Monthly Archives: April 2026

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