Welcome to Mikes on Mic, a conversation about politics, government and Jacksonville with 50-year opinion leaders Mike Hightower and Mike Tolbert, and award-winning broadcaster and political observer Mike Miller.
Familiar to a growing audience, that intro begins a weekly podcast that is as entertaining as it is informative. Since the first show in July 2023, Mikes on Mic has promoted ‘observations-insights-perceptions.’ “We didn’t want it to be our opinions,” Miller said.
“Then we say, ‘Our observation is this,’ and that’s what we think,” said Tolbert. “Which is a nice way of saying that’s our opinion,” added Hightower.
Moderator Miller keeps the shows on topic, allowing for candor and humor. Executive Producer Scott Westerman ensures they are punctual, making necessary cuts.
Ages 77 to 80 with decades of experience, the hosts are personable, forthcoming and funny.
“We’re three curmudgeons who really care about our community and have reached the point in our lives where we can say what we want,” said Hightower.
“We have a lot of memories and collective history that we can share,” said Tolbert.
No one is more aware of that than Miller, who had the podcast idea. He said only two people came to mind—both also named Mike.
“I had to make sure it was not partisan,” said Miller, referring to Hightower as a Mitt Romney Republican who has extensive knowledge of local people and history, and recalling Inside Source, Tolbert’s political newsletter, and his experience working with mayors of both parties.
A radio and TV talk show host for 35 years, including locally on WOKV, Miller envisioned it similar to The Circus, a short-lived Showtime program that featured three guys chatting in bars. The Mikes’ good-natured ribbing lightens their studio format. Friends for more than 50 years, Tolbert and Hightower met Miller through city functions nearly 25 years ago. Their ease and banter came naturally from the start. Frequent guests keep the conversations flowing.
The inaugural show centered on Donna Deegan’s historic win for mayor of Jacksonville. The Mikes also shared information about their careers.
Hightower, who had worked with six mayors, seven governors and four presidents, was supporting Democrat Jimmy Carter when he met Tolbert in the mid-1970s. At the time, Tolbert, chief campaign strategist for four mayors and other politicians, was running Mayor Hans Tanzler’s re-election campaign.
An accomplished storyteller and corporate and political strategist, Tolbert got his first inside peek at city government as a reporter for the Florida Times- Union. Known for his close work with Mayor Jake Godbold, he ran Mayor Tommy Hazouri’s campaign to abolish bridge tolls, created River Day, staged Colt Fever and started the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
“Tolbert always knew who people were, so he was part of my network. Plus, he was good at what he does,” said Hightower, whose network extended throughout Florida to Washington. A political and corporate lobbyist, Hightower retired as vice president of government and legislative relations after more than 30 years with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.
Having switched parties, he headed the Republican Party of Duval County and was finance chair of John Peyton’s mayoral campaign.
Miller got involved with the city after talking about it on the radio for years. He joined the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, served as city council liaison for Mayor John Delaney and held management roles at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
“When you get to that age where you feel you’ve made your contributions but still have ideas and values, it’s fun to watch these guys’ mental acuity sharpen up, and also their joy,” said Westerman.
On the one-year anniversary show, Alan Bliss, executive director, Jacksonville Historical Society, praised the podcast as a resource for future generations and a historical contribution to the city.
Each show, Miller thanks Bliss and the Society for its sponsorship of Mikes on Mic. Most episodes are recorded at Studio Podcast Suites. Westerman produces the shows, some of which are recorded in the Jacksonville History Center library.
“Having Alan Bliss and the Jacksonville Historical Society partner with us is very important,” Tolbert said. “It gives us credibility and a nonprofit without an agenda.” Production contributions may be sent to the Society.
Guests have included Deegan and other government officials, journalists, historians, educators and nonprofit representatives. They have talked about JEA, Lot J, the jail, downtown development, elections, homelessness, budgets, transportation, hurricanes,
racism, tourism, entertainment and more.
Even when topics are controversial the hosts speak their minds. “With public policy, if you say something, you better be able to back it up,” said Hightower.
“There’s a rumor that the politicians listen to what we say,” quipped Tolbert. “These guys have a rare and unique ability to influence the conversation about Jacksonville’s future,” Westerman said.
Above all, the Mikes agree they are having fun and plan to continue their podcast until they’re not. Mikes on Mic is recorded weekly. Current and previous episodes may be heard or viewed at mikesonmic.com and on YouTube, Facebook and a variety of podcast platforms.
