BetweenTheBeachesPodcast: Recent Episodes
Brad Phares
Preserving and promoting Florida's rural landscape and ranching heritage by sharing forgotten and little known history along with interviews, stories, and cowboy poetry capturing the lifestyle of both historical and contemporary cowboys in the Sunshine State.
Florida was the last man standing so to speak when it came to mandatory fencing of cattle and when the law took effect in 1949 it marked the end of the open range grazing while ushering in a myriad of changes for Florida cowmen. In this episode of the podcast, we begin with a look back at what it was like to spend a week driving cattle across the state in the mid 1930's based on a firsthand account documented by Mr. Jesse Durrance. After that, we roll into the second half of the show and share some excerpts from the book Florida Cowman that touch on the range wars and other factors leading up to the enactment of Florida's Fence Law. We hope you enjoy this interesting firsthand cattle drive account and share it with folks who are unaware of our rich ranching legacy.
There's no shortage of waterways in Florida's interior, and each of them reflect the particular region of the state in which they flow. There are however certain rivers that hold a larger significance for our state both environmentally and culturally. Originating in South Georgia and snaking its way through north Florida en route to the Gulf, the Suwannee River may be the most prominent of them all. She's the source of our state song and she's been documented and celebrated in written word and art of all types as well. Join us this week as we wander back to a much earlier time along her waters and get a glimpse into old Florida and the crackers living along her 245 mile course.
As our name suggests, the primary focus on this podcast is the overlooked interior of Florida and all its intricacies, but we also have a commitment to sharing Florida history in general so that folks can better understand our state's story. Sometimes, sharing Florida's story takes us to the beaches and the endless blue that lies beyond. Such is the case this week as we revisit some of the Spanish influence that shaped our cultural identity here in the Sunshine State. With the arrival of summer and hurricane season, this seemed to be the perfect time to revisit this fascinating tale of destruction, piracy, and ongoing salvage efforts.
This episode is a throwback to our very first season as a tribute to Mr. Matt Arrieta who recently passed. Matt was a cowboy's cowboy and always rode for the brand. We hope you'll enjoy this blast from the past and a glimpse into the life of a working cowboy. Rest easy Matt, and we hope you're finding plenty of good horses to ride.
Florida was built on the legacies of men like Captain F. A. Hendry and the other cow men like him; men who created a solid economic foundation, gave generously to build their communities, and had a keen vision for the future. In this episode we examine Captain Hendry's life from his earliest days in South Georgia to his cattle empire and ultimately his navigation through the state's political channels to forge Lee and Hendry counties. Capturing the breadth of his vision and influence for Florida in this brief intro is practically impossible so be sure to tune in for the full story.
As we approach the hot summer and accompanying rainy season, the specter of Florida's water quality issues will no doubt rear its ugly head so it seemed like the perfect time to spread some educational science ahead of all the seasonally induced emotional rhetoric and grifting. Unfortunately, and against all scientific data, agriculture in Florida has become the easy target, the primary scapegoat if you will, for Florida's water quality woes. It's past time to admit that everyone in our state owns these problems and that we've all got to come together to effectuate real and lasting solutions.
The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources strives to develop new skills and refine the capabilities of leaders throughout our state's agriculture and natural resources sectors. As Florida continues to face rapid environmental and demographic changes, it's more important than ever to equip our ag leaders with the means to effectively share our story and WLI is one way that goal is being met. Tune in to this week's episode to learn more about the program and find out how you can nominate worthy candidates for the next class!
On this week's show, we're offering a live recording of Brad's April 2nd presentation "Cow Hunting On Florida's Peace River Frontier" to an audience at The Clewiston Museum. Starting off we revisit the most basic cow culture history and origins before examining why the 19th century along the Peace River Frontier was such a pivotal period in our cattle heritage but in Florida's overall success. Brad offers an in depth look at the importance of the Cow Cavalry and the Cuban cattle trade in propelling our state forward into the 20th century and beyond.
Mr. Paul Bowers Sr. is readily recognizable in any crowd not only for his trademark red scarf but also for his quiet, self-assured demeanor and warm smile. You'll usually spot him nearby a couple of endeavors he's remained committed to throughout his life - working at creating and selling his wood carvings that are beautifully hand crafted in the traditional Seminole way or you'll find him near a rodeo arena. When we caught up with him it was at the bunkhouse by his horse barn which made for the perfect place for him to share stories and insights about his childhood, his tour of duty in Vietnam, early days in rodeo, and the creation of his hand crafted birds, gators, ladle spoons and toys such as tomahawks made from cypress knees, spears, knives, and more. In a fast paced, ever changing world, Mr. Bowers remains dedicated to carrying forward the old ways for future generations and appreciating the simple things that keep us all grounded.
Florida was the third state to secede from the Union and played a key role in supplying not only beef, but also other subsistence supplies, to the Confederate States Army. What turned out to be one of the bloodiest battles during the War Between The States occurred on February 20, 1864 in the pine flat woods near Ocean Pond east of Lake City. The Battle of Olustee was the largest battle fought in Florida and resulted in a Confederate victory when Union Forces under General Truman Seymour faced off against Confederate troops led by General Joseph Finegan. In this episode, we review a Florida Historical Society Quarterly article that considers what led General Seymour to proceed against orders with this ill-fated engagement.
Thanks to our daughter we've just discovered epic new theme music for the show. It's called "Watch Florida Grow (The Cracker Theme Song) and was recorded by the South Ocean String Band. This song speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who truly cares about Florida so we debut it in this episode and discuss the backstory behind it. We then go on a rambling discussion about conservation in general, the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026, and some general cow culture history before diving into the 2026 Florida legislative session and some of the pending bills that are being misconstrued and highly misunderstood in an effort to help clear away some of that confusion. We bounce back and forth from lighthearted banter to serious discussions to keep things interesting. Be sure to listen for The Cracker Theme Song in its entirety at the end of the episode. You're gonna love it!
Leading up to the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026, we're looking back at some of Florida's earliest settlers, the cattle drives they made, how they registered cattle ear marks and brands at the county courthouse, and some of the battles they fought for survival in Florida's unforgiving wild places. From the early 1800's through to the 1940's, we take you on a journey through time as seen through the eyes of those who lived it every day.
Welcome to Season 7 of Between The Beaches Podcast! To kick off the New Year, we're sharing some cowboy poetry focused on transitions of various types that we all face in our journey through this life. Our hope is that these sentiments bring you some reflections and clarity to propel you forward in a positive direction in 2026. Thanks to our sponsors and you, our dedicated listeners, for your continued support!
In this episode, we cover some fun history by taking a look at the name origins for Florida's 67 counties. The names come from many sources including famous public figures, historic languages, prominent landmarks, and more. There are surprises here even for the seasoned Florida native so be sure to tune in and share it with your friends and family.
Note: We had multiple undiagnosed technical difficulties recording this episode. After a second recording attempt of the second half that partially failed again, we salvaged one audio line to complete the episode. With that said, please excuse the diminished audio quality of the second half as we had to settle for one mic recording both voices.
NOTE: This week in honor of Giving Tuesday we're re-airing our episode describing all the wonderful work done by our partners at the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation. If you're considerig year-end giving and want to know that your contribution will used wisely, please visit www.floridacattlemen.org and select the tab for the Foundation where you'll be able to donate. Alternatively, you can contact the FCA office to discuss alternative ways to give. Jim Handley has since retired and passed the torch to Dusty Holley as the FCA executive VP, and the same great work for Florida's cattle business continues. Please consider donating today and sharing with your friends and family.
FCA executive vice president Jim Handley joins us to share a wealth of information about the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation, including it's history, an in-depth look at the many projects they've helped fund and bring to fruition, as well as some general history regarding FCA and his role there. We dig deep in our conversation for what amounts to a very informative discussion that you're sure to enjoy so don't miss it!
This week we're collaborating with the hosts from Herding Her Story. For those listeners who've never tuned into this podcast, their goal is to showcase women from across the agriculture industry to highlight their accomplishments, success stories, and unique perspectives. In this conversation, we dive into their individual background stories, how they came together to produce the podcast, and then we flip the script and have the hosts answering the questions rather than asking them. You'll learn a lot about these two vibrant ladies and how they're sharing the story of Florida agriculture in a new way.
NOTE: On the heels of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting and a lot of time on the road for numerous other obligations, we're taking a break to regroup this week. While we get reorganized, please enjoy this batch of cowboy poetry that originally published on the podcast a couple years ago.
Episode 117 serves up some cowboy poetry focused on finding the underlying, essential value in the world around us from both the male and female perspective. You'll hear some of Brad's own poetry as well as some poems from Wallace McRae and Barney Nelson that all serve to shift focus to things of intrinsic worth.
This week we have a candid conversation about the current state of agriculture and its importance to our state and our nation. We discuss the Farmer of the Year program at the state level as well as its culmination at the Sunbelt Ag Expo. From there, we talk about the farmer's roundtable discussion that's part of the expo proceedings along with all the highs, lows, and in between of being an agricultural producer in America today.
For Bud Barnes, these two places share a lot more in common than the first two letters of their names. On this week's episode, Bud shares stories of growing up in south Florida, working cows, hunting, fishing, and generally enjoying the backwoods of our state whether from horseback or the seat of an airboat. We discuss how rodeo carried him west where he met his wife and built a ranch and thriving business in Oklahoma. That he genuinely cares about people and the land is abundantly clear which is why forming Cimarron Land Group was a natural fit for him. Bud is able to channel his passion for cattle, spending time in the outdoors, and his years of experience with both into assisting people with finding the right land on which to build their legacies. Hope you enjoy this week's conversation and learn a little something useful along the way!
On this week's episode, we're concluding our two part coverage of Chapter 7 from Joe A. Akerman's classic book, Florida Cowman. Last week's episode covered the first part of the chapter and we conclude it this week by looking at topics such as Florida cow dogs, cracker cow ponies, wild cattle, Indian cowmen, and more. Join us and learn about cow hunting in the old days of Florida's frontier.
Florida Cowman is one of those books that should be in every person's collection of books about Florida. Authored by Joe A. Akerman, Jr in collaboration with the Florida Cattlemen's Association to commemorate our nation's bicentennial, it's a painstakingly researched and very enlightening account of Florida's cattle history. Knowing that many of our listeners aren't in the cattle business and are likely unfamiliar with the book or its contents, we wanted to cover Chapter 7 with its vivid accounts of cow hunting turn of the century Florida. The chapter is lengthy so we've broken it in half. We hope you enjoy Part 1 in this episode and join us again next week for the conclusion in Part 2.
The New World Screwworm was one of the costliest and most horrific diseases that livestock producers have ever faced. Its deadliest and costliest period for Florida cattlemen peaked in 1956-1957 at which point Florida cattle producers had had enough of it. Join us this week as we look back at the grassroots effort Florida's beef producers generated which spurred into existence a multi-agency and joint governmental effort to eradicate this deadly pest from our state; a program that was widened in scope to extend across our nation and secure the safety of our nation's beef herds. It's a shining example of Florida cattlemen yet again being the tip of the spear in safeguarding American cattle ranching as we know it.
Payne’s Prairie basin is a natural resource of not only state, but national importance and the lush grasses, flowering plants, and other vegetation that cover this basin act as a filter purifying water throughout the vast wetland which is a big reason why it has drawn humans and wildlife to it over the last 12,000 years. In this episode, we'll take a look at how various countries and cultures across the centuries impacted the area, but we'll especially focus on the Alachua Seminole, their Chief Cowkeeper, and their importance to not just the region but to Florida's cattle culture overall.
We're back from our summer break with a conversation you don't want to miss. True friends are worth their weight in gold and our guest this week is one such individual. Jim Johnston seldom meets a stranger and has plenty of stories to share in his own right, but in this conversation we cover some fantastic stories and memories passed down by his dad, the late Elmo Johnston, and you won't find a much better encapsulation of our Old Florida heritage. Our topics range from Elmo's early days cow hunting to his transition into the earliest days of the sod business in Florida. From there, we also talk some Chalo Nitka history and get a highly entertaining glimpse into the early days of the Gladesmen culture and more. Tune in and get comfortable for a ride into parts of Florida's past that are fading fast.
As we roll further into June and the mercury climbs higher, Sam and I banter about the current state of the cattle business, recap some recent events in our life and around the state, and discuss many of the things that make summer in Florida a special time. We also touch on the Florida Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention and Allied Trade Show that kicks off next week. Tune in as we venture from the fence line to the coast line out here between the beaches.
Sit back and relax for the next half hour or so as we share some cowboy poetry focused on the cycles and rhythms of change and how perseverance and resilience will carry you through those transitions. It's a bit of a follow up to our last episode on the same topic, but the message is delivered as only cowboy poetry can do it.
After dealing with some family business prompted a lot of deep thinking, we decided to switch up from our originally planned episode this week to share some of those thoughts in a brief monologue while also paying tribute to a family member. Sorry to be a little late getting it pushed out the door, but we hope y'all enjoy it and pass it along to others.
Seth Carswell has a passion for custom design, craftsmanship, and legacy. As Florida's only custom boot maker, Seth's artistry, traditional technique, and commitment to detail are evident in every stitch of his boots. As a 3rd generation Floridian, his family background lies in timber production and he spent much of his younger years involved in that business or on the water, before turning to his passion for blending form, function, and legacy in leather goods. Nothing demonstrates this concept more than his alligator boots. Managing alligator populations through hunting programs on both public and private lands is an integral part of conservation here in the Sunshine State and Seth indirectly plays a small role in all this by crafting the tanned gator skins into beautiful boots that reflect his love of Florida. Join us in this conversation as we learn more about Seth's family the origins and future plans for Florida Boot Company.
Tune in this week for a special rebroadcast in honor of Mr. Gordie Peer and prepare to be amazed at the incredible life he lived. Before settling down in Florida as a working cowboy, Gordie had been a rodeo specialty act performer, Hollywood stuntman, and so much more. Don't miss his amazing stories!
Since its inception in 1993, the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee has remained dedicated to preserving Florida's cow culture as well as its Cow Hunter and Cracker heritage. In addition to organizing and executing countless cattle drives and trail rides, the FCCPC works tirelessly to celebrate the unique and foundational role that cattle have played throughout Florida's history while actively promoting Florida's rich heritage as a cattle state to a global audience. Jim McAlister, secretary for the FCCPC, joins us on the podcast this week to discuss the history of the committee's work, the upcoming 2026 Great Florida Cattle Drive, and we close out with a little central Florida cracker history.
Click here for more info on the 2026 Cattle Drive
Email: greatfloridacattledrives@gmail.com
Florida's role in the War Between the States is easily and often overlooked. She was third behind South Carolina and Mississippi to secede from the Union. While the battles fought on her soil never rose to the level of those farther north in the main theater of war, Florida's supply and defensive roles were critical to the Southern cause. As easily as these facts are forgotten, so too can brave and honorable men be forgotten if we allow them to be. One such man is Captain John Jackson Dickison, the Swamp Fox of the Confederacy. Tune in this week to learn more about this remarkable man and brilliant military strategist.
Florida is full of fascinating stories and people that can only be found when you get off the beaten path, leave the coastlines behind, and get out in the rural backcountry that makes our state so special. It's this "other land" where you'll find hidden gems like Sugar and Spice Farms, a multi-generational glades family who care deeply about Florida, farming, and their community. To that end, they've invested in continued traditional farming operations while having a vision for the future to expand their sugar cane into production of Otherland Society premium rum in a way that seeks to revitalize western Palm Beach County. Join us for a look back into the rich history of the glades region, the communities lying on the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee, and the families vested in sharing the beauty of the places and people they love.
Trains have long played a significant role in shaping the face of Florida dating back to when Henry Flagler laid the first tracks. Today, it feels like agriculture and much of our old Florida culture is tied to those tracks staring into the lights of a metaphorical runaway train of growth and development. In this episode, we look at some of the cultural events we've done in the first quarter of this year seeking to promote and preserve our heritage as well as discussing the pressures farming and ranching are facing throughout Florida during this era of rapid and explosive change.
This week we sit down with James Johnston to explore the rich Celtic herding heritage that helped shape Florida's foundation and still helps forge her future. We also cover the new knowledge Jamesie gained about Florida this week as he spent several days with us exploring what lies Between The Beaches from the ranch down to the lower Everglades. Additionally, he shares his background on his endeavors plus we draw comparisons between Florida and Scotland environmentally, politically, and more. It's a wide ranging conversation but one that revolves around protecting your culture, your heritage, and your resources.
This week's episode offers a glimpse back in time to turn of the century Florida living with all of its challenges and simple joys. Special thanks to Mr. Phil Redditt for sharing his family's story with us. Things weren't always easy, but there was always a strong sense of community and a respect for the land. These are our roots and what built Florida. Hope y'all enjoy the history.
In spite of hurricanes, high prices, and other challenges, these days everyone seems to be in love with the Sunshine State because they keep flocking in here like moths to the flame. But there's a big difference between lust or fake love and a deep, abiding love. On this week's episode, we feature essays by various conservationists from across Florida describing their love and appreciation for her. So many different perspectives, yet so many common themes as well that all combine to paint a vivid picture of real Florida.
A lot of our conversations and interviews on this podcast revolve around the elder generation sharing their history and heritage in Florida, but this week we're turning to the younger generation to get their outlook and thoughts on our beautiful state. Mary-Margaret Hardee is a 7th generation Floridian who's passionate about Florida agriculture and sharing the lesser known stories of the women involved in it. Join us for a conversation covering her family heritage, her work on the podcast, and much more!
NOTE: While we didn't necessarily intend to start the year with a rebroadcast, we couldn't pass on the opportunity to share this insightful conversation with Mr. Jerry Lee "Ham" Brown from back in March 2023. Ham probably knew and forgot more about horses than most people will ever learn and he shared some great stories in this episode of the podcast. Ham passed away this past week so we felt it only fitting to bring this episode out of the vault to share with everyone. We hope y'all enjoy it.
Within the ranching community and performance horse circles, the name Ham Brown is synonymous with high quality horses filled with a whole lot of cow sense. His family first settled in Florida back in the 1800's so his roots run quite deep in Osceola County. In this episode, we touch on his early days working cattle across the state, his career in the cutting horse circuit, and plenty other memories of a Florida that's quickly disappearing.
The Walker family were some of the earliest pioneers into the Lower Kissimmee River Valley and generations later they remain a foundational fixture in the Okeechobee community serving the needs of livestock producers in the area and across the state while also giving back to students via their support of youth programs like the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show. In this week's episode, we sit down with Steve Walker to talk about the family's heritage in Florida and learn the backstory of how W&W Supply of Florida and the Emory Walker Company were built through his dad's resilience coupled with his ability to forge strong and lasting relationships with people. These traits lie at the heart of the Florida so many of us know and love. It's am engaging conversation you're sure to enjoy.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has a lengthy heritage with professional rodeo. The names of tribal members who've competed across the country at the highest levels is too exhaustive to list here, and some like Marty Johns and his family have both competed within the arena as well as provided the high quality livestock athletes that are an integral part of the sport. As the National Finals Rodeo kicks off, this week was the perfect time to look back on all this rich history we have in Florida and what's in store for the future. It's an insightful conversation and we hope y'all enjoy it as much as we did!
Join us this week as we enjoy a candid discussion with Dr. Mark Kistler, center director and professor at the University of Florida's Indian River Research and Education Center. Dr. Kistler shares his extensive background, the long history of IRREC, and how they're taking extensive strategic planning steps to make sure the center continues to provide Florida agriculture with the scientific support it needs to thrive in the future.
Technically, this is a rebroadcast but it's as timely now as it was 3 years ago and we did a fair bit of editing to update our sponsors so it's running as a new episode. In this episode, we take a really deep dive into history to reveal a lot of facts that most folks overlook or ignore when it comes to Halloween. The origins of this celebration were anything but evil or satanic in their infancy as we seek to explain in this conversation. Our hope is that you'll leave this episode with a few laughs, a broader view of the world, and some knowledge to share with your family and friends.
Most everyone we know seems to be carrying a heavy load right now and we're all suffering from election fatigue at this point so why not tune it all out for a brief time? Join us out on the ranch under wide skies as we take a minute to relax and enjoy these classic poems.
As we continue to work through the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we're using Joe Akerman Jr's book "Florida Cowman" to travel back in time to the days of open range frontier life in Florida when cattle roamed open range and there were no warnings or forecasts for tropical systems. Additionally, we get a glimpse into how cattlemen built their herds and handled the ever-present threat of numerous predators.
With a slight deviation from our normal formatting, this episode carries the Explicit warning for language that may not be suitable for all audiences as the initial emergency response crew from the Florida Cattlemen's Association gathers around camp to wind down after a long day in the field. We discuss the importance of assisting fellow cattlemen and farmers in the wake of devastating hurricanes, how the general public can help via donations to the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation, all while sprinkling in a lot of laughs and borderline inappropriate humor as first responders so often do as a coping mechanism for the stress encountered. Our hope is that it provides everyone with a shining example of community being there for each other and demonstrates how food supplies can be tremendously impacted by these natural disasters.
Travis Thompson cares deeply about Florida which lead him to creating allfla.org built on a foundation of grassroots conservationists showing up daily to protect Florida and her wild places. There can be no doubt that sportsmen and ranchers have more in common than those things which separate their identities and at that the top of that list is a desire to use good stewardship over our resources. In this conversation, we cover topics ranging from the imminent 2024 duck season to Florida's unfettered growth and how Amendment 2 on the ballot ties into that issue, before closing out with a synopsis of All Florida and some outdoor memories that we share with all of you. It's candid conversation that covered serious political issues we face as well as some old fashioned nostalgia so you don't want to miss it. Most of all, please be sure to carry the message forward and share it with everyone you know. #Conservation #LoyalToTheLand #YesOn2
In Part One, we covered Florida's land boom of the 1920's and its subsequent crash. Here in Part Two, we'll be looking at some of the unexpected and unintended ramifications of urbanizing the southeast coast in Broward and Dade counties that manifested with the Flood of 1947 when 5 million acres of land from Lake Okeechobee down to Miami lay submerged for half the year and then we also examine how people refuse to learn from their mistakes as a second land boom erupts in the 1960's. Every bit of this overlooked past serves up important lessons; lessons that go largely unheeded leading to mistakes being repeated. We hope you'll listen and share this episode with others so that all of us here in Florida can do better.
Florida has known more than its fair share of speculators, swindlers, suckers, con artists, and outright thieves all seeking to make their fortune with land. The boom we're currently experiencing has happened before, and we've actually covered it in prior episodes, but this week we're looking at it from a slightly different angle and in much greater detail. We begin with the Big Boom and bust of the roaring twenties in Part One and next week we'll examine the Flood of 1947 and subsequent second land boom following WWII and the Korean War. There's plenty of lessons to be taken from all of these events, but unfortunately too many people refuse to learn from history and heed the warning signs.
The vast majority of people grossly underestimate the intricacies of growing produce to feed our nation as well as the significance of agriculture as a national security issue. On this week's episode, we spend time with 2023 Florida Farmer of the Year Wade Purvis having a conversation that provides in-depth insight into growing row crops in South Florida. We dig deep into the process of growing a crop from pre-planting decision making to harvest and beyond. We take you behind the scenes to evaluate the various calculations and risk management decisions that are taken into account along with the national and international variables that can impact the bottom line. And there's the weather yet to be contemplated! Additionally, we delve into development, trade, labor, technological, and other issues that are putting ever increasing pressure on farmers in the Sunshine State. You're sure to learn a lot from this conversation so tune in and prepare to gain a whole new appreciation for those who help put fresh produce on our tables.
In this episode, we're taking a look back at articles and stories that were featured in the Florida Cattleman Magazine many years ago. The heritage of our cattle culture has oftentimes been encapsulated in the pages of this magazine provided as a service to the membership of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and back issues are now archived within the University of Florida libraries available for everyone to enjoy. This week we look at a story on "Uncle Ab" Wright, another on banking and the cattle business, then we wrap up with an IFAS article on Maiden Cane which helps illustrate the symbiotic balance of having cattle on Florida's landscape.
For those who wish to dig deeper into the archived editions of the Florida Cattleman Magazine, you may access the digital copies at https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/floridacattleman
JB Ranch is situated in Collier County in the remote reaches of southwest Florida. The ranch is a stunning mosaic of hardwood hammocks, prairies, cypress domes, pine flat-woods, and more. It's steeped in history and the family has made dedicated efforts to protect a special piece of Florida while maintaining diverse yet sustainable agricultural operations. Liesa has been a staunch advocate for Florida serving in leadership roles for the Florida Cattlemen's Association and as a board member for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Listen in as she explains her family's history in the region, their conservation efforts, and ongoing endeavors to maintain cattle grazing in harmony with the existing wildlife within the region.
Join us this week as we cover several chapters and excerpts regarding the devastating 1928 Hurricane from Lawrence E. Will's book "Okeechobee Hurricane." Eyewitness accounts reveal the horror and destruction in the glades area that left an indelible mark on that region and our state as a whole.
If you wanted to know what it's like to hang out under a shade tree in Florida's summer heat surrounded by cows, this week's episode will put you as close to the real experience as possible. Tune in for some great cowboy poetry coupled with bawling of calves as cows call out for them atop an ancient midden mound where the indigenous Belle Glade culture once thrived. Hope y'all enjoy the entertainment!
As we celebrate our nation's birth and independence this week, we take a look back at the role Florida played in those fateful days even before she was fully a state. There's much more here to uncover than most would expect so sit back and enjoy some old history from the Great State of Florida.
NOTE: this is a rebroadcast of an episode orignally published in 2022. It's one that we feel represents some of the best of old Florida out here Between The Beaches and hope that you'll enjoy it while we work on some updates for the show this week.
Mike Micco comes from a line of elders deeply committed to the Brighton Community and the Seminole culture. After years of mentoring with his family learning the art of cooking from his mom and wood carving from his dad then enduring much personal tragedy during the Covid era, Mike is now filling the important role of teaching these traditional Seminole arts to the next generation. Join us under the chickee for some great conversation and reflection on Seminole life.
As we prepare to venture to Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands region for the annual Florida Cattlemen's Association Convention and Allied Trade Show, we wanted to take a trip back in time to get a rare first person look at what that part of Florida was like before civilization had fully reached it. Such accounts of early Florida history are few and far between so this abbreviated autobiography is a real treasure. First featured in the American Eagle, Estero FL 1926, it was reprinted and featured as an appendix in the book "Totch: A Life In The Everglades" which is a must-read on its own merits. We hope you enjoy this look at pioneer Florida.
One of the recent exhibitions at the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery focused on the connection between Bean and one of his collectors, journalist W.M. Kiplinger. Not only did the exhibit feature splendid paintings, but it also featured numerous letters of correspondence from Kiplinger to Backus as well as other artists under his tutelage including Alfred Hair and other members of the Highwaymen. The exhibit in its entirety provided a unique glimpse into the Indian River region of Florida just as the state experienced rapid change. Though many people experienced the exhibit firsthand, I felt it was worthy of being shared with an even broader audience even if it was auditory rather than visual. It's an entertaining and uplifting look at simpler times in Florida.
From his time working on the ranch in Pasco County to leading the Florida Cattlemen's Association and beyond, Larry Barthle has made significant contributions to Florida and our cattle heritage. Join us this week for a conversation reflecting on the early history of Pasco on to the rapid growth and change agriculture in the county is experiencing now.
In the first part of our interview with Sean Sexton, we covered his family's cattle history and many other ancillary contributions to Indian River County. This week in Part 2 we get an intimate look into his daily life as he shares excerpts from his personal journals, we share our thoughts on poetry and painting and how those pursuits are intertwined with our ranching lifestyle. It's an earnest exchange that ranges from simple reminiscences of events we've shared together like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering to deeper reflections on the importance of using our skills and talents to share the story of Florida ranching.
In the first part of our interview with Sean Sexton, we covered his family's cattle history and many other ancillary contributions to Indian River County. This week in Part 2 we get an intimate look into his daily life as he shares excerpts from his personal journals, we share our thoughts on poetry and painting and how those pursuits are intertwined with our ranching lifestyle. It's an earnest exchange that ranges from simple reminiscences of events we've shared together like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering to deeper reflections on the importance of using our skills and talents with pen and brush to share the story of Florida ranching.
The Sexton family has an incredible legacy in Indian River County and have made lasting agricultural contributions that have carried over into so many other aspects of the community that it would be hard to list them all. The positive impacts they've made extend from the fence lines of their Treasure Hammock Ranch east to the coastline of the Atlantic and in this episode we cover the historical timeline of how that came to pass. We had hoped to get in the history along with some cowboy poetry and art discussion in one sitting but it was simply too much material so this is part one of our conversation that you'll not want to miss.
On this week's episode we delve into some origin stories of some major Florida landmarks and also cover a couple of odd tidbits that are part off our state's intriguing history. From the Seminole story of how Lake Okeechobee came to exist to how the U.S. Army resorted to using Cuban bloodhounds in the Second Seminole War, you're in for an entertaining trip into Florida's past.
Travel in the early days of Florida was tough at best. Much of the state was underwater for a majority of the year which meant travel by waterways or horseback was most efficient. Roadways and transportation infrastructure blew the state wide open leading it to be the mega-state powerhouse that it is today. This week we take a look at some of those historic roads from territorial Florida on up to the modern systems inlace today.
Ardis Hammock is an integral part of Frierson Family Farm and the Florida agricultural community. Located immediately adjacent to the southern boundary of Lake Okeechobee for well over 100 years, her family shares a deep legacy in South Florida and has a history of service to not only agriculture, but to their surrounding communities as well. Join us for a conversation that elaborates on that rich heritage including how they survived the devastation of the 1926 and 1928 hurricanes, rebuilt, and continue thriving today. Additionally, we discuss how Lake Okeechobee and the surrounding agricultural operations are constantly and wrongfully targeted for water quality problems when they're truly part of the solutions, and then we close out by looking at the importance of food production as a matter of national security.
It may come as quite a surprise to many while being common knowledge to others, Tallahassee owns a very interesting and rather sordid past. It has flirted with famed Americans and infamous Floridians throughout the years and this week's episode highlights two such examples filled with overlapping themes and commonly shared circumstances. Tune in and learn something you may not have known or rekindle a long forgotten nugget of knowledge that has long slipped your mind.
Dusty Holley is a man with many talents and a diverse knowledge base that allows him to be equally at home in a board room or sitting on a board in a set of cow pens. Aside from being the Director of Field Services for the Florida Cattlemen's Association, he's a great storyteller with extensive family roots in our state's cow culture. Dusty set aside some time from his busy schedule to share that family history, part of which relates directly to the infamous Barber-Mizell Feud, and a good deal of general Florida history gleaned through various family accounts. Trust me when I say you don't want to miss the historical accounts captured in this conversation.
Join us for a rebroadcast of this episode that takes a deeper historical look into the origins and development of the Florida rancher's favorite working partner, the cur dog or Florida cow dog. Suffice to say that when our ancestors sailed across the Atlantic to settle in North America, they brought not only livestock, but also a very essential tool for handling those animals.
After making it through a very successful art show and finding the time to solve our technical issues with our recording device, we're back with some fresh material for the show. Sam and I took time to select and read a few chapters from a book on obscure Florida history. We then had some lively discussion about observations we had on those selections and how here in Florida, even when you think something is changing it quite often really hasn't.
Going back to the early 1820's, the Davis family has a long legacy in Florida and our cowhunter culture. Billy Davis has worked cows far and wide across the state and is the president of the Florida Cracker Horse Association so you'd be hard-pressed to find folks in the cattle business who don't know him. He's equally notorious as a prankster and storyteller with a true passion for Old Florida and our ranching heritage. As if all that wasn't enough to solidify his reputation, he's become a sought after spur maker forging the quintessential tools of the trade from scratch. In short, you might say that Billy Davis is a beloved character out here in Florida's cow country; nothing short of a folk treasure for us all and you're sure to enjoy this week's episode.
We're off to the races with meetings and festival preparation here in January. This week is pretty simple; we reflect on some of those activities before serving up a handful of poems focused on Florida and our cooler, wetter winter.
Fritz Brewer has spent a lot of years horseback seeing everything from livestock on Florida's open prairies and marsh lands to those performing as athletes in rodeo arenas across our state and country. In this episode, we reflect on his many experiences and the change he's witnessed both in and out of the arena. You'll hear plenty of Florida history and an insider's look at pro-rodeo that you're sure to enjoy so kick back and enjoy the ride with us!
It's the beginning of a new year and Season 5 of Between The Beaches Podcast, but how's that "New year, New me" thing going for Florida? Not so well. We're still staring down the same major problems that have been plaguing our state for the past few decades and they're only getting worse. Certainly not all, but most of Florida's leadership seems to be intent on securing short term gain while turning a blind eye to the devastating long term implications for our future. Unrestrained growth and poor water quality are slowly killing our state's natural systems and the biggest question every citizen should be asking is "who's going to stand up for Florida?"
The communities around Lake Okeechobee know Billy Dean quite well after his 21 years on the air at WOKC with Glades Media Group, but not everyone knows the backstory of his early years and family legacy in Southwest Florida. In this episode, we look back at his agricultural roots, share stories about growing up in rural Florida and daily sporting pursuits, and then transition into a discussion about small-town life in Florida and the important community services and the personal touch that local radio provides. It's a nostalgic look at simpler times, and a candid look behind the scenes at broadcast media that everyone is sure to enjoy.
As we enter the last month of the year and the season when our hearts are full of gratitude, join us as we run down our list of favorite, local charitable organizations that make an impact here in the South Florida region. If you're like us, you like seeing your donations support local, grassroots groups that aren't bloated and top heavy. Whether you choose to donate to these groups, get involved volunteering with them, or simply spread the word about them we feel they're deserving of the attention. Hope y'all enjoy learning about them in this episode!
Waterfowl hunting is a longstanding Southern tradition and offers a great example of the benefits that can be had from well managed public lands and especially on privately owned agricultural lands which are a haven for wildlife of all types. As the first split of the 2023 waterfowl season in Florida has concluded, it seemed like the perfect time to gather up some of our extended family for an informal chat covering all things duck hunting in Florida and Arkansas, camaraderie, and conservation. If you want to feel like you're gathered around the table or fireside with friends, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
Note: This is a rebroadcast from Season 1 of the show that covers a pivotal period of time in Florida's cattle industry. Brucellosis, a devastating bacterial disease, wreaked havoc on the Florida cattle industry for many years until a federal eradication program was instituted. On this episode, we discuss the history of the program in Florida and hear firsthand accounts from Linda Crane and Evelyn Tiencken, two ladies who served as field technicians in the fight against this costly disease. Most importantly, these two ladies used their natural grit and grace to navigate what was widely considered a man's domain winning over the respect, trust, and admiration of the cattlemen in the process paving the way for a successful eradication outcome.
This week we're offering up a special cross-promotion by sharing Florida Farm Bureau Federation's podcast, Rural Recharge. Sam and I joined President Jeb Smith as guests for episode 9 and many of you may have already heard this on their platform, but we thought this was a great way for non-members of Farm Bureau to find another informative ag related podcast. Hope y'all enjoy it and be sure to subscribe to the Rural Recharge podcast wherever you stream yours.
It's been a wild October and with Halloween closing in on us this seemed like the perfect time to collaborate with our friend in Glasgow, Mr. Àdhamh Ó Broin, to cover some of our heritage and a poem featuring a ghost story. Join us this week for a special presentation of Robert Burns' classic Tam O' Shanter.
To purchase a chance (or numerous chances) to win an original Brad Phares oil painting benefiting the charitable organization, Dòrlach, as mentioned in this episode please follow the link here
Jeb Smith is a fifth generation farmer and current Florida Farm Bureau President. His family has deep roots in Hastings, Florida located in St. Johns County and a legacy of leadership locally and throughout Florida. In this episode, we discuss his family's legacy, early memories of St. Johns County, the challenges facing agriculture as our state's population swells, and his long history with Farm Bureau.
On a side note, I reversed roles and stepped in as a guest with Jeb on Farm Bureau's podcast, Rural Recharge, and we'll be sharing that segment in the future. Y'all be sure to look for it on November 3rd, and be sure to subscribe to their podcast!
Commitments relative to my art work have held me captive the last 10 days or so. That means I haven't had time for interviews or much of anything else to be honest. Given those circumstances and the fact we're shifting from summer to fall here in Florida, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to view life's various transitions through the lens of some cowboy poetry. Hope y'all enjoy the readings.
This week we journey back to Florida's Indian River region in the early 1900's thanks to a quaint paperback publication titled "Oslo" which was written by Arnold Helseth. Aside from chronicling his ancestors' amazing American journey, it provides vivid and valuable insight into our Florida heritage, especially in present day southern Indian River County and Northern St. Lucie County.
Florida's 2023 tropical weather has ramped up as we find ourselves in the peak of hurricane season so the timing couldn't be more appropriate to reflect on our state's history with September storms. As clean up efforts from Idalia continue in North Florida, we take a look back at the disastrous 1926 Hurricane which forevermore changed Florida's trajectory financially and environmentally. This one tragic weather incident devastated the Glades region and altered Florida's course more than anyone at that time could have realized so join us for firsthand accounts of those fateful hours from survivors who bore witness to the devastation.
This Labor Day weekend will find Okeechobee abuzz with both locals and our urban coastal neighbors eager to take in yet another rodeo experience in one of Florida's iconic arenas - one of the few remaining outdoor, uncovered, and privately owned venues. It's a piece of Florida history and a solid slice of Americana. The rodeo is the largest fundraiser for the non-profit Okeechobee County Cattlemen's Association and it affords the association the ability to give back primarily to the youth of the community, but to others as well. The rodeo is held biannually - once in spring with The Speckled Perch Festival and again in September as the Pete Clemons Memorial Labor Day Rodeo. This week as Hurricane Idalia bears down on the Big Bend and North Florida, I sit down at the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Arena with fellow OCCA officers/board members to discuss our memories of growing up around the rodeo, how it's shaped us as leaders, and how it helps our community on so many levels.
Our good friend Clint Raulerson joins us this week to reflect on his adventures and growth that stemmed from cowboying in Kansas along with his return to Florida and the new chapters that lie ahead. In the process, we cover the importance of sharing our heritage with the public at large and then close out the show with a few new pieces of cowboy poetry in memory of Bill O'Grady, a fellow cowboy and kind soul who sadly passed on in a tragic horse wreck while working cattle recently.
NOTE: With archery season underway here in Florida for Zone A, it seemed like a great time to revisit this episode that was full of lively conversation and plenty of great perspective about wild Florida. If you've heard it previously, we hope you enjoy it just as much or more the second time around, and if this is your first time hearing it we think you're going to find plenty of useful information in here.
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If you ever wanted to feel like you were part of deer camp, this is the episode for you! We gathered together between the morning and evening hunts with the crew behind FLCamo to discuss the development of their products, their philosophy on the outdoors, and to hear some good ol hunting stories from the past. Don't miss this fun and interesting conversation!
Garrett Stuart, or Captain Planet as he's better known to loyal followers both young and old, has a diverse background in science and conservation. That education coupled with his Lakota and Scots background combine to provide a truly unique perspective on how we live with and treat our natural world. Garrett believes strongly in the importance of balancing the lessons and wisdom from our past with a focus on the unknown which still lies ahead of us, therefore he works diligently to educate for a sustainable planet for future generations to come. In this episode, Garrett and I begin with a discussion of his background and move forward to our mutual frustrations with those who are in the frequent habit of selling out our state for their own short term gain. More specific to the present, Garrett is beginning a series of monthly prayer walks to raise awareness over House Bill 1191, already approved by the legislature and awaiting Governor DeSantis' signature, which would allow Phosphogypsum waste to be used in Florida road construction. Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of phosphate mining that emits radioactive Radon gas and has been banned for the past 30 years. Remember the 2021 Piney Point disaster whereby Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency? That catastrophic event involved the same type of waste so why would we want to risk using it in our roadways? The almighty dollar and special interests are killing our state right before our eyes if we continue to allow it. Tune into the podcast for all of this discussion and much more, get involved in the prayer walk to raise awareness on this issue, and get engaged in standing up for Florida before we lose her for good.
In this episode, we share an interview conducted by Tampa Bay History in 1981 with Jay B. Starkey, Sr., Jay Starkey, Jr., and Frank Starkey. Representing 3 generations of Florida ranchers, they reflect on the early days of Pasco and Pinellas counties and bemoan the rampant development that seemed to be plaguing them at that time some 40 plus years ago. It's a tale of loving the natural landscape and a warning for what was to come; what we're facing now in Florida.
This week FCA executive vice president Jim Handley joins us to share a wealth of information about the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation, including it's history, an in-depth look at the many projects they've helped fund and bring to fruition, as well as some general history regarding FCA and his role there. We dig deep in our conversation for what amounts to a very informative discussion that you're sure to enjoy so don't miss it!
There is little doubt by now that America's story is one of immigrants finding opportunities and a fresh start, and the Florida frontier was a microcosm of that bold experiment. Our journey this week begins during the Second Spanish Occupation of Florida as we hear the exploits of Rob and Robbie Sistrunk's ancestors as they first arrive at present day Amelia Island from Scotland and then journey west to present day Levy County. Listen in and find out how our families intertwined in the North Florida backcountry during the early 1800's and then became interwoven again a couple hundred years later. Florida is growing fast, but the old families are still holding on and remain connected. Join us for a glimpse into that enthralling past and a current look at agriculture in Levy County today that you're sure to enjoy.
The Parlier family has been rooted in Central Florida for many years and they've established a solid reputation within Florida's alligator management system from their early days as nuisance trappers to becoming a vertically integrated farming and processing operation. Most recently, they've expanded their processing facility to include USDA inspected beef processing. Join us for this episode as we look back on their history and where they're headed in the future.
When Florida's citizens and tourists flock to coastal waters this weekend and over Independence Day early next week, they'll unwittingly be exposing themselves to human effluent. It can't be seen or touched, so nobody considers the problem or perils associated with it; however, the pathogenic bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and many other substances originating from septic tanks and other sub-standard wastewater infrastructure are ever-present in Florida's coastal estuaries Numerous independent, peer reviewed research projects utilizing forensic science are all coming into alignment to provide indisputable evidence that human waste pollution is widespread within Florida's waterways and is acting as the primary source, a superfood if you will, for harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Our guest this week, Mr. Terry Gibson, is the Florida Programs Lead for Deploy/US which is a bipartisan network of expertise focused on leadership in climate change policy. Terry walks us through the most recently published study in laymen's terms, discusses the positive political momentum that's building to help bring sustainable changes to Florida's wastewater infrastructure, and much more. This is an extremely insightful conversation that you don't want to miss and one that needs to reach as many ears and minds as possible so we hope you'll be sure to share it widely within your circle of friends and without.
At the height of the Spanish Empire, convoys of tall ships braved the seas hauling resources and treasure on transatlantic trade routes fraught with peril, especially during the summer months when hurricanes could develop without warning. In one of the worst maritime disasters ever recorded, the 1733 Hurricane descended upon part of Spain's West Indies Fleet led by the Capitana El Rubi Segundo ravaging the fleet against the Florida Reef paralleling the Florida Keys. This is her story; one that was lost until 1938 when she was rediscovered by a commercial fisherman.
Anyone who has ever skirted the west side of Miami trekking southward to Everglades National Park or the Florida Keys has undoubtedly heard about the infamous Robert Is Here fruit stand. Since their simple beginnings as a roadside produce stand in 1959, they've grown into a mainstay attraction in southeast Florida for thousands of fans. From locally grown produce and other farm fresh products to their notorious fruit milkshakes and more, they've got something for everyone including serving as a rehab/foster care facility for a variety of animals. If you're a regular customer, you might learn some lesser known facts from this podcast episode, and if you've never visited them before then this is sure to light a fire under your fanny to get by there and see them. On a recent trip home from Key West, I stopped by to visit with Brandon Moehling about his family's history and the future of Robert Is Here. We enjoyed a fast paced, casual conversation so I've gone ahead and added the "explicit" warning for anyone with sensitive ears and/or feelings.
Tucker Wise has taken various elements from his diverse background and combined them with his passion for Florida agriculture in order to use his voice as an instrument carrying the positive message of rural Florida to the metropolitan areas of our state. No pun intended, but Tucker is wise beyond his years and will be a valuable advocate for Old Florida for years to come. Tune in to hear more of his story.
This week finds me booked with speaking engagements for public school programs, work on commissioned art, and getting our bloodhound puppies ready to leave for their new homes so for now please enjoy this enlightening interview which originally aired back in 2020.
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Mr. J.C. Bass is a Korean War veteran, Silver Star recipient, lifelong cowman, and a true southern gentleman. Join us as he shares all the change he's experienced in 90 years of living in Basinger and surrounding areas of Okeechobee County.
Florida's ranching community recently lost a great champion with the passing of Mrs. Imogene Yarborough of Geneva, Florida. She was a lifelong advocate for beef and the preservation of our cow culture heritage so it seemed only fitting to share some cowgirl poetry dedicated to her memory. The poem selections chosen each spoke to her attributes in one way or another so I hope y'all enjoy this episode and if you feel so inclined, please look up the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation online and make a donation/contribution on her behalf.
Frederic Remington went down in history as a masterful artist, historian, and storyteller chronicling the lifestyle of the American cowboy. He is revered and beloved by many but that doesn't mean that he was without fault. In this episode, we examine and dissect his faulty assessment of Florida cowhunters and crackers in general.
Did you know that mechanical ice production first occurred in Florida? It all happened along the Gulf coast back in the mid 1800's thanks in large part to the pesky mosquitos and the diseases they transmit. Listen in to learn all the fascinating details behind this story and the invention of artificial ice. It's overlooked Florida history that altered not only life in the Sunshine State, but life worldwide as well.
Music Credits: "Southern Land" by Trent Willmon
Adam Steele is passionate about cooking, Florida, and conservation even if it's not necessarily in that order. Adam is a man of many talents and well-versed in many subjects so it's no small wonder that we forged a quick friendship. As someone who moved to Florida and fell in love with her natural beauty for what it is versus trying to change it and someone who uses his culinary skills as an outreach tool to educate both sportsmen and non-sportsmen alike regarding the benefits of resource conservation, I knew he'd make a great guest on the podcast. Two things I'm sure of: 1) you'll enjoy this conversation; and 2) it's going to make you hungry!
I recently turned up a copy of a newsletter from back in the mid 1980's, where my Granddaddy did an interview with the publication team from Cattlemen For Christ discussing his thoughts on the state of the beef industry at that time and where he thought it was headed in the future. As the ancient idiom from Ecclesiastes made clear, there is nothing new under the sun. Join us for a look at Granddaddy's prescient thoughts as we read through his Q & A session demonstrating just how true his predictions came to be across Florida and our nation as a whole in these current times.
For our annual St. Patrick's Day episode, we reflect upon cattle as the supreme source of wealth in Ancient Ireland and some of the many ways that those cultural influences came to bear on Florida.
Dropping a rebroadcast this week so we can revisit some heritage this week; hope y'all enjoy it...
Since our show is heavily focused on honoring our heritage and we're closing in on St. Patrick's Day, what better time than now to take a look at the origins of the Corned Beef and Cabbage meal? And while most of us knew that St. Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland but did you know that he was also a cowboy? We dig into the Rian Bó Phádraig (Track of St. Patrick's Cow) in the second half of this special episode that's sure to surprise and enlighten you.
Within the ranching community and performance horse circles, the name Ham Brown is synonymous with high quality horses filled with a whole lot of cow sense. His family first settled in Florida back in the 1800's so his roots run quite deep in Osceola County. In this episode, we touch on his early days working cattle across the state, his career in the cutting horse circuit, and plenty other memories of a Florida that's quickly disappearing.
For this episode we sit down with Jared Phares to discuss the history of the saddle, its advancement to the present day western saddle as we know it, and the back story on how Jared got started working with leather and evolved into saddle making.
To see more of Jared's work, please visit: www.allapattahsaddlery.com or look him up on Instagram
You may have seen the episode title and expected some discussion of the so-named tropical alcoholic concoctions, but do you know the historical origins of the aptly named drink and its ties to Florida? If not, tune in today to get the full backstory that's filled with charismatic characters, fast boats, and smuggling in Old Florida.
- Also, be sure to give a listen to our new intro music for the show "Southern Land" by our longtime friend, the multi-talented award winning singer/songwriter and producer Trent Willmon! Look him up on your favorite streaming platform and share it amongst your circle of friends and family.
There are those in Florida who pay lip service to conservation and then there are those individuals keenly committed to the cause through integrity and action. People like the guests on this week's episode. Mike Elfenbein is the chairman of the Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America and Nick Szabo is the founder of AguaCulture with a focus on restoring and maintaining an ecological balance between Florida's waterways and human activity which impacts them. In this week's conversation, we take a candid look at the many positive things happening for water quality and conservation in Florida as well as the roadblocks and red tape which repetitively hinder long term momentum and lasting solutions.
Welcome to Season 4 and we're kicking things off with some poetry from the pasture! In this episode, I chose to share six of Baxter Black's poems to remember him and celebrate what would've been his 78th birthday. He was a fine human, a clever writer with a gift for capturing humor in nearly every situation, and we lost him far too soon. Hope y'all enjoy these selections and that they add a laugh or two in your day.
REBROADCAST
In our Christmas episode, we reflect back on Christmas memories and family traditions spanning the generations including cutting our own trees from the Florida scrub before there were nearly so many people and so much less scrub country. We sprinkle in a bit of cowboy poetry including arguably the most widely known Christmas poem in the cowboy poetry genre recited by our friend of the show, Mr. Red Steagall.
Brighto, Florida was once poised to become a mega power city on the Florida peninsula, but a series of events and circumstances derailed those plans and the dreams of both millionaires and regular folks alike. In this episode, we dig into the backstory of the men behind those plans for greatness, look at their implementation, and bear witness to what crushed it all. It's another piece of Florida's past that's easily overlooked so listen and learn more about the parts of Florida lying between the beaches.
If you enjoy good ole Florida cowhunting stories then this episode is one you don't want to miss. Having not only served his country in the Vietnam War, Mr. Leon Myers spent years working cattle across South-Central Florida for numerous ranches. He's got many a story to share, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. To paraphrase an old Irish proverb, "a family of Celtic birth will argue and fight, but let a shout come from without, and see them all unite." Such has been the case within my family and many others... Ranching in Florida has never been for the faint of heart. Mr. Myers has born witness to the tough times and shares some of his re3collections in this conversation.
In spite of many challenges, we have much to be thankful for here in Florida. In this episode, Sam lends some perspective on the issues facing many of our state's farmers as well as the way they continue to meet those challenges before we close the show with a short Thanksgiving story first shared many years ago by Paul Harvey.
Episode 117 serves up some cowboy poetry focused on finding the underlying, essential value in the world around us from both the male and female perspective. You'll hear some of Brad's own poetry as well as some poems from Wallace McRae and Barney Nelson that all serve to shift focus to things of intrinsic worth.
NOTE: With everyone focused on the impending landfall of Tropical Storm NIcole on Florida's east coast, we opted to share a previously aired episode this week. This episode first aired in September 2021.
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In light of the rampant wildfires ravaging the western U.S., this week's episode offers a look at the origins of controlled burns, it's predominance in the Southeast, and the important role it plays in land management.
Will Adams is widely known throughout Florida for his line of cow dogs and how well they work cattle, but not so many know that he spent a fair bit of time training bloodhounds as well. In this week's episode, we compare and contrast those two breeds, share some cow hunting memories, and discuss some quality horse lines that excelled both in the arena and out on the range. It's a wide ranging conversation that's sure to be interesting as well as entertaining.
In the days after Hurricane Ian, we discuss many of the pending consequences that are yet to emerge and most people will misunderstand without viewing them through the proper lens, and in the second half of the show we discuss the importance of sharing your personal story with your urban neighbors to help expand their perspective.
This is a special episode airing commercial/sponsor free in collabopration with Travis Thompson and the Cast and Blast Florida Podcast. This episode highlights Florida's spirit, the resilience of her people, and all that makes our beautiful state great.
If you ever wanted to feel like you were part of deer camp, this is the episode for you! We gathered together between the morning and evening hunts with the crew behind FLCamo to discuss the development of their products, their philosophy on the outdoors, and to hear some good ol hunting stories from the past. Don't miss this fun and interesting conversation!
If you ever wanted to feel like you were part of deer camp, this is the episode for you! We gathered together between the morning and evening hunts with the crew behind FLCamo to discuss the development of their products, their philosophy on the outdoors, and to hear some good ol hunting stories from the past. Don't miss this fun and interesting conversation!
September 2022 seems to have brought stress to many across Florida, but it also brings ushers in the fall season. Sam and I discuss the simple and subtle ways fall is found in our state, the nostalgia associated with the fall seasons of our childhood versus the over-commercialization so prevalent in society today, and much more. There's some lighthearted laughs and some serious discussion about what Florida agriculture is facing in the months ahead.
September 2022 seems to have brought stress to many across Florida, but it also brings ushers in the fall season. Sam and I discuss the simple and subtle ways fall is found in our state, the nostalgia associated with the fall seasons of our childhood versus the over-commercialization so prevalent in society today, and much more. There's some lighthearted laughs and some serious discussion about what Florida agriculture is facing in the months ahead.
Note: From time to time, we re-air popular or important topics. This episode was first released in March 2021. If you're hearing it for the first time, we hope you enjoy it and for those listeners hearing it again we hope you find something new that you may have missed the first time around.
As one of the earliest pioneer families to settle in the lower Kissimmee River Valley, the Boney family has a lengthy cattle herding history in the area. Boosty Boney is a virtual walking encyclopedia of ranching history relative to the region so join us as he and Elton Boney share a ton of old Florida ranching stories and eye-opening historical context about subjects such as grazing cattle along the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee marsh, history of Lykes Brothers, the Brighton Seminole Reservation, origins of the Chalo Nitka Ranch Rodeo, and so much more.
Note: From time to time, we re-air popular or important topics. This episode was first released in March 2021. If you're hearing it for the first time, we hope you enjoy it and for those listeners hearing it again we hope you find something new that you may have missed the first time around.
As one of the earliest pioneer families to settle in the lower Kissimmee River Valley, the Boney family has a lengthy cattle herding history in the area. Boosty Boney is a virtual walking encyclopedia of ranching history relative to the region so join us as he and Elton Boney share a ton of old Florida ranching stories and eye-opening historical context about subjects such as grazing cattle along the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee marsh, history of Lykes Brothers, the Brighton Seminole Reservation, origins of the Chalo Nitka Ranch Rodeo, and so much more.
From American patriot to an East Florida Ranger for Britain, Col. Daniel McGirth played both sides of the American Revolution while amassing riches and building a fortune for himself. In this week's episode, we explore this intriguing slice of Florida and American history.
From American patriot to an East Florida Ranger for Britain, Col. Daniel McGirth played both sides of the American Revolution while amassing riches and building a fortune for himself. In this week's episode, we explore this intriguing slice of Florida and American history.
Reba Mazak has ranching roots 5 generations deep and a passion for Florida that she carries throughout the United States in her leadership role as the president for ANCW. She's carrying on a wonderful family legacy of advocacy for beef here in Florida and during this episode we discuss all that and reflect upon her family's history in Central Florida.
Reba Mazak has ranching roots 5 generations deep and a passion for Florida that she carries throughout the United States in her leadership role as the president for ANCW. She's carrying on a wonderful family legacy of advocacy for beef here in Florida and during this episode we discuss all that and reflect upon her family's history in Central Florida.
No lazy summer days here. We've been in high gear for most of it and the last couple of weeks have been no exception. From shipping calves to time on the lake with friends; welcoming bloodhound puppies to bringing some beautiful public art to our community, we cover it all in this episode.
Grab a seat, relax, and escape the daily grind while listening to the sounds of a summer day on a Florida ranch as I share some cowboy poetry with powerful messages from Red Steagall and Baxter Black.
If you enjoy the beauty of Old Florida, her North Central Gulf coast up through the Big Bend, saltwater recreation, and great food found in small local joints, then join us for a recap of our first experience scalloping on Florida's Gulf Coast and much more.
If you enjoy the beauty of Old Florida, her North Central Gulf coast up through the Big Bend, saltwater recreation, and great food found in small local joints, then join us for a recap of our first experience scalloping on Florida's Gulf Coast and much more.
Shortly after the start of the Second Seminole War, a raiding party launched an attack on the Cape Florida lighthouse on Key Biscayne. In this episode, we delve into the background events leading up to the Second Seminole War and the raid on Cape Florida itself.
The importance of the arts to rural communities is often overlooked and under appreciated. Okeechobee has quickly become a shining example of how the arts can be used as a tool to showcase the lifestyle and character of rural communities thanks to the dedicated work of Okeechobee Mainstreet's Arts and Culture Alliance. As we close in on the installation and dedication of a sensational new sculpture project that will highlight Okeechobee's lengthy cattle heritage, it seemed like the perfect time for an in depth conversation on these topics with Bridgette Waldau, Arts and Culture Alliance Director.
Nothing terribly fancy this week, just an escape from the daily grind with some vivid poetry focused on family, friends, and Florida. Hope y'all enjoy it!
With three decades of research focused on the effects of land-based nutrient pollution on water quality, both here in Florida and globally, Dr. Brian Lapointe is an internationally respected expert and author of over 90 publications in the field of algal physiology, biochemistry, and ecology. In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation about Dr. Lapointe's findings regarding the main causes of Florida's water quality issues, how our state is a microcosm of the global crisis we all face if nothing is done. It's an exhaustive and comprehensive discussion of the topic and one not to be missed.
Mike Micco comes from a line of elders deeply committed to the Brighton Community and the Seminole culture. After years of mentoring with his family learning the art of cooking from his mom and wood carving from his dad then enduring much personal tragedy during the Covid era, Mike is now filling the important role of teaching these traditional Seminole arts to the next generation. Join us under the chickee for some great conversation and reflection on Seminole life.
This week we take a look at the highly strategic and covert way in which Walt Disney set about creating his second amusement park, Walt Disney World in the heart of Central Florida. We then weigh in with personal thoughts on the good and the bad that has resulted from that fateful transaction with it's long-lasting impacts upon the physical and political landscape of Florida.
This week we hit the 100th Episode milestone and to mark the occasion we share a history lesson about one of the biggest scourges to ever impact Florida cattlemen - the deadly screw-worm. Listen to firsthand accounts from Nancy Pearce Phares and Jeanette Peeples as they recall childhood stories from the 1950's helping their families deal with these deadly flies and screw-worm larvae on Florida's prairies and cattle country.
Much of Florida's history has been dominated by land booms followed by subsequent busts. In this week's episode, we dig into the story of Fellsmere namesake and founder, Nelson Fell's overzealous plan to drain 118,000 acres at the headwaters of the St. John's River in the early 1900's. There are many lessons to be learned from this ill-fated and failed endeavor that are as relevant in today's frenetic real estate cycle as they were at the turn of the century.
Very few people can rival Mike Elfenbein's commitment to preserving and protecting the Great State of Florida and her remaining wild places. Mike is a treasured friend and has been on the podcast a few times now to discuss the AguaCulture pilot project, but in this episode we keep the focus on Mike's backstory and the many ways he works selflessly to preserve wild Florida.
After last week's lengthy, deep dive into water quality, an episode full of pure entertainment was in order. However, it's been a bit too windy for another session of "poetry from the pasture" so Sam offered to sit in with me so we could share a few selected works from cowboy and cowgirl poets across the U.S. Hope y'all enjoy these works and that they offer a bit of an escape from your daily grind.
In Season 1 of Between The Beaches Podcast, Episode 35 introduced listeners to an innovative pilot project for nutrient and aquatic vegetation removal from Lake Okeechobee sponsored by FWC. After successfully, running the gauntlet of Florida politics, AguaCulture's project is well underway. Join our conversation ranging from the origins of the project to progress updates and answers for many of the questions or concerns raised along the journey.
In this episode, we take a look at the often overlooked parallels between Scottish settlers and Seminoles in the Southeast during the early years of American history as well as how those numerous commonalities influenced Seminole clothing and fashion. In the second half of the show, we discuss interior backcountry Florida's enduring beauty as seen through the eyes of non-residents.
April is Scottish-American Heritage Month and April 6th is National Tartan Day so this week we revisit a Scottish-American citizen who changed the face of Florida's cattle culture by originating the cattle trade with Cuba.
This week we sit down with my mom and expand on some earlier topics from Episode 28 taking a more in depth look at her memories as a young girl cowhunting at the ranch and cooking meals with her mother and grandmother. In the process, she provides a glimpse into what the area looked like in a simpler time with less people and development in South Central Florida.
Our show focuses heavily on honoring our heritage and since we're closing in on St. Patrick's Day, what better time than now to take a look at things like the origins of the Corned Beef and Cabbage meal and the fact that St. Patrick apparently was also a cowboy. We dig into the Rian Bó Phádraig (Track of St. Patrick's Cow) in the second half of this special episode that's sure to expand your understanding of Irish history and the important role cattle played within it.
A look at how current events and new tech gear have both combined to impact our workflow the past 2-3 weeks and in the second half of the show we share some inexplicable and eerie Old Florida lore.
Join us for coverage of the second running of the Beef. It's What's For Dinner 300 part of the Xfinity Series. We begin with sharing some Florida history and racing heritage in a conversation from the Beef Suite trackside with my wife and her dad, Ronnie Rucks. Then we shift gears and share some thoughts from Florida cattle producer, past FCA and NCBA President Marty Smith and from Oklahoma cattleman and former chairman of the Federation of State Beef Councils, Clay Burtrum as the cars roar below us while passing the Beef Suite. And finally, we close out the show talking with DeAnne Poveromo Maples about how this event comes together taking beef to the winner's circle.
My plate is full and my cup runneth over, but I'm still hammering away. Tune in to get updates on the big rocks that lay ahead of me and to uncover a nugget of overlooked Florida history.
Whether we wish to admit it or not, the battle lines have been drawn and it's time to take a stand, and to do so with resolute purpose. The fight is for Old Florida as we natives and locals know and cherish her versus New Florida...Overdeveloped Florida, the fictional, fake vision that thousands per day hold in their mind's eye as they move here every single day. Ranchers and sportsmen find themselves in the minority here in Florida yet we share so much common ground that's worth protecting. Join us for a special episode with limited commercial interruptions, as Travis Thompson and I discuss the battles we face and why it's so important for as many of us as is possible to stand firm together in a unified voice for Florida.
Very few people have as much combined experience in ranch management and beef production, cattle feeding, and marketing as does Tommy Mann. He's been a widely acclaimed industry innovator and mentor to many future beef leaders throughout the years, but behind all that is his love for his fellow man and Old Florida. Join us for this episode as Tommy shares his family heritage, his history in cattle management, and how he ushered in a paradigm shift in the marketing methods for cattle before we close out with some stories relative to his passion for hunting and fishing.
There's little doubt that the South and Old Florida are steeped in the ancient tradition of "riding to the hounds" and as it turns out all of the hound varieties throughout the South owe their being to the world's oldest scenting dog and our favorite - the Bloodhound. Join us for reflections on how we came to be a Bloodhound family, the breed's ancient origins, our ties to them on the Anglo-Scots Border, and some extraordinary examples of their trailing capabilities.
This episode first aired in Season 1 and we're rebroadcasting it this week as a refresher leading up to another upcoming discussion with musician, storyteller, and Scottish historian James Johnston. In this episode you'll get a broad overview of the Border Reiver culture that was the foundational roots for many of our Florida ranch families and you'll start to understand the gritty character that's a hallmark of cowhunters past and present. (Note: our interview was conducted via Zoom and as such audio quality was lower than normal so adjust your settings as necessary.)
This one's as simple as the name implies. We're reading some cowboy poetry from the middle of the pasture amongst the cows who chime in with background vocals. If you close your eyes while listening, you might even think you're out there in the middle of Florida's cow country. Give it a listen and escape your daily grind for about half an hour!
Dr. Todd Thrift utilizes his extensive and diverse knowledge base of cow calf management and ruminant nutrition to educate students, ranchers, and consumers alike about beef cattle in Florida. In this episode kicking off Season 3 of Between The Beaches Podcast, we have a wide-ranging conversation from the history of the first cattle in Florida all the way to the present which is sure to be extremely interesting to both cattle producers and consumers. Plenty to learn here, so be sure you don't overlook this one!
The Battle of Okeechobee was by all accounts the longest and one of the fiercest engagements of the Seminole Wars and it happened on Christmas Day 184 years ago. Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford, a Civil War/Seminole War reenactor and member of the Okeechobee Battlefield Friends set aside some time to unpack the events surrounding this seminal moment in Florida history and discuss the annual reenactment which takes place at the Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park. It was an event that had lasting ramifications not only shaping Florida as we know it, but one that rippled onto the national stage and it all started between the beaches...
This week we take a look a the ebb and flow of progress made in 2021 towards better water quality for Florida. Nyla Pipes devotes countless hours to researching the issues and projects impacting Florida's waterways. In this episode, she provides a bird's eye view of where we stand at year end and lays it out in plain language that anyone can follow and understand. We've still got a long way to go, but many water projects are moving forward and there's much to celebrate here as we wrap up the year.
It's the time of year for busy schedules and grateful hearts and this episode offers a quick look at the traditionally understood origins of Thanksgiving, Florida's role as the spoiler relative to the first thanksgiving feast, and some of our family traditions.
In a time when celebrities and politicians shine in the limelight, there are still plenty of people out there who operate quietly behind the scenes with great efficacy to guide policy in a positive direction for their community, state, and country. They don't do it for special recognition nor personal gain, they give selflessly of themselves because they care about others. Susanne Clemons is one such individual working for a better Florida from her home here in the heartland to Capitol Hill and beyond. Listen in to learn about her background in the citrus and cattle industries and her passion for Florida agriculture as a whole.
Storytellers come in many forms and weave their tales through many mediums. A. E. "Bean" Backus, Florida's preeminent landscape artist was no exception and shared his visionary tales of Old Florida through oil paints layered in intricate brushstrokes on canvas for the whole world to see. In this episode we look back on Beanie's childhood in turn of the century Florida, his beginnings as an artist, his painting techniques, and his enduring love for our beautiful state along with her diverse population.
A longtime powerhouse and iconic Florida symbol, the citrus industry has been rocked in the past few decades by a perfect storm of diseases, natural disasters, and changing consumer preferences but thankfully it's still got a fighting chance to continue. In this episode, we look back on its history and the significant economic and environmental benefits it provides to Florida as a whole.
Candy corn and cattle... it's sure to sound like an odd pairing unless you've studied up on the origins of modern day Halloween. If you don't know the history of Celtic culture's festival of Samhain and how their herding traditions and culture evolved to give rise to Halloween along with its associated rituals as celebrated in modern times, and you also like to hear random racket from hound dogs in the background then don't miss this episode where we dig deep to peel back the layers.
The second installment of our look at the unpublished memoirs of Florida pioneer bowhunter Emory Leroy "Son" Lesley. This week's episode focuses on the daily experiences of early Florida cowhunters, the good times they enjoyed and the many hardships they faced from harsh weather conditions to other men seeking to ambush and kill them. Early Florida was anything but a tame land so tune in and learn much more about it!
Raising cattle on the Florida frontier was a rough job handled by even rougher men; men like Emory Leroy "Son" Lesley. Upon his death bed in 1931, and at the behest of his children, Mr. Lesley wrote his memoirs titled "Reminiscences of Emory Leroy Lesley," and while they were officially unpublished several copies of the manuscript apparently managed to circulate amongst Florida's cattle families. One such copy recently surfaced in our old files and while it has been previously shared in printed form within some social media groups, it certainly fits the bill to be featured here on this podcast and is without question worthy of a wider audience interested in Old Florida history. Here is the first installment of two, hope y'all enjoy it.
No deep or heavy topics this week, just some entertainment and escapism in the form of classic cowboy poetry along with some more contemporary poetry reminding us to savor the simple things in life.
This may well go down in the archives as our most disjointed, erratic episode ever released. Then again never say never. We started with a solid topic and an outline of notes but it quickly unraveled as we got about 15 minutes into bantering and realized that the digital display of the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder was sitting on all zeros. Nothing recorded and the SD Card was malfunctioning while our dogs raised a ruckus in the background. I came within an inch of calling said dogs and peeing on the fire, but we regrouped and delivered a somewhat rambling discussion. Hope y'all get a few laughs and maybe a nugget of useful information out of it!
Will Adams is known for a few things, with good dogs and horses as well as his penchant for sharing old cowhunting stories being at the top of the list. He's spent the majority of his years in the saddle working on ranches from the bottom of the peninsula to the top, and he's been one of the top requests for interviews by our listeners. We recently spent an afternoon catching up with Mr. Adams and capturing some of his memories; hope y'all enjoy them!
In light of the rampant wildfires ravaging the western U.S., this week's episode offers a look at the origins of controlled burns, it's predominance in the Southeast, and the important role it plays in land management, wildlife enhancement, and wildfire prevention.
What do you love most about Florida? What are those special qualities about our state that you find most endearing? On this week's episode, we begin with a written portrait of Florida and then move into some poetry by various poets depicting their views of our beautiful state, as well as how they relate to these dog days of summer and beyond. These reflections run from light-hearted takes to deeper introspections of life in the Sunshine State, and we hope you enjoy them.
Our outfit has been dealing with Covid-19, weaning heifers, meetings, and other work away from the ranch... basically a whole host of things that have kept us from restocking with fresh interviews and conversations for this podcast. Given all that, we dug back into the library to rebroadcast a favorite conversation from earlier this year. Episode 51 with Betty Osceola is a compelling listen for anyone who hasn't yet heard it and certainly worth another listen for those who have already listened.
Not everyone in Florida's cattle industry descends from multi-generational families, but that doesn't mean that they're any less passionate or committed to the business of animal husbandry and resource management. Cattleman, conservationist, and outdoor enthusiast Fred Fanizzi is one such example, and in this episode we reflect on how he first discovered his love of the outdoors, the agricultural lifestyle, and his journey to becoming a first generation Florida cattleman. We then delve into the marriage of ranching, hunting, and resource conservation through the unique perspective that Fred brings to these topics. Fred's story is engaging and offers valuable lessons for everyone. We know you're sure to enjoy this conversation.
On this week's show, we offer a retrospective of Sidney Lanier, Poet Laureate of Georgia and one of our ancestors with ties to Florida. We discuss his formative years and his lasting contributions to American Poetry and music while featuring poems written about Florida during his time here.
Catch a glimpse into the Southwest Florida of long ago as cowhunter Johnny Jump recalls days working cattle on the cypress ranges of Collier and Hendry counties, countless nights spent sleeping in a tent, and all the changes he witnessed as the decades rolled by. Mr. Jump's memories offer a window into a time of tougher men and less forgiving conditions along the fringes of the glades.
Back in January, we kicked off season 2 in less than stellar fashion due to horrible audio issues with our recording of Linda Minton as she discussed her upbringing on Peacock Ranch and subsequent 43 year career in the agricultural aviation industry. Despite our best efforts to clean up the audio files, it was still tough to hear and many of you reached out to us asking that we have her back for another conversation so this week we're delivering. We rehash a few points from the prior episode and raise plenty of new thoughts on this one so we hope y'all enjoy it. If you want to take a stab at listening to the original conversation, check out Episode 45 in the archives.
Sit in with us for an intimate and wide ranging conversation with FCA Director of Field Services, Dusty Holley. Dusty's son, Webb, chimes in with some of his own insights on the convention that are sure to tickle your funny bone making this a truly educational and entertaining episode.
In this episode we catch up with some of our ranching friends from across the great state of Florida. Representing families from the Florida panhandle to the glades, these folks have been caring for our land and livestock for generations. Listen in as they reminisce about life experiences and memories unique to their corner of Florida.
In this special edition of the podcast, we bring you highlights from the Big Loop Dummy Roping Contest with a live audience at the Florida Cattlemen's Convention & Allied Trade Show. This is a family event where both youth and adults compete in a team roping competition and a long reach roping competition utilizing a roping dummy inside the JW Marriott Marco Island Resort.
Sam and I offer our thoughts and memories of the Florida Cattlemen's Annual Convention and then discuss the live podcast interview opportunities we'll be offering at different locations during the convention from June 15-17, 2021.
We open this episode with a few Beef Facts for National Beef Month. Next, we shift our attention to the meaning or purpose of Memorial Day and reflect on a couple of examples where horrible tragedies led to beautiful victories for a few Gold Star families with whom we're closely connected.
Learn more about Operation 300 HERE
Learn more about Wreaths Across America HERE
Florida's unrelenting archenemy has always been the carpetbagger; those individuals and corporate entities that seek to pillage and degrade our beautiful landscape for individual or personal gain. From the Reconstruction era through to present day, Florida continues to suffer from their self-serving schemes that are all too often aided and abetted by our own government officials. In this episode, we look at a recent example as well as see a few past instances where they descended upon the peninsula en mass as we examine some of the state's rich agricultural history and how that applies to our Cowhunters Unlimited specialty foods.
With applications open now for permits under FWC's Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the mating season well underway, this week was the perfect time to sit down with my friend, reptilian expert Greg Graziani of Florida Gator Gardens, to discuss some general traits of Florida's apex predator, dispel some of the myths about these iconic symbols of natural Florida, and learn more about their behavior patterns so we can better coexist with them out here between the beaches. Greg is also immensely knowledgeable about Florida's many snakes and helped develop FWC's plan for dealing with the feral python population in the Everglades so we spend a good bit of time addressing some of those myths as well, including perhaps the biggest of them all - that they resulted from captive pet releases into the glades.
Learn more about Greg's educational efforts by following them on Facebook at Florida Gator Gardens
With Mother's Day approaching, we thought this would be a great time to gather up and reminisce about the ladies who've gone before and lovingly raised us, created the homes we cherished, and left us so many beautiful memories. Hope y'all enjoy this laughter-filled conversation as we look at motherhood in The South, and more specifically, in Florida's Heartland between the beaches.
In this week's installment, we bring you a rebroadcast of the District of Conservation podcast episode focused on Florida ranchers and the greater Everglades. Please be sure to subscribe to District of Conservation after listening for more of their great conservation minded content. See Links Below.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-162-keepers-of-the-everglades-part-i-florida-ranchers/id1435126030?i=1000515859518
Sit back, relax, and spend a few minutes listening as we recite a handful of poems written by cowgirls from across America. The places and details may vary with the geography, but the shared sentiments and love for the land remain constant coast to coast.
A strong coalition has been building over the past couple of years amongst people with varied backgrounds or interests, yet all sharing the same love and devotion to natural Florida. Nyla Pipes of One Florida Foundation discusses the great work coming from these partnerships as well as current topics relative to Florida's waters and how the public can get involved with the decision making process.
Visit our partners at the following links:
www.floridacattlemen.org/foundation
www.blackbeardsranch.com
www.floridaconserve.org
www.cowhuntersunlimited.com
On this week's episode, Clint Raulerson stops by to reflect on a year away from his beloved cypress home range and settling into the shortgrass country of Kansas. We also discuss Nextgen Cattle Company and share some of his newer cowboy poetry. It's always great to visit with an old friend and I'm sure y'all will enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
www.floridacatlemen.org/foundation
www.blackbeardsranch.com
www.floridaconserve.org
www.cowhuntersunlimited.com
As one of the earliest pioneer families to settle in the lower Kissimmee River Valley, the Boney family has a tremendous cattle herding history in the area. Boosty Boney is a virtual walking encyclopedia of ranching history relative to the region so join us as he and Elton Boney share a treasure trove of old Florida ranching stories and eye-opening historical context about subjects such as grazing cattle along the Kissimmee River and out on the Lake Okeechobee marsh, history of Lykes Brothers, the Brighton Seminole Reservation, origins of the Chalo Nitka Ranch Rodeo, and so much more.
A Queen's invasion of a neighboring province to steal a prize bull.... the 17 year old hero known as a "Protector of Cattle" who single-handedly stands in defense... the epic battle in Ireland which results. Given the fact that it's St. Patrick's Day, we decided to delve deep into our heritage to examine some of the ancestral Irish lore that is woven into the fabric of who were are as ranchers today here in Florida. We hope you enjoy this summary of an epic piece of Gaelic literature as you celebrate your heritage today!
At 90 years young, Mr. Gordie Peer was still digging holes and setting fence posts on the day I went to visit him. Gordie has lived a life full of experiences most folks would only dream of knowing. After enlisting in the Marine Corp straight out of high school, he went on to become a versatile rodeo cowboy & performer mastering tricks with whip and lariat which lead to an incredible career through the peak of Hollywood's golden age of western movies where he worked alongside such greats as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Clayton Moore (The Lone Ranger) before moving to Florida where he worked around the state as a dayworker, at the Okeechobee Livestock Market, volunteered with the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office, and devoted countless hours to teaching the public about the cowboy lifestyle. Don't miss his wit and wisdom in this fascinating conversation.2
At her core, Betty Osceola is an educator, and for many years now she's been using that talent to defend not just her Miccosukee homelands in the Everglades, but also beautiful Florida in its entirety. In this wide-ranging conversation, we get a historical overview of the Miccosukee Tribe, Betty's firsthand observations of the ongoing adverse impacts within the glades ecosystem, and close out with a recap of her recently completed Lake Okeechobee Prayer Walk. It's a captivating listen you don't want to miss.
A seanchaí (Irish) or seanchaidh (Scots Gaelic) is a traditional storyteller/historian in Gaelic culture, and it's a tradition that's found its way across the Atlantic and forward to present times. Jeanette Peeples is a perfect example of this tradition and has been instrumental in helping me realize that it's a calling for me as well. On today's episode, we sit down with Jeanette to learn about her love for her multi-generational Florida ranching heritage and her passion for uncovering more of that history through genealogy.
Catch Between The Beaches Podcast host, Brad Phares, on the opposite side of the microphone this week as we feature his appearance on the Off-Farm Income Podcast with Matt Brechwald where they discuss a wide array of topics relative to Florida ranching and sharing that story through podcasting.
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 35 with an updated intro discussing the most recent advancements for the pilot project of aquatic vegetation removal.
We begin with a look back at this duck season and conservation followed by reflections on a disastrous freeze in Feb 1958 and how it demonstrates my argument that every day is Groundhog Day in the Sunshine State. Lastly, we close out with some cowboy poetry revolving around our current cold weather.
Like most dairymen, the Butler family were versatile men of vision who saw their start in the business as they migrated to Hollywood, Florida followed by a mass exodus forced by widespread growth and development in Broward County. Join us for an episode where we discuss simpler times in Florida, elaborate on current challenges, and close out with a positive forecast for the years ahead.
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In this episode, we read, discuss, and elaborate on an article written in 1987 by professor John Solomon Otto whereby he connects historical resources and highlights the cultural identity giving rise to open-range cattle herding in Florida.
Join our efforts to preserve natural Florida and our rich history by becoming a Patreon supporter by clicking HERE.
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Linda Minton recently retired as the office manager of Southeastern Aerial Crop Service after 43 years. That's an astonishingly lengthy tenure for any career, but it's a great testimony to her enduring dedication to not only Florida agricultural aviation but to agriculture in general. In this week's episode, she joins us to reflect on the advances in that field and memories of growing up in Old Florida.
Help us in our efforts to preserve natural Florida and our rich history as a Patreon supporter by clicking HERE
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As we finish up preparations for Season 2 of Between The Beaches Podcast, we hope you'll enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1 where you'll learn about the history of Florida cow whips and hear some great stories of cow hunting from days gone by.
In our Christmas episode, we reflect back on Christmas memories and family traditions spanning the generations including cutting our own trees from the Florida scrub before there were nearly so many people and so much less scrub country. We sprinkle in a bit of cowboy poetry including arguably the most widely known Christmas poem in the cowboy poetry genre recited by our friend of the show, Mr. Red Steagall.
Cowboy's Christmas Prayer (poem) and A Cowboy's Special Christmas both appear on Red Steagall's album A Cow Camp Christmas
James Johnston is a Scotsman, founding member of the band Albannach, an avid hill walker offering tours in Scotland, and like myself a bit of an amateur historian. A commonality that we share is the fact that both our ancestors hail from the Borders of Scotland, and as many of my fellow native Floridians will soon learn they also share this in common with us. Join the two of us for "a wee chin wag" as we explore this intriguing region, it's tumultuous past, and how its culture helped create Florida and our rich ranching culture. Stay with us through the end of the show as we switch things up and close out with some music by Jamesie's band Albannach.
To learn more about Jamesie and his various endeavors, follow the links below:
For the band Albannach click Here
[Closing music: Gael by Albannach from the album Runs In The Blood]
To learn more about hiking tours in Scotland with Jamesie, visit his Facebook page Gentle James of the Glens Scottish Wilderness Walks, find him on Instagram under the same name, or visit his website www.gentlejamesoftheglens.com
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Listen to this week's episode to understand what I'm talking about when I say that both myself and Florida find ourselves behind the 8 ball as we near the end of another year.
You'd be hard pressed to find people unfamiliar with the "original thirteen colonies," but nearly everyone would be surprised to learn of the 14th & 15th colonies of East and West Florida also under British control at the time of the American Revolution. In this week's episode, we take a deeper look into the role that these overlooked colonies had on the Revolutionary War, we share an overview of certain key engagements between the Continental Army and the East Florida Rangers, and wrap up with a look at the aftermath arising from those events.
Keeping Florida wild is the goal of Adam Strang Bass and his colleagues at Conservation Florida. In this episode, we learn how they collaborate with Florida ranchers to execute that mission, Adam shares his Florida heritage, and we close out by discussing the extremely wet Fall season we've experienced and sharing a few hunting stories.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously implored us all to "Judge a man not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character." Given the chance to speak with Dr. King, Lawrence Silas no doubt would've told him that's exactly how it was in Florida's cow country during the days of open range grazing, and arguably remains so to this day. Tune in for this week's episode profiling Mr. Silas and two other extraordinary black cowboys who were respected and admired by their peers.
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Anyone who has grown up working the land or enjoying the outdoors knows the significant role that the moon phase plays on these pursuits. This week we look at the origins of agricultural astrology in Northeastern Africa and Western Asia through the Celtic Tribes of Western Europe to its modern implications in America.
Florida offers a bounty of food and flavors for every palate. In this episode we begin with a discussion of the resurrection of our specialty foods and then delve into many of the foods native Floridians find so appealing. If you're not hungry by the end of this episode, then you may want to check your pulse!
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From the moment Spanish conquistadors first left cattle on Florida soil, native tribes began transitioning away from their traditional farming practices to a herding culture devoted to the cow. Join us for a conversation with Seminole cattleman Alex Johns as we discuss topics ranging from the early beginnings of their herding influence in the state to their current role in contemporary cattle ranching across the Florida landscape.
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We're taking some time off to focus on ranch business and more so we hope you'll enjoy this rebroadcast of a popular episode that focuses on our core mission here at Between The Beaches Podcast.
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Sometimes the answer to your biggest problem is in fact the problem itself. In this episode, we discuss a new pilot project in Glades County involving AguaCulture and my family's Lazy JP Ranch. This pilot project sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission along with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, co-sponsored by the South Florida Water Management District, and funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection seeks to employee a radically improved system for mechanical harvesting of invasive aquatic vegetation, converting it into an organic resource that leads to the removal of nutrients from our state's water bodies. No one method of control will solve the challenge ahead of us, but this new approach has the potential to be a very powerful weapon in the arsenal.
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Tune in for an episode full of cowboy poetry focused on the transition from Summer to Fall here in Florida's ranch country all compiled and recited from cowboy poets around the state and beyond.
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Mr. J.C. Bass is a Korean War veteran, Silver Star recipient, lifelong cowman, and a true southern gentleman. Join us as he shares all the change he's experienced in 90 years of living in Basinger and surrounding areas of Okeechobee County.
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Join us for this episode where we take a deeper look into the origins and development of the Florida rancher's favorite working partner, the cur dog or Florida cow dog.
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Have you ever overheard a couple of your cowboy friends talking and been confused by their lingo or maybe some of the words you heard on prior episodes of this podcast? Well, this episode should help as we run through a ranch vocabulary list to clear up some of the mystery.
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From row crops and ranch lands to offshore reefs, Mr. Ellison Hardee has seen and experienced Florida as have few others. He's had an instrumental hand in planning, establishing, and managing a multitude of Florida state parks or other conservation areas. Listen in as he shares his experiences across the state from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. He also shares his undying love for Old Florida and the crucial importance of doing more to protect it before it all vanishes forever.
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Sit back, relax, and spend some time reflecting on what freedom means to you as we cover some cowboy and cowgirl poetry that takes a long, hard look at what the spirit of independence means to them.
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Have you ever wondered what it was like growing up in South Florida during the days of dirt roads and no air conditioning? Get a firsthand look at life in a small, rural cowtown in Florida's heartland as Nancy Phares takes us on a journey back to her childhood growing up as a rancher's daughter in Okeechobee.
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If you haven't heard of the Cast & Blast Florida podcast before today, you'll be familiar with it by the end of this episode. Recently, we hosted Travis Thompson at our family ranch and I moved from the host chair to the guest seat for a conversation about the motivations behind Cowhunters Unlimited, Between The Beaches Podcast, the importance of ranching in Florida, and the commonality both sportsmen and ranchers share in working on conservation efforts in our great state.
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Some of us are lucky enough to have our granddaddy here with us while others of us simply have their memories to cherish and the lessons to live by that they instilled in us while we were growing up. As patriarchs of the family, Granddads play an especially influential role in agrarian households, and in this episode I reflect on the man who showed me by example how to live a life of stewardship to God, family, his community, as well as land and livestock - my granddaddy John Olan (J.O.) Pearce, Jr. Tune in to hear quite a few of my childhood memories of not only Granddaddy, but also Okeechobee's early history and some of the other key agricultural leaders in this community.
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What happens when you gather up a multi-generational cow crew after a day of sorting cows and shipping out calves at the ranch and coax them into sitting down with mics and a digital audio recorder? Tune in right now to hear all the great stories, jokes, and common sense advice while getting it straight from the men who love the lifestyle and live it every day.
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The United States acquired the Florida Territory from Spain in 1821, and with that event settlers began pouring over the border. However, most of them didn't venture very far. The Florida Armed Occupation Act of 1842 provided settlers willing to move further south down the peninsula 160 acres in exchange for their armed defense and cultivation of the area. The AOA was instrumental in helping Florida achieve statehood just three years later in 1845. In today's episode, we examine a group of pioneers who applied for land under the act and moved into the present day Ft. Pierce area where they found early success followed by betrayal and bloodshed on the banks of the Indian River.
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Mr. Jess Page, co-administrator/moderator for The Florida Cow Hunters Facebook group, sits down with us to reflect on some of early Florida's lawmen and outlaws, his own family included; his years spent working cattle across south-central Florida, his work with the Christian Cowboy and Faith Riders ministries, as well as his love for the heritage of Florida's ranchlands. Mr. Jess paints some vivid pictures of the hardscrabble life etched out by his kin and others like them in the pinewoods and across the wet prairies of Florida's unforgiving landscape during its formative years so don't miss this episode!
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Join us this week as we take a look at some examples of our state's naturally beautiful summer getaways that we've experienced as adults and we share many of our favorite childhood memories that make us cherish our families and our beloved Florida.
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In this episode, we visit newly elected FCA President Gene Lollis to discuss his Florida agricultural heritage, his love of Florida's cattle industry, insight gained from decades managing a working cattle ranch and environmental research facility, as well as his current role leading and representing the Florida Cattlemen's Association.
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Billy Lewis has spent a lifetime in the seat of a saddle working cattle and training horses. He's equally accomplished at both and has covered an awful lot of Florida ground in his career and been witness to even more change through the years. Join us for this episode to hear all the details of his exploits across the cow country of East Central Florida.
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No cow or ranch talk this episode because we're covering an often overlooked yet very significant piece of Florida history. Tune in to learn the backstory and consequences of the Hurricane of 1559.
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Discover the backstory and early influences that shaped Brad Phares' writings and cowboy poetry. Additionally, Brad recites some of his favorite poems about horses and the cowboy lifestyle by those who influenced him.
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Cow whips have always been the hallmark of the Florida Cowhunter. Traditional cowboy artist, whip maker, and storyteller Buddy Mills sits down for an educational session on buckskin cow whips, stories about his father, renowned cowhunter Mr. Junior Mills, and some general discussion about Florida's cow culture.
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For generations now, Florida ranch families have been committed to environmental sustainability and we consider that fact this week through the lens of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Awards Program with Florida's lengthy list of winners.
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Join us this week as we take a closer look at other segments of Florida agriculture in Florida's heartland, the wisdom and value of local knowledge applied to the landscape, and lastly some childhood nostalgia tied to the simpler Florida we once knew.
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Florida owes its present day prestige and prosperity to cattle herding and the immense wealth resulting directly from trading beef with Cuba in the latter half of the 19th century. This week we cover Captain James McKay Sr, a Scottish immigrant who was the spark of genius responsible for launching this unprecedented transoceanic trade in live cattle and securing Florida's future.
Nyla Pipes, founder of One Florida Foundation, is a battle hardened conservationist and advocate for truth in tackling Florida's enduring water issues. On this episode, she joins us to discuss how she became involved in the discussion, where she sees the shortfalls in finding long term workable solutions rooted in peer-reviewed science and conservation rather than political posturing, and we also do our best to offer a balanced perspective to help debunk some of the tiresome false rhetoric that persists in Florida water policy.
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As Americans face heretofore unprecedented uncertainty and change, Florida ranchers are no different than anyone else. On this episode, Florida Cattlemen's Association President Matt Pearce returns to the podcast to discuss several of the challenges facing our industry in light of the pandemic and swap a few old tales from years spent in the saddle.
Anything that could have been a distraction or interruption during the recording of this episode absolutely was with my bloodhound pup, June, deciding to ramble about the camphouse rather than lying quietly and sleeping. Hope y'all can laugh along with us because, as cowboys do, we pressed on through it and made the most of presenting a historical overview of herding culture. However, it was kinda like wrapping a lovely gift and not tying it up with ribbon because at the height of distraction we forgot to bring it all together by sharing the economic impact herding has on Florida's economy so here are key figures: $16.8 billion industry revenue...$7 billion plus in gross state product...and over $4.5 billion contributed in state labor income. Herding drives our state's economy while keeping it wild and green!
On this week's episode we offer some opinion, historical context, along with a sprinkling of cowboy poetry to take a look at the impacts the 4 D's listed in the title are having on Florida ranches, and agriculture as a whole, here in the state.
Brucellosis, a devastating bacterial disease, wreaked havoc on the Florida cattle industry for many years until a federal eradication program was instituted. Instituting the eradication program was the first step, but had the right people not been in the right place at the right time, the Brucellosis eradication effort could have failed miserably. On this episode, we discuss the history of the program in Florida and hear firsthand accounts from Linda Crane and Evelyn Tiencken, two ladies who served as field technicians in the fight against this costly disease. Most importantly, these two ladies used their natural grit and grace to navigate what was widely considered a man's domain winning over the respect, trust, and admiration of the cattlemen in the process and paving the way for a successful outcome for the eradication effort.
Veteran Florida cowboy BJ Johnson shares his philosophy of humility coupled with a constant desire and willingness to learn and why that approach is so crucial to being successful in Florida ranching. BJ also shares quite a few engaging stories about working at various ranches all across South Florida.
Spring is synonymous with cow work in South Florida and Episode 7 digs into the ancient origins of the ritual to explain why this work is done at this time of year and then we cover what the workload entails in modern times. Jacqueline and Jared Phares join me in reflecting on early childhood memories of Spring cow work to round out this episode.
In this episode, we seek to find some normalcy and order in what's otherwise been a wild week due to the Covid-19 Virus. We do so by remembering family fundamentals both in our Gaelic past and our ranching present while also presenting another round of humorous ranch recollections from my wife.
In this episode, current Florida Cattlemen's Association President Matt Pearce sits down to discuss our family ranching and leadership legacy as well as conservation efforts to preserve Florida ranch lands.
Florida cowman Clint Raulerson shares in our common mission of preserving and protecting Florida's ranching heritage through poetry and storytelling. We take a cursory look at how the ancient past continues to shape our values and lifestyle today, Clint recites a few of his poems, and we touch briefly on the challenges we face in today's time.
Episode 3 examines the many things that encapsulate Old Florida charm thought the eyes of former Miami Herald columnist and author Al Burt's book "The Tropic of Cracker" along with a lost chapter accidentally left out of author Brad Phares' book, Celtic Cowhunter. We make the case that old ways can often be the best ways forward and should form the foundation of Florida's future.
Quite often, women marry into ranching families not fully aware of what they might be wading into when they utter those wedding vows. In this episode, my wife and I share a few laughs remembering some of the more unexpected events she's encountered around the ranch in our 25 years of marriage.