Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:19 — 35.8MB)

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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 pineislandexperience.com

📩 Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:03 — 35.5MB)

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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 life-changing accident and the challenges that followed led her back to her first love: art. With resilience and heart, she transformed adversity into inspiration—building a life filled with creativity, teaching, and community. Whether in her home studio or at local businesses, Juli now teaches art classes on Pine Island, spreading joy through every brushstroke.

☀️ Stop into @Island Flair in Matlacha to see her latest artwork in person, and follow @Juli Gilson and @Coastal Creations to explore more of her art and stay updated on upcoming events.

☀️ These are Pine Island businesses where Juli has taught art classes:  @Island Flair, @Kickstand’s Pub & Grub,  @Street Eatz & Ale, @Jug Creek Marina & Fish House,  and @The Island Girl Eats

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📩 Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:22 — 41.6MB)

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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 The Tokes) is available on all major streaming platforms via SONY ORCHARD and 9LIVES RECORDS.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📩 Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:20 — 38.1MB)

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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 come back and share how much the recipient loved it. Her philosophy? “If it fits on the embroidery machine, I can do it!”

Since arriving, Leanne has fallen in love with Pine Island and its people, calling the community unbelievably welcoming and supportive. Sea Salt & Co. is more than a store—it’s a space where creativity and connection come together.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📩 Got questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you at pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:11 — 34.5MB)

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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 mission? To take the stress out of planning and add in service, service, and more service—at no extra cost to you.

✨ Learn how Darcy’s insider knowledge and preferred access to travel perks can turn your next vacation into something unforgettable.

📞 Ready to start planning? Reach out to Darcy at https://www.cruiselandandsea.com

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com
📩 Got questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you at pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:56 — 38.8MB)

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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 serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a welcoming vibe and top-notch menu. They’ve revitalized the space with major renovations, a brand-new stage, and island-wide delivery. More than that, they’ve made it a place where the community gathers—hosting charity events, supporting local causes, and creating a space that feels like home.

🎸 Ride over on a weekend to catch live music from 1–4 p.m., or just stop in and say hello—you’ll always feel welcome at Kickstands.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com
📩 Questions or feedback? Reach out at pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:26 — 46.3MB)

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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-Pesticide.

These eco-friendly products are non-toxic to humans and animals, offering a smarter alternative to conventional chemicals. Daniel shares what it means to carry on his family’s mission and how he’s working to eliminate cancer-causing products from everyday life.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com.

📩 Got questions? Reach out at pineislandexperience@gmail.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:03 — 37.8MB)

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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 your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com.
📩 Got questions? Reach out at pineislandexperience@gmail.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:41 — 35.1MB)

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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, setting up and serving them right next to the Food Pantry. It’s a labor of love, fueled by faith and a deep commitment to serving God’s people.

Tune in to hear their inspiring story — and to discover the special reason they’ve earned the name “the Marthas.”

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com.
📩 Got questions? Reach out at pineislandexperience@gmail.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:04 — 36.7MB)

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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 us as Jennifer shares the inspiring story of how she turned that dream into reality, her deep-rooted love for the Pine Island community, and the island spirit that continues to fuel her passion.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com.
📩 Got questions? Reach out at pineislandexperience@gmail.com.