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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
151 episodes
Conservation Florida: Conserving Florida's Disappearing Natural Places
This week, our guest is Kristin Anderson, the Programs & Community Engagement Lead with Conservation Florida. We discuss Conservation Florida's mission to conserve natural areas here in Florida and some of their upcoming events. ...
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33:56
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Florida Trail Fest: The Inside Scoop of Florida's Premier Trail Festival
This week the Madcaps were joined by Bri, the Community Engagement Manager for the Florida Trail Association as we discuss the details of the 2nd annual Florida Trail Fest. This year, the FTA staff has been hard at work making the trail f...
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35:12
Helping Birds in Florida with Elizabeth Filippelli
In this episode, we spoke with Elizabeth Filippelli of Duval Audubon! We discussed some of the perils that birds face, particularly in urban settings, and how the average Floridian can make a difference. Below are some of the links ...
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30:35
Ichetuknee History with Lars Andersen
Returning "Madcap" Lars Andersen of Adventure Outpost (who is looking for an assistant for anyone who's interested) discusses some of his vast knowledge of the Ichetucknee River and the surrounding area.
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33:22
Florida Trail Thru Hiking Kickoff and South Florida Adventures
This week, the Madcaps discuss the Florida Trail Thru hike kick-off in Big Cypress in South Florida and their time camping, hiking, and meeting hikers who are hiking the entire Florida Trail.
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37:50
Exploring the Ocklawaha During the Drawdown
This week, our returning guestis Lars from Adventure Outpost. Lars discusses some of the paddling opportunities on the Ocklawaha River during the drawdown of the Rodman pool. Also, Patrick Connolly (from our previous Torreya H...
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36:35
Hike and get free SWAG, local hiking events around Florida.
In this podcast, the Madcaps discuss the various hiking events and programs that occur statewide and locally.
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33:31
Exploring the Rodman Reservior
With the "downdown" of the reservoir, much if what is underwater is currently exposed until January. Lost springs, old forests, and Florida history are visible now. The Madcaps discuss their experiences exploring the Rodman Reservoi...
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35:51
The Madcaps Reflect on the podcast and balancing both exploring and caring for Florida.
This week the Madcaps reflect on the podcast as well as balancing volunteering, exploring Florida, and life in general.
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36:15
Backcountry Lawman, an interview with Bob Lee about combating poaching in North Florida
This week, we have an incredible guest, Bob Lee, who spent decades in law enforcement in Florida. He has some amazing stories about his detective work to track down poachers, chase down illegal fishermen, and survive a boat sinking at nig...
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Season 3
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39:39
Lightning in Florida: Fun Facts and Outdoor Precautions with Martin Uman
This week, the Florida Madcaps have a special guest, Martin Uman who is a professor emeritus with the University of Florida and has worked six decades in the field of lightning. In this episode, he discusses some interesting facts about l...
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Season 3
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Episode 40
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32:28
Notable Graves and Cemeteries in Florida.
This week, the Madcaps discuss some of the graves, cemeteries, and pioneer burial grounds they have seen while hiking in Florida and visiting small towns.
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Season 3
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Episode 39
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31:56
Odd things found along the trail by the Madcaps
This week, the Madcaps discuss some of the weird things they have encountered on the trails as they have explored Florida. From burnt underwear to unattended fruit bowls, this episode has some of the more light hearted aspects of hiking.
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Season 3
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Episode 38
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29:45
Florida's Ghost Towns
In this episode the Madcaps discuss a few of the many ghost towns that exist in Florida. These are settlements that are long gone and have few visual reminders. Towns discussed:Ethel
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Season 3
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Episode 37
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32:01
Save the Buzztails! Getting to know the Rattlesnake Conservancy in Florida!
Fresh out of the Venomous Handling Course (hosted by the Rattlesnake Conservancy), Ryan and The Madcaps learn all things venomous snakes and about the great work the Rattlesnake Conservancy is doing to conserve a largely unappreciated species t...
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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48:20
Part 2 of National Public Lands Day 2025 and Florida's National Parks
This week is part 2 of 2 of our podcast of National Public Lands Day and Florida's National Parks. Started in 1994 and occurring on the 4th Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day celebrates our public lands with volunteer opport...
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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35:33
National Public Lands Day 2025 and Florida's National Parks
This week is part 1 of 2 of our podcast of National Public Lands Day and Florida's National Parks. Started in 1994 and occurring on the 4th Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day celebrates our public lands with volunteer opport...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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34:39
Dark Skies over the Everglades with Anthony Sleiman
This week, the Madcaps were extremely fortunate to have special guest Anthony Sleiman, who is well known for his dark sky photography in the Everglades. Anthony shares how he became fascinated with the Everglades and some interesting stor...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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40:01
More Cabins to rent in Florida, adventure included!
This week the Madcaps continue on their list of parks and places that have cabins for rent in Florida. Sometimes, dealing with the heat while camping and lugging around a ton of gear isn't for everyone. Some want to enjoy what the p...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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35:33
Florida State Park Cabins: Enjoying the Nature While Beating the Heat!
Sometimes, dealing with the heat while camping and lugging around a ton of gear isn't for everyone. Some want to enjoy what the park has to offer, then retire to a climate controlled space with a comfortable bed. Well, there are jus...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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33:42
Santa Fe River and Springs, revisiting one of our popular podcasts.
With the summer heat at all time highs, one of the best ways to cool off is in some of our springs and rivers. The Santa Fe River has some fantastic springs and things to do. We discuss them here in this episode from summer a couple...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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33:55