The Florida Madcaps

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

June 18, 2025 35 mins

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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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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.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

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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!

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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 episode for you!


The Florida Springs Passport is available at:

https://floridaspringspassport.com/

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May 21, 2025 31 mins

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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 three Estuarine Reserch Reserves

https://gtmnerr.org/

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*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 unexpected thunderstorms to paddleboard falls we cover some of the more significant things that have gone wrong.

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This week Rachael aka Lady Florida (https://www.instagram.com/_lady_florida?igsh=Nml5czJrZDVpNzZk) discusses enjoying and responsible behavior in Everglades National Park.  

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

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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 the trail can be found here:

https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Jennings-State-Forest/Pioneer-Trail

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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://floridaspringspassport.com/

Each purchase benefits a couple of organizations that advocate for th...

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April 16, 2025 30 mins

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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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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 theflo...

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April 9, 2025 33 mins

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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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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 thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com<...

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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 remember the surprise attempts to develop our Florida State Parks last Augus...

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April 1, 2025 29 mins

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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

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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/

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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 The Florida Springs Council on social media to see how you can make a difference!

Plea...

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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 collaborating with stakeholders statewide, advocating for stronger protections at all go...

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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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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 t...

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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.

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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 passionate wildlife photographer and birder, using the power of visual storytelling to connect Fl...

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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 Manatee Club, Tiare 'TJ' Fridrich works to protect manatees and their aqu...

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