Pine Island Experience

For Christine Karow, success isn’t measured by how many haircuts she can do in a day — it’s about helping people feel confident, cared for, and beautiful when they walk out the door. 💛 In this episode, we sit down with Christine Karow, owner of Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage, to talk about her lifelong dream of becoming a hairstylist 💇‍♂️ , her passion for creativity, and the meaningfu...

🏝️ Saving Pine Island: Big Wins, Bold Moves & What’s Next Robert Ballard returned to the podcast to share everything that’s happened with the Calusa Land Trust since our last interview in 2023 — and the momentum is remarkable. From major land acquisitions like Chipley’s Sandpatch Preserve to the mission to re-pine 🌲 Pine Island and celebrate 50 years of conservation, the Calusa Land Trust con...

What started as a next chapter turned into something much bigger. In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ron to talk about building his business right here on Pine Island 🏝️ —from designing and testing his own rods and reels to working closely with manufacturers to bring his vision to life. The result? The Pine Island Special 🎣 —quality, affordable gear that’s opening the door for more people...

Mental health touches every one of us—but knowing where to begin isn’t always easy. In this episode of the Pine Island 🌴 Experience Podcast, we sit down with Michelle White of Azul Mindspace, a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what mental wellness really looks like in everyday life. 🩵 From simple ways to reset your mood—like stepping outside and reconnecting...

Some people move to Pine Island. Others become part of its heart. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Elsie Stearns , Vice President and Sr. Branch Manager of Centennial Bank on Pine Island, to hear the story of how a young woman from the city fell in love with island life — and spent decades giving back to the community she came to love. Elsie shares memories of arriving on Useppa Island in...

From faded and worn… to a deep, factory-fresh shine that even the owner couldn’t believe. In this episode of the Pine Island Experience , we sit down with Chris Holzem of Badger Boat Detail to hear how he and his partner Nick Petty are helping boat owners across Pine Island and Lee County bring their boats back to life. From mild oxidation to major restoration , Chris and Nick specialize in restor...

🌟 The Cottage Bakery Pine Island Fell in Love With What happens when a chef moves to the island and asks one simple question: What can I create here that people will love? In this episode, we sit down with Tristan Carter, founder of The Proper Palm Cottage Bakery. From his kitchen in Pine Island, Tristan releases online menus that islanders eagerly wait for—and when the menu drops, the orders com...

From waterfront restaurateur to food truck favorite — JD Hollway joins us for S4E6 of the Pine Island Experience. After owning the Waterfront Restaurant and Marina for nearly 25 years and supporting countless local charity fishing tournaments, JD reinvented himself with Horse Eyed Jake’s American Sliders Food Truck. Alongside his wife, Tricia, they’ve created more than a menu — they’ve created an...

🎣 Being on the water has a way of bringing people together — friends, family, and even someone you’ve just met. Add a Pine Island sunset and dolphins 🐬 surfacing nearby, and it becomes something truly special. In this episode, we talk with Debbie Hanson , award-winning outdoor writer, professional fishing guide, and Community Outreach Director for the Freedom Waters Foundation . Debbie shares he...

🏝️ In this episode, we’re joined by Staci Stevens , local realtor and broker-owner of Castaways Island Realty & Rentals. Staci Stevens shares her journey, her love for the island, and the heart behind Castaways Island Realty & Rentals. 🩵 This is a heartfelt conversation about island life, family, and building a business rooted in community. As the owner of Castaways Island Realty & Re...

⚓ Alan and AJ Ferrera, a dynamic father and son team with a commitment 🩵 🚤 In this episode, we’re joined by Alan and AJ Ferrera , the father-and-son team behind A & A Boat and Equipment Services — a veteran-owned, licensed, and insured mobile service proudly serving Pine Island and Matlacha. 🌊 Alan and AJ share their Navy backgrounds, what it’s like working together as family, and how thei...

🎣 The 5th Annual PICC Free Fishing Seminar Series Returns for 2026! Captain Chuck Downes is back, joined by expert presenter Dan Carns, to bring a refreshed and more focused approach to fishing education. This year’s free seminar series dives deeper into snook, redfish and spotted seatrout behavior — where to find them, how they live, and what to present throughout the seasons. 📍 Held at the Eag...

🎙 Season 4 begins with laughter, reflection, and storytelling. The delightful Tom Chase joined us on the Pine Island Experience Podcast for a conversation filled with humor, heart, and insight. Tom shares the moment he first discovered the power of making people laugh, stories from growing up in Plant City, Florida , and how those early experiences shaped a life that would include law, mediation,...

📚✨ Award-Winning author and Pine Islander,   Robert N. Macomber joins us to share the heart behind his life as a maritime historian, novelist, and lecturer. From the inspiration behind his 17-book Honor Series to the moments that light up his audiences, Robert brings history to life with passion and purpose. This conversation offers a glimpse into the storyteller who has captivated readers aroun...

🥬✨ In this episode, we sit down with Bill and Benet Kazokas of Flor-Da-Lee Farm in Bokeelia.   In 2013, they stepped away from corporate life, purchased 2.5 acres of agricultural land, and began growing specialty artisan lettuce — now supplying hotels, country clubs, and restaurants across Naples and Fort Myers. Today, they nurture 60 varieties for seven months each year, while Benet has expande...

⚓️📚 This week, we dive into mystery, law, and life along Pine Island Sound with author and attorney John D. Mills . 🌅🐟 A fifth-generation Fort Myers native, John grew up fishing these waters — and today, he channels that deep local knowledge into his nine-book fictional mysteries set right here in our coastal backyard.   In his first three books, his main character is Detective Doug Shearer wi...

🌴✨ From firefighter to Florida dreamer, Dan Boone’s journey is all heart. After years as a firefighter — eventually becoming a Lieutenant and joining Special Ops — Dan’s optimism and drive led him through every chapter with purpose and joy. Known as his department’s “Ambassador of Goodwill,” Dan brings that same energy to his company, CoastalFlo , creating performance apparel made for Florida’s...

🌴✨ Chef Anthony Pospiech opened The Island Girl Eats last spring within Pineland Marina in Bokeelia — a food truck and large tiki hut that’s quickly become a must-stop for locals and visitors alike. Open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, it’s where incredible food meets stunning waterfront views. You’ll hear his passion, his gratitude for his team, and his humble joy in creating somethin...

🌅🐟 In this episode, we sit down with Rob Wells , who grew up surrounded by the beauty of Pine Island Sound. His family’s story began in 1976 when his parents purchased Cabbage Key , creating a one-of-a-kind island retreat. In 1999, the Wells family expanded their legacy with The Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia — blending history, hospitality, and heart. Today, Rob and his brother Ken continue to preser...

🌴💛✨ Creativity isn’t just for artwork—it’s a powerful tool for business, too. 🌟 This week, we sit down with Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, who shares how her artistic roots shape her graphic design work, from adult books and children’s books to branding for businesses. 🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Nancy’s journey 🌴 “If you turn a painting upside down and it still works, that is a good painting...

🌴💛✨ Welcome to the Pine Island Experience Podcast, where we celebrate the people, places, and spirit that make our island community so special. Today, we’re shining a light on the Beacon of Hope . Since 2004, this organization has been a lifeline for Pine Islanders—offering meals, transportation, counseling, education, and so much more. Executive Director Nancy Cote joins us to share how the Be...

Madison Morris is on fire — from being a two-time Grammy-submitted singer-songwriter to his currently nominated song Hard Rain , up for a Josie Award for Americana Song of the Year . 🏆 💛 On the latest episode of Pine Island Experience , hear the story behind Madison’s music and journey. These days, he calls himself “half Texan, half Floridian”—a mix that fuels his ability to blend country, elect...

In just a short time, Tami Sager and Yovan Santiesteban have transformed The Eagle’s Nest into one of Pine Island’s most exciting destinations — serving up incredible food, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere that feels like family. With multiple Best of Pine Island 2025 Awards under their belt, their success goes beyond the kitchen. Tami and Yovan are passionate about giving...

Paulette LeBlanc , Editor of the Pine Island Eagle and award-winning author, has spent her life writing—and her heart now belongs to Pine Island and its people. From children’s books to community stories, Paulette captures resilience, kindness, and hope with every word. 💛 “The heart of what I do creatively will always be writing.” 🌟 This a must listen unforgettable interview. 🎧 Listen now on yo...

From her early days growing up in Ohio to her vibrant life on Pine Island, artist Juli Gilson has always been drawn to the coast. Her work beautifully reflects the natural gifts of the sea—seashells, sea glass, driftwood—and brings them to life in her paintings, driftwood sea creatures, birds, boats, and resin art.   She even uses historic Pine Island windows as frames for her coastal creations. I...