Hunkering Down with Peter Schorsch

Much has changed since March when we launched a new podcast. In “Hunkering Down,” Florida Politics brought some of the smartest people on the air to talk about keeping up with a pandemic that was just beginning to make itself felt.

COVID-19 cases in Florida that month jumped from 2 to 5,704, with 71 deaths. On July 11, new cases in Florida topped 15,300, more than most countries, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Gov. Ron DeSantis faced criticism for reluctance to impose lockdowns, then praise for his measured approach.

Caseloads dropped and briefly in September dipped below 1,000 a day, then climbed back up. By early December, the state was logging 10,000 new cases daily and more than 1 million overall, with 19,000 deaths, Some of DeSantis’ policies, such as his refusal to close down in-person schools, look far-sighted in retrospect while the success of his across-the-board assurances against lockdowns or mask mandates remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the country has weathered a polarizing election cycle as advocates for candidates had to adjust fundraising methods and candidate appearances on the fly. The people shepherding those campaigns and advocating for issues tend to be quick studies, however, and found safer ways to get the job done.

To sort out what lies ahead, we are bringing Hunkering Down back. Avid podcaster Peter Schorsch, Florida Politics’ editor and publisher, will again bring in political players with expertise across the spectrum, from the next budget to national politics, the economy and how that might change with the advent of vaccines. Check it out on Fireside, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation.

He Said, She Said

While Peter Schorsch holds many titles — blogger, consultant and editor-in-chief of Florida Politics, the most influential political website in the Sunshine State — the one of which he’s proudest is “husband and father.” That’s what makes his new podcast so exciting. Peter’s co-host is a woman every bit as accomplished as he is: his wife, Michelle Todd Schorsch. “He Said, She Said” has Peter and Michelle — previously a respected political consultant, now the CEO of the bustling Schorsch household — discussing the driving topics of the day, especially how politics really goes down in Florida. But the political talk is just a jumping off point to a wide-range of subject matter, from the latest in pop culture to some very strong opinions on family life and parenting. Listen in to hear how one political couple balances it all.

State of Emergency