In this installment of General-ly Speaking on Todd’s Podcast, Todd is joined by United States Air Force veterans Major General H.D. “Jake” Polumbo and Major General Larry Martin, senior consultants with Two Blue Aces. Recorded one week after the February 2026 air strikes on Iran, the discussion focuses on helping listeners better understand the military planning, terminology, and operational concepts being discussed in the news.

Drawing on decades of experience in air operations and joint military planning, the generals explain how large-scale operations are planned, how strategy, operations, and tactics differ, and how multiple branches of the U.S. military coordinate alongside allied forces such as Israel. The conversation explores the complex logistics behind modern air campaigns, including global refueling networks, intelligence gathering, timing and coordination across time zones, and the role of emerging technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and space-based systems. The generals also reflect on the human side of military operations, emphasizing the importance of patience when interpreting early news reports and recognizing the impact of war on service members and their families.

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Ed Chiles is an entrepreneur, restaurateur, organic farmer, and philanthropist with a family legacy in Florida and national public service. In his conversation with Todd, he shares many moments and lessons from his storied career, including working in a safari park wrangling baboons before entering the hospitality industry.

The episode explores Ed's decades-long career building and operating iconic waterfront restaurants on Anna Maria Island, the challenges of navigating events such as red tide and COVID-19, and the decision to sell the business after 45 years. The conversation then turns toward Ed’s work beyond hospitality, including his involvement with Gamble Creek Farm as a model for organic agriculture, his collaboration with Shogun Farms on invasive wild pig management, and his broader insights into local food systems, oyster and seagrass restoration, and innovative approaches to responsible seafood and agricultural practices.

Learn more about Gamble Creek Farms at GambleCreekFarms.com.
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Anthony Pedicini is a political consultant, owner, and partner at Strategic Image Management (SIMwins) based in Tampa, Florida. In their conversation, Todd and Anthony dig into the real mechanics of political campaigns, drawing from their own experience working together during Todd’s run for Polk County Commission.

The episode covers what candidates should look for when hiring a consultant, the fundamentals of fundraising and time management, the role of polling, and why likability and authenticity often matter more than credentials alone. Anthony explains how campaigns are built from the ground up, how strategy evolves in real time, and what separates strong candidates from those who struggle to gain traction

The discussion also explores how campaigning has changed, from the rise of texting and social media to negative campaigning and the increased scrutiny facing candidates and consultants alike. Along the way, Anthony shares about his connection with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, where he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

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Charles Olvis and Elizabeth Muthard are two of the most accomplished and respected dog show judges in the United States. They join this episode to share an inside look at the world of competitive dog shows, discussing how a lifelong love of dogs evolved into decades-long careers judging at the highest levels of the sport, including the National Dog Show, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and the AKC Invitational.

Charlie and Liz explain what it takes to become an AKC-sanctioned judge, how breed standards guide every decision in the ring, and how judging has changed over the years. The conversation also pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes, from the pressures of judging nationally televised events to the realities of travel, training, and professional handling, offering clarity for listeners who may only know the sport from television.

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Melony Bell, Supervisor of Elections for Polk County, joins Todd for an in-depth and wide-ranging interview about elections, public service, and civic engagement in Polk County. She shares her unique path into public life, from organizing a grassroots effort against a proposed private prison to serving as mayor, county commissioner, state representative, and now Supervisor of Elections.

Their discussion covers how elections actually work behind the scenes, including voter registration, signature verification, the role of the canvassing board, election security, early voting, and vote-by-mail safeguards. Listeners also hear about initiatives underway in Polk County to strengthen election security and voter access, from technology upgrades and mobile polling to expanded outreach efforts aimed at students, veterans, and first-time voters. Along the way, Todd and Melony reflect on their shared experience in public service and what it takes to protect election integrity while ensuring every eligible voter has a voice.

Learn more about Polk County Elections at PolkElections.gov.
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Sarah Falcetti and Aubrey Martin, two of Saunders Real Estate’s Gen Z team members, return to the show for a wide-ranging follow-up conversation that dives deeper into Gen Z culture, values, and perspectives. The discussion covers work ethic, financial pressures, the influence of public figures and media, Sarah’s recent engagement, the latest on Taylor Swift, social media and TikTok, and Todd’s discovery of Instagram.

Todd, Sarah, and Aubrey touch on everything from career expectations and critical thinking to pop culture, politics, the potential impact of AI, and even a quick civics quiz—mixing humor with thoughtful insight into how this generation is navigating work, life, and the world around them.

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Just in time for Christmas, Todd is joined by Santa and Missus Claus for a spirited and unconventional holiday episode. With a wink and plenty of good humor, the Clauses offer a lighthearted peek into life at the North Pole, including the role of elves, integrating AI, holiday stress, and everything in between.

This isn’t your typical fireside chat with St. Nick. Equal parts festive and cheeky, the episode delivers a playful back-and-forth as Todd dives into the quirks of married life in the sleigh lane and who’s really in charge at the North Pole.

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Dr. Stephen J. Nelson is the Chief Medical Examiner for Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Drawing from nearly three decades in the role, Dr. Nelson joins Todd for an in-depth interview covering the world of forensic pathology from how his office operates and is funded to the realities of staffing, autopsy procedures, toxicology, and the growing challenges facing medical examiners nationwide.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Nelson breaks down the differences between medical examiners and coroners, explains how deaths are investigated and certified under Florida law, and discusses the collaboration between his office, law enforcement agencies, and the State Attorney’s Office. He also shares insights on high-profile cases he has consulted on, the rise of fentanyl and other drugs in overdose deaths, the impact of COVID-19 on death investigations, the role of religion in autopsy decisions, and why recruiting the next generation of forensic pathologists is becoming increasingly difficult. It’s an informative, candid, and at times surprising look behind the scenes of a vital public-health and public-safety profession.

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