Great Loop Radio Podcast

Great Loop Radio Podcast

America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association brings you this weekly podcast providing information and inspiration to help you plan your own Great Loop adventure.

Episodes

Boat Ready. Body Ready.

January 2, 2026 • 39 mins

Blue Tortuga Fitness

Some of these exercises may seem simplistic, maybe even easy.  However, when done consistently over time they will indeed produce results.  If you have questions feel free to contact me at bluetortugafitness@gmail.com.

Everyone should be cleared by their medical practitioner to begin or sustain an exercise program.

Sample Exercises:

-Quarter Pickups: https://youtu.be/jWBFIBYo7I4?si=XHlAv1uYldNLdwrR

-Shoulder Flexibi...

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A Look Ahead to 2026

December 26, 2025 • 37 mins

AGLCA Upcoming Events: https://www.greatloop.org/ems-event-calendar.html

Add your boat name to the Fleet of 2026 T-Shirt: https://www.greatloop.org/2026-fleet-shirts.html

Order your Fleet of 2026 T-Shirts: https://www.greatloop.com/

Contribute to our Advocacy Fund: https://www.greatloop.com/product-page/advocacy-fund-contribution

Nominate someone for Harbor Host of the Year: https://www.greatloop.org/interact/harbor-hosts.html

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Buying a Fixer Upper for the Great Loop

December 19, 2025 • 35 mins
What does it really take to turn a true fixer-upper into a Great Loop-worthy cruiser? When Mike Smith discovered the boat that would carry him around America’s Great Loop, it had spent a decade as a dock queen—and didn’t even run. But with determination, creativity, and a whole lot of help from friends, Mike brought her back to life and transformed her into a sound, safe, and comfortable home for his 6,000-mile adventure. On this ...
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New Anchoring Regulations in Florida

December 12, 2025 • 25 mins
New anchoring regulations are coming to Florida—and they could change the way Loopers plan their cruise, especially around Biscayne Bay. On this episode, we break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to know before you drop the hook. Tune in to get clear, practical guidance so you can cruise Florida with confidence. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done...
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Blue Mind, Bold Heart

December 5, 2025 • 46 mins

Blue Mind, Bold Heart on Amazon

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Story of My Loop-Michele, 31' Camano Trawler

November 21, 2025 • 53 mins
Solo female Loopers are still rare, but Michele proves it can be done — and done with confidence and grace. This week, she joins us to share the story of her Great Loop completing aboard her 31' Camano Trawler. You’ll be inspired by Michele’s adventurous spirit, practical approach, and refreshingly matter-of-fact attitude toward single-handing one of the greatest boating adventures there is. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! ...
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Try Before You Buy

November 14, 2025 • 52 mins

Included AGLCA Sponsors:

  • Timeless Yacht: https://www.timelessyacht.com/
  • Trawlers Great Lakes: https://trawlersgreatlakes.com/
  • LeBoat: https://www.leboat.com/boating-vacations/canada
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Story of Our Loop: The Boomershines, 56' Ocean Alexander

November 7, 2025 • 39 mins
This week’s guests, Mark and Cinda Boomershine, didn’t just cruise the Great Loop—they brought their two kids along and turned the entire adventure into a hit YouTube series. Join us as they share their family’s unforgettable journey aboard SeaShine, their 56' Ocean Alexander. You’ll hear how they made the boat their own, the highs and challenges of Looping as a family, and what they learned from seeing America’s waterways together...
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2025 Gulf Crossing-YOU Make the Call

October 31, 2025 • 35 mins
AGLCA is all about Loopers helping Loopers—and YOU Make the Call is a perfect example of that spirit in action. Each fall/winter, this daily post helps Loopers determine when conditions are right for their Gulf crossing. In this episode, Tsali Bentley joins us to explain what goes into each YOU Make the Call update, where you can find it, and why he’s so dedicated to volunteering to provide this invaluable service. He also shares h...
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Story of Our Loop: A Father & Son on the Loop

October 24, 2025 • 40 mins
This week on the podcast, we continue our “Story of Our Loop” series with a special father-son edition! Richard and Jacob recently completed the Great Loop together, and they’re joining us to share their incredible journey. Hear how they chose their boat, the highlights of their adventure, and what they gained—both individually and as a family—by taking on the Loop side by side. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetim...
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Day Shapes

October 17, 2025 • 21 mins

USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source. 

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated

 

Quick Reference guide to the NavRules. 

https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdf

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All About Marinas

October 10, 2025 • 29 mins
This week's episode is all about marinas. Based on listener suggestions, the Home Port Crew shares insight on how to select marinas when cruising the Great Loop, how and when to make marina reservations, and how to find long term slips or storage for your boat before, during, or after the Great Loop. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east ...
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Cruising from Paducah to Mobile

October 3, 2025 • 39 mins

There is an error in this episode. We discuss the Ohio River being the only inland river where Loopers going counter-clockwise (the more tyical direction) are upbound. That is incorrect.  Loopers are also upbound on the Cumberland River (if they take that route) and the Tennessee River.  Our apologies for the error.

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Navigation Lights for the Great Loop

September 26, 2025 • 38 mins

Resources

USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source. 

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated

Quick Reference guide to the NavRules. 

https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdf

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Completing the Loop Aboad 3 Different Boats

September 12, 2025 • 31 mins
There's been a lot of talk lately about Looping in record time, but how about completing the Loop over almost 13 years? And, what if you could compare a trawler, a powercat, and a motor yacht as liveaboard Looping boats? Bruce & Hilary recently completed the Great Loop after more than 12 years, and over that time, they did Loop segments aboard a Silverton, an Endeavor catamaran, and a Mainship. They'll share their unique insight i...
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Cruising from Chicago to Paducah

September 5, 2025 • 48 mins
As Loopers prepare to head down the inland rivers, the Great Loop Radio podcast this week covers the part of the Great Loop route from Chicago, IL to Paducah, KY. This route section includes the Illinois Waterway, Mississippi River, and Ohio River. Wes and Amy Litsey join us to share the details. If you’re looking for more, AGLCA members can check out the article about this part of the route in the September Great Loop Link e-magaz...
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Lithium Batteries for the Great Loop

August 29, 2025 • 33 mins
Lithium batteries are a hot topic! Every time the idea of converting your boat from lead acid to lithium batteries comes up on the Great Loop forum or Facebook group, controversy ensues. Are lithium batteries safe for Looping boats? Will you realize a return on your investment if you upgrade to lithium? This week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast covers lithium batteries. Gold Looper Mike Bell is our guest. He helps explai...
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A Record Setting Great Loop Adventure

August 22, 2025 • 45 mins
Chances are you've heard about 71-year-old Robert Youens who recently completed the Great Loop on his jon boat, Ageless Wanderer, in just over 19 days. On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Robert joins us to share the story of his adventure. We'll talk about why he decided to try to break a Great Loop speed record and how his journey was similar in many ways to more "traditional" Loopers who complete the route in...
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Working Aboard

August 15, 2025 • 38 mins
More and more people are working aboard while doing the Great Loop. Why wait until retirement to cruise the Great Loop if you can do your job remotely? This week's episode features Alison Major, author of "Remote Work Afloat". Alison is a Gold Looper and founder of Loop Life Academy, an AGLCA sponsor. Join us as we discuss tips for setting yourself up for success when transition to working aboard. Remote Work Afloat - https://www...
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Life After the Loop with Rev & Sam

August 8, 2025 • 33 mins
What do you do after you've finished the Loop? Post-Loop blues is a real thing! For Rev & Sam, they turned Life After the Loop into a business where they help others fulfill their Great Loop dreams, and they also continue boating in new and different settings. Listen this week as we catch up with Rev & Sam and hear all about their Life After the Loop. Often described as the adventure of a lifetime, America's Great Loop boasts a ...
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