Send us a text Dustin and Ashley are back for Season 2, sharing updates on their lives, the transition from Florida to Tennessee, and the challenges that come with significant change. They discuss social dynamics, job adventures, unexpected dramas, and reflections on technology, all while inviting listeners to share their own journeys. • Recapping major life changes after a long break • Navigating friendships from a distance • Sharing memorable New Year’s Eve experiences • The realities of car t...
Jan 22, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text Ever wondered how witty banter and hurricane jokes fit into a podcast finale? Join Dustin and Ashley as they hilariously navigate their way back into the studio after some much-needed (yet unplanned) time off. This episode of "Orlando Unplugged" is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and reflections on the impact of Hurricane Helene on Orlando’s iconic attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. They share their mixed feelings about t...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 58 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text Prepare yourself for a spine-tingling exploration of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights 33! We break down this year's hair-raising IP houses, from the eerie silence of "A Quiet Place" to the demonic horrors of "Insidious: The Further" and the frosty fears of "Ghostbusters Frozen Empire." Don't miss our deep dive into the all-female, all-fatal "Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines," featuring classic female monsters locked in a deadly battle against a new Van Helsing descendant....
Aug 26, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text Imagine navigating a haunted convention center filled with horror icons, spooky vendors, and eerie performances. This episode of "Orlando Unplugged" is packed with personal stories and thrilling moments as we take you through our adventures at CreepyCon Halloween and Horror Convention in Knoxville, Tennessee. From meeting David Howard Thornton, the terrifying Art the Clown, to heartwarming encounters with vendors and fans, we've got a spooky season kickoff you won't want to miss. ...
Aug 17, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text What if packing for a trip could be as entertaining as the journey itself? Join us for the first-ever "Mini Mic Edition" of Orlando, Unplugged, where Dustin and Ashley catch you up on our whirlwind preparations for another Knoxville adventure. From Ashley's last-minute packing frenzy to celebrating her recent birthday, we keep things light and fun. We'll give you a sneak peek into our Knoxville plans, including visiting my favorite spots and spending quality time with family. We’r...
Jul 31, 2024•10 min
Send us a text What if you could turn a trip to SeaWorld into an adventure filled with roller coasters, dolphin encounters, and delicious food? Join us in this high-energy episode of Orlando Unplugged, where despite Ashley's bout with allergies (possibly the flu), we keep the excitement alive with witty banter and stories from our jam-packed schedules. From celebrating Ashley's birthday to upcoming trips to CreepyCon and a coaster adventure, we share our latest food obsessions, including Crumble...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text Ever wondered how a weekend at Universal Orlando Resort can turn into an adventure filled with twists, laughter, and unexpected challenges? Join us as we navigate through the highs and lows of our recent escapades, from the chaos of Ashley's "Hell Week" to the refreshing moments at Universal's Aventura Hotel. We’ll dive into our review of the mesmerizing "CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular" nighttime show and get you up to speed with the latest Halloween Horror Nights announcem...
Jul 20, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text Curious about what Universal's Epic Universe has in store for you? Discover the spine-chilling secrets of the newly announced land, Dark Universe. Set to open in 2025, as we bring you an exclusive look at Darkmoor. Join us in episode 25 of Orlando Unplugged as Dustin and Ashley walk you through the foggy cemetery entrance, sinister scientific experiments, and encounters with legendary monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman. We'll give you a firsthand glimps...
Jul 03, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text Join us as we navigate the colorful celebrations, heartfelt stories, and amusing personal updates from Ashley's hilarious tech mishaps and "boomer" moments to Dustin's recent travel back home. Our journey through Universal Studios Florida's "Love is Universal" pride merchandise and their year-round commitment to LGBTQ+ representation showcases both creativity and inclusivity. We explore the impact of themed food and drinks, like the Pride Roll and Pride Smoothie, and discuss Disne...
Jun 28, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text Get ready for a wild ride on this episode of Orlando Unplugged! Ashley opens up about her chaotic Father's Day adventure downtown, where a night of bar hopping led to her losing her phone and experiencing sheer panic. Through laughter and heartfelt moments, we talk about the importance of friendship and staying safe while navigating the ups and downs of a night out. Trust us, you'll be glued to your seat as Ashley recounts every unexpected twist and turn. Switching gears, we dive ...
Jun 19, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text Dustin & Ashley give you their weekly life updates including registering a car in the state of Florida (with taxes and fees) and then dive into a controversial topic. They discuss a bar in Idaho that is making waves as they have proclaimed June "Heterosexual awesomeness month." Be sure to text the show in the link above! Need some links Aldi's Zarita Margarita Wine Cocktail: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/aldi-wine-based-margaritas/ Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/229...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text Ever wondered how to thrive in one of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities while managing the high cost of living? We break down the financials, from housing to transportation, debunking the myths and hidden expenses that come with life in this high-demand area. You'll get the lowdown on average rents, why it's crucial to earn over $60,000 annually or find roommates fast, and personal stories from us about navigating these financial waters. Whether you're eyeing a studio in the cit...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text In this episode, We discuss what has been going on in our lives and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Universal Island's of Adventure! We also take you behind the scenes of our recent preview of Universal Studios new themed area Dreamworks Land! We want to hear from you, use the link above to text in and tell us what you think about the new Dreamworks Land for a chance to have your response read on our next episode. Be sure to follow us on socials! http://www.orlandounpluggedpodca...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text Nothing beats the rush of a live football game, but when the Kansas City Chiefs come into the conversation, it's a whole different ballgame. Harrison Buckner's controversial commencement speech has thrown a Hail Mary into the discourse on women's roles in society, and we're not letting it fly by without a tackle. We open up about our own backgrounds, like the sacrifices Ashley's mother made, and debate the critical importance of choice in the path we carve out for our lives. A Cha...
May 23, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send us a text Unlock the secrets behind the whispers of unionization at Gideon's Bakehouse as Dustin and Ashley brew up a storm of conversation in our latest Orlando Unplugged episode. We're stirring the pot with a look at the Ghosts of Gideon's, a group of bakery employees and their demands for better working conditions shaking up Disney Springs. But it's not all controversy; we also shine a light on the cultural shifts within Disney, as we reminisce over Splash Mountain's history and eagerly ...
May 21, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text Hey Besties, we've missed you! But fear not, because we're back and ready to whisk you away to the whimsical transformation of Woody Woodpecker's KidZone into DreamWorks Land, all while sipping our morning mimosas. Imagine the laughter of children at the Shrek-themed playground, the whir of a family-friendly coaster, and the promise of more studio dreams for our little podcast. Throughout this episode, we'll share the ins and outs of Universal Studios' latest updates and why we're...
May 11, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text Ever tried to conquer four Disney parks in a single caffeine-fueled day? That's just a taste of the theme park marathon Dustin and Ashley embarked on, and trust us—you'll want to hear how that wild ride went down. Amid the laughter and the occasional theme park mishap, we're spilling the details on our strategic park hopping, the snacks powering their quest (shoutout to Uncrustables), and out candid take on the Lightning Lane system that both giveth and taketh away. Join our dynam...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text What do you get when you mix spontaneous staycation decisions, the charm of Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, and a dash of Disney magic? The answer unfurls in our latest podcast episode, where we recount tales from a whirlwind adventure right in the heart of Orlando's excitement. From the serene moments at Universal's Lowe's Portofino Bay Hotel to the unexpected delight of a surprise visit to Magic Kingdom, we share the nitty-gritty details of our experiences—complete with ...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text Ever wrestled with the elusive balance between privacy and safety on social media? Buckle up for a wild ride as we dissect the prickly debate surrounding the newly signed HB3 (social media ban bill) in Florida and the demands for our personal details. With wit and wisdom, our in-studio duo Zach and Julia join the fray, pondering if it's the guardians or the government who should be the cyber shepherds of our youth. From sharing anecdotes of our own digital disciplining to the larg...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text Have you ever felt a chill down your spine walking past an abandoned building, wondering about its hidden stories? That's how we kick off today's talk, delving into the haunting fire of an old hotel by I-Drive and its potential repercussions for Orlando's community and attractions. But it's not all serious—imagine getting sidetracked by an itch while discussing such a fiery topic. We certainly didn't see that coming! And we're not shying away from the emotional rollercoaster this ...
Apr 01, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text Gather 'round the mic—Dustin, Ashley, and our pre-show companion Jordan—are all here spilling the tea on everything from Princess Kate's health to the unearthed truths of our beloved childhood Nickelodeon stars, diving headfirst into the darker side of Nickelodeon's past, holding a space for reflection and respect for those who've bravely shared their stories. Strap in for a rollercoaster episode as we catch the Orlando vibe with theme park aficionado Gio. His infectious energy an...
Mar 25, 2024•2 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text As we gathered around the mic, sipping water from our trusty cups, we couldn't help but share the colorful tales of our latest exploits. The conversation took us from the competitive antics at "Drunk Brother" to the warm fuzzies as we celebrated Bruce the cat's second whirl around the sun. Join us as we chat about these life's little moments, including a touching nod to Shan's podcast episode, and the strength of community that keeps us anchored even amidst the chaos. Shifting fro...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to weave through the bustling theme parks of Orlando with an insider's eye, or how Dollywood manages to sprinkle that Dolly Parton magic into its 39th season? You're in for an unplugged ride as Dustin and Ashley share their tales of navigating crowds, family quirks, and the vibrant atmosphere of Universal's Mardi Gras. With the added delight of Shan, our podcast mom, chiming in with laughter and anecdotes, you're not just listening to another episode; ...
Mar 12, 2024•2 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us a text They say a day at Disney can send you on an emotional rollercoaster, but nothing prepared us for the heartache and hilarity that unfolded in this episode. We start by paying tribute to Madeline Soto, a 13-year-old whose story has cast a somber shadow over Orange County. As we delve into the details of the tragedy, we honor her memory and the community's response to such a devastating loss. But the mood shifts gears as we recount the now-infamous Willie's Chocolate Experience—you w...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Send us a text Ever wondered if a day at Disney could turn into an epic saga of laughter, frustration, and heartwarming tales? That's exactly what Ashley and Dustin got into this week on Orlando Unplugged. We're bringing our theme park highs and lows to the mic, from the whimsical whirl on Dumbo to the clammy clasp of a Space Mountain queue. Plus, we're not shying away from the heavier topics like Florida's proposed social media ban for minors and the recent telecom outages - conversations that ...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Send us a text Navigating the digital age, we explore the thorny issues of social media responsibility and parental oversight, discussing recent Florida state legislative efforts to ban social media to anyone under 16 and the personal milestones that defined our online experiences growing up. It's a candid conversation that dives into the complexities of forming a digital identity and the challenges faced by today's youth in an ever-connected world. We then transition to the lighter side of our ...
Feb 19, 2024•2 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Send us a text Join us this week as we take bring you the second part of the the City Beautiful background. Today we pay homage to the Orange County Convention Center's impact and the zesty citrus roots that define Central Florida's agricultural legacy. With a spotlight on Brightline's high-speed rail and the local transportation mosaic, we traverse Orlando's connectivity and its ties to the flourishing citrus industry. We also take time to discuss Orlando's education system, the struggles from ...
Feb 12, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Send us a text From the promise of dragon encounters on the Isle of Berk to whispers of classic monster chills in the Dark Universe land, our latest episode is a treasure trove of speculation and insider info that will have your imagination doing somersaults. We're peeling back the curtain on the most anticipated attractions, dissecting site plans and permits, and even indulging in a bit of healthy debate over what could be lurking around the corner in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Sup...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send us a text Who knew a trip to Chocolate Fest could be as exhausting as a marathon, or that a U-Haul van could stir up so much drama? In this episode, we, Dustin and Ashley, recount our sugar-fueled adventure in Knoxville, where chocolate wasn't the only thing that melted — our energy did too! Ashley also learned to have conversations with strangers and that sharing buggies is common around these parts. If you're a fan of Brucie, our furry companion, we've got an update that'll warm your hear...
Jan 29, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us a text We present to you part one of a two part episode into the history of our City Beautiful. Today we journey through the past of Orlando, where citrus groves once reigned before the rise of the Mouse House. Alongside this, we spill the gluten-free beans on Dustin's latest dietary pivot, dishing out life updates and culinary ventures that promise to stir up your listening routine. Turn the page with us as the Orlando Unplug Book Club makes its debut, with "What Mother Won't Tell Me" l...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 3
