186. From Cutthroats and Cattle Thieves To Cowhunters and Conservationists; with Jamesie Johnston
Release Date: 02/21/2025
Between The Beaches Podcast
Tune in this week for a special rebroadcast in honor of Mr. Gordie Peer and prepare to be amazed at the incredible life he lived. Before settling down in Florida as a working cowboy, Gordie had been a rodeo specialty act performer, Hollywood stuntman, and so much more. Don't miss his amazing stories!
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Since its inception in 1993, the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee has remained dedicated to preserving Florida's cow culture as well as its Cow Hunter and Cracker heritage. In addition to organizing and executing countless cattle drives and trail rides, the FCCPC works tirelessly to celebrate the unique and foundational role that cattle have played throughout Florida's history while actively promoting Florida's rich heritage as a cattle state to a global audience. Jim McAlister, secretary for the FCCPC, joins us on the podcast this week to discuss the history of the committee's work,...
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Florida's role in the War Between the States is easily and often overlooked. She was third behind South Carolina and Mississippi to secede from the Union. While the battles fought on her soil never rose to the level of those farther north in the main theater of war, Florida's supply and defensive roles were critical to the Southern cause. As easily as these facts are forgotten, so too can brave and honorable men be forgotten if we allow them to be. One such man is Captain John Jackson Dickison, the Swamp Fox of the Confederacy. Tune in this week to learn more about this remarkable man and...
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Florida is full of fascinating stories and people that can only be found when you get off the beaten path, leave the coastlines behind, and get out in the rural backcountry that makes our state so special. It's this "other land" where you'll find hidden gems like Sugar and Spice Farms, a multi-generational glades family who care deeply about Florida, farming, and their community. To that end, they've invested in continued traditional farming operations while having a vision for the future to expand their sugar cane into production of Otherland Society premium rum in a way that seeks to...
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Trains have long played a significant role in shaping the face of Florida dating back to when Henry Flagler laid the first tracks. Today, it feels like agriculture and much of our old Florida culture is tied to those tracks staring into the lights of a metaphorical runaway train of growth and development. In this episode, we look at some of the cultural events we've done in the first quarter of this year seeking to promote and preserve our heritage as well as discussing the pressures farming and ranching are facing throughout Florida during this era of rapid and explosive change.
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This week we sit down with James Johnston to explore the rich Celtic herding heritage that helped shape Florida's foundation and still helps forge her future. We also cover the new knowledge Jamesie gained about Florida this week as he spent several days with us exploring what lies Between The Beaches from the ranch down to the lower Everglades. Additionally, he shares his background on his endeavors plus we draw comparisons between Florida and Scotland environmentally, politically, and more. It's a wide ranging conversation but one that revolves around protecting your culture, your heritage,...
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This week's episode offers a glimpse back in time to turn of the century Florida living with all of its challenges and simple joys. Special thanks to Mr. Phil Redditt for sharing his family's story with us. Things weren't always easy, but there was always a strong sense of community and a respect for the land. These are our roots and what built Florida. Hope y'all enjoy the history.
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In spite of hurricanes, high prices, and other challenges, these days everyone seems to be in love with the Sunshine State because they keep flocking in here like moths to the flame. But there's a big difference between lust or fake love and a deep, abiding love. On this week's episode, we feature essays by various conservationists from across Florida describing their love and appreciation for her. So many different perspectives, yet so many common themes as well that all combine to paint a vivid picture of real Florida.
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A lot of our conversations and interviews on this podcast revolve around the elder generation sharing their history and heritage in Florida, but this week we're turning to the younger generation to get their outlook and thoughts on our beautiful state. Mary-Margaret Hardee is a 7th generation Floridian who's passionate about Florida agriculture and sharing the lesser known stories of the women involved in it. Join us for a conversation covering her family heritage, her work on the podcast, and much more!
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NOTE: While we didn't necessarily intend to start the year with a rebroadcast, we couldn't pass on the opportunity to share this insightful conversation with Mr. Jerry Lee "Ham" Brown from back in March 2023. Ham probably knew and forgot more about horses than most people will ever learn and he shared some great stories in this episode of the podcast. Ham passed away this past week so we felt it only fitting to bring this episode out of the vault to share with everyone. We hope y'all enjoy it. Within the ranching community and performance horse circles, the...
info_outlineThis week we sit down with James Johnston to explore the rich Celtic herding heritage that helped shape Florida's foundation and still helps forge her future. We also cover the new knowledge Jamesie gained about Florida this week as he spent several days with us exploring what lies Between The Beaches from the ranch down to the lower Everglades. Additionally, he shares his background on his endeavors plus we draw comparisons between Florida and Scotland environmentally, politically, and more. It's a wide ranging conversation but one that revolves around protecting your culture, your heritage, and your resources.