S4E14: Bri and Taylor Johnson — Building Dreams in Matlacha

July 17, 2026Podcast#IslandLife, #matlacha, #nauticaltikicruises, #PineIslandExperience, #PineIslandFlorida, #SouthwestFlorida, #tinyvillagepiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:31 — 37.2MB)

🏠 🏡🏝️ Matlacha Tiny Village and Nautical Tiki Cruises 🌊 🛖⚓

Bri and Taylor Johnson took a leap of faith when they chose Matlacha to build their future.

As the new owners of Matlacha Tiny Village and Nautical Tiki Cruises, they’re investing in more than two businesses—they’re investing in our community.

We talked about restoring a waterfront property, creating memorable experiences on the water, raising a young family, and why they believe Matlacha is such a special place 💛.

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

🌐 Book your stay: matlachatinyvillage.com

🌐 Book your cruise: nauticaltiki.com

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

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E13: Christine Karow — Making People Feel Good About Themselves

May 22, 2026Podcast#bokeelia, #ChristineKarowHairDesigns, #communitystrong #shoplocal, #IslandLife, #matlacha, #pineislandbusiness, #PineIslandExperience, #PineIslandFlorida, #pineland, #SouthwestFlorida, #stjamescity, #SupportLocalpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:29 — 33.7MB)

For Christine Karow, success isn’t measured by how many haircuts she can do in a day — it’s about helping people feel confident, cared for, and beautiful when they walk out the door. 💛

In this episode, we sit down with Christine Karow, owner of Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage, to talk about her lifelong dream of becoming a hairstylist 💇‍♂️, her passion for creativity, and the meaningful relationships she has built with clients throughout the years on Pine Island.

Her beautiful salon, filled with artwork from local artists including Mel Meo and Leoma Lovegrove, reflects the warm and welcoming atmosphere she and her talented team create every day. From stunning hairstyles to relaxing massages 💆‍♀️, Christine and her staff have created a place where people can relax, recharge, and feel good about themselves.

We also talk about changing hair trends, creativity behind the chair, and yes… even the return of the mullet. 😊

✨“Things always seem to come back around like the mullet. Right? We’ve seen that come right back. It’s come back with the kids. They put a different spin on it… you can be creative and switch it up a little bit by taking something old and making it new.”

— Christine Karow

🌐 Visit Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage: https://christinekarowhairdesigns.com

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

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E12: Robert Ballard — 50 Years Strong: The Next Chapter of the Calusa Land Trust

May 15, 2026Podcast#bokeelia, #calusalandtrust, #IslandLife, #matlacha, #PineIslandExperience, #PineIslandFlorida, #pineland, #preservepineisland, #SouthwestFlorida, #stjamescitypiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:28 — 33.7MB)

🏝️ Saving Pine Island: Big Wins, Bold Moves & What’s Next

Robert Ballard returned to the podcast to share everything that’s happened with the Calusa Land Trust since our last interview in 2023 — and the momentum is remarkable.

From major land acquisitions like Chipley’s Sandpatch Preserve to the mission to re-pine 🌲 Pine Island and celebrate 50 years of conservation, the Calusa Land Trust continues working to protect the island’s future one piece of land at a time.

In this episode, Robert also shares something many of us never realized: why a simple $25 membership means so much to the organization’s ability to grow, secure grants, and continue preserving the land we all love.

After serving as President of the Board, Robert recently stepped into the role of Chief Land Steward, continuing a lifelong commitment to protecting Pine Island 🏝️ for future generations.

✨ “We don’t have any paid staff. We’re all volunteers, but we’re still going strong. People recognize us as a unique group of volunteers trying to preserve this island — and that means a lot to me as a native Pine Islander.”

— Robert Ballard

🌐 Learn more or become a member: calusalandtrust.org

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

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E11: Captain Ron Seidle — Captain Ron’s Rod and Reel Combos

May 1, 2026Podcast#bokeelia, #communitystrong, #customrods, #fishinglife, #IslandLife, #matlacha, #PineIslandExperience, #PineIslandFlorida, #pineislandspecial, #pineland, #smallbusinessstory, #SouthwestFlorida, #stjamescity, #SupportLocalpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:15 — 38.1MB)

What started as a next chapter turned into something much bigger.

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ron to talk about building his business right here on Pine Island 🏝️—from designing and testing his own rods and reels to working closely with manufacturers to bring his vision to life.

The result? The Pine Island Special 🎣—quality, affordable gear that’s opening the door for more people (especially younger anglers) to get out on the water and enjoy the sport.

If you’ve been on the island, chances are you’ve seen his bright orange tent set up near The 🦅 Eagle’s Nest Restaurant or at local weekend events. Stop by, say hello—he truly loves talking fishing 🐟 and hearing your stories.

✨ “I don’t let there be a problem. If someone’s not satisfied, we work it out… because this is supposed to be fun.” — Captain Ron Seidle, Captain Ron’s Rod and Reel Combos

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

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E10: A Moment of Calm: Real Talk on Mental Health with Psychologist Michelle White

April 17, 2026Podcast#azulmindspace, #bokeelia, #communitymatters, #EmotionalWellness, #floridapodcast, #islandstories, #matlacha, #mentalhealth, #MentalHealthMatters, #pineisland, #PineIslandExperience, #pineland, #psychotherapy, #SouthwestFlorida, #stjamescitypiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:43 — 35.2MB)

Mental health touches every one of us—but knowing where to begin isn’t always easy.

In this episode of the Pine Island 🌴 Experience Podcast, we sit down with Michelle White of Azul Mindspace, a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what mental wellness really looks like in everyday life.

🩵 From simple ways to reset your mood—like stepping outside and reconnecting with nature—to deeper conversations about therapy, stress, relationships, and healing, Michelle shares practical insight with warmth, compassion, and understanding.

Whether you’ve considered therapy or are just looking for small ways to care for your well-being, this episode offers something meaningful for everyone.

Michelle explains why Telehealth can work well.

✨“The convenience of it I think is one of the pluses that makes up for not being in the same room together. They are getting more out of it because they actually go. It’s also really nice to get a peek into their home environment. What it looks there and how they are at home, relaxed, in a sweatshirt and ponytail versus how they would show up to an person therapy session. I think it’s a little more authentic.”

— Michelle White, Licensed Psychologist – Azul Mindspace

🌐 Check out the Azul Mindspace website at azulmindspace.com

🎧 Listen now and take a moment for yourself on your favorite podcast app or at: pineislandexperience.com

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E9 Elsie Stearns — Becoming an Island Girl

April 10, 2026Podcast#beaconofhope, #bokeelia, #matlacha, #pineisland, #PineIslandExperience, #pineland, #stjamescity, #useppaislandpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:45 — 48.9MB)

Some people move to Pine Island.

Others become part of its heart.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Elsie Stearns, Vice President and Sr. Branch Manager of Centennial Bank on Pine Island, to hear the story of how a young woman from the city fell in love with island life — and spent decades giving back to the community she came to love.

Elsie shares memories of arriving on Useppa Island in 1977, building a life and family here with her husband Scott, and serving Pine Island through both her banking career and years of community leadership.

From Beacon of Hope to the Bobby Holloway Foundation to the Fire Commission, Elsie has quietly helped shape this island in ways that have touched countless lives.

Her story is heartfelt, inspiring, and full of the kind of island history and spirit we love to share.

✨ “Scott and I just fell in love with the island my first day there… I give Mel Meo credit for making me an island girl.”

— Elsie Stearns

🌐 Check out the Beacon of Hope and The Greater Pine Island Emergency Task Force at beaconofhopepineisland.com

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

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E8: Chris Holzem & Nick Petty — Badger Boat Detail

April 3, 2026Podcast#boatdetail, #ceramiccoatingpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:04 — 31.0MB)

From faded and worn… to a deep, factory-fresh shine that even the owner couldn’t believe.

In this episode of the Pine Island Experience, we sit down with Chris Holzem of Badger Boat Detail to hear how he and his partner Nick Petty are helping boat owners across Pine Island and Lee County bring their boats back to life.

From mild oxidation to major restoration, Chris and Nick specialize in restoring old boats and protecting new ones with professional marine detailing and dual-layer ceramic coating built for Florida’s harsh sun and salt. ☀️🌊

But this conversation is about more than shiny boats…

It’s about the excitement of building a new business, doing work they truly enjoy, and helping people spend more time boating and less time working on their boats.

✨ “For the most part, it’s going to be people that want to do more boating and less work on their boats. They want to come in and wash it off and move on in life.”

— Chris Holzem

If you love boats, local business stories, or hearing from the people helping keep island life moving, you’ll enjoy this conversation. 🎧

🌐 Check out their website: badgerboatdetail.com

🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at: pineislandexperience.com

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E7 Tristan Carter—The Proper Palm Cottage Bakery

March 27, 2026Podcast#CottageBakery, #IslandLife, #PineIslandExperience, #PineIslandFlorida, #SupportLocalBusinesspiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:57 — 33.1MB)

🌟 The Cottage Bakery Pine Island Fell in Love With

What happens when a chef moves to the island and asks one simple question: What can I create here that people will love?

In this episode, we sit down with Tristan Carter, founder of The Proper Palm Cottage Bakery. From his kitchen in Pine Island, Tristan releases online menus that islanders eagerly wait for—and when the menu drops, the orders come pouring in.

From artisan breads 🍞 to unforgettable cinnamon rolls, cookies 🍪 and celebration cakes 🎂, Tristan shares how his cottage bakery quickly became part of many islanders’ weekly routines.

As Tristan says, “Food brings us together.”

✨“This is for the people who live here. It’s just something beautiful. I wanted something that, …it is something you buy just to eat for breakfast but it still has a beautiful moment to it. It’s a pink box or a white box but it has time and something that has taken time to it with a bow over it. It just feels like you are enjoying something for yourself. It’s just a soft moment. That’s all I wanted for it.”

— Tristan Carter✨

🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

🌐 Order online at theproperpalm.com 🎀🦩🍰

S4E6 JD Hollway— Horse Eyed Jake’s American Sliders

February 27, 2026Podcast#FoodTruckLiife, #SouthwestFlorida, #SupportLocalpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:36 — 36.2MB)

From waterfront restaurateur to food truck favorite — JD Hollway joins us for S4E6 of the Pine Island Experience.

After owning the Waterfront Restaurant and Marina for nearly 25 years and supporting countless local charity fishing tournaments, JD reinvented himself with Horse Eyed Jake’s American Sliders Food Truck. Alongside his wife, Tricia, they’ve created more than a menu — they’ve created an experience.

In this episode, JD shares:

🍔 The story behind the now-famous “OMG BLT”

🧄 Why four gallons of roasted garlic means Tricia leaves the house

🌴 What it’s like going from brick-and-mortar to life on wheels

💛 And why feeding the community has always mattered

✨“My philosophy on restaurants is people come for the food, they come back for the service.”

— JD Hollway✨

Follow Horse Eyed Jake’s on social media, Facebook and Instagram to see where they’ll be next — then go find them hungry.

🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S4E5 Capt Debbie Hanson — Freedom Waters Foundation Outreach Director

February 20, 2026Podcast#LadiesWhoFish, #piccfreefishingseminar, #SheFishes, #WomenInTheOutdoors, #WomenOnTheWater, #WomenWhoFishpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:37 — 32.7MB)

🎣 Being on the water has a way of bringing people together — friends, family, and even someone you’ve just met. Add a Pine Island sunset and dolphins 🐬 surfacing nearby, and it becomes something truly special.

In this episode, we talk with Debbie Hanson, award-winning outdoor writer, professional fishing guide, and Community Outreach Director for the Freedom Waters Foundation. Debbie shares her passion for introducing women to fishing and building confidence, connection, and community on the water.

🎣 Women’s Free Fishing Seminar

📅 Saturday, March 7, 9:00 – Noon at The Eagles Nest Restaurant Tiki Hut

👩‍🦰 Designed for ladies — beginners welcome

📍 Pine Island

It’s not just about fishing — it’s about shared moments, new friendships, and discovering the joy of being out on the water together.

✨“Patience, perseverance, peace, connection, community. Those would be my top answers. I know especially here on Pine Island, there’s such a tight-knit fishing community and one of the wonderful things that I think fishing has brought to my life is that feeling of community especially with my other women angling friends. When we get together we have so much fun and we share so many stories and have such a great time.”

— Capt. Debbie Hanson✨

🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com