Category Archives: Podcast

S3E11 – The PICC Hugs Program & Food Pantry: Pat Downes and LaDonna Lippincott



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.


S3E10 Island Flair, Jennifer Bennett, Owner



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.


S3E9 Pine Island Pawn and Jewelry, Zac and Thristina Woodhams



Get ready to meet Zac and Thristina Woodhams, the dynamic duo behind Pine Island Pawn and Jewelry in Matlacha! They joined us on the podcast to share their journey of opening the shop, their passion for the community, and their excitement about welcoming customers. From explaining the ins and outs of the pawn business to showcasing unique jewelry and art, Zac and Thristina are bringing something special to Pine Island.

Tune in as they share their story, their vision, and what makes their shop a must-visit.

Listen on your favorite podcast app or visit https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com.


S3E8 Sandy Paws Island Dog Bakery & Wash, Lisa Fromm, Owner



Don’t miss this heartwarming episode! We sit down with Lisa Fromm, owner of Sandy Paws Island Dog Bakery & Wash, and her son Codee as they share their journey from passionate dog lovers to running a dream bakery. Lisa opens up about the inspiration behind Sandy Paws, the challenges of turning her vision into reality, and what’s next for their growing business.

Tune in on your favorite podcast app or visit https://pineislandexperience.com to listen!

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com.


S3E7 2 Fish Inn, Brett and Holly Valentine, Greg Falkler and Deb Crandall



This podcast is about 2 Fish Inn,  a beautiful, newly remodeled Inn located in the heart of St. James City on Pine Island, Florida.  Two of the owners, Brett and Holly Valentine talk about what it was like to join in partnership with the current owner and assist in the remodeling project.  2 Fish Inn offers single bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, separate bedroom/bath and private patios. The inn offers numerous guest amenities such as a heated pool, water and land sports and new boat slips.  2 Fish Inn is the perfect retreat for those wanting to explore the area, walk to friendly restaurants, go boating, fishing, or simply relax by the pool.

To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com


S3E6 Pine Island Bait and Tackle, Jimmy and Jennifer Harrison, Owners



Jimmy and Jennifer say Pine Island is the best place ever and they believe they have the most wonderful clientele.   They have everything you could possibly need for fishing in their shop, from new beginners to moms and sons to seasoned pros.   The team at Pine Island Bait and Tackle are so helpful to their customers so much so that their customers come back happily showing them the fish they caught thanks to them.  It’s no surprise that their customers have become their friends and family. 

To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com


S3E5 Wendy White – Artist, Writer, Playwright, Producer, Director, Teacher and more



Do not miss this podcast about Wendy White, an artist of many talents who is very happy, extremely positive and in love with continuous learning.  Wendy says yes to every challenge and she always succeeds.  She is a very bright light in all of her endeavors so it is no surprise that she describes her painting in this way;  Painting is a consistent source of inspiration. As each canvas goes forth in the world they are gifts of light for all to enjoy.”

To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com


S3E4 A. Gonzalez Nursery and Landscaping



This podcast is about a local family business on Pine Island, A. Gonzalez Nursery and Landscaping.  They have thousands of different Palms, Plants, Flowering Shrubs, and much more.   They have been landscaping and delivering quality plants since 2013 while receiving outstanding customer reviews. 

To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com


S3E3 Erica Overhulser Gehring Vocalist and Lepidopterist



Erica’s passion for butterflies began the day she bought 18 Milkweed plants,  the required host plants for caterpillars of the monarch butterfly.  Erica was mentored and now she mentors others on all things butterflies.  As a vocalist, she is extremely talented and engaging.  To see Erica perform, look for announcements of the musical duo, Joy Ride or the full band, Cover Story SWFL. 

To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com


S3E2 Captain Chuck Downes, Charter Captain and Educator



Captain Chuck Downes has spent many years as an educator and as a charter captain.  His passion is teaching people how to fish.  Captain Chuck is offering 4 weekly seminars at the Pine Island Community Church located at 5320 Doug Taylor Circle in St James City. The sessions are every Wednesday from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, January 29 through February 19.  To reserve a spot or if you have questions, text or call Capt Chuck at 609-412-7328.

To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com