Best Sunshine State Seekers Podcasts (2025)

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Hitting the Springs in 2025 with Danielle of the Florida Springs Passport 28:27

3d ago28:27

28:27

Send us a text 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. To learn more about the springs or to purchase a Florida Springs Passport go to: https://floridaspri…

1
Even More Happy Places 30:38

7d ago30:38

30:38

Send us a text 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspring…

1
Swamp Rodeo 🤠🐊 6:45

8d ago6:45

6:45

Crazy Crane is back and stirring up trouble with a wacky game of "Swamp Rodeo." Listen as a Spoon Bill, with his distinctive flat beak, and an American Coot, surprisingly quick on his feet, compete to see who can stay on top of a grumpy gator the longest! This hilarious contest in the Orlando Wetlands teaches us a valuable lesson about respecting o…

1
Florida's State and National Forests 33:46

14d ago33:46

33:46

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss the various state and national forests in Florida and some of the rules and policies that govern them. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Qu…

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State Park Love Fest: Supporting the Protection of Florida State Parks 11:56

20d ago11:56

11:56

Send us a text 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 location. To find out what is going on in a park near you, go to: https://savefloridaparks.com/. Many re…

1
🤪🍞 Bread Heist 4:51

25d ago4:51

4:51

Join Bouncy Boy and Spinning Kid as they meet a silly Sandhill Crane with a taste for human food! Will they teach him to stick to bugs and berries? Find out in this wild Moss Park adventure! Moss Park is located in Orlando Florida and has plenty of curious cranes waiting to meet you Visit ⁠https://www.swampystories.com⁠ for learning resources!…

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🌴 🐢 Spring Portal 🫢 10:25

25d ago10:25

10:25

Step intoThe Spring Portal, where Florida’s stunning natural springs become the gateway to thrilling adventures! Join brothers YaYa and FiFi as they explore Rock Springs on what seems like an ordinary family outing—until a mischievous turtle, a swirling mist, and a glowing cave transport them back in time! Through immersive storytelling, soundscape…

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The Madcaps Happy Places in Florida 29:58

23d ago29:58

29:58

Send us a text 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 Hill Rock Springs Run Magniloa Lake The Everglades Emerald Coast Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida…

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Hiking adventures in St Johns Water Management District Properties Part 2 38:28

29d ago38:28

38:28

Send us a text 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/lands/recreation/list/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Flor…

1
Rainbow River and the Ichetucknee! The Madcaps Talk Paddling! 32:19

1M ago32:19

32:19

Send us a text 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 that prohibit single-use plastics and containers on these rivers. Follow the Florida Excursionist and Th…

1
Responsible Behavior While Encountering Manatees with TJ and Jessica 37:03

1M ago37:03

37:03

Send us a text 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 Manatee Club, Tiare 'TJ' Fridrich works to protect manatees and their aquatic habitats by collaborati…

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Madcaps Paddle Adventures in Florida Part 2! 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

Send us a text 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridas…

1
Water Management District Trails Florida's Local Treasures 35:55

2M ago35:55

35:55

Send us a text 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 areas. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Flor…

1
Discussing Florida State Parks with Max Chesnes and Federico Acevedo Live at the FSC Springs Summit 33:36

2M ago33:36

33:36

Send us a text 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 the events during this podcast. Some info about our guests: Federico Acevedo is a passionat…

1
Discussing Manatees with Manatee Biologist TJ Live at the FSC Springs Summit 27:14

2M ago27:14

27:14

Send us a text 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 Club discussed all things manatees. Some info our our guest TJ: As the Manatee Biologist for Save the Mana…

1
The Madcaps Favorite Paddle Destinations in Florida 30:28

3M ago30:28

30:28

Send us a text This week the Madcaps take turns discussing their favorite paddle destinations in Florida. There are too many for this episode so expect more! Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/…

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Historical Destinations Near Florida's First Coast 29:14

3M ago29:14

29:14

Send us a text 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 Ormond Beach. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker…

1
Micro Hikes: Make a Hike of Any Distance an Adventure! 30:26

3M ago30:26

30:26

Send us a text 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 adventure. There are various apps and resources to help! https://www.inaturalist.org/ (plant and animal…

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Even More Madcaps Everglades Adventures 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

Send us a text 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.htm This week the Madcaps discuss the rest of their Everglades experiences such as hiking the pine rocklands, the Nike Missle Sit…

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The Madcaps Camp at Everglades National Park 27:46

4M ago27:46

27:46

Send us a text On this week's episode the Madcaps camp at Everglades National Park and discuss their experiences hiking and enjoying the fascinating Everglades Ecosystem. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspring…

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More Florida Wildlife Encounters 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

Send us a text This week the Madcaps continue the discussion of their encounters with wildlife while enjoying the outdoors in Florida. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and c…

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Tales of the Madcaps Encounters with Florida Wildlife. 30:35

4M ago30:35

30:35

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss the wildlife encounters that they have had while exploring Florida from freeloading raccoons to swinging monkeys. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org…

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The best and worst of 2024 when it comes to Florida's environment as well as a 2025 "Wish List" 51:20

4M ago51:20

51:20

Send us a text 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 Harm Rule hearings at 9:00 AM on January 6th, 2025 in Tallahassee or submit a comment. Details can be found …

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Florida Officials Complaining about Conservation Lands, Green Washing, and Watering Down Water Legislation 46:11

4M ago46:11

46:11

Send us a text Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership Learn about Springs Water Quality Plans - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/springsbmaps Learn about Springs Harm Rule Lawsuit - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/springsharmrule Senate Bill 552 - https://flsenate.gov/…

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As Bad As It Is: Hazardous Oil Drilling, Court Cases, and Endangered Waterways. 43:53

5M ago43:53

43:53

Send us a text Downriver Project Who is Opposing the Apalachicola River Drilling https://www.downriverproject.org/ The Apalachicola River Keeper who is suing to stop the exploratory drilling: https://apalachicolariverkeeper.org/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sig…

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As Bad As It Is: Breaking News! Florida State Park Protection Bill Filed! 8:30

5M ago8:30

8:30

Send us a text 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 Protection Act Bill Text chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/80/…

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As Bad As It Is: Mangroves, Hurricane Machines, & 2025 Leadership 1:08:51

5M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Send us a text Bills discussed during the episode: Senate Bill 50 - Nature-based Methods for Improving Coastal Resiliency - https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/50 Senate Bill 56 - Weather Modification Activities - https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/56 Find your Legislative Delegation Meetings - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/legislati…

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As Bad As it Is: The Advocates Guide to Florida Legislature Fundamentals 55:03

5M ago55:03

55:03

Send us a text 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 conservation lands: Wilton Simpson Talking about Selling off Conservation Lands - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEG…

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The Madcaps Strategy for Environmental Activism in 2025 34:06

5M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text 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 conservation lands. This means along side the usual Madcaps episodes we will be rolling out …

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Florida Trail Association: Upcoming events and how to get involved! 27:18

5M ago27:18

27:18

Send us a text 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 scanning the barcode on a provided cocktail napkin at the following locations: Nov. 16 – Deviant…

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Chris Shares his experiences updating the Florida Trail Guide 31:03

6M ago31:03

31:03

Send us a text Our fellow (and humble) Madcap Chris Stevens talks about his latest book he co-authored with Sandra Friend, the 5th edition Florida Trail Guide. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.or…

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Florida's Challenging Trails 32:23

6M ago32:23

32:23

Send us a text 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! Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign u…

1
Florida Roadside Oddities Part 2 30:44

6M ago30:44

30:44

Send us a text 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Flo…

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Florida's Fall Wildflowers: What They Are & Where To See Them! 31:57

6M ago31:57

31:57

Send us a text 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 @hiberniahistory on Instagram discuss the various wildflowers and where they can be seen in Florida! Please subscribe! Shares and reviews ar…

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Florida's Right to Clean Water: A grassroots push to save our most precious resource! 36:53

7M ago36:53

36:53

Send us a text 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 stated during the podcast that volunteers are needed. If you would like to sign a petition or get…

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Picnic & Paddle: Growing Community and Keeping Florida's Waterways Clean 41:48

7M ago41:48

41:48

Send us a text 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 recreational aspect is a part of the event. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much apprec…

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Sunshine State Shenanigans: Amusing myths, half truths, and tales. 32:40

7M ago32:40

32:40

Send us a text 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 Matanzas we delve into what is abnormal about the normal. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews ar…

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Southwest Florida Gems Fakahatchee Strand & Collier Seminole State Parks 33:57

7M ago33:57

33:57

Send us a text 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 iconic Florida flora and fauna to enjoy in this area from Ghost Orchids to the Florida Panther. Pleas…

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Venomous Snakes in Florida: What you need to know when enjoying the outdoors! 41:28

8M ago41:28

41:28

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss various aspects of recreating in Florida and encounters with venomous snakes. Our special guest, Bree, shares important information about our valuable snake population. Bree can be found at @hiberniahistory and @using.my.outside.voice on Instagram. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciate…

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Near Miss! The Almost Developed Florida State Parks along 30A. 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

Send us a text With the withdrawal of the development plans for the nine state parks in the very recent rearview, the Madcaps discuss the parks that were threatened around 30A, mainly Topsail Hill and Grayton Beach and what makes them special. Our guest this week is Celest Cobena with Beach to Bay Inc., who talks about the history and natural majes…

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Crisis in Florida State Parks 43:23

8M ago43:23

43:23

Send us a text Just a few days ago plans to develop a few Florida State Parks were uncovered and made public. The plans where uncharacteristic of the Florida State Park mission of resource based recreation. Massive hotels, golf courses, pickleball courts, and more were planned and in some circumstances would drastically alter some of the park's hab…

1
Florida's Carnivorous Plants and their Habitats 27:44

8M ago27:44

27:44

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss the various carnivorous plants in our state and some of the environments they thrive in. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and co…

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Central Florida State Parks: Hillsborough River & Colt Creek! 28:42

9M ago28:42

28:42

Send us a text If you want beautiful views of the rapids of the Hillsborough River and CCC construction or amazing hiking near the Green Swamp you can find plenty to do at both of these state parks and they are less than half an hour from each other. This week the Madcaps discuss their experiences at these Central Florida state parks. Please subscr…

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Gatekeeping Florida's Natural Areas: Helping or Hurting? 41:20

9M ago41:20

41:20

Send us a text This week the Madcaps have a special guest, Imani to discuss whether gatekeeping benefits Florida's natural areas. With Florida surpassing a population of 23 million and the boost in post-pandemic popularity of springs, beaches, and trails many are upset with the condition that they are in and place social media as the culprit. This …

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Myakka River State Park: History, Wildlife, and Miles of Trails 32:03

9M ago32:03

32:03

Send us a text This week the Florida Madcaps discuss what can be expected when visiting Myakka River State Park. This park has it all: CCC history, gators, birding, trails, and wetlands. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://w…

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Clean ups, how you can make a difference in Florida's natural areas! 34:20

9M ago34:20

34:20

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss the importance of clean-ups and the events that they have participated in. There are a variety of organizations that host clean-up events, or you can do it solo while you you spend time in nature. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Co…

1
Northeast Florida State Forest Adventures 31:00

9M ago31:00

31:00

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss some of the state forests in Northeast Florida and some of the recreation opportunities in each one. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Ques…

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An Introduction to Exploring Caves In Florida with the Florida Speleological Society 30:13

10M ago30:13

30:13

Send us a text This week the Madcaps have Fletcher Jacob, the president of the Florida Speleological Society (FSS) discuss the basics of caving in Florida. More info on the FSS can be found at, https://www.floridacaving.com/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up…

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Cedar Key: Recreation, History, and Food 25:13

10M ago25:13

25:13

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss Cedar Key. This episode covers the history, food, and unparalleled beauty that make Cedar Key one of the amazing destinations of Florida. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.f…

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Summer Hiking & Outdoor Safety 2024 Update 30:42

10M ago30:42

30:42

Send us a text This is our first reposted episode! Almost a year ago we published this summer hiking & recreating safety episode and decided to republish it due to the relevance that it has this month with the multiple heat warnings that have been issued so far. It has been slightly modified for your listening pleasure. Please subscribe! Shares and…

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