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
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.
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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.florid...
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 teaches writing. His newest book, Memphis Wood and the Sanctified Fecund, will launch on October 15, 2026 at the Mandarin Mu...
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, and tips for hiking in the Florida summer.
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Get your FRE...
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 as well as some things that we can all do to help!
Check out Defenders of Wildlife here: https://defenders.org/
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.
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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 em...
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 at: https://bellowingacres.org/
Social media and online store can be found at:
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 photographer/cinematographer, and impact producer known for her evocative, immersive storytelling that reveals the beauty and vulnerability of one of...
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:
https://floridapress.org/9780813081588/hikers-guide-to-the-sunshine-state-second-edition/
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.
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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/madc...
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
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/torreya-state-park
Defuniak Springs
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
https://pennekamppark.com/environmental-education/
Boyd Hill
https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/parks___facilities/boyd_hill.php
Crystal River NWR
https://www.discovercr...
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
Gumbo Limbo
https://www.myboca.us/2485/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center
Stephen Foster
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/stephen-foster-folk-culture-center-state-park
Orlando Wetlands Park
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:
https://floridastateparksfoundation.org/membership/individual-and-family-membership/
To learn more about the Florida State Parks Foundation:
https://floridastateparksfoundation.org/
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/
Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!
Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Counci...
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 than last year.
For the Florida Trail Fest schedule and details, click here
Vendors scheduled to attend the Trailfest are:
ZPack...
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 Friendly Toolkit: https://duvalaudubon.org/bird-friendly-toolkit/
Lights Out Account on Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...
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.
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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
...
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.
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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
Question...
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 Lars go to https://adventureoutpost.net/ and see his calendar of guided paddles.
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 https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps
Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com
Ryan ca...
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