In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Britt Olson—integrative health coach, wellness strategist, and founder of Britt Olson LLC—to explore holistic wellness, nervous system regulation, and authentic content messaging.

Britt shares her journey from managing high-profile corporate VIP events in New York City to discovering her true passion for health, community, and personal alignment. She opens up about overcoming burnout, navigating major life and career transitions, and the pivotal moments that led her to launch her coaching practice.

Throughout their conversation, Don and Britt dive into the connection between modern lifestyle stressors, inflammation, and overall well-being. Britt explains the vital importance of "slowing down to speed up"—shifting the body out of chronic fight-or-flight into rest and digest—and shares practical tools like breath work, mindfulness, and staying grounded in the present moment. Additionally, Britt details how she combines her strategic marketing background with authentic storytelling, revealing how creators and entrepreneurs can connect deeply with their ideal audience without losing their true identity in trends. 159

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with local author J.P. Sims to discuss his journey from a storyteller in training to a published novelist. Sims shares the inspiration behind his debut book, Three Loves, a coming-of-age romance that follows a protagonist through three pivotal relationships spanning over 20 years. He describes the story as a blend of romance, comedy, action, and drama, heavily influenced by his own experiences growing up in Lakeland and attending the University of South Florida.

J.P. reflects on how a creative writing course at Lakeland High School first ignited his passion for writing. Despite life’s many responsibilities, he continued to fill notebooks with ideas for decades. It wasn't until the passing of his father in 2023 that he felt the urgency to finally finish and publish his work. He discusses the intense process of rewriting and refining the manuscript with the help of fellow local artists and publishers, emphasizing that while the book is fictional, it captures the nostalgia of 2000s Lakeland, featuring iconic local spots like Merchants Walk and Palace Pizza.

The conversation also touches on the success Sims has found as an indie author, with his book maintaining high ratings on major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He expresses deep gratitude for the support of the Lakeland community and shares his excitement for upcoming local events and future projects, including two more novels already in development. 158

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, we sit down with Carol Pope, a seasoned personal finance writer and author of the new book Credit 101. Carol shares her fascinating journey from her roots in Detroit and Michigan to her move to Lakeland, Florida, where she spent over a decade working in the insurance and finance industries, including several years at gieco.

Carol explains how a surprise LinkedIn message from a simon and & schuster agent led her to write her first book, turning her passion for simplifying complex financial topics into a comprehensive guide for consumers. Throughout the conversation, Carol demystifies the intimidating world of credit, offering practical advice on how to improve—rather than just "repair"—your credit score. She emphasizes the emotional weight that money often carries and encourages viewers to focus on forward-looking financial habits.

Whether you're looking to buy a home, a car, or simply want to gain better control over your financial future, Carol’s insights provide a clear roadmap for navigating the world of credit with confidence. 152

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, Yusuf Wanders announces the upcoming Wanderverse Studios event happening March 28th in Lakeland — a dedicated space for artists to share their stories. Music artists will have two reels, a full YouTube feature, and five media press kit ready photos.

The goal isn’t just content; it’s creating moments rooted in emotion so your music actually stays with people instead of getting lost in the scroll. Yusuf Wanders talks about why pairing honest conversation with live performance helps artists connect in a deeper, more memorable way.

Artists interested in being part of the March 28th session can reach out through Wanderverse Studios Instagram DMs or submit through the intake form in the bio. 148 #cohatch #wanderversestudios #iamlakeland #iamflorida

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Elmo Stephen Jr., also known as Mo, the founder of GTE Academy (Guys Time & Elite) and the Mo Knowledge Youth Foundation. A former pro basketball player who played both in the U.S. and overseas, Mo shares his mission to combine elite athletic training with a strong, Christ-centered foundation for Lakeland’s youth.

The conversation explores Mo’s journey from growing up in Auburndale to using his professional basketball experience to mentor the next generation, focusing on character, discipleship, and long-term success beyond the court.

Whether you're a parent of an aspiring athlete or a resident interested in youth development, this episode highlights the transformative power of mentorship and faith in the Lakeland community. 145

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Dennis Odisho, a candidate for the Lakeland City Commission (Southwest District). Dennis, a professional with 28 years of experience in the construction industry, shares his vision for a more proactive and transparent local government as the city continues to experience rapid growth.

Dennis emphasizes the need for a "builder’s perspective" in city hall, focusing on fixing infrastructure before approving new developments, reducing the cost of living, and attracting high-paying jobs in technology, defense, and healthcare.

Whether you are concerned about your rising taxes, frustrated by local traffic, or interested in the future of Lakeland’s economy, Dennis’s straightforward and data-driven approach offers a compelling look at the road ahead for our city. 129

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Cody White and Dan Povey, the founders of the Lakeland Bearded Villains. Far from the "villain" stereotype, this local chapter of a worldwide fraternal brotherhood is dedicated to community service, charity, and breaking the stigma often associated with bearded men.

Cody and Dan share the history of the organization, which grew from a social media page for bearded models into a massive global network focused on family, kindness, and helping those in need.

Whether you're a fellow "beardie" or just someone looking to support local veterans and children, this episode showcases the power of a community-focused brotherhood. 140

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Lori Brooks Bremer Long and Stephanie Colon, the visionary founders of Empowered Evolve. More than just a group, they describe their initiative as a "movement" dedicated to helping individuals—particularly women—reclaim their worth, discover their purpose, and transition from a mindset of competition to one of collaboration.

Lori and Stephanie discuss the unique challenges women face, often placing themselves at the bottom of their own priority lists while juggling professional and family responsibilities. Through their workshops and retreats, they aim to help women "fill their own buckets" first so they can more effectively pour into others.

Whether you are looking to advance your career, heal from past trauma, or simply connect with a group of like-minded leaders, Lori and Stephanie’s high-energy and faith-based approach offers a roadmap for evolving into your best self. 121