In this inspiring and urgent conversation, Top of Mind Florida hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley sit down with Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. From his personal journey as a cellist and arts advocate to navigating funding cuts, Dave shares how the arts shape lives, communities, and economies — and why the fight for Florida’s cultural future is more important than ever.

🎭 Learn how arts education impacts young minds, why artists are small business owners, and how AI is reshaping creativity.

🎨 Hear real stories of resilience and connection — including a powerful moment with a blind visitor at a tactile art exhibit.

💸 Explore what’s at stake in Florida and how you can help keep the arts alive.

Dave Lawrence emphasizes the broader impact of the arts on society, including cognitive development, social interaction, and community engagement.

Brian Crowley shares a personal experience with AI creating a song from a poem he wrote, raising questions about the role of AI in creativity.

Lawrence acknowledges the potential of AI to facilitate creativity but emphasizes the unique value of human expression in the arts.

@topofmindflorida

In this heartwarming episode, Taylor Morgan, founder of the Kind Diners Society, joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to share her mission of spreading kindness throughout South Florida’s restaurant community. The Kind Diner Society offers a unique $8.99/month membership that gives diners a 25% discount at over 140 local restaurants—and uses those fees to surprise servers with generous tips.

Taylor recounts her personal story, the inspiration behind the movement, and how over $15,500 in tips have already made a difference in servers’ lives. From paying for medical bills to car repairs, these acts of kindness are transforming the dining experience. Hear how this movement started, where it’s going, and why small gestures can make a big impact. @TopofMindFlorida

Michael Barnett talks politics with the best of them. He should. He once chaired the Palm Beach County GOP. Then he got elected to the commission. Barnett got a whole new perspective on the gulf that exist between political talk and real world impact for the people he served. No matter where you live ..it is worth hearing the difference.

He is the gold standard for radio comedy in South Florida and now his reach is international too. Meet Paul Castronovo, the man always getting laughs and making a difference in his community.

She was a rising star in a Florida Democratic party that has seen its political lights dimmed--a lot--over the last generation. So she stepped away from the arena. What is Melissa McKinlay saying about the future? It's a message the party is grappling with nationwide. That and the debate over taxes and more.

She knows about long odds. Her dad, Joe Namath, beat them in Super Bowl III.

Florida’s state parks were almost forever changed — until a grassroots movement led by Jessica Namath stepped in. In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley explore a proposed plan that sparked public outcry and the growing power of community-led environmental advocacy. Jessica shares her personal journey, the fight to preserve Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and what it took to move public sentiment — and policy — across the state. Please join us @TopofMindFlorida