Tampa Bay Community Network Unplugged

TBCN Unplugged- Film Tampa Bay: Behind the Scenes with
Sam Allen & Birdie Doyle. 
On this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with Sam Allen and Birdie Doyle of Film Tampa Bay for a conversation about the people, projects, and creative energy shaping Tampa Bay’s film and media community. They discuss the historic Tampa Theatre, the work of the film commission, The Bird Watch, their other podcasts, and the many things they’re doing to support and spotlight the local creative scene. From film and storytelling to podcasts and community projects, discover what Sam and Birdie are working on and how they’re helping keep Tampa Bay’s creative community connected. Watch, share, and subscribe for more conversations with the people, organizations, and ideas making a difference across Tampa Bay. About TBCN Unplugged: TBCN Unplugged features conversations with interesting people from across our community, exploring their work, ideas, and impact. 📺 Watch more TBCN programming at https://watchus.tbcn.org/ #FilmTampaBay #TBCNUnplugged #TampaBay

What does it take to make independent films and build a community around horror cinema? On this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with Andy Lalino, Tampa Bay filmmaker, producer, and organizer of the Tampa Bay Screams Horror Convention and Film Festival. From independent filmmaking to the horror movies and events that bring fans together, Andy has spent years contributing to Florida's creative film scene. Join John for a conversation about filmmaking, horror cinema, and the people who keep independent film culture alive. Watch, like, and subscribe for more conversations with the filmmakers, creatives, and community leaders shaping Tampa Bay. Watch TBCN on cable, streaming platforms, or online at watchus.tbcn.org. Learn more about TBCN's community media programming and production training at tbcn.org. #TBCNUnplugged #AndyLalino #HorrorMovies #IndependentFilm #TampaBay

Shift Happens, Episode 2 brings host Terri Willingham into conversation with Bruzenskey Bois of Bois Enterprises for an engaging look at business, change, entrepreneurship, and building stronger communities. In this episode, Bruzenskey shares his perspective on navigating change, creating opportunity, and the work of developing communities through business and real estate. As a new member of the FDIC, he also brings a fresh perspective to the evolving world of business, finance, and community development. What happens when change isn't something to fear, but an opportunity to grow? Join Terri and Bruzenskey for a thoughtful conversation about recognizing opportunities, adapting to change, and making an impact through entrepreneurship. ABOUT SHIFT HAPPENS Shift Happens explores the people, ideas, businesses, and experiences that remind us that change is inevitable, and sometimes, it's exactly what we need. Subscribe for more conversations from the Shift Happens series and share your thoughts in the comments! #ShiftHappens #BruzenskeyBois #BoisEnterprises #Entrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #Business #RealEstate #TampaBay

TBCN Unplugged
‪@TampaBayCommunityNetwork‬ How do you build a successful career covering technology before it becomes mainstream? In this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with longtime friend and technology broadcaster Scott Ertz to discuss his journey creating PLUGHITZ Live, one of the internet's longest-running independent technology media platforms. Scott shares how his passion for technology evolved into a career producing interviews, covering major tech events, and reporting on the latest innovations. The conversation explores the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, how AI is changing content creation, and what the future may hold for creators, businesses, and consumers alike. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, content creator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who has spent years documenting the ever-changing world of technology. Topics include: • The story behind PLUGHITZ Live • Building a career in technology media • Covering major technology events • The evolution of podcasting and online broadcasting • Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creators • The future of technology and innovation Subscribe to Tampa Bay Community Network for more conversations with local leaders, innovators, creators, and community voices. 

The Tampa Firefighters Museum, housed in a historic downtown fire station, brings the city’s firefighting past to life. In this segment for TBCN, host Jimmy Flint Smith sits down with Bill Wade and Amanda Phillips to explore the stories, equipment, and legacy of the firefighters who helped shape Tampa’s history

In this powerful episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno explores the remarkable legacy of the Vila Brothers family from West Tampa, Florida. In Part One, EJ sits down with Denio and Tony Vila, two of the seven Vila brothers who all served in the United States military across multiple branches and conflicts. Their story spans decades—from World War II in the Pacific Theater through later service in the Army and Navy—reflecting a rare and deeply rooted family commitment to service, sacrifice, and duty. In Part Two, EJ is joined by Martha and Nancy Vila, who share the family’s story from a different perspective. Their conversation brings forward the lived experience of those who supported, waited, and carried the emotional weight of a family defined by military service. Together, their reflections add depth, context, and humanity to a legacy that continues to be honored in Tampa, including through the Vila Brothers Park. This episode is a portrait of a family shaped not only by service, but by resilience, love, and generational impact.

On this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with one of TBCN’s most unique personalities, Bill Sefekar. A devoted John Denver superfan, musician, storyteller, and podcaster, Bill shares the passions and experiences that continue to inspire his creative journey.
The conversation explores The Bill Sefekar Experience, dolphins on Tampa Bay, music, friendship, family legacy, and Bill’s positive outlook on life. Bill also discusses his books, including American Dreamer: A Look Into the Life Of My Father Joe Baby and his upcoming release, It Worked for Me.
Quirky, heartfelt, funny, and completely original, this episode offers a glimpse into the life of a man who continues to follow his passions and do things his own way.
#TBCNUnplugged #JohnCasimiro #BillSefekar #JohnDenver #Podcast #Music #Storytelling #AmericanDreamer #ItWorkedForMe #TBCN

On the premiere of Shift Happens, host Antonia McCutcheon sits down with Terri Willingham, Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI), to explore how real change begins at the community level. Terri shares her journey as a leader, writer, and advocate for hands-on learning, as well as her work building collaborative spaces where innovation grows from the ground up. From makerspaces to mentorship, her work focuses on empowering individuals to live and learn in meaningful, creative, and socially impactful ways. A recipient of the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award, Terri brings a wealth of experience across education, technology, and community development. Offering insight into what it takes to turn ideas into action. Shift Happens is a series about those pivotal moments: personal, cultural, and technological. Where change is already in motion. Through conversations with innovators, creators, and community leaders, the show explores how small shifts can lead to lasting impact. Produced by TBCN at University Mall in Tampa, Florida.

In this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with Tyler Martinolich, Executive Director of Film Tampa Bay and Film Commissioner for Hillsborough County. Tyler shares what it really means to serve as a liaison between local communities and film and television productions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how projects come to life in the Tampa Bay area. He breaks down the role of film commissions across Florida and compares them to programs nationwide, giving valuable insight into how regions compete to attract productions. The conversation highlights the many advantages of filming in Tampa Bay—from diverse locations to strong community support—and why marketing a region effectively is key to growing a thriving film industry. As both a leader in the local film industry and a passionate advocate for filmmakers, Tyler continues to help shape Tampa Bay into a destination for creative storytelling.
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On this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Jessica Lewis of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to talk about the critical work being done to protect and restore Tampa Bay’s waterways. Jessica shares insights into environmental stewardship, water quality, community partnerships, and how science, policy, and public engagement come together to safeguard one of our region’s most important natural resources. This conversation highlights why estuary protection matters not just for the environment, but for the health, economy, and future of the Tampa Bay community.