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Bobby Bowden
By any measurement Bobby Bowden is considered one of the greatest football coaches of all time. Former Florida State University head coach Bobby Bowden discusses his phenomenal career and some of the great players he coached along the way. The frank discussion gives real insight into Bobby Bowden - the leader, the coach and the man. Watch this episode online >> |
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Ronnie McDowell, Country Music Singer
Country music singer/songwriter Ronnie McDowell discusses his 30 plus year music career, the influence Elvis had on him and his love of art. In addition to music, McDowell is beginning to establish himself as an artist. His paintings have featured Elvis, George Jones and Oprah Winfrey. While Elvis influenced McDowell’s musical career, Norman Rockwell has had a huge influence on his paintings. McDowell also discusses his Ronnie McDowell Cancer Foundation for Children. Music fans of all genres will enjoy this open discussion about McDowell’s successful music career which has spawned numerous hit records. Watch this episode online >> |
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Thom Gossom, Jr., Author & Actor
From the plains of Auburn University to the soundstages of Hollywood, Thom Gossom, Jr. has lived a multifaceted life. Gossom is the author of "Walk On," a book that chronicles his experiences as a student athlete at Auburn University in the early 1970s. He talks candidly about the social climate during this changing time in America. Although the civil rights movement was underway, the pains of racism were still quite prevalent. Initially, Gossom made the Auburn football team as a walk on, but would ultimately earn a scholarship. He went on to become the first black athlete to graduate from Auburn. These days Gossom has traded the gridiron for the stage. His acting resume includes theatre, film and hit television shows. Watch this episode online >> |
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Laura Kaiser, Sacred Heart Hospital CEO
As a teenager Kaiser volunteered in a health care facility - an experience that would be the inspiration for a very successful career in health care. As of January 1, 2010, Laura Kaiser became the President and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System after serving as COO and interim CEO for a brief stint. On this edition of "Conversations with Jeff Weeks," Laura discusses her rise from candy striper to CEO. She shares her views on leadership, management, healthcare reform and what it takes to be successful in today’s competitive world. Watch this episode online >> |
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Kendrick Meek, US Congressman
Filmed in high definition, WSRE presents a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. Considered by most as the Democratic frontrunner in the upcoming race for United States Senate in Florida, Congressman Meek sits down with Jeff Weeks to discuss issues facing the state of Florida, as well as the nation as a whole. During the in-depth conversation he shares his thoughts on many important issues such as healthcare, energy and national security. Watch this episode online >> |
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Bobby Allison, NASCAR Legend
Now a NASCAR legend with an unparalleled racing career, Bobby tells how his racing career began and his rise to the top of the sport. With over 84 wins in NASCAR’s premier racing series he is tied for third on the all-time win list. Perhaps his most notable win at Daytona came in 1988 when he and his late son Davey Allison battled in the final laps of the race to ultimately finish one-two, a historic finish he says he can no longer remember. Later that year, Bobby was involved in a career ending wreck sustaining injuries that caused some memory loss. Bobby was also involved in one of most talked about moments in NASCAR history — the 1979 Daytona 500. Following the race an infamous physical altercation between Bobby and Cale Yarborough played out live to a huge national television audience. It’s been said the event launched NASCAR into the mainstream popularity it enjoys today. Watch this episode online >> |
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Mark Whitacre, "The Informant"
His story has been turned into a movie starring Matt Damon — “The Informant.” From blowing the whistle on one of the biggest price fixing scandals in history to embezzling over nine million dollars, Mark Whitacre’s life seems almost like fiction. Mark gives a detailed account of how he worked with the FBI to expose ADM’s price fixing activities, while at the same time embezzling money from ADM for himself. After paying his debt to society, Whitacre is now making the most of his second chance. The supervising FBI agent on the case has called Whitacre a hero, others say he has not received the credit he deserves for his role in exposing ADM — an action that ultimately led to saving consumers billions. Whitacre is extremely candid and detailed about his fascinating story. Watch this episode online >> |
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Pam Bilbrey, Author
Author Pam Bilbrey explains how greatness may be closer than you think. In her book "Ordinary Greatness" she and co-author Brian Jones discuss the importance of taking off the blinders and appreciating what is right in front of you. In this interview, Pam gives real life examples of the good and bad leadership behavior. She also provides solutions for improving one’s overall people skills. Pam’s advice and insight is a must for business managers, but some of the very same ideas are quite applicable to improving one’s day to day life experiences. Watch this episode online >> |
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Jim Morris, The Rookie
He was a small town high school baseball coach in his thirties who virtually overnight became a major league baseball pitcher. For Jim Morris it was a boyhood dream come true. In a ploy to motivate his high school team, he agreed to try out for a major league team if they won their district championship — when the team won Morris kept his promise and attended a tryout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. To his and the major league scouts surprise, he could still consistently throw a 90 plus mile per hour fastball. After a short stint in the minor leagues he was called up to the major leagues. The story so impressed Disney, they made of movie about Morris’s journey. The movie entitled “The Rookie” starred Dennis Quaid and went on to be a huge success. On this episode of “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” the real rookie, Jim Morris, talks about capitalizing on second chances, never giving up and following your passion. Morris also shares behind the scenes info on making the movie, as well as some valuable life lessons learned from his grandfather. Watch this episode online >> |
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Dr. Gaylon McCollough, Physician/Author
His vocation is plastic surgery, his avocation is writing — Dr. Gaylon McCollough, a world-renowned physician, former University of Alabama football player and confidant of Alabama coach "Bear" Bryant, is the author of “The Long Shadow of Coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant.” McCollough describes what it was like playing for one of college football’s most successful and respected coaches. He had the rare privilege of not only playing for Bryant, but as an adult becoming a friend and advisor. He shares an insider’s view of what made "Bear" Bryant special and gives real examples of how Alabama’s favorite son left an impression on so many people. Watch this episode online >> |
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Larry Butler, Producer/Songwriter
He was a small town piano player who gambled he could make it in Nashville — starting off as a session player, Larry Butler would go on to produce some of the biggest names in Music City. He became the first Nashville producer to win the prestigious Grammy Award for Producer of the Year. Larry gives an insider’s tour of the Nashville music scene and tells stories about what it was like to work with the likes of Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, John Denver and others. Watch this episode online >> |
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Julian MacQueen, Innisfree Hotel Founder
On the corporate fast track in the hospitality industry, Julian MacQueen walked away to start his own company. Later, he would go on to build and manage some of the most prized hotel properties on the Gulf Coast under the Innisfree umbrella. While the challenging economy has others just trying to hold on, MacQueen is in an all out building mode. Unlike most, he views the economic slowdown as an opportunity to expand his hospitality portfolio. Not limiting himself to the hospitality industry, MacQueen tells why he has become a large investor in a cutting edge medical technology company. For anyone who owns their own business or has the desire to, this is a must watch interview. MacQueen’s optimism and passion for his business is contagious. Watch this episode online >>
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Jerry Maygarden
Combining his experience from the healthcare industry and the political world, former Pensacola Mayor and former Florida House Majority Leader Jerry Maygarden shares his perspectives on healthcare reform, economic development and politics. Maygarden, author of "Inside the Bubble: Monographs and Memories from the Other Florida," reveals some of his experiences as a leading state political figure, as well as details of his lunch with Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Watch this episode online >>
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Marco Rubio, U.S. Senate candidate
Initially considered a long shot in his bid for the Republican nomination for the now vacant US Senate seat against popular Florida Governor Charlie Crist, in recent weeks, Marco Rubio has surged in the polls. Quickly becoming a favorite among conservative leaders such as former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and conservative columnist George Will — Rubio is becoming a real factor in the Florida senate race. On “Conversations with Jeff Weeks,” Rubio goes into great detail on his solutions for some hot button political issues such as immigration, health care reform, taxes and why less government involvement will promote a healthy economy. Nearly 30 minutes of uncut conversation allows the viewer to get a true sense of what Marco Rubio is all about. Watch this episode online >> |
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Mark O'Brien, Newspaper Columnist
A 35-year veteran of the news business, Mark O’Brien has served as a reporter, editor, columnist and host of radio and television talk shows. He’s been a part of the Pensacola scene since 1978, making him quite knowledgeable in Gulf Coast events. For the past ten years O’Brien has been writing four columns a week for the Pensacola News Journal, as well as maintaining a daily blog on local politics and other current events. He has also authored two books, "Sand In My Shoes" and "Pensacola On My Mind." Watch this episode online >> |
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Sandy Sansing, Auto Entrepreneur
Sandy Sansing has been in the auto business since 1986 and currently owns six dealerships. In addition to his business background, Sansing has a long history of community involvement including the sponsorship of over 55 little league baseball teams in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, and partnerships with local non-profit organizations and schools. A native of Pensacola, Sansing graduated from the University of West Florida earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting.Watch this episode online >> |
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Morton Kondracke, Veteran Journalist & Executive Editor/Columnist of “Roll Call”
“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes Morton M. Kondracke. Kondracke has had a 50-yard line view of the Washington political scene for over 30 years. On this episode, he shares his thoughts on the current political environment and the economy, as well as his concerns about the state of our education system. Morton Kondracke, a 37-year veteran journalist, is the executive editor and a columnist of “Roll Call,” Capitol Hill’s independent newspaper. Kondracke served for 16 years as a regular panelist on the PBS public affairs show, "The McLaughlin Group," seen on over 350 stations nationwide. Watch this episode online >> |
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Susan Story, Gulf Power Company President & CEO
On this premiere episode, host Jeff Weeks interviews Susan Story. She grew up in North Alabama as a self-described “math geek” who went on to receive an MBA and a degree in Industrial Engineering. Today Story is better known as one of most widely respected business leaders in the Southeast. A strong and engaging leader, Story reveals her journey to the top echelons of the Gulf Power Company; in an industry dominated by men, she has been able to make a huge impact at a young age. Watch this episode online >> |
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