PODCAST · society
The Florida Madcaps
by Sunshine State Seekers and the Florida Excursionist
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
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Encountering Venomous Snakes in the Outdoors: What to do?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we have Tiffany Bright the executive director of the Rattlesnake Conservancy, on to discuss the do's and don'ts when it comes to encountering venomous snakes while in the outdoors. To learn more about the Rattlesnake Conservancy click here:...
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The Madcaps Labor Day Adventures: The Keys, Everglades, and Southwest Florida
Send us Fan Mail This past weekend, the Madcaps went to South Florida. Ryan visited the Florida Keys and Everglades. Chris and Chelsey visited Southwest Florida. They share their experiences and recommendations in this episode. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your...
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Radical Generosity: The Wilderness and Willie Browne with Tim Gilmore
Send us Fan Mail Our guest this episode is Tim Gilmore and we discuss his book “The Wilderness and Willie Browne” Tim Gilmore writes about the haunted South and the spirit of place. He’s the author of 27 books and four stage works produced at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he…
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Hot Hiking: The Madcaps offer some summer hiking locations and tips!
Send us Fan Mail While folks flock to the beaches, springs, and lakes, many trails in the summer are neglected and offer some great exploring and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, heat illness is a serious risk as well. This week the Madcaps discuss their favorite hiking areas, strategies,...
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Sea Turtles with Dr Katherine Sayler
Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss threats and calls to action regarding sea turtles in Florida. We are joined by Dr Katherine Sayler, the Southeastern Representative of Defenders of Wildlife! Katherine explains the challenges that sea turtles face while nesting in Florida's beaches…
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Origin Stories: How the Madcaps, Sunshine State Seekers, and Florida Excursionist got started.
Send us Fan Mail This week is a colorful journey where the Sunshine State Seekers and the Florida Excursionist discussed how they got started in their natural Florida passion projects. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs…
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Gator Mannerisms and Safety in Florida with Gator Chris
Send us Fan Mail Recently, there have been three instances of gator bites around waterways here in Florida. Unfortunately, one of them was fatal. Today, we have gator expert Chris Gillette on to discuss gator safety and mannerisms. Info on Chris's wildlife sanctuary, Bellowing Acres, can be found...
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Gatekeeping Florida's Natural Areas: A Discussion
Send us Fan Mail This week we have two special guests and discuss the facets gatekeeping on social media here in Florida. Gatekeeping is often posting images or video of an area without disclosing the location. Our guests are: Tessa Skiles, who is a conservationist, underwater...
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The Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State
Send us Fan Mail This week, we interview our very own Chris Stevens new book that we authored with Sandra Friend. An atlas a nd breakdown of over 1000 trails in Florida. We talk with Chris about the book, the process, and some of the features that make it great! To get the book, go to:...
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The Madcaps’s Favorite Florida Backroads
Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps share some of their preferred alternatives to traveling the interstates around Florida. Backroads often can take a path through Old Florida and some interesting roadside attractions. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE...
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Florida’s Newest State Park Shoal River Head Waters
Send us Fan Mail Parks discussed during this video: Shoal River Headwaters State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/shoalriverheadwaters Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fred-gannon-rocky-bayou-state-park Torrey State Park...
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The Madcaps share even more fun Florida Visitor Centers and Small Museums
Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss their favorite visitor centers and small museums. Here are the links for the ones that were discussed. Guy Bradley Visitors Center on Flamigo Key https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/gbvc.htm John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park...
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Interesting Visitor Centers and Parks with Outstanding Interpretative Displays in Florida
Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss the best visitor centers, small museums, and interpretive displays that can be found in the natural areas of Florida! Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum https://www.ahtahthiki.com Gumbo Limbo https://www.myboca.us/2485/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center Stephen Foster...
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Talkin Florida State Parks with Matt Caldwell of the Florida State Parks Foundation
Send us Fan Mail This week's guest is Matt Caldwell, President of the Florida State Parks Foundation. We discuss what the Foundation does to improve our state parks. To become a member of the Florida State Park Foundation:...
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Conservation Florida: Conserving Florida's Disappearing Natural Places
Send us Fan Mail 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. To learn more, go to: https://conservationfla.org/...
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Florida Trail Fest: The Inside Scoop of Florida's Premier Trail Festival
Send us Fan Mail 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 fest significantly larger and more engaging...
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Helping Birds in Florida with Elizabeth Filippelli
Send us Fan Mail 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 that we mentioned during the episode: Bird...
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Ichetuknee History with Lars Andersen
Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE...
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Florida Trail Thru Hiking Kickoff and South Florida Adventures
Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from…
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Exploring the Ocklawaha During the Drawdown
Send us Fan Mail 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 Hike Episode) joins us as well. To book a tour with…
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Hike and get free SWAG, local hiking events around Florida.
Send us Fan Mail In this podcast, the Madcaps discuss the various hiking events and programs that occur statewide and locally. 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...
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Exploring the Rodman Reservior
Send us Fan Mail 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 Reservoir. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much...
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The Madcaps Reflect on the podcast and balancing both exploring and caring for Florida.
Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps reflect on the podcast as well as balancing volunteering, exploring Florida, and life in general. 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...
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Backcountry Lawman, an interview with Bob Lee about combating poaching in North Florida
Send us Fan Mail 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 night in gator infested waters. More info on...
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A Madcaps Update!
Send us Fan Mail 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 comments can be emailed at [email protected] Ryan can be...
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Lightning in Florida: Fun Facts and Outdoor Precautions with Martin Uman
Send us Fan Mail 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 lightning and answers our questions when it...
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Notable Graves and Cemeteries in Florida.
Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up...
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Odd things found along the trail by the Madcaps
Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are...
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Florida's Ghost Towns
Send us Fan Mail 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 https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/historic-town-ethel Ellaville:...
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Save the Buzztails! Getting to know the Rattlesnake Conservancy in Florida!
Send us Fan Mail 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 that is vital to our environment here...
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Part 2 of National Public Lands Day 2025 and Florida's National Parks
Send us Fan Mail 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 opportunities and events. Many of our national...
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National Public Lands Day 2025 and Florida's National Parks
Send us Fan Mail 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 opportunities and events. Many of our national...
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Dark Skies over the Everglades with Anthony Sleiman
Send us Fan Mail 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 stories of his adventures. To see Anthony's...
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Cabins in Florida's Parks Part 3! The final Episode!
Send us Fan Mail 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 comments can be emailed at [email protected] Ryan can be...
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More Cabins to rent in Florida, adventure included!
Send us Fan Mail 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 park has to offer, then retire to a...
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Florida State Park Cabins: Enjoying the Nature While Beating the Heat!
Send us Fan Mail 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 just over 20 Florida State Parks that offer cabins...
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Santa Fe River and Springs, revisiting one of our popular podcasts.
Send us Fan Mail 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 of years ago! Please subscribe! Shares and...
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Leading Adventures in Florida: The Madcaps Share Their Experieces
Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss activity leading in Florida. Leaning on their training and experiences, they discuss sharing some of the natural areas of Florida with others in a group setting. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from…
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Tips for Outdoor Fun by the Madcaps
Send us Fan Mail A repost of one of our popular episodes last year, it's the Madcaps tips for having fun in Florida's outdoors with the heat other 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...
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Southwest Florida's Outdoor Gem: Crew Land and Water Trust (CREW).
Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps have special guest Robin Serne from CREW to discuss the ecological importance of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) and some of the recreational opportunities there. From alligators to Florida Panthers, many species call this area home. Please...
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Silver Springs and the Silver River with Lars Andersen
Send us Fan Mail Lars Andersen, noted Florida guide and Florida Master Naturalist Instructor, joins us to discuss the various aspects of Silver Springs and the Silver River. Lar's Website: https://adventureoutpost.net/ Lar's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lars.andersen.3388/ Please subscribe!...
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The Ocklawaha: History, Geology, and Environmental Challenges with Lars Andersen
Send us Fan Mail 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 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lars.andersen.3388/ Please subscribe! Shares and...
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Exploring the Santa Fe River with Lars Andersen
Send us Fan Mail 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/ Lar's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lars.andersen.3388/…
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Fun of Florida's waters. The basics of kayaking in Florida.
Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida...
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Exploring Even MORE Springs with Danielle of the Florida Springs Passport!
Send us Fan Mail 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 Florida! Please subscribe! Shares and…
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Exploring the Florida Springs with Danielle.
Send us Fan Mail 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 possible new ones you haven't visited. This is the...
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Guana River Wildlife Management Area
Send us Fan Mail 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 WMA https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/guana-river/ GTM: One of Florida's...
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Stories of Springs Trip Mishaps... What Could & Did Go Wrong.
Send us Fan Mail *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 the springs and how to avoid repeating them. From...
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Having Fun Responsibly in Everglades National Park with guest Rachael!
Send us Fan Mail This week Rachael aka Lady Florida (https://www.instagram.com/_lady_florida?igsh=Nml5czJrZDVpNzZk) discusses enjoying and responsible behavior in Everglades National Park. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs...
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The Pioneer Trail One of Florida's Iconic Trails
Send us Fan Mail 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 Jacksonville, it is a bucket list hike. Info on…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Sunshine State Seekers and the Florida Excursionist
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Florida Madcaps have?
The Florida Madcaps currently has 165 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Florida Madcaps about?
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...
How often does The Florida Madcaps release new episodes?
The Florida Madcaps publishes regularly with 165 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Florida Madcaps?
You can listen to The Florida Madcaps on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Florida Madcaps?
The Florida Madcaps is created and hosted by Sunshine State Seekers and the Florida Excursionist.
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