Pine Island Experience
A weekly listening experience about the adventures and life on Pine Island for those who choose to live or visit our beautiful island
Episodes
December 12, 2025 • 19 mins
📚✨Award-Winning author and Pine Islander, Robert N. Macomber joins us to share the heart behind his life as a maritime historian, novelist, and lecturer. From the inspiration behind his 17-book Honor Series to the moments that light up his audiences, Robert brings history to life with passion and purpose. This conversation offers a glimpse into the storyteller who has captivated readers around the world — and built a dedicated co...
Mark as Played
November 28, 2025 • 36 mins
🥬✨In this episode, we sit down with Bill and Benet Kazokas of Flor-Da-Lee Farm in Bokeelia. In 2013, they stepped away from corporate life, purchased 2.5 acres of agricultural land, and began growing specialty artisan lettuce — now supplying hotels, country clubs, and restaurants across Naples and Fort Myers. Today, they nurture 60 varieties for seven months each year, while Benet has expanded the farm’s offerings with her growin...
Mark as Played
November 14, 2025 • 37 mins
⚓️📚This week, we dive into mystery, law, and life along Pine Island Sound with author and attorney John D. Mills.
🌅🐟 A fifth-generation Fort Myers native, John grew up fishing these waters — and today, he channels that deep local knowledge into his nine-book fictional mysteries set right here in our coastal backyard. In his first three books, his main character is Detective Doug Shearer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Det...
Mark as Played
October 31, 2025 • 29 mins
🌴✨ From firefighter to Florida dreamer, Dan Boone’s journey is all heart.
After years as a firefighter — eventually becoming a Lieutenant and joining Special Ops — Dan’s optimism and drive led him through every chapter with purpose and joy. Known as his department’s “Ambassador of Goodwill,” Dan brings that same energy to his company, CoastalFlo, creating performance apparel made for Florida’s sun, sea, and sand.
Now calling Pine ...
Mark as Played
October 24, 2025 • 31 mins
🌴✨ Chef Anthony Pospiech opened The Island Girl Eats last spring within Pineland Marina in Bokeelia — a food truck and large tiki hut that’s quickly become a must-stop for locals and visitors alike. Open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, it’s where incredible food meets stunning waterfront views. You’ll hear his passion, his gratitude for his team, and his humble joy in creating something special for this island community....
Mark as Played
October 17, 2025 • 31 mins
🌅🐟 In this episode, we sit down with Rob Wells, who grew up surrounded by the beauty of Pine Island Sound. His family’s story began in 1976 when his parents purchased Cabbage Key, creating a one-of-a-kind island retreat. In 1999, the Wells family expanded their legacy with The Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia — blending history, hospitality, and heart.
Today, Rob and his brother Ken continue to preserve that legacy, building unforgettabl...
Mark as Played
October 10, 2025 • 29 mins
🌴💛✨ Creativity isn’t just for artwork—it’s a powerful tool for business, too. 🌟
This week, we sit down with Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, who shares how her artistic roots shape her graphic design work, from adult books and children’s books to branding for businesses.
🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Nancy’s journey🌴
“If you turn a painting upside down and it still works, that is a good painting. Because it’s not just about what yo...
Mark as Played
September 19, 2025 • 32 mins
🌴💛✨ Welcome to the Pine Island Experience Podcast, where we celebrate the people, places, and spirit that make our island community so special. Today, we’re shining a light on the Beacon of Hope. Since 2004, this organization has been a lifeline for Pine Islanders—offering meals, transportation, counseling, education, and so much more. Executive Director Nancy Cote joins us to share how the Beacon is not only meeting needs but al...
Mark as Played
August 29, 2025 • 32 mins
Madison Morris is on fire — from being a two-time Grammy-submitted singer-songwriter to his currently nominated song Hard Rain, up for a Josie Award for Americana Song of the Year. 🏆
💛 On the latest episode of Pine Island Experience, hear the story behind Madison’s music and journey. These days, he calls himself “half Texan, half Floridian”—a mix that fuels his ability to blend country, electronic dance, R&B, and hip-hop with a s...
Mark as Played
August 22, 2025 • 25 mins
In just a short time, Tami Sager and Yovan Santiesteban have transformed The Eagle’s Nest into one of Pine Island’s most exciting destinations — serving up incredible food, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere that feels like family.
With multiple Best of Pine Island 2025 Awards under their belt, their success goes beyond the kitchen. Tami and Yovan are passionate about giving back, guided by faith and a deep lo...
Mark as Played
July 18, 2025 • 31 mins
Paulette LeBlanc, Editor of the Pine Island Eagle and award-winning author, has spent her life writing—and her heart now belongs to Pine Island and its people.
From children’s books to community stories, Paulette captures resilience, kindness, and hope with every word.
💛“The heart of what I do creatively will always be writing.”
🌟This a must listen unforgettable interview.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineisl...
Mark as Played
July 11, 2025 • 31 mins
From her early days growing up in Ohio to her vibrant life on Pine Island, artist Juli Gilson has always been drawn to the coast. Her work beautifully reflects the natural gifts of the sea—seashells, sea glass, driftwood—and brings them to life in her paintings, driftwood sea creatures, birds, boats, and resin art. She even uses historic Pine Island windows as frames for her coastal creations.
In this episode, Juli shares how a li...
Mark as Played
June 27, 2025 • 36 mins
From casting lines to writing lyrics, Joe Harley’s journey is rooted in resilience and creativity.
In this episode, we hear how Joe went from growing up on Pine Island to becoming a beloved fishing guide—until Hurricane Ian changed everything. Now, he's pouring his heart into music as a singer-songwriter with growing success.
🎶 His latest single, Pass the Time, is gaining traction on Spotify, and his music (under Hotel Life and ...
Mark as Played
June 20, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode, we meet Leanne Luehrman, the creative force behind Sea Salt & Co. Though she’s new to Pine Island, Leanne is no stranger to the art of bespoke embroidery and personalized gifting. A self-taught embroiderer with a love for the history of monograms, Leanne brings passion, precision, and personality to everything she creates.
Leanne lights up when helping customers find just the right gift—often encouraging them to c...
Mark as Played
June 13, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, we meet the delightful Darcy Conner—Travel Advisor, Small Business Owner, and passionate travel matchmaker. Helping people is what brings her joy, and that shines through in every trip she helps plan. Whether you're dreaming of ocean cruises, river adventures, resort getaways, or fully customized travel experiences, Darcy brings deep expertise, personal insight, and a whole lot of heart to every itinerary.
Her miss...
Mark as Played
May 30, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Breech, of Kickstand’s Pub & Grub. When Sheila and Dave Breech rolled into Pine Island, they brought more than restaurant know-how—they brought heart, grit, and a deep love for community and motorcycles. In this episode, Sheila shares how Kickstand’s Pub & Grub came to life, filling a big gap for a biker-friendly restaurant.
Now a favorite hangout for locals and visiting bikers, Kickstands ...
Mark as Played
May 9, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Piper, of 1st EnviroSafety, Inc.—a pioneering Pine Island company founded in 1997 and operated by his grandparents, Dr. Ted and Dr. Ann Tidwell.
Built on innovation and integrity, the company has developed a line of powerful yet safe solutions, including the Purely Green cleaning and degreasing products, Bio-Wash for boosting agricultural yields and profits, and the Purely Green Bio-Pestici...
Mark as Played
May 2, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Chedester, owner of Pine Island Pest Control, to hear how he went from dedicated employee to passionate business owner. Andrew shares what drives him: a deep love for the Pine Island community, a commitment to keeping homes safe, and a belief that real service starts with real relationships.
It’s more than pest control—it’s about people. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation.
🎧 Listen on y...
Mark as Played
April 18, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, we’re joined by two wonderful members of Pine Island Community Church’s Hugs Program and Food Pantry team — Pat Downes and LaDonna Lippincott. Alongside their dear friend Dort Koetje, these women are affectionately known as “the Marthas” for their heart of service and gift for hospitality.
Each week, they spend Mondays cooking meals with love and care, and on Tuesdays, they bring the prepared dishes to the church, ...
Mark as Played
April 11, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of The Pine Island Experience Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Bennett, the vibrant and creative force behind Island Flair—a one-of-a-kind artist boutique nestled in the heart of colorful, artsy Matlacha. Jennifer set out with a dream: to build a lively, welcoming space where local island artists could showcase their work and where makers could come together to teach, learn, and share their crafts.
Join u...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.