The Florida Madcaps

Send us Fan Mail Recently, we asked the public on social media what concerns they had about hiking in Florida.  There was a list long enough to do an entire series.  In this episode, we discuss the more popular concerns listed.   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.flo...

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: https://www.savethebuzztails.org/ To get tickets or learn more about The Rattlesnake Conservancy's annual fund...

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 FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.f...

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 teaches writing. His newest book, Memphis Wood and the Sanctified Fecund, will launch on October 15, 2026 at...

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, and tips for hiking in the Florida summer. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciate...

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 as well as some things that we can all do to help! Check out Defenders of Wildlife here:  https:...

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 Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and...

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 at: https://bellowingacres.org/ Social media and online store can be found at: https://www.in...

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 photographer/cinematographer, and impact producer known for her evocative, immersive storytelling that reveals the beauty...

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: https://floridapress.org/9780813081588/hikers-guide-to-the-sunshine-state-second-edition/ Please subscribe!  Sh...

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 sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspr...

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 https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/torreya-state-park Defuniak Springs https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/...

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 https://pennekamppark.com/environmental-education/ Boyd Hill https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/parks___facilities/boyd_hill....

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 https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/stephen-foster-folk-culture-center-state-park Orlando W...

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: https://floridastateparksfoundation.org/membership/individual-and-family-membership/ To learn more about the Florida State Parks Foundation: https://floridastateparksfou...

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/ Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the F...

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 than last year.   For the Florida Trail Fest schedule and details, click here Vendors scheduled to at...

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 Friendly Toolkit:  https://duvalaudubon.org/bird-friendly-toolkit/ Lights Out Account on Instagram:  https...

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 sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://w...

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 the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.or...

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 Lars go to https://adventureoutpost.net/ and see his calendar of guided paddles. Please subscribe!  Sha...

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 https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com R...

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 appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a...

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 https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gma...

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 Bob can be found here:  https://bobhlee.com/ Bob's books can be found here: https://www.amazon.co...