The Awkward Angler Podcast
by Erica Nelson
An authentic series talking about fishing, social justice, and storytelling with folx within the outdoor industry. Understanding that we can all have something to learn from each other, this podcast is for the aspiring, the beginner, the mediocre, and the expert angler, willing to learn new skills and how to be a better ally.Working through hard conversation can definitely get a little awkward. We fumble through and worry about getting it right. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and start getting awkward! www.awkwardAngler.com and on Instagram at @AwkwardAngler.
Episodes
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The Future is Native, featuring Kiara and Shay Nelson
In this episode I am sitting down with all the native ladies of the fly fishing and guide academy. They just completed their client day the day before and last night we celebrated the completion of the academy. This is the next generation of Native Women fly anglers and guides. We hear from new...
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Ties to Our Homeland with Stacey Simmons
Stacey Simmons was an invited guest during the week of the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide academy. She is the Sr. Director of Shareholder Services and the Director Of Operations at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center @kodiakbearcenterak We discuss what it means to be a shareholder in Alaska, as well…
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Cultural Connections with Laura Aspelund
Meet Laura Aspelund @laurauga she is now a graduate of the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy. We talk about her experience in living in Naknek, Alaska, her transition into fly fishing and guiding, her experience of being a white passing native woman, and the impacts of the proposed Pebble...
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Next Gen Native Leaders & Fly Guides with Tessa Coopchiak
Meet Tessa Coopchiak @tessa.coopchiak from Togiak, Alaska. We get to learn about where she is from, her connection to subsistence and now sport fishing, as well as her experience this week as a Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy student. I am relieved to know our next generation of Native...
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Queen of the Kvichak, Tatyana Zackar
This episode features Tatyana Zackar from Igiagig, Alaska. Queen of the Kvichak River - fly fishing guide, instructor, previous student of the guide academy, and fisheries biology student. We discuss her village, her connection to the fish, how reliant her community is to the Bristol Bay salmon,...
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Save Bristol Bay with Meghan Barker
Meet Meghan Barker, Trout Unlimited Bristol Bay Organizer and the Academy's facilitator about the advocacy work she needs you to hear about when it comes to news and things you can do against Pebble Mine. Submit a comment to the EPA that you support strong Clean Water Act protections for the...
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Influence and Mental Health with Kayla Lockhart
Welcome to the final episode of season 2 of the Awkward Angler Podcast. This season has been great to connect with influential women doing work in realms of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the fly fishing industry. We’ve heard some great initiatives that are just short of...
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Corinne Doctor - Women in the Industry
So this week, I am honored that my friend Corinne Doctor is my guest for today’s episode. She is the co-founder of Rep Your Water - an apparel brand dedicated to providing uniquely designed, top quality gear for anglers and hunters while increasing support of local conservation and inspiring...
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Andi Greene - Cultural Appropriation and Getting Called Out
Would you rather strive to be an ally or an abolitionist? Abolition requires a commitment to risk. Risking your comfort, safety, and status to ensure that your Black and Brown counterparts experience equity and its afforded benefits. Today I am sitting down with Andi Greene, host of Wine Down…
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Heather Hodson Neufeld - Becoming Anti-Racist & the Stages of Grief
Becoming “anti-racist” sounds easy, but it can actually be quite challenging to shift our way of thinking. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work also known as JEDI is hard work, however if we can push through the discomfort and uncomfortable conversations, there is joy to be found. I met...
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Emerald LaFortune - Coming Out: Identity, Sexuality, Allyship
Instagram has been a great resource for me to connect with other anglers and it’s exactly how I met Emerald LaFortune. I found alignment in her posts and content when it comes to topics of LGBTQ+, racial and social justice, as well as being a female in male dominated spaces such as whitewater...
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Jackie Kutzer and Chrissy Atkins - Gender Equity Beyond 5050
In 2017, The Orvis Company launched 50/50 on the Water, an initiative to introduce more women to the sport and to promote those already making a mark in the fly fishing world. I, as an Indigenous, woman know the gender binary is not inclusive - while focusing on women is important, how are we…
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Navigating the Intentions of white Women: Start Taking Ownership (Part 3) Final Episode
“Step up, step aside, or step down.” Power sharing vs hoarding needs to be understood. Welcome to the final episode of season one. I am looking forward to a nice long break and yet, I already have ideas for a new batch of episodes. I learned a lot, not only about podcasting but from each guest....
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Navigating the Impact of white Women’s Intentions (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of navigating the impact of white women’s intentions. Today, Bianca and I dive into just a few of the many questions we received themed around, “what can I do?” and “How can I decenter myself?” As well as building relationships with Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Again…
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Navigating the Intentions of white Women
A month or so ago I had posted for an upcoming conversation titled “the impact of white women’s intentions”. I got an overwhelming response with questions. Thank you for those that took the time to submit them. As people of color, for us to be in community, we talk. We also support each other by...
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The Stoke Behind Taco Fly Co with Mario Guel
Due to the sensitive nature of this episode, listener discretion is advised. This episode includes discussions of suicide that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners. 800-273-8255 is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. I get...
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Hiring for Diversity with Amanda Jameson
A continuation with Amanda Jameson and her journey of finding employment in the outdoor industry. We talk about leaving her recent position at Big City Mountaineers. I can relate on so many levels as people of color face overt and covert racial discrimination from our leadership as well as...
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Accountability with Amanda Jameson
When it comes to justice, we need to talk about accountability. When it comes to hard conversations around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we worry about getting it right. So often when I conduct JEDI trainings, folks have nervousness about entering the space as they fear getting…
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Updates and Appreciations
Halfway through season one: After a busy week in all aspects of personal, professional, and social, this week is to pause and thank guests, listeners, subscribers, and supporters. Also, share some comments and feedback. Visit https://anchor.fm/erica-nelson2 to contribute monthly or Venmo @...
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Geotagging and Gatekeeping: A Discussion with Anna Le, Jaylyn Gough, Marco Kamimura, and Vasu Sojitra
In fishing culture, there is a strong belief that social media and geotagging is “killing” fishing, there are oftentimes guides or other anglers will get bullied for geotagging. And part of fishing culture is to never ask or tell fishing spots. As fishing is growing in popularity, I noticed an...
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Natural Resource Management with Marco Kamimura
As I am getting to know my fisheries and watersheds, as well as my local fly shop better, I am recognizing there are some additional responsibilities as an angler when it comes to conservation and protecting the health of the fish. So often I hear solutions that “gatekeep”, meaning - the activity...
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Angling and Anti Settlerism with Patricia Chau Nguyễn
This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practitioner Patricia Chau Nguyễn to discuss her 15 years in this industry and how it's evolved. We also get to hear about her first experiences fly fishing in October 2020. Patricia brings great insight as an Asian...
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Blackout Tuesday with Demiesha Dennis
People of Color have been demanding racial justice well before 2020. Why did it take the murder of George Floyd for companies and CEOs to publicly take a stance on anti racism? And on the other side, why are some companies afraid to even speak out? People of color have also experienced racism and...
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Basic Fishes with Anna Le
On this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking and laughing with Anna Le. We get to hear about her career as a fish biologist. I realize I risk sounding like a fool sometimes, however, I didn’t learn how to fish till I was 31, and my outdoor adventures didn’t begin till I was in my mid 20’s. So…
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About this show
An authentic series talking about fishing, social justice, and storytelling with folx within the outdoor industry. Understanding that we can all have something to learn from each other, this podcast is for the aspiring, the beginner, the mediocre, and the expert angler, willing to learn new skills and how to be a better ally.Working through hard conversation can definitely get a little awkward. We fumble through and worry about getting it right. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and start getting awkward! www.awkwardAngler.com and on Instagram at @AwkwardAngler.
Hosted by
Erica Nelson