What does it take to turn a hometown credit union into a driving force behind a city’s rebirth?

Today, we sit down with Brian Wolfburg, President & CEO of Vystar Credit Union, for a powerful conversation on corporate culture, civic leadership, and Jacksonville’s future.

From its roots serving military families on a naval air base to becoming a billion-dollar financial institution with over a million members, Vystar’s journey is nothing short of transformational. Brian shares how purpose-driven leadership has fueled community impact—from revitalizing downtown Jacksonville and backing the Emerald Trail to supporting veterans and enriching local culture through the Museum of Science & History.

Inside this episode:

• How Vystar is shaping downtown’s future—and why it matters
• The role of veterans at the heart of Vystar’s mission
• Why workplace culture is key to lasting impact
• Brian’s insights from serving as a Federal Reserve advisor
• What it means to build a world-class city—and how Jacksonville’s getting there

Whether you're a leader, a local, or someone who believes in the power of community, this episode will shift how you see business, purpose, and the future of your city.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

Connect with us on Social:

Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic

Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Enjoy!

Hi! Today we’re doing something a little different—and a little deeper—to honor the Thanksgiving holiday.

This episode brings back one of our most requested conversations: Why are we so divided?

Together with my co-hosts Mike Hightower and Mike Tolbert, we sit down with Dr. Sean Freeder, political science professor at UNF and expert on political polarization, to unpack the hard truths behind today’s fractured political landscape.

We talk about why it feels nearly impossible to have civil conversations, how social media might be warping our sense of reality, and why we’re stuck in what feels like a never-ending culture war. Dr. Freeder doesn’t sugarcoat it—but he also doesn’t leave us without hope.

Whether you're deeply political or completely burned out by the noise, this is a timely episode that will challenge the way you think, feel, and talk about politics in America.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

Connect with us on Social:

Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic

Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Enjoy!

Is Jacksonville’s $370-a-Ride Transit Bet a Bust?

Today we dive deep into Jacksonville’s bold experiment with autonomous transportation — NAVI — a cutting-edge, self-driving shuttle system meant to revolutionize downtown transit.

But with only 76 daily riders and a staggering $370-per-passenger cost, is it already headed for the scrap heap?

Joining us is veteran journalist David Bauerlein from the Florida Times-Union, whose relentless reporting exposes the real numbers, political infighting, and future stakes surrounding NAVI and the U2C initiative.

We dig into:

• Why JTA employees were riding NAVI on the clock

• Whether city leaders are being sold another "Skyway" dream

• The looming $240M+ price tag for phase two

• And whether this is innovative foresight… or déjà vu disaster

Today we tackle the real question: Is NAVI the future — or Jacksonville’s next transportation failure?

Brought to you by the Jacksonville History Center.

Enjoy!

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-on-mic/id1697258731

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

Connect with us on Social:

Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/@mikesonmic

Facebook Page link: http://facebook.com/mikesonmic

Enjoy!