The Documentary Podcast Returned to sender
Jan 8, 2026
Franz Pickhardt, a former German navy signalman, shares the incredible story of tossing a birthday message in a bottle in 1979, which astonishingly resurfaced after 44 years. Joining him are Alondra, Kevin, and Rosalyn, who tossed their own celebratory messages during their graduation in 2018 from Colegio La Ave Maria in Puerto Rico. As Clint Buffington, the 'Message In a Bottle Hunter,' traces these heartfelt notes, he uncovers the emotional connections reactivated across decades, highlighting the timeless impact of these hidden treasures.
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A Lifelong Obsession Begins On The Beach
- Clint Buffington found his first message in a bottle in 2007 and has since discovered around 140 bottles worldwide.
- He describes the thrill of finding bottles as persistent and as exciting as the first discovery.
The Delicate Work Of Opening Old Bottles
- Clint describes finding a frosted bottle on Coggleberry Key and carefully extracting fragile Spanish messages years later.
- He emphasizes the patience and technique needed to remove tiny, delicate notes without damaging them.
Don't Send Bottles; Look For Them Instead
- Clint discourages sending messages in bottles because they pollute beaches and oceans.
- He encourages people to hunt for bottles instead and to help clean beaches when they search.