Sunshine Junkie

On this episode of Sunshine Junkie, Chad and Katie talk to Christina Wilson — a Florida Keys wildlife biologist, TV host, and passionate storyteller. Christina has worked as a host for Discover Florida Channel on the TV specials “Island Hopping” and “Only in the Florida Keys,” where she brings the islands’ hidden gems and conservation stories to life. Now, Christina is taking her love for the wild even further with her own series, “Florida Wild Woman,” celebrating the beauty and grit of Florida’s ecosystems and the people protecting them.

From battling tarpon to working with Gordon Ramsay — Christina shares it all in this sun-soaked episode about life, wildlife, and storytelling in the Florida Keys.

In the future, will doctors write prescriptions for nature for our kids? Maybe.

In this episode, Chad and Katie dive into the origin story of the Emmy Award-winning kids' series "The Outsiders Club." They cover a wide range of topics, from Florida's recent efforts to limit social media, inspiring kids to go outside, to the importance of connecting the next generation of Floridians to the outside world. 

In this episode of Sunshine Junkie, Chad and Katie sit down with Captain & Entrepreneur Lionel James—a father, fisherman, and fitness fanatic with biceps as big as his boat and a story deeper than the Gulf he calls home. Known for reeling in monsters off the coast of Destin and lifting heavy in the gym, Lionel brings more than muscle to the mic. He opens up about being raised by a single dad, the lessons that shaped him, and the hustle it took to turn his passion into a profession. From fishing to fatherhood to fitness, this one’s about grit, growth, and chasing big things—in and out of the water.

On this episode of Sunshine Junkie, Chad and Katie sit down with Karen Adam—a devoted How to Do Florida fan whose dream came true when her family of four joined Chad for the Ultimate Fan Experience in Tampa. But just four months later, everything changed. A freak accident on a routine family boat outing left Karen with a broken back and a long road ahead. After months in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and the unimaginable challenge of learning to walk again, Karen is here to share her powerful story of resilience. From zip lining to survival, she opens up about how Florida’s wild places became part of her healing—and why nature still saves her every day.

On this episode, Chad and Katie sit down with the man usually behind the camera—Ben Mesker. For nearly 20 years, Ben has worked alongside Chad on How to Do Florida, The Outsiders Club, and Flip My Florida Yard. He’s hauled gear through swamps, chased perfect light across coastlines, and captured Florida’s story one breathtaking frame at a time. Now, he’s stepping in front of the mic to share unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments and the wild realities of shooting in the Sunshine State. From close calls to creative triumphs, this is a rare peek into the world of a visual storyteller—and judging by some of his stories, we’re lucky he’s still around to tell them.

In this premiere episode, Chad and Katie attempt to explain who they are and why, exactly, they’ve started a podcast. (Spoiler: it was Chad’s idea. Katie just works here.) What began as a wild suggestion from a Florida-obsessed boss has somehow turned into a real show—despite the fact that Chad still isn’t totally clear on what a podcast is. Or isn’t.

Chad is the original Sunshine Junkie: a TV host and Creative Director who’s made it his mission to showcase Florida in all its weird, wonderful glory. Katie, on the other hand, was not born a Florida woman—but working alongside Chad for the past 8 years as a producer has... changed her. For better or worse, she’s been converted.

Together, they’ve created a bunch of Florida-focused TV, and now they’re bringing their behind-the-scenes banter (and some truly unexpected guests) to your ears. This is Sunshine Junkie—a little genius, a little ridiculous, and always full Florida.