss the Parramore district, Downtown Orlando, and everything we need to level up the city in a healthy way.

We're talking about all things Orlando housing. New builds, insurance premiums, and how we're doing compared to our coastal counterparts. Come hang out!

CFX (Central Florida Expressway Authority) is one of Orlando's leading transportation and tolling agencies. Overseeing counties such as Brevard, Lake, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola. join Ken and Michelle as they discuss the future of Central Florida's mobility and connectivity through future plan's

Today we're talking about three VERY different topics, but all have to do life in Orlando. An expansion of NeoCity, home pricing in Orlando, and a check in on how Epic is changing the theme park industry here in Orlando. As always, we'll also answer as many questions as possible as well!

Tonight I'm diving into your questions and answers, talking about a few stats about the Florida economy that surprised me, and even getting into a little Taylor Swift in Orlando news.

Join The Orlando Real as Ken has a conversation with Scott Gustin about the things Orlando theme parks desperately need to change, nostalgia in the parks and other breaking news

Orlando is buzzing with news this week, and tonight we're diving into all of it. From the inner workings of Disney World's massive transportation system to confirmation that a 5th park that may or may not be coming anytime soon, there's a lot to cover. We'll also break down the newly opened skatepark in Casselberry, a potential first tenant for the long-vacant I-4 Eyesore, and a new development planned for the former AREA15 site. Plus, Orlando ranks as one of the fastest-growing metros for millionaire homeowners, and we're seeing new housing trends that favor smaller homes with oversized kitchens.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the world's most visionary artists, JEFRË —an Orlando-based international sculptor whose work is transforming public spaces across the globe. From a massive installation in Manila to bold new designs in Central Florida, JEFRË is changing how cities think about public art, identity, and storytelling.We explore the journey behind the larger-than-life sculptures you've seen on Instagram, in major cities, and even right here in Orlando. He shares how his roots in Florida influence his work, the challenges of working with governments and developers, and why he believes bold public art can shape how communities feel about where they live.