Podcast D.Friel - Connected by Water

In this episode of the Connected By Water Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Leiza Fitzgerald, the “Queen of Conservation” in the world of hunting and fishing. Leiza, the STAR tournament director for the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), joins us to discuss this year’s STAR tournament, including all the new exciting details, rules, and opportunities for Florida anglers to win big. She urges...

Join marine artist Dennis Friel on Connected By Water, where he dives deep into the intersection of art, ocean life, and conservation. In this episode, Dennis is joined by two exceptional guests from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global leader in world record keeping for gamefish and a champion of ocean and fisheries conservation. Emily Hanzlik, a remarkable young woman who hol...

Capt. Jimmy Armel is about as deep as they get. He’s a retired 1st Ranger Battalion Sergeant who has completed an astounding and honorable six tours during his time overseas. He would have kept going if not for the Army forcing him to retire due to a TBI diagnosis in September 2016. Since then Jimmy has experienced every high a low life has to offer. His path back to domestic life hasn’t been the...

We were delighted to have CEO of Untamed Angling Brazil and master fly fisherman, Rodrigo Salles, join us on the podcast. If you don’t know, Rodrigo runs one of the premier fishing lodge operations on the planet. The Untamed Angling group operates 9 locations throughout Brazil and Bolivia. This includes the famed Rio Marie lodge which credits over 15 world record fish to its name. Its also home to...

In this special episode, we are live from the Fort Lauderdale Boat show setting up shop at the Frontrunner booth. We shoot from the bow of their new 47ft center console with Captain Rick Murphy and his son, Ridge Murphy, for an inspiring conversation about family, fishing, and the powerful bond that connects them to the water. As a father-son duo who have spent countless hours on the boat, Rick an...

Andy Mill is as legendary as it gets. In every adventure faced, he’s achieved greatness. Whether it’s talking to tarpon, taming black diamond trails or surviving the most epic elk hunt, his reputation as a sportsman and a competitor is unrivaled. Join us as we get to the heart of what it takes to understand the difference between bad, good and great and what it really means to experience all three...

Robert Spottswood Jr. and Travis Thompson take seat and discuss their deep connection to Florida and the importance of Amendment 2, which enshrines the right to fish and hunt in Florida. Robert, from the prominent Spottswood family, shares his experiences growing up in the Keys and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to protect the region's natural beauty. Viewing Amendment 2 as crucial...

In this special episode, we’re joined by two of our most beloved regulars, Art Sapp and Skip Dana, who have made more appearances on the show than anyone else. As we approach the bittersweet closing of our studio, it’s only fitting to bring back the captains who have been with us through it all. Together, Art and Skip reflect on their many memorable moments in the studio, filling this episode with...

Join us on this week’s episode as we explore the extraordinary life of Chico Fernandez, a fly fishing legend. From his early days in Cuba to becoming a renowned angler in the United States, Chico's journey is filled with passion, innovation, and adventure. Hear about his groundbreaking techniques, challenges, and memorable experiences that have shaped his career. Chico shares invaluable insights i...

Join us on for an exclusive episode featuring NFL star Raheem Mostert as he shares his passion for the water. Known for his speed and agility on the football field, Raheem takes us on a different kind of adventure, diving into his love for the ocean and the thrill of the catch. In this episode, Raheem talks about how fishing helps him find balance and relaxation away from the game. Whether it's ca...

Show regular Bouncer Smith and jigging expert Johnny Jigs are up next. Bouncer shares his decades of experience and captivating stories, while Johnny dives into advanced jigging techniques and innovative strategies. Both combining for a great episode on where jigging started versus where we are today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Chris Wittman and Jessica Pinsky as they dive deep into the mission of Captains For Clean Water, exploring efforts to restore and protect our precious aquatic ecosystems for everyone to enjoy. Discover the challenges they face, the victories they've achieved, and how you can get involved. From grassroots activism to scientific initiatives, learn how this organization is making waves in conser...

It’s another Fathers/Son duo as we bring these two on the show. With a personality that fills any room, Rufus is no stranger to the podcast. It’s special to witness these two sit down and discuss the inaugural moments and path that now led Marlin to the industry. Even if part of that path involves surviving a shark attack in the Bahamas….We get the full story and the impact it has now had on both...

The State of Florida is under constant development pressure. As we see the state change for both good and bad, it takes episodes like this to remind us of our natural resources. Mike Elfenbein, Tom Oates, Jack Shealy, and Marshall Gordon all join as we discuss all things Everglades. As multi-generational Gladesmen, Jack and Marshall take us through the intricacies of the ecosystem and what it take...

With the annual Dive Fest coming to Lauderdale By The Sea June 1st, we brought on a powerful organization. Scuba 4 Good had a mission to bring adaptive diving to be more accessible throughout the dive industry. As founder, Joe Grote gives us the details on the organization and what drives his passion. Sabrina Dionne shares her experiences as an adaptive diver and what diving has done for her along...

Two great friends and no stranger to the show, Ben Sharpe and Jason Robinson are up. We touch on every corner of South Florida Fishing and local tournaments. With no show being complete without a few jabs at our good friend Mike Lambrechts. Tune in for another great conversation.  #connectedbywater #papaspilar #neveraspectator #starbrite #dogooder #waypointpodcasts #igfa #papasrawbar #fishing #fis...

Longtime show guest Mike Lambrechts queued this one up by inviting Mikey Finiguerra to the studio. The three of us had a blast covering a little bit of everything. Mike gives us updates on the CCA and what’s in the pipeline while Mikey shares his media journey. It doesn’t happen much but these two turned the table and brought some questions my way; discussing the journey of creativity.  #connected...

As we look to highlight the beautiful State of Florida we would be remised to not touch on threatening issues. This time we bring on Travis Thompson to give his perspective on the state and what we are facing. Travis runs a few different operations but values the states resources and protecting them for future generations to come. Travis’s ideas and perspectives have no boundaries as I thoroughly...

It’s our first #Tournamenttalk of the year and we decided to step it up. not only do we have Skip and Art in the studio….Legendary Captain and Four Time Jimmy Johnson Quest for the Ring Champion, John Louie Dudas joins the show. When three minds of this caliber get together you better watch out. I’ll let this episode speak for itself.  #connectedbywater #papaspilar #neveraspectator #starbrite #dog...

We are back and live from the 2024 gifting experience. It's a full house as we have representatives from the Hardrock, Contender, Yamaha, and Papa's join the show. We speak with The Coach himself, tournament champions and get a guest appearance from Channing Crowder. It's always a fun episode and this one is jam packed. Be ready for laughs, history and insights to how the winning team took the rin...

In between his destination travels, Pat Ford joins the show. I always learn so much from Pat as he is a wealth of knowledge. We talk about what brought him to South Florida and ultimately what kept him down here. It’s always a pleasure having Pat on. Cheers! #connectedbywater #papaspilar #neveraspectator #starbrite #dogooder #waypointpodcasts #igfa #papasrawbar #fishing #fishingpodcast #floridapod...

It’s been a bit of a journey getting back to the mic in 2024. That being said, I couldn’t be more excited to kick off the year with two of my favorites. Derek and Cory brought the house down! The origination of the #DoGooder is told as we continue to bring a focus to conversation one day at a time. As two amazing artists in their own right, the stories told are not to miss. Cheers to being back in...

It's the last episode of the 2023 year and the end to our "Fifth Season" of the Connected By Water Podcast. We don't have many traditions but one remains the same....Ending the year with Fly Navarro in the studio. We pose questions and let Fly do what he does best. Talk and tell stories. Surprise guests and show regular Carolyn Stash pops in from some extra commentary as well. Cheers to another ye...

We ran out of seats for this one and decided to solve all the world’s problems. It’s a full crew as I’m joined by Ryan Hunter-Reay, Anthony DiGuilian, Amber Marchant, Trae West, and Brian Smith. Coming off a successful first tournament, the Racing for Cancer team is ready to make waves! We share sentimental stories, individual health journeys and the plans for this tournament. These are fun episod...

It’s a full studio with Krissy Wejebe and friends joining the show. I’m not quite sure how to truly summarize this episode. Jose Wejebe was a pioneer in the fishing industry with many of us following along through his show “Spanish Fly”. We discuss old stories and how the legacy has continued to shape these women today. Specifically through the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation. By the t...