The Florida Madcaps

<p>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.</p>

Even More Happy Places

Send us a text This week the Madcaps share even more of their favorite Florida happy places in the environment. Torreya State Park, Lime Sink Run, and more are discussed. 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 can be found on Instagram at: https://www.i...

04-16
30:38

Backcountry Lawman, an interview with Bob Lee about combating poaching in North Florida

Send us a text 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.com/Backcountry-Lawman-Stories-Florida-History/dp/0813061288 https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Guys-B...

10-29
39:39

Lightning in Florida: Fun Facts and Outdoor Precautions with Martin Uman

Send us a text This week, the Florida Madcaps have a special guest, Martin Uman who is a professor emeritus with the University of Florida and has worked six decades in the field of lightning. In this episode, he discusses some interesting facts about lightning and answers our questions when it comes to recreating in Florida in the presence of lightning. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up ...

10-15
32:28

Notable Graves and Cemeteries in Florida.

Send us a text This week, the Madcaps discuss some of the graves, cemeteries, and pioneer burial grounds they have seen while hiking in Florida and visiting small towns. 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 can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagra...

10-08
31:56

Odd things found along the trail by the Madcaps

Send us a text This week, the Madcaps discuss some of the weird things they have encountered on the trails as they have explored Florida. From burnt underwear to unattended fruit bowls, this episode has some of the more light hearted aspects of hiking. 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 emaile...

10-01
29:45

Florida's Ghost Towns

Send us a text In this episode the Madcaps discuss a few of the many ghost towns that exist in Florida. These are settlements that are long gone and have few visual reminders. Towns discussed: Ethel https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/historic-town-ethel Ellaville: https://abandonedfl.com/the-town-of-ellaville/ Indian Key; https://www.floridastateparks.org/IndianKey Oleno https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleno-state-park Please subscribe! Shares and reviews...

09-24
32:01

Save the Buzztails! Getting to know the Rattlesnake Conservancy in Florida!

Send us a text Fresh out of the Venomous Handling Course (hosted by the Rattlesnake Conservancy), Ryan and The Madcaps learn all things venomous snakes and about the great work the Rattlesnake Conservancy is doing to conserve a largely unappreciated species that is vital to our environment here in Florida. Website: http://savethebuzztails.org Venomous Handling Certification Course schedule: http://savethebuzztails.org/classes Educator Resources for parents, park rangers, and other educators...

09-17
48:20

Part 2 of National Public Lands Day 2025 and Florida's National Parks

Send us a text This week is part 2 of 2 of our podcast of National Public Lands Day and Florida's National Parks. Started in 1994 and occurring on the 4th Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day celebrates our public lands with volunteer opportunities and events. Many of our national parks are free, so we decided to discuss the significant ones in Florida! Enjoy! https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-lands-day.htm https://www.neefusa.org/national-public-...

09-10
35:33

National Public Lands Day 2025 and Florida's National Parks

Send us a text This week is part 1 of 2 of our podcast of National Public Lands Day and Florida's National Parks. Started in 1994 and occurring on the 4th Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day celebrates our public lands with volunteer opportunities and events. Many of our national parks are free, so we decided to discuss the significant ones in Florida! Enjoy! https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-lands-day.htm https://www.neefusa.org/national-public-...

09-03
34:39

Dark Skies over the Everglades with Anthony Sleiman

Send us a text This week, the Madcaps were extremely fortunate to have special guest Anthony Sleiman, who is well known for his dark sky photography in the Everglades. Anthony shares how he became fascinated with the Everglades and some interesting stories of his adventures. To see Anthony's amazing work, check out the links below. website: https://www.anthonysleiman.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/Anthsleiman/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/anthsleimanphotography Please su...

08-27
40:01

Cabins in Florida's Parks Part 3! The final Episode!

Send us a text 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 can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

08-20
37:03

More Cabins to rent in Florida, adventure included!

Send us a text This week the Madcaps continue on their list of parks and places that have cabins for rent in Florida. Sometimes, dealing with the heat while camping and lugging around a ton of gear isn't for everyone. Some want to enjoy what the park has to offer, then retire to a climate-controlled space with a comfortable bed. Well, there are just over 20 Florida State Parks that offer cabins with varying amenities from bunkhouses to modern buildings, these parks are worth...

08-13
35:33

Florida State Park Cabins: Enjoying the Nature While Beating the Heat!

Send us a text Sometimes, dealing with the heat while camping and lugging around a ton of gear isn't for everyone. Some want to enjoy what the park has to offer, then retire to a climate controlled space with a comfortable bed. Well, there are just over 20 Florida State Parks that offer cabins with varying amenities from bunkhouses to modern buildings, these parks are worth checking out. The cabins can be quite affordable and are in demand, so plan your visit well in advance...

08-04
33:42

Santa Fe River and Springs, revisiting one of our popular podcasts.

Send us a text With the summer heat at all time highs, one of the best ways to cool off is in some of our springs and rivers. The Santa Fe River has some fantastic springs and things to do. We discuss them here in this episode from summer a couple of years ago! 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 comment...

07-30
33:55

Leading Adventures in Florida: The Madcaps Share Their Experieces

Send us a text This week, the Madcaps discuss activity leading in Florida. Leaning on their training and experiences, they discuss sharing some of the natural areas of Florida with others in a group setting. 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 can be...

07-23
44:17

Tips for Outdoor Fun by the Madcaps

Send us a text A repost of one of our popular episodes last year, it's the Madcaps tips for having fun in Florida's outdoors with the heat other 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 can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excurs...

07-16
33:25

Southwest Florida's Outdoor Gem: Crew Land and Water Trust (CREW).

Send us a text This week the Madcaps have special guest Robin Serne from CREW to discuss the ecological importance of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) and some of the recreational opportunities there. From alligators to Florida Panthers, many species call this area home. 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/mad...

07-09
38:27

Silver Springs and the Silver River with Lars Andersen

Send us a text Lars Andersen, noted Florida guide and Florida Master Naturalist Instructor, joins us to discuss the various aspects of Silver Springs and the Silver River. Lar's Website: https://adventureoutpost.net/ Lar's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lars.andersen.3388/ 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...

07-02
31:51

The Ocklawaha: History, Geology, and Environmental Challenges with Lars Andersen

Send us a text This week Lars, a guide in Florida with decades of experience discusses various aspects of the amazing Ocklawaha River in north central Florida. Lar's Website: https://adventureoutpost.net/ Lar's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lars.andersen.3388/ 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 b...

06-25
34:11

Exploring the Santa Fe River with Lars Andersen

Send us a text This week the Madcaps discuss the Santa Fe River and region with Lars Andersen, a Florida legend who has spent decades as a guide in northeast and north central Florida. Lar's Website: https://adventureoutpost.net/ Lar's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lars.andersen.3388/ 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/madca...

06-18
35:13

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