In this episode of The B-Student Podcast, host Betsy Gardner, president of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, sits down with former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy for a powerful conversation on belonging, bipartisanship, and the future of American communities. Stephanie shares her remarkable journey from escaping communist Vietnam as a six-month-old baby on a boat, to being rescued by the U.S. Navy, growing up in rural Virginia, working at the Department of Defense after 9/11, and eventually representing Central Florida in Congress. She reflects on how that immigrant experience shaped her deep sense of gratitude, service, and responsibility to make room for others at the table. Together, Betsy and Stephanie dig into: How social media and Big Tech are eroding our sense of connection Why belonging is a public health and economic crisis, not just a feeling What it really looks like to lead from the center and call “balls and strikes” in a hyper-partisan Washington The skills that young people will need in an AI-enabled world, including emotional intelligence, curiosity, and real-world people skills Why Stephanie chose to step away from Congress for her family, and why she is now running for Orange County Mayor to tackle affordability, housing, and thoughtful growth in Central Florida Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction + Why Belonging Matters 02:45 – Stephanie Murphy’s immigrant journey from Vietnam 05:30 – Being rescued by the U.S. Navy + early lessons in gratitude 08:10 – Growing up in rural Virginia and navigating belonging 10:55 – From Department of Defense to Congress 13:40 – Bipartisanship, moderation, and leading from the center 16:25 – Social media, polarization, and the belonging crisis 19:10 – Emotional intelligence in an AI-enabled world 21:55 – Parenting, identity, and choosing to leave Congress 24:40 – The affordability crisis + Central Florida’s future 27:25 – Rethinking housing, zoning, and community planning 30:10 – Stephanie’s run for Orange County Mayor 32:55 – Lightning round: books, emojis, and walk-up song 35:20 – Final reflections + where to find Stephanie Murphy Connect with Stephanie: Instagram: @murphyforocmayor Website: murphyformayor.com ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you. Connect with Betsy Gardner: Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
