Ep. 110: Chip Webster

Bridgette Bello joins SPx for a candid conversation about the changing world of media, business leadership, and relationship-building in Tampa Bay. The former Tampa Bay Business Journal publisher and founder of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth talks about why authentic connections matter more than networking, how influence differs from power, and what she's building with her new venture, The Executive Collective. Joe and Bridgette also dive into the state of journalism, personal branding, and the role trust plays in business communities. It's an honest, thoughtful discussion about leadership, reputation, and how people build lasting influence over time.

After more than three decades as one of Tampa Bay's most recognizable news voices, Gayle Guyardo reflects on the moments that nearly ended her career—and the unexpected second act that followed. From losing her voice and rebuilding from scratch with nothing but a cell phone, to becoming a trusted presence in thousands of daily routines, her story reveals what it really takes to connect with a community. She also pulls back the curtain on how the news industry has changed, why trust has eroded, and what's next for journalism in a fragmented world. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look at resilience, reinvention, and the responsibility that comes with being believed.

From sealing driveways at 15 to building one of the most powerful customer-acquisition machines in modern business, Kevin Harrington has seen the game from every angle. In this episode of SPX, the original Shark shares how he went from knocking on doors in Cincinnati to helping launch products that generated hundreds of millions in sales. This is a conversation about hustle, credibility, timing and the mechanics of making people buy. Harrington unpacks the early lessons that shaped him, the wild rise of the infomercial era, how "As Seen on TV" became a force, and why customer acquisition has always been the real engine behind great businesses.

From sealing driveways at 15 to building one of the most powerful customer-acquisition machines in modern business, Kevin Harrington has seen the game from every angle. In this episode of SPX, the original Shark shares how he went from knocking on doors in Cincinnati to helping launch products that generated hundreds of millions in sales. This is a conversation about hustle, credibility, timing and the mechanics of making people buy. Harrington unpacks the early lessons that shaped him, the wild rise of the infomercial era, how "As Seen on TV" became a force, and why customer acquisition has always been the real engine behind great businesses.

A veteran CEO peer-group leader and lifelong entrepreneur, Chip Webster shares how decades inside Vistage (and later Tiger 21) taught him that trust, accountability and curiosity are the real engines behind successful businesses and healthy communities. After COVID, he and his immunocompromised wife bought an RV and crisscrossed the U.S., where countless conversations in RV parks inspired his new book Unity and Service about rebuilding civic connection through "micro validations," volunteering, and engaging beyond our silos. The episode closes with a blunt, practical challenge.

Former Florida Governor Bob Martinez joins Joe Hamilton on SPx for a wide-ranging conversation on his journey from Tampa's mayor to the Governor's mansion to serving as the nation's drug czar. Martinez reflects on the contrasts between running a city, navigating state politics and shaping national policy—and how partisanship and media have transformed along the way. He also shares the story behind his party switch after meeting Ronald Reagan, his environmental legacy and lessons learned from both victories and defeats. Enjoy this candid look at leadership, pragmatism and resilience from one of Florida's most influential political figures.

In this episode of St. Pete X, Joe Hamilton talks with Rudy Webb, President of Paradise Advertising, about the evolution of destination marketing. Webb reflects on two decades in the industry, from faxes to AI, and how his agency helps cities define and promote their identity. He explains how Paradise navigates RFPs, tracks tourism impact without direct sales data, and adapts messaging during crises like COVID-19. Webb also shares how the agency has grown under new leadership and continues to influence national campaigns while staying rooted in St. Pete's community and culture.

Fred Forsley's entrepreneurial reach is as wide as it is unexpected—real estate broker at 18, founder of Shipyard and Sea Dog Brewing, maker of alt-THC beverages, vodka, rums, and even a mushroom energy drink. In this episode of SPX, Forsley shares his journey from hustling real estate in Maine to building a beverage empire that spans coastlines and categories. He talks frankly about seizing opportunity—even when it comes wrapped in bankrupt breweries or building code nightmares—and the lessons he's learned from four decades in business. Forsley also reflects on St. Pete's collaborative spirit, his new podcast Beers with Fred, and what's coming next in the ever-shifting alcohol and beverage industry. 

Join Joe Hamilton in a candid conversation with community leader Carl Lavender as he reflects on his life's journey—from his roots as a pastor's son in Cleveland, to navigating gang violence and fundraising in Chicago, and finally becoming a transformative force in St. Pete's nonprofit sector. Carl shares personal insights on leadership, balancing public service with self-care, and the vital importance of economic equity. Rich with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt anecdotes, this podcast offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated advocate who continues to inspire change by building bridges between communities and opportunities.

In this episode, Joe Hamilton sits down with Kelly McBride—Senior VP at the Poynter Institute, NPR Public Editor, and Chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership—for a wide-ranging conversation on news diets, media trust, AI's role in journalism and the fading sense of local connection. From dopamine-driven doomscrolling to the potential of AI agents as personal information curators, they explore how we consume news, why it matters, and what gets lost in the process. It's thoughtful, candid and packed with insights for anyone trying to make sense of the modern media landscape.