About

I’m Nadine Smith—a former journalist who couldn’t resist the pull to dig deeper and help people make sense of the forces quietly eroding our democracy. Here, I bring together the sharpest minds for conversations that are refreshingly free of trite soundbites and talking-over-each-other chaos. Think smart people speaking plainly about things that actually matter—to you, your family, our country, and the world.

As the Executive Director of Equality Florida, the statewide LGBTQ education and advocacy group on the frontline resisting anti-democratic attacks, I’ve spent decades at the crossroads of journalism, advocacy, and human rights. I’ve tackled everything from fighting Anita Bryant’s legacy of hate to leading efforts that brought marriage equality to Florida. I’m excited to bring the insights and experience I’ve gained in activism and journalism to this platform.

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Here, you’ll find:

  • Conversations That Matter: From democracy’s survival to the big-picture cultural shifts shaping our lives.

  • Weekly Insights: Fascinating interviews, essays, and moments of clarity in a noisy world.

  • No Paywalls: Because good ideas should be shared, not hoarded.

That said, producing this magic isn’t free. Subscriptions help cover hosting, producing, editing, equipment, research, and all the little things that make this show happen each week. If you like what you see (and hear!), consider supporting the work:

Upgrade to a paid or gift subscription—it’s like buying a friend coffee but smarter. And once the show reaches 100 paid subscribers, I’ll be sending a gift to folks who s keeps this platform running.

About Me (For When You’re Curious)

  • Journalist turned advocate.

  • Executive Director of Equality Florida.

  • Once a reporter at the Tampa Tribune, always a storyteller at heart.

  • Spouse of a fellow activist and mom of a teenager.

  • Advocate for equality, democracy, and conversations that cut through the noise.

Join me in this space where curiosity meets clarity, and together, let’s make sense of our wild and wonderful world.

Nadine

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Wide Awake America is an engaging, insightful, and solution-oriented program that explores urgent political, social, and cultural issues affecting democracy and civil rights.

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Civil rights advocate, community organizer, secret battle rap fan,sci-fi nerd tendencies.