Free Daily Podcast Summary
Florida Uncut: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Mason Gravley
Get ready to explore Florida's vibrant conservation community with Florida Uncut. Each episode is a conversation with the individuals doing the work to protect and connect wild Florida. Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or you simply want to learn more about Florida's wild side, this podcast is here to inspire you with captivating stories and firsthand experiences from the often unsung heroes dedicated to safeguarding Florida's breathtaking natural areas and species, ensuring the real Florida remains forever 'uncut'.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Aug 18, 20261h 41m
Meredith Budd: Live Wildly
Meredith is the Deputy Director of the Live Wildly Foundation, where she applies an entrepreneurial approach to conservation while seeking to balance smart growth, a robust economy, and connected, resilient landscapes. As the organization’s senior strategist, Meredith engages with federal, state, and local governments, institutions, and the nonprofit and private sectors to build and maintain strategic relationships and identify opportunities to deepen Live Wildly's impact.Her passion for environmental conservation grew from a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. From the lush landscapes of Central and South America to the island nations of the South Pacific, Meredith spent nearly five years after college exploring natural wonders around the world. Upon moving back to Florida in 2012, she dedicated her career to protecting wildlife and the lands they call home. She has more than a decade of experience in the environmental field and brings expertise in imperiled species policy, habitat conservation planning, and wildlife conflict resolution.Meredith also serves as Board President of the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge and Audubon Western Everglades. Prior to joining Live Wildly, she worked as the Regional Policy Director with the Florida Wildlife Federation and as an Environmental Policy Specialist with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. She enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Miss Luci and Mr. Pickles.In this episode, we cover a lot of topics:The value of travelHuman wildlife coexistenceWorking with a diverse group of stakeholders in conservationLocal land conservation effortsCurrent statewide policy issues affecting conservation and local communitiesWhat an ‘entrepreneurial approach to conservation’ meansThe relationship between a robust economy and resilient landscapesThe role that voters, local and state elected officials, and private investors play in Florida conservationResources mentioned:Live Wildly: Balancing Economy and Ecology in Florida Water and wildlife corridors | Archbold Biological Station Climate and wildlife corridors | Archbold Biological Station Community Conservation ~ Greenprinting - North Florida Land Trust Land Conservation and Open Space Referenda Map - North Florida Land Trust Nancy Payton Preserve – Florida Hikes This episode was hosted and edited by Zach Franco.
- Aug 4, 20261h 51m
David Price: 40 Years at Bok Tower Gardens
For nearly 40 years, David Price dedicated his career to one of Florida's most treasured places. On his final day as president of Bok Tower Gardens, Mason and David walked the grounds and sat for an in-depth conversion of a reflection on a lifetime of conservation, leadership, and stewardship.From the globally significant Lake Wales Ridge to the iconic Singing Tower, this conversation explores the legacy of a place, the evolution of conservation in Florida, and the enduring value of beauty in an increasingly busy world.David joined Bok Tower Gardens in 1986 as Director of Horticulture for 20 years, and went on to serve nearly 20 years as president. During his tenure, the gardens expanded from 125 acres to more than 760 acres, doubled attendance, and strengthened their role as both a cultural destination and a conservation leader in Florida.David shares the stories behind the growth of Bok Tower, the challenges of leading a beloved institution, and the lessons he's learned from spending four decades caring for one extraordinary landscape. We also discuss why the Lake Wales Ridge is one of North America's most important ecosystems, how conservation has changed over the past 40 years, and what gives him hope for the future of wild Florida.This episode is a conversation about legacy, long-term stewardship, and leaving a place better than you found it. And if you haven’t, please plan to visit the beautiful gardens and iconic singing Bok Tower soon. boktowergardens.orggreenhorizon.org
- Jul 16, 20261h 36m
Tessa Skiles: Grounded in Water
Conservationist, underwater cinematographer, and impact producer Tessa Skiles has been immersed in conservation since childhood, first appearing in her father Wes Skiles' films before building her own career at the intersection of storytelling and environmental advocacy. In this conversation, Tessa shares her journey from growing up in Florida's springs to producing iconic films that inspire love and action around groundwater, land conservation, and our deep connection to wild Florida.The conversation goes beyond filmmaking as Tessa opens up about transforming a deeply personal story into an impact documentary, one rooted in loss, legacy, healing, and the interconnectedness of land and water. She also offers insight of the feature documentary currently in development and discusses the importance of building partnerships and bringing diverse perspectives together to scale the message of land-to-water connectivity far beyond Florida.Listeners will also hear about Tessa's involvement in the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation's upcoming expedition film as a guide and her role in a forthcoming documentary series exploring the Southeastern United States. More to come on those films this fall!This is one of our most personal conversations to date. We're grateful to Tessa for her openness and willingness to share experiences that are both deeply vulnerable and profoundly hopeful. About TessaTessa Skiles is a conservationist, underwater photographer, cinematographer, and impact producer whose work reveals the beauty and vulnerability of groundwater and freshwater ecosystems. Her film credits include American Amazon (PBS Nature), The Fellowship of the Springs, Protect Our Paradise, and Day Zero. Beyond filmmaking, she develops educational programs and impact campaigns that connect communities to conservation through compelling, science-based storytelling.Tessa is also the daughter of the late Wes Skiles, a legendary cave diver, filmmaker, and conservation pioneer whose work helped protect Florida's springs and whose legacy continues through the conservation movement today.Learn more about Tessa, her films, and Karst Productions in the links below:See 8-year-old Tessa advocating for Florida springs protection: herewww.karstproductions.comFB: facebook.com/tessa.skilesInstagram:.instagram.com/tessa.skiles
- Jun 25, 20262h 0m
Tom Hoctor & Reed Noss: The History of the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Long before the Florida Wildlife Corridor became a statewide movement, it began as a scientific question: How do we conserve wildlife in one of the fastest-growing states in America?In this episode, Mason and Zach sit down with two of the most influential conservation scientists in Florida history, Dr. Thomas Hoctor and Dr. Reed Noss, to explore the origins, evolution, and future of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Together, they trace the roots of corridor science from the emerging fields of conservation biology and landscape ecology in the 1970s and 1980s to the development of the Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN), the scientific foundation of today's Florida Wildlife Corridor. The conversation examines how ideas from island biogeography, regional planning, road ecology, and wildlife connectivity shaped a vision that ultimately influenced conservation efforts far beyond Florida.Tom and Reed discuss the mentors, thinkers, and movements that inspired their work, including Larry Harris, and the emergence of conservation biology as a discipline. They also reflect on how Florida's approach to large landscape conservation helped inspire connectivity initiatives around the world, from Yellowstone to Yukon to wildlife corridor efforts in Bhutan and beyond.The episode also celebrates the release of their new book, Regional Landscape Conservation Planning: Wildlife, Connectivity, and the Florida Model, which chronicles decades of science, planning, policy, and partnerships that helped shape one of North America's most ambitious conservation networks. The book explores how Florida combined scientific research, land acquisition programs, growth planning, and public engagement to create a model for regional conservation in the 21st century.Whether you're a conservation professional, student, landowner, or simply someone who cares about the future of wild Florida, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two of the architects behind the science that continues to guide conservation across the state.Dr. Thomas HoctorDirector of the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning at the University of Florida, architect of the Florida Ecological Greenways Network, and co-founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Tom has spent decades developing spatial conservation planning tools that guide land protection efforts throughout Florida.Dr. Reed NossOne of the world's leading conservation biologists and a pioneer in landscape-scale conservation. Reed's research on habitat fragmentation, biodiversity conservation, and ecological connectivity helped establish many of the scientific principles that underpin modern wildlife corridor planning.Buy their new book!Regional Landscape Conservation Planning: Wildlife, Connectivity, and the Florida ModelResources mentioned in the episode:The History of Florida Wildlife Corridor Science and Planning EffortsThe Fragmented Forest by Larry HarrisBenton MacKaye's 1921 proposal for the Appalachian TrailRichard Forman's foundational work in landscape ecologyMichael Soulé and the emergence of conservation biologyOrlando Sentinel story about wildlife Corridors - 19841000 Friends of Florida Greenways ProgramYellowstone to Yukon Conservation InitiativeEPA’s National Ecological Framework<a href="https://waconnected.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NEF_broch
- Jun 4, 20261h 47m
Kailyn Lawson: Monthly Update
Today Zach and Mason are joined by Kailyn Lawson, the Community Conservation Manager at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, to discuss co-managing the recent Longleaf to Lighthouse Expedition. We dive into Kailyn’s background and focus before hearing more about the expedition and what’s next with the documentary film. Resources mentioned during the episode: https://floridapress.org/9781683406549/regional-landscape-conservation-planning/https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0cdea7371c874357a9307ac8ea701568https://www.usf.edu/pcgs/academics/global-sustainability/climate-mitigation-and-adaptation.aspxhttps://floridawildlifecorridor.org/films/
- May 29, 20261h 6m
Thomas Eason: Faith, Science, and Wild Florida
Thomas is a passionate wildlife conservation professional with more than 30 years of research, management, and leadership experience. He spent his childhood playing soccer and exploring the outdoors around the suburbs of Northern Virginia before earning his B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife at Virginia Tech. He later completed both his M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Science and his Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Tennessee.After completing his thesis and dissertation work focused on black bear population dynamics in the Southeastern United States, Thomas came to Florida in 1999 to serve as the Statewide Bear Biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Over nearly 25 years with the agency, he advanced through leadership roles, ultimately serving as Director of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation and later as Assistant Executive Director.Following his retirement from state government, Thomas continued his conservation work through new ventures, most recently serving as the Senior Director of Conservation for the Live Wildly Foundation. Throughout his career, he has taken a strategic approach to conservation centered on long-term outcomes. He helped envision and lead the development of Florida’s Wildlife Action Plan, played an instrumental role in creating Landscape Conservation Cooperatives in Florida, and helped establish the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS), where he served on the Executive Steering Committee for many years, among numerous other initiatives, committees, and boards, including currently serving on the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Board. Thomas also serves as Board President for Unity Eastside Church in Tallahassee, where we recorded this conversation, and more importantly, where he met and married his wife, Angel.Together, Thomas and Angel enjoy tinkering in the yard at their certified monarch butterfly waystation, hiking, camping, kayaking, and raising their daughter, Lakshmi, to love the outdoors.
- May 13, 202656 min
Melissa Hill: Trust for Public Land
Melissa Hill is a Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land (TPL) focused on expanding the Florida Wildlife Corridor, connecting vital acreage of the Florida National Scenic Trail and protecting the special spaces that connect Floridians to the outdoors. Her work is centered on conserving land for public access by working directly with landowners and partner agencies to secure necessary funding and close complex real estate transactions. Prior to joining TPL, Melissa spent three years at the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Gulf Program addressing resilience issues, habitat protection, and water quality needs along Florida’s Gulf Coast. She received her master’s degree in Ecology from the University of Florida while researching opportunities for nature-based solutions at the intersection of private property rights and nesting sea turtles. Based in Tallahassee with her husband, she is a mediocre birder, enthusiastically bad at drumming, and deeply smitten with her favorite state. Learn more about the projects and work of Melissa and TPL below:Shoal River Headwaters State Park - Our Work in FLFlorida - Our Work in Florida: Trust for Public LandHome | Florida National Scenic Trail | Forest ServiceLand Conservation and Open Space Referenda Map - North Florida Land TrustThis episode was hosted and edited by Zach Franco.
- May 6, 20261h 14m
Mason & Zach: Show Update
Today Mason is joined by Zach Franco to talk about some of the upcoming changes to Florida Uncut and discuss how they keep a positive and hopeful outlook while working in conservation.Also, if you want to hear Zach and Mason’s adventure paddling the Suwannee River, go listen to that episode from October here.
Get Florida Uncut summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Origins Foundation Podcast
Discusses wildlife conservation, hunting ethics, and controversial issues in sustainable use through candid interviews.
The Backyard Naturalists
Explores backyard ecosystems through native plants, birdwatching, wildlife attraction, and citizen science in the Greater Charlotte region.
Bright Lit Place
Explores the Everglades’ decline, the scientists studying it, and the conflicting efforts to restore the wetlands.
Unf*cking the Future
A scientist explores environmental crises and practical solutions to secure a sustainable future.
The Michigan DNR's Wildtalk Podcast
Experts from Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources discuss wildlife, habitat, and conservation efforts across the state.
Call of the Outdoors
Explores Pennsylvania wildlife, hunting, habitat, and conservation through stories and insights from the state’s Game Commission.
Fire University
Explores fire ecology research and its applications for managing wildlife and plant communities.
Wildlife Photography
Photographers discuss wildlife and nature photography techniques, experiences, and creative inspiration in casual conversation.
Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast
Two Florida moms examine true crime cases from Florida and beyond, exploring how each event occurred with candid, conversational analysis.
MeatEater Conservation
A podcast about outdoor news and conservation issues, featuring interviews with experts and hunters.
Wild Edible World: A Foraging Podcast
Explores wild edible plants and mushrooms, sharing global foraging knowledge and ways to identify and use them safely.
The Wild with Chris Morgan
Explores wildlife and wild places through stories of animals adapting to survive and the people protecting them.
About Florida Uncut
Get ready to explore Florida's vibrant conservation community with Florida Uncut. Each episode is a conversation with the individuals doing the work to protect and connect wild Florida. Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or you simply want to learn more about Florida's wild side, this podcast is here to inspire you with captivating stories and firsthand experiences from the often unsung heroes dedicated to safeguarding Florida's breathtaking natural areas and species, ensuring the real Florida remains forever 'uncut'.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Florida Uncut in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Florida Uncut daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Florida Uncut as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Florida Uncut podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Florida Uncut product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Mason Gravley.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Florida Uncut release new episodes?
Florida Uncut publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Florida Uncut cover?
Florida Uncut covers topics including Science, Nature, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Florida Uncut summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.