In this episode of Icons of Naples, Kristen Weardon sits down with Kristen Coury, the visionary Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director of the Gulf Shore Playhouse. Arriving in Naples in 2004 from the high-stakes theater worlds of London and New York City, Kristen saw an opportunity to bring professional, Broadway-caliber theater to this arts-loving community.

What began as a one-woman operation with a $0 budget and no employees has blossomed over 20 years into a powerhouse cultural institution. Kristen shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building the Playhouse—from "bootstrapping" productions with $40 outfits from Marshalls to opening a state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar theater complex. This is a story of manifestation, ruthless passion, and the transformative power of the arts on a city’s economy and soul.

“I do what I do so that the audience can have a life-changing experience...The moment that I quit would be the moment right before there was success.” — Kristen Coury.

Connect with Gulf Shore Playhouse:

For tickets & information, visit GulfshorePlayhouse.org to view upcoming shows and events.

Follow online by connecting with Kristen Coury and the Playhouse on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates on world premieres.

Thank you to our location sponsor, Gulfshore Playhouse, for allowing us to record in their Founder's Lounge.

Thank you to our technology sponsor, Robert of Philadelphia, for making this podcast possible.

In this episode of Icons of Naples, Kristen sits down with Paul "Butch" Manley, a cornerstone of the Collier County educational system for decades. Known to generations as the first principal of Barron Collier High School, Mr. Manley shares his journey from an Indianapolis teacher to a foundational leader in Naples education, starting in 1967.

The conversation delves into the "frontier" days of local schooling—from teaching biology and coaching track at Naples High to managing the explosive growth that led to double sessions and the opening of multiple new campuses. Mr. Manley reflects on his enduring philosophy that every student is capable of success if their unique needs are understood and supported.

“If you can find out what the problem is, that student can learn. You got to believe that or you shouldn't be a teacher.” — Paul "Butch" Manley.

Thank you to our location sponsor, Ferrari of Naples, for allowing us to record in their space.

Thank you to our technology sponsor, Robert of Philadelphia, for making this podcast possible.

In this episode of Icons of Naples, Kristen Weardon sits down with Tony Ridgway, a pioneering chef and restaurateur who has been a cornerstone of the Naples dining scene since 1971. Tony shares his journey from arriving in a quiet 1962 Naples to becoming a key architect of the city's culinary identity.

Tony reflects on the evolution of "Old Naples," the shift from food-centric to relationship-driven service, and the grit required to navigate decades of growth and change. From the early days of The Chef's Garden to the enduring legacy of Ridgway Bar & Grill, Tony’s story is a testament to the passion and community spirit that defines the Naples experience.

“I recognize that food comes in second. Service and the relationships that we develop with the people is everything.” — Tony Ridgway.

Check out Ridgway Bar & Grill at RidgwayBarAndGrill.com

Thank you to our location sponsor, Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute Naples, for allowing us to record in their space.

Thank you to our technology sponsor, Robert of Philadelphia, for making this podcast possible.