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

September 24, 2025 32 mins

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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:

https://abandonedfl.com/the-town-of-ellaville/

Indian Key;

https://www.floridastateparks.org/IndianKey

Oleno

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleno-state...

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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 in Florida.

Website: http://savethebuzztails.org
Venomous Handling Certification Course schedule: http://savethebuzztails.org/classes

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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 parks are free, so we decided to discuss the significant ones in Florida!  Enjoy!

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-land...

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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 parks are free, so we decided to discuss the significant ones in Florida!  Enjoy!

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-land...

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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 amazing work, check out the links below.

website:  https://www.anthonysleiman.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/Anthsleiman/

FB: https://w...

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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

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at ...

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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 climate-controlled space with a comfortable bed.  Well, there are just over 20 Florida State Parks that offer cabins with varying amenities from bu...

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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 with varying amenities from bunkhouses to modern buildings, these parks are worth checking out.  The cabins can be quite affordable an...

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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!

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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.

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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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July 16, 2025 33 mins

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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 

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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@gmai...

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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.

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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/

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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/

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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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