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Gulf Coast Life: Arts Edition

John Davis has been a full-time Reporter/Producer for WGCU since 2009. He is the local host for NPR’s Morning Edition and producer and host for WGCU’s radio talk program Gulf Coast Life! John came to WGCU as an intern in 2007, and is now reporting on a broad spectrum of topics of interest to Southwest Florida. Prior to joining WGCU, he worked at WDUQ-FM in Pittsburgh, PA covering local government and general assignments.John studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. His work has garnered awards from the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, the Radio Television Digital News Association, and a first place award and “Best in Show” from the Florida Associated Press for his investigative work in 2011. Send news pitches to wgcunews at wgcu.org

Latest Episodes
  • Players Circle Theater is mounting a production of playwright Joshua Harmon’s multi-award-winning play “Admissions.” The family drama explores themes of race, diversity and privilege. We explore the play in a conversation with Players Circle Theater’s Bob Cacioppo, Carrie Lund Cacioppo and Harvey Evans.
  • Our annual music review takes a look back at some of the great music featured on Gulf Coast Life Arts Edition in 2024, including a new album from the rock band Rosaline, new solo music from Southwest Florida-based musician Caleb Vilca, Tampa-based blues/roots musician Damon Fowler, and Delta Blues musician Anthony “Big A” Sherrod.
  • Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers is currently performing Tom Dudzick’s holiday play, “Greetings,” through Dec. 22. We explore the show in a conversation with director Ted Wioncek III, and cast members Carrie Lund Cacioppo and Douglas Rees.
  • Internationally renowned landscape photographer and environmental advocate Clyde Butcher is best known for his break-taking black and while landscape photographs of Florida’s pristine wild spaces. He recently sat down for a conversation at his gallery and studio in Venice about his life, work, legacy and enduring passion for environmental conservation and preservation.
  • Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers is currently performing Tom Dudzick’s holiday play, “Greetings,” through Dec. 22. We explore the show in a conversation with director Ted Wioncek III, and cast members Carrie Lund Cacioppo and Douglas Rees.
  • The Marco Island Historical Society is hosting a retrospective exhibition of works by Naples-based impressionist painter Paul Arsenault titled, “Reflections of South Florida: A 50-Year Art Adventure,” through Feb. 15, 2025. We listen back to our conversation with Arsenault ahead of the opening reception about his work, his storied career, and his advocacy for protection of our natural world.
  • Arts of the Inland Gallery in LaBelle will host a juried exhibition of works by artist members on Saturday, Nov. 16. We’ll learn more about the gallery’s efforts to extend visual, literary, and performing arts offerings into Southwest Florida’s more rural inland communities in a conversation with gallery president Stella Luckey and Board of Directors member Brandon Jett.
  • For our Halloween episode, we listen back to our 2023 conversation with writer, researcher, folklorist and host of the podcast "Tripping on Legends," Christopher Balzano about some of Southwest Florida's lesser-known folklore, legends, and myths.
  • Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers opens its 6th season with playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy “Bedroom Farce.” Ahead of opening night we explore the production in a conversation with the company’s Robert Cacioppo, Carrie Lund Cacioppo, and Ted Wioncek III.
  • The Marco Island Historical Society is hosting a retrospective exhibition of works by Naples-based impressionist painter Paul Arsenault titled, “Reflections of South Florida: A 50-Year Art Adventure,” through Feb. 15, 2025. Ahead of an Oct. 17 opening reception, we talk with Arsenault about his work, his storied career, and his advocacy for protection of our natural world.