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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
111 episodes
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
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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
The Madcaps Strategy for Environmental Activism in 2025
In this episode, the Madcaps joined by Ryan Smart, a Florida politics insider discuss the upcoming strategy to inform and organize environmental advocates for the upcoming 2025 legislative session and to oppose further attempts to develop our c...
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34:06
Florida Trail Association: Upcoming events and how to get involved!
This week the Madcaps are joined by Florida Trail Association (FTA) Advancement Committee Chair Tiffany Bright to discuss the upcoming FTA Brews for Views event where anyone can support the Florida Trail Association by grabbing a beer and scann...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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27:18
Chris Shares his experiences updating the Florida Trail Guide
Our fellow (and humble) Madcap Chris Stevens talks about his latest book he co-authored with Sandra Friend, the 5th edition Florida Trail Guide.
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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31:03
Florida's Challenging Trails
This week the Madcaps Reflect on the trails that we have individually or collectively found challenging either due to weather, location, or trail conditions. Tune in to hear some great hiking stories and spots!
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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32:23
Florida Roadside Oddities Part 2
In a continuation of a previous episode that we did, the Florida Madcaps and guest Imani discuss the interesting things they have seen along the roadside during our combined hundreds of thousands of miles of road-tripping throughout Florida.
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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30:44
Florida's Fall Wildflowers: What They Are & Where To See Them!
While Florida may not be known for the leaves of its forests changing color in the fall, what can widely be seen is the amazing fall wildflowers in Florida. This week the Madcaps with guest Bree @
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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31:57
Florida's Right to Clean Water: A grassroots push to save our most precious resource!
This week the Madcaps interview Captain Karl R. Deigert who is spearheading the grassroots initiative to get a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot that will give legal standing to protect waterways from pollution or over pumping.Karl...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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36:53
Picnic & Paddle: Growing Community and Keeping Florida's Waterways Clean
This week's guests are the folks at Picnic and Paddle who organize clean-up efforts around Florida's waterways. Yet the clean-up is only part of the experience, it is also about experiencing Florida's natural wonders as refreshments and a...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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41:48
Sunshine State Shenanigans: Amusing myths, half truths, and tales.
In this week's episode, the Madcaps discuss some of the different myths, tales, and beliefs that we have encountered and question them. From zig-zagging to save yourself from charging gators to why everything around St Augustine is named ...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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32:40
Southwest Florida Gems Fakahatchee Strand & Collier Seminole State Parks
This week the Florida Madcaps discuss parks in the southwest corner of Florida focusing on Fakahatchee Strand State Park and Collier-Seminole State Park. There are some unique hiking experiences as well as opportunities to enjoy some icon...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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33:57