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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
121 episodes
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
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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
Even More Madcaps Everglades Adventures
Our guest this week can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hiberniahistory/The Nike Missle Site Festival details can be found at:https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/nike-site-festival.htmThis week t...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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28:45
The Madcaps Camp at Everglades National Park
On this week's episode the Madcaps camp at Everglades National Park and discuss their experiences hiking and enjoying the fascinating Everglades Ecosystem.
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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27:46
More Florida Wildlife Encounters
This week the Madcaps continue the discussion of their encounters with wildlife while enjoying the outdoors in Florida.
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33:00
Tales of the Madcaps Encounters with Florida Wildlife.
This week the Madcaps discuss the wildlife encounters that they have had while exploring Florida from freeloading raccoons to swinging monkeys.
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Season 2
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30:35
The best and worst of 2024 when it comes to Florida's environment as well as a 2025 "Wish List"
This week Ryan & Ryan share their personal lists of what was good & bad in 2024 as well as a "wish list" of what they would hope to see happen in 2025.If you would like to also make a difference in the New Year attend the DEP Ha...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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51:20
Florida Officials Complaining about Conservation Lands, Green Washing, and Watering Down Water Legislation
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membershipLearn about Springs Water Quality Plans -
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46:11
As Bad As It Is: Hazardous Oil Drilling, Court Cases, and Endangered Waterways.
Downriver Project Who is Opposing the Apalachicola River Drillinghttps://www.downriverproject.org/The Apalachicola River Keeper who is suing to stop the exploratory drilling:https://apalachicolariverkeeper.org/
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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43:53
As Bad As It Is: Breaking News! Florida State Park Protection Bill Filed!
This afternoon SB 80 The “State Park Protection Act” has been dropped today. In this very short episode Ryan Smart and Ryan Worthington weigh in with their initial thoughts on the bill as filed. SB 80 State Park Protect...
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8:30
As Bad As It Is: Mangroves, Hurricane Machines, & 2025 Leadership
Bills discussed during the episode:Senate Bill 50 - Nature-based Methods for Improving Coastal Resiliency - https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/50Senate Bill 56 - Weather...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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1:08:51
As Bad As it Is: The Advocates Guide to Florida Legislature Fundamentals
Where to find your delegation meetings: 1000 Friends of Florida's Legislative Delegation Meeting Page - https://1000fof.org/upcoming-events/FDACS Commissioner discussing his plan to sell off Florida Wildlife Corridor ...
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55:03
