Podcast D.Friel - Connected by Water

Our first episode of 2023 starts of with a bang. A lot of different things are going on with Connected By Water and we couldn’t be happier to start the year of with Andy. Andy is no stranger to the show and we decide to take a different approach for this episode. We chop it up on casual conversation but structure the episode in asking Andy questions around his fishing experiences and preferences....

A native Hawaiian who now spends his time in Guatemala, Mike Sheeder has no shortage of worldly stories. While splitting time between cargo ships and sport fishing vessels, fishing is on Mike’s mind wherever he goes. I invite one of our top guests, Karl Anderson to the show to add some extra flare as Mike shares stories about his life on the water.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Art Sapp and Skip Dana are back to co-pilot our annual tournament talk series. We are now at the beginning of our South Florida Sailfish Tournament season and we couldn’t be happier. Tune in as we discuss the bite and highlight all of our upcoming tournaments.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 When I called Karl and asked if he had any guest ideas for this episode, Anthony came up right away. Anthony Mendillo is a captain and hospitality owner in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Prior to this episode I had not heard of the island. Between the sailfishing, whale shark diving, and overall ecosystem; Isla Mujeres sounds like paradise. Tune in as we talk about everything the island has to offer while...

The gang is back together for our second Fins Cast. Sit down with Art, Skip, Jim, and the wonderful Karlene as we talk all things Dolphins. We may or may not have discovered the next best thing with #TheWSauce as well. Calling all Dolphin’s fans on the Connected By Water Podcast this week.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mutual friend of ours introduced Elmer to me as a “Healer”. After this episode, I’d agree but also like to add “Giver”. What Elmer does for the community both on and off the water is simply amazing. Previously competing in the X-Games; Elmer now splits his time as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Backcountry Guide. The stories around Elmer’s start in fly-fishing followed by what he believes to...

As tradition, this is our yearly Papa’s Pilar episode. It’s always a a party in the studio and this time I shared the table with an all star crew. Bouncer Smith, Karl Anderson, Steve Groth, and Trista Evan’s took this episode to the next level. In typical fashion, the rum was flowing and the exchange of ideas and stories was at an all time high. Most importantly, we talk about the key values of Pa...

To sit across from Jeff and Bouncer was nothing short of an industry history lesson. Jeff was a founding member of Bonefish Tarpon Trust and has been a steward of our flats fishing industry globally for over 25 years. The stories that were shared of Florida’s early Tarpon and Bonefish will leave you scratching your head. Today, the mission of BTT involves using science to better understand our eco...

Charlie Levine and I have known each other for years. The parallels we share from his perspective as a writer and mine an artist always bring great conversation. Charlie has worked for publishing companies that have covered all sides of the fishing industry. Brining a wealth of knowledge and having two buddies connect is a big reason we do this show. I may even admit I got a bit of the freshwater...

It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Ben Hicks. A local photographer with a studio in Boca Raton, Ben is best known for his above and below water ocean photography. We spoke about his upbringing and connection the ocean and dove deep to his perceptive on having a balanced life. Be on the look out for Ben’s content on the new Disney+ series “America’s National Parks”. Ben’s documentation of...

As regulars on the show, Paul Castronovo and George Poveromo need no introductions. It was my goal to have a “Who’s More Italian?” episode and we did just that. Paul and George both discuss their South Florida roots and “Italian experiences”. While no longer a South Florida resident, we also had legend Bouncer Smith call in to share his thoughts on the matter. Pour one up and enjoy! Learn more abo...

This is somewhat of a pilot episode as we look to partner with Karl Anderson and his Legends Series project. A legend himself, Karl and I discuss the greats and what it takes to be a legend in the fishing industry. In traditional fashion, a bottle of the sherry cask was polished off during the episode and the jokes were flowing. I always enjoy when Karl comes to the studio and look forward to futu...

After receiving a grant to begin working on aquatic vegetation programs all over the state, I had to bring John and Beau on the show. These two gentleman are experts in the space and I got quite the lesson in speaking with them this week. We learn about Florida’s ecosystem and the steps needed to ensure a healthy environment while also experiencing mass development. Prior to this episode, I though...

This week we take a step back from the normal #ConnectedByWater talk and get ready for our 2022 NFL Season. On this episode we are joined by our favorite duo Skip Dana and Art Sapp along with Jim Ruback. Skip brings the facts, Jim cooks the food and Art supplies the laughs as we talk all things Dolphins. We invite you to sit down and listen to a group of die hard fins fans give their opinion on th...

While these episodes usually focus on our local tournament scene, this episode had nothing of the sort. This episode was a home grown conversation of the gang getting back together. We talk about Art’s recent visions, Skip’s alter ego and field random questions from the audience. Karlene is back behind the bar slinging jokes and stiff rum drinks. Enjoy your local legends chopping it up at the stud...

On the Connected By Water Podcast, we have a few topics that always come up. Good rum, tournament season and environmental protocols seem to work their way into conversation every episode. On this episode we speak with Doug Covin. Doug is an accomplished saltwater angler and has a burning obsession for marlin fishing. He has been able to experience certain fisheries during their infancy and has tr...

No lobster is safe when Julie Higgs or Chiefy drop under the surface. As prominent divers in the South Florida area we are able to sit down in between a successful mini-season and prior to the main season commencing. But this episode is about much more than hunting Lobster. Julie Higgs is coming off a first place finish in the National Spearfishing Championship that just took place in Arizona. Bet...

It was only a matter of time before I crossed paths with Heather Harkavy. Heather is the Director of Student Programs with Fish For Change. A non-profit that brings students out to various countries for a week long program rooted in conservation, community, exploration, and Fly-Fishing. Heather has grown up in the fishing industry and has energy like no one I’ve seen before. With a great balance o...

House Representative Chip Lamarca is no stranger to the show. Chip now seems to come on quarterly to give our listeners updates on what is happening locally and in Tallahassee. Tune in to hear about environmental updates, the NIL and a story about one special coin… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The South Florida saltwater community never ceases to amaze me. This week we brought on members of Thresher Aquatics. Thresher Aquatics is a non-profit that focuses on bringing children, adults and veterans with disabilities scuba diving. Turns out, all this is happening a stones throw from our Connected By Water Studio! I enjoyed hearing about the experiences, challenges, and fun this group has a...

I’m a firm believer of surrounding yourself with people from all experience levels. We have had people on this podcast that have dedicated their lives to the outdoors and others who are beginning to dedicate a life to their passions. Mike Lambrechts and Lorelei Bennett are just that. Growing up on our South Florida coast, these two have already been making and impact on our environment and waterwa...

I couldn’t begin to detail the experience, knowledge and passion Ellen Peel and Bouncer Smith have for our saltwater fishery. While there is no one size fits all solution, I always enjoy listening to these individuals discuss the current state of our fishery and thoughts for the future. It’s my pleasure to share the table with them and look forward to continued conversations on these controversial...

If you have a center console or have thought about buying one, you have heard of Center Consoles Only. When it comes to content, information, and innovation, this crew has it down. It was great to get most of the core team on the CBW podcast this week. More importantly, we hear about what CCO has up their sleeve and how they’re going to continue to change the marine market. It’s a full house in th...

Art Sapp and Tim Maddock fall on the short list of Pompano Beach fishing legends. From the tournament scene to finding innovative ways to target our favorite species, these gentleman have done it all in our local waters. If you really want to get a deep understanding on the history of our local fishery, this episode is for you. Rumor has it our favorite bartender Karlene Rybinski even gets a speci...

While I always enjoy speaking with a fellow artist, RJ Boyle is truly the jack of all trades. As a captain, singer/songwriter, and tackle shop owner, their is no shortage of good stories to share. We break down the trials and tribulations of being an artist, RJ’s background, and get deep into events that have changed our lives and what our true purpose really is. This was a powerful conversation a...