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The Florida Madcaps
A podcast about Florida’s natural areas around the state that offer fantastic recreation opportunities. There is much more to Florida than theme parks and overcrowded beaches. Three veteran Florida enthusiasts Chris, Chelsey, and Ryan share their travel experiences and perspective for exploring the Sunshine State. Each episode will delve into the natural and fascinating aspects of Florida, including the trails, beaches, springs, history, ecological issues, and recreational opportunities.
Episodes
124 episodes
The Ocklawaha: History, Geology, and Environmental Challenges with Lars Andersen
This week Lars, a guide in Florida with decades of experience discusses various aspects of the amazing Ocklawaha River in north central Florida.Lar's Website:https://adventureoutpost.net/Lar's Facebookhttp...
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34:11
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Exploring the Santa Fe River with Lars Andersen
This week the Madcaps discuss the Santa Fe River and region with Lars Andersen, a Florida legend who has spent decades as a guide in northeast and north central Florida. Lar's Website:https://adventureoutpost.net/...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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35:13
Fun of Florida's waters. The basics of kayaking in Florida.
A listener suggested this awesome episode. This week the Madcaps discuss some of the basics of kayaking from their perspective after paddling dozens of miles in Florida's waterways.
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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31:59
Exploring Even MORE Springs with Danielle of the Florida Springs Passport!
This week Ryan and Danielle finish discussing the rest of the springs located in the Florida Springs Passport Vol. 1. If you are looking for some new springs to visit this episode covers the basic info for a number of awesome springs in F...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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28:41
Exploring the Florida Springs with Danielle.
Since it is officially springs season in Florida. Ryan and Danielle of the Florida Springs Passport give an overview of the springs listed in the passport. So if you have springs on your mind or just wanted to learn about some possi...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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24:59
Guana River Wildlife Management Area
While Guana River WMA is in the news now due to an attempted land swap. This week Ryan, Sarah, and Nancy discuss what makes Guana great as far as wildlife, history, and recreation opportunities.Guana River WMAhttps://myfwc.c...
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31:53
Stories of Springs Trip Mishaps... What Could & Did Go Wrong.
*Correction in the podcast. The wreck of the Confederate Steamship Madison in Troy Spring is from the Civil War not WW2*This week Ryan and Danielle discuss some of the minor mishaps that have occurred while they have explored ...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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32:39
Having Fun Responsibly in Everglades National Park with guest Rachael!
This week Rachael aka Lady Florida (https://www.instagram.com/_lady_florida?igsh=Nml5czJrZDVpNzZk) discusses enjoying and responsible behavior in Everglades National Pa...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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37:49
The Pioneer Trail One of Florida's Iconic Trails
This week the Madcaps discuss Chris and Chelsey's two day hike on the Pioneer Trail in Jennings State Forest. The flagship trail in Florida State Forests and one of the best in the state. Located in Northeast Florida not far from Ja...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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36:22
Hitting the Springs in 2025 with Danielle of the Florida Springs Passport
While Chris and Chelsey are out and about in Florida, Danielle of the Florida Springs Passport joined the podcast. This week we discussed the things to know when visiting the springs this summer and some of our favorite ones to enjoy....
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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28:27
Even More Happy Places
This week the Madcaps share even more of their favorite Florida happy places in the environment. Torreya State Park, Lime Sink Run, and more are discussed.
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Season 6
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Episode 16
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30:38
Florida's State and National Forests
This week the Madcaps discuss the various state and national forests in Florida and some of the rules and policies that govern them.
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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33:46
State Park Love Fest: Supporting the Protection of Florida State Parks
This weekend (April 5th-6th) is the Florida State Park love fest occurring in multiple state parks around the state. Activities include various activities from sign waving, hiking, potluck picnics, and more, depending on the event locatio...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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11:56
The Madcaps Happy Places in Florida
After traveling hundreds of thousands of miles and visiting Florida's natural areas, the Madcaps discuss which parts of Florida bring them joy. This episode covers:Topsail HillRock Springs RunMagniloa LakeThe E...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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29:58
Hiking adventures in St Johns Water Management District Properties Part 2
This week the Madcaps Discuss their hiking adventures in St Johns Water Management District Properties and we mention those that we have yet to explore. To see the full list check out this link:https://www.sjrwmd.com/lan...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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38:28
Rainbow River and the Ichetucknee! The Madcaps Talk Paddling!
This week the Madcaps discuss paddling on the Rainbow River and Ichetuknee River! Both offer some great views of clear spring runs. Unfortunately, there is a bill that is going through the legislature that is going to remove rules t...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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32:19
Responsible Behavior While Encountering Manatees with TJ and Jessica
This week Ryan, Jessica (IG walkandpaddle), and TJ a manatee biologist from the Save the Manatee Club discuss responsible behaviors when encountering manatees in the various waterways of Florida.As the Manatee Biologist for Save the Mana...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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37:03
Madcaps Paddle Adventures in Florida Part 2!
This week the Madcaps discuss some of their paddling adventures on Florida waterways. There are some recommended and not-so-recommended paddle spots between us.
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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35:50
Water Management District Trails Florida's Local Treasures
This week the Madcaps discuss the trails within some of the properties of the St Johns Water Management District. These are rarely used by comparison to some of the major trails in Florida and offer glimpses into lesser known natural area...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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35:55
Discussing Florida State Parks with Max Chesnes and Federico Acevedo Live at the FSC Springs Summit
This week Ryan and Cathy of the Florida Spectacular Podcast (check them out!) interview Federico Acevedo and Max Chesnes both who played a role of providing information to the public during the Florida State Park Development fiasco and discuss ...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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33:36
Discussing Manatees with Manatee Biologist TJ Live at the FSC Springs Summit
This week is the first half of the live recording of a collaboration podcast between Ryan of The Florida Madcaps and Cathy Salustri of The Florida Spectacular Podcast. Recorded in front of an audience. TJ of the Save The Manatee Clu...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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27:14
The Madcaps Favorite Paddle Destinations in Florida
This week the Madcaps take turns discussing their favorite paddle destinations in Florida. There are too many for this episode so expect more!
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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30:28
Historical Destinations Near Florida's First Coast
This week Bree from @hiberniahistory (filling in for the ever adventuring Sunshine State Seekers) and Ryan discuss their favorite destinations along Florida's First Coast from the little-known area of Hibernia to the plantation ruins around Orm...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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29:14
Micro Hikes: Make a Hike of Any Distance an Adventure!
This week the Madcaps discuss micro hiking. Which is often what naturalists do by paying attention to the details to the wildlife, vegetation, tracks, and signs of wildlife on the trail. It can take a short hike and turn it into an ...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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30:26