Between The Beaches Podcast

We're back from our summer break with a conversation you don't want to miss. True friends are worth their weight in gold and our guest this week is one such individual. Jim Johnston seldom meets a stranger and has plenty of stories to share in his own right, but in this conversation we cover some fantastic stories and memories passed down by his dad, the late Elmo Johnston, and you won't find a much better encapsulation of our Old Florida heritage. Our topics range from Elmo's early days cow hunting to his transition into the earliest days of the sod business in Florida. From there, we also talk some Chalo Nitka history and get a highly entertaining glimpse into the early days of the Gladesmen culture and more. Tune in and get comfortable for a ride into parts of Florida's past that are fading fast.

As we roll further into June and the mercury climbs higher, Sam and I banter about the current state of the cattle business, recap some recent events in our life and around the state, and discuss many of the things that make summer in Florida a special time. We also touch on the Florida Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention and Allied Trade Show that kicks off next week. Tune in as we venture from the fence line to the coast line out here between the beaches.

Sit back and relax for the next half hour or so as we share some cowboy poetry focused on the cycles and rhythms of change and how perseverance and resilience will carry you through those transitions. It's a bit of a follow up to our last episode on the same topic, but the message is delivered as only cowboy poetry can do it.

After dealing with some family business prompted a lot of deep thinking, we decided to switch up from our originally planned episode this week to share some of those thoughts in a brief monologue while also paying tribute to a family member. Sorry to be a little late getting it pushed out the door, but we hope y'all enjoy it and pass it along to others.

Seth Carswell has a passion for custom design, craftsmanship, and legacy. As Florida's only custom boot maker, Seth's artistry, traditional technique, and commitment to detail are evident in every stitch of his boots. As a 3rd generation Floridian, his family background lies in timber production and he spent much of his younger years involved in that business or on the water, before turning to his passion for blending form, function, and legacy in leather goods.  Nothing demonstrates this concept more than his alligator boots.  Managing alligator populations through hunting programs on both public and private lands is an integral part of conservation here in the Sunshine State and Seth indirectly plays a small role in all this by crafting the tanned gator skins into beautiful boots that reflect his love of Florida. Join us in this conversation as we learn more about Seth's family the origins and future plans for Florida Boot Company.

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!

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, the upcoming 2026 Great Florida Cattle Drive, and we close out with a little central Florida cracker history.  Click here for more info on the 2026 Cattle Drive Email: greatfloridacattledrives@gmail.com  

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 brilliant military strategist.

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 revitalize western Palm Beach County. Join us for a look back into the rich history of the glades region, the communities lying on the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee, and the families vested in sharing the beauty of the places and people they love.

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.