The Conversation

Mario Núñez, born fourth generation Tampeño at the tail end of the "Baby Boom" has had an interesting time of it. Raised by supportive parents, he sought his own career choices. Always a curious child, it was first athletics and later wanderlust that became driving forces in his life. It would ultimately lead to an exciting 30 year career as a professional flight attendant with American Airlines. Traveling extensively, never meeting a stranger, the world became a much smaller place. Along the way, Mario rediscovered his love of the performing arts. Television and radio seemed an all too natural fit. In 2010, he created an award winning cable broadcast production titled, "The Tampa Natives Show". A topical episodic feature dedicated to the preservation of Tampa history. Today, as an extension of Mario's love of being present and the satisfaction he derives as a practicing "conversationalist"... local community radio station WMNF is helping him to launch a new hour of compelling radio.

Joe King Carter is a native Floridian. Joe has been a creator, storyteller, historian, teacher and collaborator.
He studied art at the New York Art Students League and received degrees in studio art and art history at the University of South Florida.
Much of his employment career has been in the arts and visual arts. He has worked as an art restorer and an exhibition designer for museums. He has been a set painter and muralist for a number of companies. He has worked as an art teacher for non-profits. For many years Joe was the Art Director of a large non-profit, Sunrise Community of Tampa Bay, an organization that supports and provides services for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Today his art is created for commissioned pieces.
Another part of Joe’s life has been as a grassroots organizer and community leader. Early in his resident life of nearly 35 years in Ybor City, he founded the first neighborhood association, the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association (HYNCA). Representing residents, he has served on various public boards, including chairing the Barrio Latino Commission, the community historic preservation review board. He remains politically active in his community.
Joe is also a published writer and has become a lay resident historian. He has been a guest historian on the History Channel concerning Ybor City. He has recently worked as a Tourism Counselor for the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. He regularly conducts history tours throughout the district.