In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Dr. Marc McKinley, a nephrologist (kidney doctor)serving Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida. Dr. McKinley shares his journey from private practice in Cleveland, Ohio to the Florida Panhandle—and why moving here in late 2020 became one of the best decisions for his family and career.

We cover practical, real-world kidney health topics including:

• What a nephrologist treats: kidney disease, high blood pressure, dialysis, electrolytes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Why kidney disease often has few symptoms until it’s advanced
• What to look for in your labs: creatinine, BUN, urinalysis, protein/blood in urine
• Dialysis explained: in-center hemodialysis vs. at-home options, including peritoneal dialysis
• IV hydration bars, “banana bags,” and what people with kidney disease should be cautious about
• Caring for veterans and the real-world friction of referrals and approvals
• The challenge of doctor recruitment in the Panhandle—and how new medical facilities could change access to care

This is an approachable conversation for anyone who wants to be smarter about kidney health, prevention, and navigating healthcare in the Florida Panhandle.

Guest: Dr. Marc McKinley, Nephrology (Panama City / Panama City Beach)

Show: Panhandle Pulse

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In this episode of Pan Handle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Stephanie Sylvestre, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Avatar Buddy, for a deep and honest conversation about the human side of artificial intelligence.

Stephanie shares her unexpected journey into tech—from economics and government work to building AI-powered digital mentors—and explains how Avatar Buddy creates “spiritual” digital twins that capture personality, values, and lived experience rather than just physical appearance. Together, they explore how AI can amplify human potential, improve confidence and self-esteem, streamline work, and even help people stay emotionally balanced in an increasingly complex world.

The conversation also dives into real-world applications of AI in business, the future of digital identity and security, startup resilience, and why trusting your instincts matters when building something new. This episode challenges the idea that AI replaces people—and instead shows how it can help us become more present, mindful, and connected.

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Chief Meteorologist Chris Smith, founder of PanhandleWeather.com, joins Panhandle Pulse to discuss the future of weather forecasting in Northwest Florida. Chris shares his journey from local TV news to launching an independent, digital-first weather platform focused on accurate, local forecasts without the noise.

The episode explores entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and why building a community-focused weather channel allows Chris to be more present with his family while serving the people who rely on timely, trustworthy forecasts. Chuck and Chris discuss the role of AI in future forecasting, the challenges of growing a local media startup, and the importance of industry and job growth in the Florida Panhandle.

Whether you live in Northwest Florida, plan to vacation along the Gulf Coast, or are interested in digital media and weather technology, this episode offers valuable insight into how local forecasting is evolving—and why weather remains the most important information people depend on every day.

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In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Ed Gutentag, a veteran Hollywood cinematographer and storyteller now based in Panama City, Florida.

Ed shares an incredible journey spanning decades in film, from working on iconic productions like Titanic and War of the Worlds to interviewing legends such as Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, and even spending time with the Dalai Lama. But this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood.

Together, Chuck and Ed dive into:

• Why storytelling matters more than technology
• The creative mindset behind great films, podcasts, and businesses
• Living with ADD and turning it into a creative advantage
• The difference between being busy and being meaningful
• How creativity, entrepreneurship, and community intersect in the Florida Panhandle
• Why politics shouldn’t destroy relationships — and how real conversations still matter

Ed explains why cameras don’t make great stories — people do — and how modern creators can use storytelling to elevate businesses, brands, and communities without losing authenticity.

This is an honest, deep, and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, purpose, discipline, freedom, and human connection — exactly what Panhandle Pulse is all about.

👉 If you care about film, storytelling, entrepreneurship, personal growth, or the future of the Florida Panhandle, this episode is for you.

• Panhandle Pulse Podcast
• Florida Panhandle Podcast
• Panama City Florida
• Cinematography Podcast
• Storytelling in Business
• Creative Entrepreneurs
• Film Industry Stories
• Hollywood Cinematographer
• ADD and Creativity
• Content Creation Podcast
• Small Business Storytelling
• Community Conversations
• Chuck Asbury Podcast

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In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Matthew Fornaro, a seasoned Florida business law attorney with over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, startups, and small to mid-sized businesses succeed.

Matthew shares practical legal guidance for Florida small business owners, including how to choose the right business structure (LLC, S-Corp, partnership), why contracts are critical, and the most common legal mistakes entrepreneurs make when starting or scaling a business. They also dive into timely topics like using AI and ChatGPT for legal documents, what AI can and cannot replace in the legal field, and how business owners can protect themselves from liability.

The conversation covers:

• Florida business formation and LLC best practices
• Contracts, employment agreements, and vendor protections
• Legal red flags small businesses often overlook
• AI in law: benefits, risks, and the future of legal services
• Real estate investing, LLC strategies, and liability protection
• How often business owners should check in with an attorney

Whether you’re launching a startup, running a family business, investing in Florida real estate, or growing an established company, this episode offers real-world legal advice tailored to Florida’s business environment, especially in the Panhandle.

🎧 Listen now to gain clarity, avoid costly legal mistakes, and build your business the right way—no filters, just real conversations.

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In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Diane Freeman, Executive Director of A Bed 4 Me Foundation—a nonprofit providing beds, bedding, and hope to children across Okaloosa and Walton County.

Many families in our region don’t realize the crisis happening right next door: children sleeping on floors, couches, or air mattresses. Diane explains how A Bed 4 Me identifies children in need, conducts home visits, customizes bedding based on each child’s personality, and delivers complete bed sets—often within 7–14 days.

Diane shares:
✔️ The surprising scale of bed poverty in Northwest Florida
✔️ Heartwarming stories from families starting over
✔️ Why custom bedding makes such a big impact on a child’s confidence
✔️ How growth, rising costs, and housing instability are increasing local need
✔️ Simple ways businesses and individuals can help today

A Bed 4 Me relies completely on local donations, volunteers, pillow drives, and community partnerships. Diane also highlights their current needs, including volunteers in Crestview & Walton County, business partners, and storage space to expand services.

If you're looking for a powerful, local way to make a difference, this episode shows exactly how you can help a child sleep safely, soundly, and with dignity.

👉 Volunteer or learn more: A Bed 4 Me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or visit their website
📧 Contact Diane: dianne@abed4me.org

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In this episode of The Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Blaine Watts, owner of Pink’s Window Services – Emerald Coast, to explore his journey from a 30-year tech career with companies like Cisco and Google to becoming a local small-business owner serving the Florida Panhandle.

Blaine shares what inspired his move to the Emerald Coast, why he chose a window-cleaning and home-services franchise, and how he’s bringing professionalism, dependability, and 1950s-era service values back to the blue-collar industry.

They dive into:

🔥 Topics Covered

• Why Blaine left the tech world for entrepreneurship
• What makes Pink’s different from traditional service companies
• The importance of showing up on time and delivering consistent quality
• Building a strong team of young workers and creating career paths
• Seasonal business challenges unique to the Gulf Coast
• How maintenance plans help homeowners stay ahead of salt, humidity, and wear
• Partnering with other service providers (pressure washing, soft wash, gutters)
• The biggest workforce challenge facing the Panhandle today: affordability
• Giving back to the community and supporting local growth
• Advice for anyone starting a small business in the Panhandle

💬 Quote Worth Sharing

"We just want to bring respect back to the blue-collar industry—show up on time, do what you say you’ll do, and leave the home better than you found it." — Blaine Watts

📍 Connect With Pink’s Window Services – Emerald Coast

Search Pink’s Window Services Emerald Coast to request a quote, learn about services, and schedule fast, professional home or commercial cleaning.

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In this inspiring episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with leadership and life coach Kirk McCarley, widely known as The Seed Sower Coach in Florida’s Panhandle. With a rich background in HR, leadership development, ESPN sports broadcasting, authorship, and faith-based mentorship, Kirk shares his journey from the corporate world to coaching individuals to find purpose, clarity, and direction.

Kirk explains the origin of his “Seed Sower” brand, rooted in the biblical parable from Luke and his passion for cultivating growth in others. He talks about transitioning careers, earning advanced coaching certifications, helping young professionals and seasoned leaders, and what it means to “MOVE”—his word of the year for overcoming feeling stuck.

Together, Chuck and Kirk dive into:
🌱 How coaching differs from therapy
🌱 The importance of purpose-driven leadership
🌱 Advice for young professionals and transitioning career paths
🌱 The value of networking and taking action
🌱 Servant leadership, faith, and community impact
🌱 The biggest challenges facing the Florida Panhandle today
🌱 Books that inspire leadership, resilience, and perspective
🌱 How sports and broadcasting shaped Kirk's communication and coaching style

Kirk also shares practical wisdom on conflict resolution, decision-making, embracing change, and keeping perspective—especially as we head into the holiday season.

If you're looking for clarity, encouragement, or the next step in your personal or professional journey, this episode is full of seeds worth planting.

Connect with Kirk:
📘 Book: Thoughts for Kids and Other People’s Kids
🌐 Website: TheSeedSowerCoach.com
📱 Phone: 314-677-8779

Join the conversation: What’s the biggest issue you see in the Panhandle right now? Share your thoughts with Chuck on X at @ChuckAsburyII.

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