Matthew Peddie
Host, Florida Matters Live & LocalI am the host of Florida Matters Live & Local, where I get to indulge my curiosity in people and explore the endlessly fascinating stories that connect this community.
I’m originally from New Zealand, but I’ve lived in Florida for more than a decade. Among my first assignments as a radio reporter in the Sunshine state were covering the retirement of the iconic space shuttles and the dawn of the new commercial space race. I’ve also reported on Central Florida’s booming economy and its flip side: the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and I’ve covered hurricanes and closely watched presidential elections.
Before WUSF I spent 10 years at WMFE in Orlando, where my roles included transportation reporter, acting news director and hosting the public affairs show Intersection. Working as a journalist in Florida has honed my skills as a host and developed my appreciation for the power of public radio to help illuminate complex issues. Prior to moving to the US I worked as a radio reporter in New Zealand, and my journalism career has taken me as far south as Scott Base, Antarctica.
Outside of work I enjoy sketching, street hockey, watching cricket and exploring Florida’s great outdoors with my family.
Contact Matthew at 813-974-8680, on X @matthew_peddie or by email at mpeddie@wusf.org
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On "Florida Matter Live & Local," we take a look at how the local Jewish community is responding to the Gaza ceasefire, the charter school takeover debate and the magic of a local theater production. -
"Florida Matters Live & Local" host Matthew Peddie dives into the Tampa area's cooling housing market, Tallahassee’s topics, an underwater experiment and a diploma worth waiting for. -
"Live & Local" explores Florida's plan to end vaccine mandates, a reform school graduation story, Gilbert King's latest book, and catch up on Tampa sports. -
From navigating school traffic and soaring housing costs to defining Brandon’s spirit and exploring the surreal world of Dalí, have a listen on what shapes daily life across Tampa Bay. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we’re talking about Florida’s government shutdown and unpaid workers, uncertainty over vaccine mandates, and the growing debate over books being pulled from schools. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," guests join us to discuss the Rays’ stadium plans and property tax pressures. -
From rising grocery costs to fewer Canadian snowbirds and vibrant local volunteer bands, "Florida Matters Live & Local" explores how economics, travel and community life shape everyday experiences. -
On "Live & Local, we explore Hillsborough County’s DOGE audit, New College’s rising costs, safety in houses of worship and the legacy of the trailblazing nurses for the Tuskegee Airmen. -
What do rising power bills, soccer fans, highway chaos and Tampa’s twist on Oktoberfest have in common? They’re all part of today’s “Florida Matters: Live & Local,” with Matthew Peddie. -
On "Florida Matters Live and Local," we'll discuss the new president at USF, Ybor City's cigar legacy, Florida’s record-setting executions and Plant City’s vibrant community traditions.
