In this compelling episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down for an in-depth conversation with elite heavyweight boxer and Lakeland native Brandon Moore. Currently holding the title of boxing champion and ranked #1 in the United States, Brandon shares an inside look into his journey from local beginnings to rising through the professional boxing ranks on the national stage.

Throughout the interview, Brandon opens up about the dedication, mindset, and intense training regimen required to perform at the highest levels of the sport. Don and Brandon dive into key milestones from his career, the physical and mental challenges of stepping into the ring, and the vital role community and family support play in sustaining long-term focus and drive. Beyond the gloves and accolades, the discussion highlights Brandon’s strong Lakeland roots, his commitment to serving as a positive role model for aspiring athletes, and his ultimate ambition to capture a world championship.

Whether you are a boxing enthusiast or simply drawn to inspiring stories of athletic perseverance and local excellence, this episode offers a powerful and motivational look into what it truly takes to reach the top. Be sure to like, comment with your favorite takeaways, and subscribe to I Am Lakeland and @Ojbam for more deep dives with extraordinary individuals making an impact in our community and beyond. 163

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Marie Spears (known online as Skippy Doo Daday) to discuss her upcoming event, Pins, Pals & Pixie Dust, held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

Marie shares how her lifelong passion for Disney and live pin-selling on platforms like Whatnot inspired her to create a welcoming, drama-free space for collectors. Designed for both seasoned traders and first-time enthusiasts, the event brings together the pin-trading community while also featuring unique fan-made Disney items, custom 3D-printed accessories, Loungefly gear, and Disney-inspired apparel. Throughout the conversation, Marie offers valuable tips for spotting authentic collectibles versus "scrapper" or counterfeit pins, highlighting the importance of educating buyers and building a supportive trading culture.

The inaugural Pins, Pals & Pixie Dust event takes place on Sunday, October 11th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the RP Funding Center. Admission is $5 at the door (which covers parking), and vendor tables are available for Disney creators and collectors. Whether you are looking to trade Disney, Universal, or pop culture pins, pick up one-of-a-kind fan creations, or simply connect with fellow enthusiasts, this family-friendly event brings the magic of the collector community right to Lakeland. 162

In this episode, host Don Burns sits down with community organizers Jeremiah Washington and Adriana Eraso to discuss the inaugural Longest Table Lakeland event. Inspired by a post-pandemic grassroots movement in New York that brought hundreds together over a shared meal, Longest Table Lakeland is designed to unite residents from all walks of life, break bread together, and turn strangers into neighbors.Taking place on Saturday, November 14th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Main Street in downtown Lakeland will transform into a single gathering space featuring 81 continuous tables and 700 chairs centered around Munn Park, right alongside the Saturday Downtown Farmers Market.Tables are hosted by local businesses, non-profits, and civic leaders serving as table captains. Attendees can enjoy a wide array of free activities and amenities, including:Complimentary Food & Treats: Free hot dogs, chips, and water provided by Citizens Bank, along with ice cream and popsicles from local partners. Family Fun & Entertainment: Bounce houses in Munn Park, a free photo booth, music from DJ Mini, special live performances including saxophonist Jazz Hamilton, and on-site vow renewals. Downtown Mural Scavenger Hunt: An interactive downtown hunt celebrating newly unveiled city murals with opportunities to win local prizes. Giving Back: Attendees are encouraged to bring personal hygiene products for donation to support local community members in need.Registration is free via the official website and Eventbrite, though anyone strolling through downtown or the Farmers Market is welcome to walk over and take a seat. The team is also actively welcoming volunteers to help make this impactful gathering a success and establish it as an annual Lakeland tradition. 161 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-longest-table-lakeland-tickets-1992449411826aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true longesttablelakeland.com #longesttablelakeland #lakelandlongesttable #longesttablelkld #lakelandlove

Registration is free via the official website and Eventbrite, though anyone strolling through downtown or the Farmers Market is welcome to walk over and take a seat. The team is also actively welcoming volunteers to help make this impactful gathering a success and establish it as an annual Lakeland tradition.

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Jason Cropper, the driving force behind Cropper Consultancy, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, strategic business growth, and making a lasting impact in the local community.

Throughout the interview, Jason shares his professional journey, breaking down the core principles that guide Cropper Consultancy’s approach to helping businesses navigate challenges, scale operations, and achieve sustainable success. Don and Jason dive deep into the mindset required to lead effectively in today’s evolving market, discussing everything from the importance of clear vision and strategic planning to building strong client relationships and fostering local collaboration.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner looking to sharpen your strategy, or simply passionate about the leaders shaping our community, this conversation offers practical takeaways, actionable business advice, and inspiration to help you elevate your own endeavors. 160

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