How I Accidentally Became Part of the “Process”

I’ll be honest—when Americans for Prosperity (AFP) invited me on their Freedom Tour in Tallahassee, I didn’t exactly know what I was signing up for.

I figured, Sure, why not? A chance to see the Florida Capitol, talk to some lawmakers, maybe shake a few hands, and if I played my cards right, snap a few photos for the ole folio...lio (a phrase I just made up and now stand by). Seemed like a solid excuse to get out of town and pretend to be important for a couple of days.

But here’s the thing—this wasn’t just another political meet-and-greet where people nod politely and exchange scripted talking points.

It was real conversations, real policy discussions, and—most unexpectedly—real motivation to get involved.

AI, Free Markets, and My Not-So-Hidden Agenda

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love AFP. I love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how our government works, and I even enjoy ingratiating myself with elected officials (some would call this networking, I call it strategic survival).

But let’s be honest—I had another reason for being here. AI.

(What? I can have ulterior motives… they’re not bad ones this time. At the advice of my attorney, I’ve given up on the push-button world domination plan.)

My brain is always in tech mode—a short break from obsessing over coffee, and a long-term obsession with AI. AI is not just the future—it’s already here. And as much as politicians love to drag their feet on change, I was surprised to hear that many lawmakers are actually discussing AI’s impact on government, security, and business. That’s a big deal.

Because if we don’t shape AI policy now, some over-caffeinated bureaucrat is going to start regulating it in ways that make absolutely zero sense. (Remember when they tried to regulate the internet in the ‘90s? Yeah, exactly.)

So hearing that AI is already on the radar in Tallahassee made me realize something:

If I want to make sure policy isn’t being made by people who still struggle with their email passwords, I need to stay involved.

Accidentally Getting Inspired to Do More

Look, I didn’t go to Tallahassee expecting to have a political awakening.

I figured this trip would be a good networking opportunity, a cool behind-the-scenes look at the Capitol, and a solid excuse to eat some great food (we’ll get to that in a second—trust me, it’s worth the wait).

But somewhere between the policy meetings, the candid conversations, and the realization that AI is already part of the legislative discussion, I started to think…

• Maybe it’s not enough to just watch from the outside.

• Maybe I need to be part of the conversation.

• Maybe it’s time to stop assuming "someone else will handle it" and actually make sure the right policies get pushed forward.

Because the reality is: If we’re not in the room, someone else is. And that someone else may not have the same priorities, experience, or common sense that we do.

Final Thoughts (And a Shameless AFP Plug)

I went into this Freedom Tour thinking I’d just be an observer.

I left wanting to be part of the process.

That’s what AFP does—they don’t just talk about economic freedom, limited government, and pro-business policies—they actually show up and make it happen.

And if this trip taught me anything, it’s that showing up matters.

So, if you’re like me—a business owner, a technologist, or just someone who’s tired of bad policies screwing things up—get involved.

Make sure the right people are in the room.

And if nothing else, at least go for the experience, the behind-the-scenes access, and the food.

Ok… Now Down to Business: Do You Have a Mouth? Good. Then Let’s Talk About Food.

Backwoods Crossing – A Road Trip Revelation

Alright, buckle up—or maybe unbuckle, because what I ate at Backwoods Crossing requires extra stomach real estate.

This wasn’t just a great meal—this was a spiritual experience. The kind of dining that redefines your expectations, ruins lesser meals for you forever, and makes you consider writing poetry about pork.

What I Ordered (a.k.a. The Best Meal Ever)

Blue Crab Corn Bisque – Imagine a creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed hug in a bowl. Sweet crab, smoky spices, fresh corn, and a little kick of something magical. Plus, it came with perfectly toasted bread for dunking. Absolute perfection.

Big Foot (Slow-Smoked Pork Loin) – Okay, this one changed me. Thick-cut, juicy, wonderfully smoky pork loin… it was sooo porky and good.

It was topped with bourbon-glazed Granny Smith apples (because why not drown pork in bourbon?), all over a bourbon sweet mash (because why not drown sweet potatoes in bourbon?).

The sauce? Probably made by angels, likely doing bourbon-related things.The garnish? Microgreens that felt less like “eat your veggies” and more like “dude, you got rolling papers?”

But let's not lose focus here—this was a bourbon-blessed, porky goddess of a dish.

And then there was Kaley, our culinary liaison… or more accurately, a spiritual guide to next-level food experiences.

She didn’t just take our order—she read our souls and placed exactly the right dish in front of us.

If you’re anywhere remotely close to Tallahassee, detour, reroute, cancel your other plans—just go to Backwoods Crossing.

Then order The Big Foot… and put your foot in your mouth. (See what I did there?)

You can thank me later. 🤤🔥

Get Involved, Get Fed, and Get Moving

So, to recap:

1️⃣ AI policy matters, and if we’re not in the room, someone else is.

2️⃣ AFP is out there making things happen, and you should probably join them.

3️⃣ Backwoods Crossing serves pork that will make you rethink your life choices.

Pick a priority—or do all three.

(And if you go to Backwoods Crossing, tell Kaley I sent you. She won’t care, but I just want you to have that moment.)