The Sustainable Angler

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, Emerger Strategies founder and host Rick Crawford sits down with Ross Purnell, Editor in Chief of Fly Fisherman Magazine, for a wide-ranging conversation that covers the past, present, and future of one of fly fishing's most storied publications — and how conservation storytelling protects the wild places we love.We cover how AI and data centers are contributing to rising water temperatures, exacerbating climate change, and threatening fisheries across the country. Ross breaks down the Boundary Waters controversy, explains why more fly fishing brands are doing more for the resource, and discusses a powerful cultural shift: younger anglers who vote with their wallets by supporting brands that align with their values.Ross also shares the story behind his new film The Shoals — a fishing journey to protect St. Brandon's Atoll — and makes the case for storytelling as a frontline conservation strategy. Plus: why the next generation gives him genuine hope, the story of almost making a film with President Jimmy Carter, and a direct call to get involved in advocacy before it's too late.In this episode:A brief history of Fly Fisherman MagazineHow AI is warming our rivers and threatening fisheriesThe Boundary Waters controversy, explainedFly fishing brands stepping up for conservationGen Z and millennial anglers voting with their walletsThe Shoals — protecting St. Brandon's Atoll through filmStorytelling as a conservation toolAlmost making a film with President Jimmy CarterWhy advocacy and getting involved has never mattered moreSponsors:This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!)🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

America's public lands & waters are under attack — and what can you do about it.In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, Emerger Strategies founder and host Rick Crawford sits down with Land Tawney, a 25-year conservation veteran and co-leader of American Hunters and Anglers, to break down the most pressing threats facing hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts today.Land and Rick dive deep into the controversial decision by 50 Republican lawmakers — including South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott — to greenlight a foreign-owned copper-sulfide mine upstream of the Boundary Waters, America's most visited wilderness. "The three million-acre Superior National Forest, which includes the Boundary Waters, contains 20% of all the fresh water in the entire National Forest System at 193 million acres," according to Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. With copper mines carrying a 100% failure rate for toxic leakage and extracted resources being sold to China, this decision raises serious questions about who our elected officials are truly serving.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the Boundary Waters mining decision sets a dangerous precedent for the Grand Staircase National MonumentWhat new oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge mean for wildlife and habitatHow relocating U.S. Forest Service offices to Utah threatens conservation operationsWhy the dismantling of federal agencies like NOAA and the U.S. Forest Service puts wildfire response, weather forecasting, and habitat restoration at riskConcrete steps YOU can take to hold elected officials accountable and protect public landsWhether you're a hunter, angler, or simply someone who values America's wild places, this episode is a must-listen. Your public lands need you now more than ever.🎙️ Guest: Land Tawney, Co-Leader of American Hunters and Anglers | @AmericanHuntersAnglers 🔗 Take Action: Contact Your Senators. 🗳️ Vote for pro-public lands candidates this November in the midterms.Sponsors:This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!)🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

What happens when a fly fishing lodge co-founder decides the community needs more than just great water and great guides? You get Soul Fly Co. — and an event that might just change how the fly fishing world thinks about gathering.In this episode, host and Emerger Strategies founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with Alec "Griz" Griswold, co-founder of Soul Fly Co. and Soul Fly Lodge. Griz, alongside partners Kitri and Kyle Schaefer, is building something genuinely different: live music events designed specifically for the fly fishing community — events that celebrate the culture, protect the resource, and bring people together in a meaningful way.We cover how Griz got into the lodge business, the sustainability steps Soul Fly Lodge has taken on their journey, and a deep dive into Soul Fly Charleston — a fly fishing, music, and art event taking place May 16th at The Refinery in Charleston, SC, with proceeds benefiting Charleston Waterkeeper.Emerger Strategies recently partnered with Soul Fly Co. to develop a comprehensive Sustainable Event Plan for Soul Fly Charleston, establishing a framework to measure and improve the event's environmental and community impact — including ambitious goals around zero waste, local sourcing, and community engagement.If you care about the future of fly fishing, the places we fish, and the communities built around them, this episode is for you.In this episode:How Griz, Kitry, & Kyle built Soul Fly Lodge and why sustainability became a priorityThe origin story of Soul Fly Co. and its live music + fly fishing eventsHow Soul Fly Lodge is measuring and improving its sustainability performanceWhat goes into a Sustainable Event Plan — and why it mattersSoul Fly Charleston's zero waste and community impact goalsHow to support Charleston Waterkeeper by attending May 16thLearn more: soulflyco.com | Follow Soul Fly Co. on Instagram Get tickets to Soul Fly Charleston: May 16 · The Refinery · Charleston, SCSponsors:This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!)🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

What does it actually take for a fishing or outdoor brand to become B-Corp certified — and how do you prove your sustainability claims without greenwashing? In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, is joined by Hazel Horvath, Founder and CEO of Ecolytics, a software platform built to solve one of the biggest challenges facing brands today: sustainability data management.Hazel breaks down how Ecolytics helps companies streamline the B-Corp certification process by organizing and substantiating the data that certifications require — making it easier, faster, and more credible. They also dig into why major retailers are now holding brands accountable for measuring & improving sustainability performance, and what that means for the fishing and outdoor industry.In this episode, you'll learn:What B-Corp certification really means and why it matters for fishing and outdoor brandsHow sustainability data software like Ecolytics helps eliminate greenwashing riskWhy retailers are demanding measurable sustainability metrics from the brands they carryHow anglers can use certifications like 1% for the Planet and B-Corp to make smarter, more values-aligned purchasing decisionsHow The Sustainable Angler, Ecolytics, and Emerger Strategies have partnered to help brands pursue B-Corp certification more efficientlySpecial Offer: If your brand is ready to pursue B-Corp certification, reach out to Rick Crawford directly or mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's Ecolytics subscription.Whether you're a brand trying to back up your sustainability story with real data, or an angler who wants your gear purchases to mean something — this episode is for you.Sponsors:This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!)🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with Keith Shattenkirk, Program Officer for Healthy Lands & Waters at Patagonia. Keith shares the fascinating story of how he transitioned from a career in finance to working on the frontlines of conservation for one of the most influential outdoor companies in the world.They dive into some of the biggest conservation challenges facing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts today—including ongoing threats to America’s public lands like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. We discuss why these places matter not just for recreation, but also for the small businesses and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy that supports our public lands.The conversation also explores the power of advocacy—why contacting your elected officials about our public lands matters now more than ever—and how the outdoor industry can play a meaningful role in protecting the landscapes and waters that sustain it.Keith also explains why outdoor brands should consider joining The Conservation Alliance, a coalition of companies working together to fund and support grassroots conservation efforts across North America.Finally, Keith shares what gives him hope for the future of our lands, waters, and fisheries—and why anglers are uniquely positioned to be some of the most powerful voices for conservation.Take Action: Visit Patagonia Action Works to advocate for our public lands. If you care about wild fish, public lands, and the future of outdoor recreation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Sponsors:This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!)🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with sustainability pioneer, author, and veteran Al Iannuzzi, to discuss what it really takes to build greener products—and why making improvements is only half the battle.Al, author of Greener Products: The Making & Marketing of Sustainable Brands, shares insights from decades of experience helping companies design, improve, and market more sustainable products. We explore the three pillars of his work:The business case for greener productsHow to actually make greener productsHow to market them with credibility and confidenceOne of the biggest takeaways? There’s no such thing as a “green” product—only greener ones. Sustainability is about continuous improvement, not perfection.Al explains why the number one thing brands can do today is understand the full lifecycle impact of their products—from raw material extraction and ethical sourcing to end-of-life. For fishing and outdoor brands especially, this lifecycle lens is essential.We also discuss:Why communicating your sustainability improvements is just as important as making themHow market leaders like Walmart and REI have driven major change by asking brands to measure and improve performanceWhy proactive brands need an “emerging issues process” to stay ahead of future regulationsHow circular economy thinking is reshaping product designWhy CEOs shouldn’t let the perfect get in the way of the goodAl also shares a personal story about how fishing—and the legacy of Jacques Cousteau—inspired his lifelong appreciation for God’s beautiful world and his career in sustainability.If you’re a brand leader, sustainability professional, or outdoor industry executive looking to turn sustainability into a strategic advantage—not just a compliance exercise—this episode is packed with practical wisdom.🎧 Listen now and learn how to build greener products, communicate your progress effectively, and embrace sustainability as the journey it truly is.Sponsors:This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!)🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

What if one simple habit after your next camping or fishing trip could dramatically reduce your environmental impact?In this powerful episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with Meg Carney, founder of The Outdoor Minimalist, to explore practical, honest, and hopeful solutions for protecting the places we love. Meg shares how conducting a personal waste audit after your outdoor adventures can uncover hidden waste and help you make smarter, lower-impact choices moving forward.We also dive into urgent threats facing our public lands—including a proposed copper sulfide mine at the headwaters of the Boundary Waters. This is an action moment. Listeners are encouraged to contact their Senators and oppose HJ Res 140,the bill that would undo the 20-year mining ban near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. ACTION ALERT! Call your Senators TODAY (2/9/26)! Save the Boundary Waters has an excellent call script which takes less than a minute to protect our public lands and waters!From there, the conversation turns to PFAS in the outdoor industry, highlighting brands working to eliminate these harmful “forever chemicals,” and a candid discussion about greenwashing—how to spot it, avoid it, and build real trust. Rick explains how tools like REI’s Product Impact Standards can guide brands toward transparency and authentic sustainability, and Meg shares the red flags she looks for—like missing sustainability pages or reports.We close on a hopeful note: what’s giving Meg optimism about the future of outdoor stewardship, responsible brands, and a more sustainable industry.If you care about clean water, honest sustainability, and protecting wild places for future generations, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to conduct a simple waste audit after your next outdoor tripWhy the Boundary Waters mining proposal matters—and how to take actionThe truth about PFAS in outdoor gear and who’s leading changeHow to recognize and avoid greenwashing in the outdoor industryPractical tools brands can use to build authentic sustainabilityReasons for hope in the future of conservation and outdoor recreationTake Action: Call your U.S. Senators today and urge them to oppose HJ Res 140 to protect the Boundary Waters.Connect with Meg Carney: The Outdoor MinimalistSubscribe & Follow: Follow The Sustainable Angler for conversations at the intersection of conservation, responsible business, and the future of the outdoors.Sponsors:This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount on your first year's subscription of Ecolytics!).🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, is joined by sustainability expert, author, and speaker Bob Willard, one of the world’s leading voices on making the business case for sustainability.Bob shares his journey from the corporate world into sustainability leadership and unpacks key insights from his book, The Sustainability Advantage. We dive into how sustainability drives real business value—from reducing operating expenses and attracting and retaining top talent to what may be the most overlooked benefit of all: risk avoidance.We also explore how brands can use cost–benefit analysis to evaluate sustainability projects, and Bob walks through his open-source tools, including the Basic Sustainability Assessment Tool, Advanced Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, and the role of B Corps, where Bob serves as an advisor.Along the way, we swap sustainability success stories, discuss the most underestimated advantages of sustainability, why sustainability feels so overwhelming for so many businesses, and—importantly—what gives Bob hope for the future.If you’re a fishing or outdoor brand trying to cut through the noise, reduce risk, and build a stronger, more resilient business, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount on your first year's subscription of Ecolytics!).🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this special crossover episode, we dive into some of the most essential—and urgent—topics facing our coasts and our communities. We kick things off with climate change and ocean acidification before breaking down what nature-based solutions really are, including real-world examples like living shorelines and how businesses can be part of the climate solution by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.Dr. Elizabeth Fly, Director of Resilience & Ocean Conservation at The Nature Conservancy and host of the podcast Conversing with Nature, shares insights on ecosystem resilience and the climate impacts already reshaping South Carolina’s coast. We discuss sea level rise, stronger hurricanes, heavier rainfall, droughts, urban heat, and what these changes mean for the places we love.We also explore sustainable business, the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance, and Emerger Strategies’ newest service: Nature Strategy & Science-Based Targets for Nature. Elizabeth and I talk through the growing challenges tied to South Carolina’s rapid population growth and the urgent need for long-term planning. And finally, she takes us inside some of her fascinating climate research and the work happening on the ground to build a more resilient future.This episode was an absolute blast to record and is packed with valuable takeaways for conservationists, business leaders, anglers, and anyone who cares about the future of our coastal communities.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

This is a special episode of The Sustainable Angler because Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I’ve been reflecting on what I’m most grateful for this year. Nature is right at the top of that list. Over the past year, I’ve been inspired by books like Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Carbon by Paul Hawken, and my wife and I have made a point to get our kids outside—camping, hiking, fishing, and surfing. Experiencing the healing power of nature has made me even more concerned about what’s happening to America’s public lands and even more proud that Emerger Strategies is a member of The Conservation Alliance, which helps protect them.That’s why I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. In this episode, we discuss:Paul’s sustainability journey through Patagonia and RivianThe history and mission of The Conservation AllianceHow the Brands for Public Lands coalition has grown to 150+ companiesWhy the Roadless Rule is essential for protecting wild placesThe ecological importance of removing the Snake River DamsHow 1% for the Planet and The Conservation Alliance act as force multipliers for conservationWhy brands need a nature strategy in today’s changing worldWhat gives Paul hope for the future of public lands and biodiversityAnd before we get started, I just want to say thank you. I’m truly grateful that you take the time to listen to this podcast. I hope these conversations inspire you to take action for nature. If you’re enjoying the show, a quick, free way to support it is by leaving a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you care about conservation, sustainability, public lands, or building a brighter future for nature, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with Belvin Olasov, Director of the Charleston Climate Coalition, a grassroots organization of passionate Lowcountry citizens working to accelerate local climate solutions through creativity, compassion, and community action.We dive deep into the Coalition’s incredible work — from developing Climate Action Plans for the Town of James Island and Charleston County, to building rain gardens, planting native species, and advocating for better transportation infrastructure like safer bike lanes downtown.But the heart of this conversation focuses on a critical environmental fight: stopping Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper’s proposed methane gas plant on the Edisto River, and the dangerous pipeline route planned through the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge — one of the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems left on the Atlantic coast.Belvin explains how this outdated, $2 billion fossil fuel project threatens wildlife like the red-cockaded woodpecker, bald eagle, wood stork, loggerhead turtle, and shortnose sturgeon, while locking South Carolina into decades of greenhouse gas emissions — all paid for by you, the ratepayer.This is a must-listen episode for anyone who loves South Carolina’s wild places, believes in clean energy, and wants to make a difference.Take action: Visit www.charlestonclimatecoalition.org/dominion-energy to sign the petition and help protect the ACE Basin from this destructive project.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this inspiring episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with Charlotte Ward, Communications and Media Manager at Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) — the “best lobbyists money can’t buy.”Charlotte shares how CCL empowers everyday citizens to meet with members of Congress, build bipartisan support for climate solutions, and advance policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions — including clean energy permitting reform and the Fix Our Forests Act.We dive into the power of storytelling in driving climate action, why “action is the antidote to despair,” and how spending time in nature can help us recharge and stay hopeful in the fight against climate change. Charlotte also shares how switching to an electric vehicle (EV) and installing solar panels has helped her family save money and lower their carbon footprint, plus practical tips for writing a powerful letter to the editor that can influence local and national conversations.Charlotte also highlights an exciting opportunity to get involved: CCL’s Fall Virtual Conference taking place November 14–15, 2025, followed by Virtual Lobby Week (Nov. 17–21) — a chance for anyone to take meaningful climate action from anywhere in the country.If you care about climate solutions, sustainability, and protecting the places you love, this episode will remind you that your story — and your voice — matter.🎧 Tune in and learn how ordinary people are creating extraordinary impact at www.emergerstrategies.com/podcastSpecial thanks to Charlotte for all she does and to CCL for providing the resources to train citizens to take climate action! Thanks for listening!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with legendary angler, author, conservation advocate, and 1% for the Planet co-founder Craig Mathews. Craig recently co-authored a new book with Mauro Mazzo and Yvon Chouinard called Pheasant Tail Simplicity — a reflection on the lessons learned from a lifetime of fly fishing, fly tying, and protecting the wild places we love.Craig shares the inspiring story behind how he and Yvon started 1% for the Planet, and how giving back isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for business. We also discuss how climate change is impacting Montana, what hunters and anglers can do to advocate for public lands and climate action, and hear some of Craig’s favorite conservation success stories from the field.If you care about fly fishing, conservation, and building a purpose-driven business, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Special thanks to Craig for leading by example and for all he continues to do to protect what he loves, and thanks for listening!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with Scotty Davis from the American Saltwater Guides Association to discuss critical changes looming over our redfish fishery. South Carolina and Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources is considering lowering the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) for redfish from 40% to 30%—a move that would forever compromise the health and recovery of this iconic species.Scotty explains what’s at stake, why keeping the 40% SPR is essential, and how outdated regulations—unchanged for more than 30 years—must finally be addressed to protect redfish for future generations. We also break down what anglers, guides, and conservationists can do to make their voices heard through public comments and direct outreach to legislators.🚨 Action Alert: Learn more at: The American Saltwater Guides Association website. Make your public comment before 11:59 PM EST on October 1st at Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Get Involved. Don’t let redfish management go backward.This is more than policy—it’s about protecting the future of our fishery.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with National Geographic photographer, and TED speaker, and Executive Director of Naturaland Trust, Mac Stone to talk about the power of imagery in protecting wild places. Mac and I go back to 2008, when we first met working at the A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming, and we trace his journey from field biologist in the Everglades and Francis Beidler National to globally recognized storyteller.We dive into: How photography shaped public opinion of the Everglades through his book Everglades: America’s WetlandSurprising discoveries while working with National Geographic—from unmarked Revolutionary War graves to the ancient secrets of cypress “ghost forests”The mystery of the ghost orchid’s pollinator and the film Chasing GhostsWhy protecting ecosystems like the Everglades and Francis Beidler Forest is essential to biodiversity, freshwater health, and our collective historyYou’ll also hear how grassroots conservation efforts helped stop a major threat to the largest intact old-growth cypress and tupelo forest on earth. Mac’s stories reveal not only the fragility of these ecosystems, but also the hope and lessons they hold for restoration and protection around the world.This episode is brought to you by: Emerger Strategies and A New Earth Project -- The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host Rick Crawford welcomes Dr. Susan Johnson, founder of Nature at Work, a statewide initiative in South Carolina dedicated to connecting healthier people with healthier places through nature. Rick and Susan explore the healing power of the outdoors—from kayaking the Lowcountry’s salt marshes to research showing how hospital patient outcomes improve when they have views of nature.Together, they discuss how spending just minutes outside can lower stress, improve heart health, boost focus, and even make us happier and more creative at work. Susan shares how Nature at Work is helping businesses and organizations bring nature into everyday work life through biophilic design, outdoor wellness strategies, and conservation volunteering. This episode highlights why time in nature not only makes us healthier, happier, and smarter—but also inspires us to become better stewards of the environment.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with Dylan Coates and Stephen Vaughan from Hobie Eyewear to talk about one of the most innovative sustainability stories in the fishing industry.Hobie Eyewear is transforming waste into value by upcycling leftover plastic from Hobie kayak manufacturing into their best-selling Hobie Hull sunglasses. The process is simple but brilliant: grind down kayak manufacturing scraps into pellets, then mold them into durable, floatable sunglass frames. The result? A product anglers love that also keeps plastic out of landfills.Beyond innovation, Hobie Eyewear is proving that sustainability and business success go hand-in-hand. Their Hull sunglasses are the #1 seller on their site, showing that anglers are demanding more sustainable products. Plus, Hobie gives back by donating a portion of proceeds to the Fish America Foundation and organizing lake cleanups. Even the packaging is designed with more sustainable paper-based materials.If you’re curious about how brands can turn "squandered corporate assets" into sustainable innovations that resonate with customers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with New York Times Best-Selling writer Monte Burke, author of Lords of the Fly and his latest book, Rivers Always Reach the Sea. Monte shares unforgettable stories of fishing with icons like Captain Steve Huff, Lefty Kreh, Andy Mill, and Yvon Chouinard, while reflecting on the deep connection between storytelling, fly fishing, and conservation.We talk Atlantic Salmon, wild adventures in Patagonia, and how the written word can inspire action to protect the fish and the places we love. If you're passionate about fly fishing, legendary anglers, and using your voice for the planet — you don’t want to miss this one.Topics Covered:Behind the scenes of Rivers Always Reach the SeaFishing with Captain Steve Huff, Lefty Kreh, Andy Mill and Yvon ChouinardThe plight of Atlantic SalmonWhy storytelling is vital for conservationFishing in PatagoniaAnd more...This episode is brought to you by: Emerger Strategies and A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host Rick Crawford sits down with Ali Wines, founder of Uncommon Ground Communications and former Executive Director of Protect Our Winters Canada, to explore the critical role of storytelling in sustainability and climate communications.Ali shares her inspiring journey from practicing law to becoming a leading voice in climate action and communications. We discuss how authentic, transparent, and data-driven storytelling helps brands build trust, avoid greenwashing, and connect with a growing community of values-driven anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.We also touch on emerging green marketing regulations in Canada, and how outdoor brands can leverage storytelling to align with customer values and drive meaningful change.Whether you're a sustainability professional, marketer, or outdoor industry leader, this episode offers actionable insights on how to communicate your brand’s environmental impact with clarity and confidence.🎧 Tune in to learn:Why storytelling is a powerful tool in sustainability communicationsHow to avoid greenwashing with transparency and dataWhat new greenwashing regulations in Canada mean for your brandWhy outdoor brands must engage values-driven consumersThis episode is brought to you by: Emerger Strategies and A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this special episode of The Sustainable Angler, I sit down with filmmaker, fisheries biologist, and master storyteller Josh “Bones” Murphy. You might recognize his powerful work in Artifishal, Purple Mountains, and The Scale of Hope—films that challenge the status quo and advocate for a deeper connection between people and planet.We explore how stories help us make sense of the world, Josh’s evolution as a filmmaker at Liars and Thieves, and the inspirations behind his new nonprofit, Land & Sea for All—an organization committed to championing impact storytelling and amplifying individual and community voices to drive meaningful change.This episode is dedicated to "the great connector" and friend to so many, Jeff Lee.🎧 Tune in to hear how storytelling can protect wild places, inspire action, and ultimately, help shape a more sustainable and just future.This episode is brought to you by: Emerger Strategies and A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this special bonus episode of The Sustainable Angler, host Rick Crawford is joined by James Pollack, attorney at Marten Law, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of sustainability regulations. From PFAS restrictions and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws to SEC and California's climate-related disclosures and the crackdown on green marketing claims, this episode offers a high-level overview of the regulatory forces reshaping business.Whether you're a brand selling into retail, a sustainability professional, or simply trying to keep up with the shifting legal landscape, this episode is your go-to guide for what’s happening now—and what’s coming next.Tune in to learn:Why PFAS is becoming the new plastic—and what bans mean for your productsHow EPR laws are pushing brands to take ownership of packaging and wasteWhat California's climate disclosure rules mean for companies of all sizesHow to avoid the legal risks of greenwashingStay ahead of the curve. Stay compliant. And most importantly—stay sustainable.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In Part 4 of The Rise of Sustainability Regulations series, host Rick Crawford sits down with environmental lawyer James Pollack of Marten Law to explore one of the most high-stakes topics in sustainability today: green marketing claims.With regulators, retailers, and consumers cracking down on greenwashing, how can brands in the fishing and outdoor industries talk about their sustainability efforts without getting into legal trouble?In this episode, we cover:What counts as greenwashing under U.S. lawHow the FTC’s Green Guides can help brandsWhat retailers expect from supplier marketing claimsBest practices for making credible, compliant, and substantiated sustainability claimsWhether you're a marketing leader, sustainability professional, or business owner, this episode offers critical insights into staying transparent, trustworthy, and competitive in a changing regulatory landscape.Also, be sure to check out Emerger Strategies’ new Sustainability Sales & Marketing Services help outdoor and fishing brands turn credible sustainability performance into powerful, compliant marketing that drives revenue and builds trust. We translate technical data into clear, compelling messaging that meets retailer requirements and avoids greenwashing. From strategy to storytelling, we make sustainability sell. 🎧 Tune in now and avoid the legal pitfalls of greenwashing—while still telling your brand’s sustainability story with impact.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, we continue our Rise of Sustainability Regulations series with a timely conversation on climate-related disclosures featuring James Pollack, environmental attorney at Marten Law.With new regulations like the SEC’s climate disclosure rule and California’s SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305 taking effect, brands in the fishing and outdoor industries are under growing pressure to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions. But what does that actually mean for your business?James breaks down:What these new climate disclosure laws requireWho is affected — and when compliance deadlines hitThe business risks of inactionHow transparency can become a competitive advantageWhat small and mid-sized companies can do now to prepareIf your company sells into big-box retailers or wants to stay ahead of regulatory, investor, and consumer expectations, this episode is a must-listen.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In Part 2 of our special series The Rise of Sustainability Regulations, host Rick Crawford is joined by environmental attorney James Pollack of Marten Law to unpack one of the most important—and misunderstood—emerging policies in the outdoor industry: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging and Textiles.With states like California, Oregon, Maine, and Colorado rolling out EPR for Packaging laws, fishing and outdoor brands are now being held accountable for the environmental impact of their packaging. In this episode, James shares how he helps top outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear companies navigate this evolving regulatory landscape to: ✅ Stay compliant with EPR laws ✅ Reduce packaging-related fees and waste ✅ Future-proof their business in a climate-conscious marketIf your brand sells to major retailers, wants to lower regulatory risk, or is trying to meet rising consumer and investor expectations—this episode is a must-listen.Protect your brand. Protect the places you love.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.#EPR #ExtendedProducerResponsibility #SustainablePackaging #SustainableAngler #FishingIndustry #OutdoorIndustry #GreenMarketing #MartenLaw #ClimateRegulations #SustainabilityPodcast #ConservationBusiness #SustainableBusiness🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Welcome to a special 4-part series of The Sustainable Angler, where we tackle the most pressing sustainability regulations shaping the fishing and outdoor industries.Over the next four weeks, I’ll be joined by James Pollack, environmental and regulatory lawyer at Marten Law, to unpack what brands need to know about PFAS (forever chemicals), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and climate regulations.At Emerger Strategies, I help brands reduce costs, enhance reputation, and increase customer loyalty by measuring and improving sustainability performance. But here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for managing regulatory risk. That’s why this series is a must-listen for any fishing and outdoor brand navigating the complex world of compliance.James works directly with outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear companies—helping them understand and comply with regulations around material inputs, emerging contaminants, green marketing claims, and climate impacts. His insights are a game-changer for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve.In this first episode, we dive deep into PFAS (forever chemicals): ✅ What they are and why they matter ✅ How PFAS regulations impact fishing and outdoor products like waders, wading boots, rain jackets, and fluorocarbon fishing line ✅ How PFAS is found in our drinking water ✅ What brands and retailers can do to manage chemicals of concern like PFAS …and much more.If you’re a fishing or outdoor brand navigating sustainability and compliance—or just passionate about protecting the wild places we love—this series is for you.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this powerful episode of The Sustainable Angler, we're diving deep into a topic close to my heart: America’s public lands. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend countless days camping, hiking, and fly fishing on these wild, beautiful landscapes. Public lands connect us with nature, fuel our $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, and offer a spiritual refuge that’s becoming increasingly rare. But right now, they’re under serious threat.Some lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, are proposing to sell off our public lands to balance the federal budget, putting our shared natural heritage—and the communities that depend on it—at risk.To unpack this critical issue, I’m joined by Land Tawney, longtime conservation leader, public lands advocate, and leader behind American Hunters and Anglers Action Network. We talk about how Land got into conservation, the spiritual and economic value of public lands, their role in protecting clean air and water, and why they must remain in public hands. We also explore the history of the American conservation movement, the mounting threats to public lands today, and how you can make your voice heard.Land also shares the Top 5 most effective ways to make your voice heard with lawmakers, based on his 25 years in conservation:Have a 1-on-1 conversation and tell your story.Call your Senators and elected officials and tell them to keep public lands in public hands.Comment and message your elected officials on social media with that same message.Send an email, especially using easy tools and petitions from groups like Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.Talk to your friends and family—your voice carries more power than you think.Side note: If you are a brand that wants to support keeping public lands in public hands, I highly recommend joining Brands for Public Lands, an initiative from The Conservation Alliance that currently has 60+ members, including Patagonia, Meat Eater, and Emerger Strategies. Sign sign up to join Brands for Public Lands. This episode is a call to action. If you care about wild places, clean water, healthy communities, or just love spending time outdoors—you don’t want to miss it.To listen to previous episodes of The Sustainable Angler, visit emergerstrategies.com/podcast, and if you like what you’re hearing, an absolutely free way to show your support is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.The Sustainable Angler is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, and also airing Saturday’s at 2 PM on Charleston's first and only community supported radio station, Ohm Radio, 96.3 FM.This episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Hilton shares his extraordinary journey from political operative to documentary filmmaker after surviving cancer twice and receiving a life-changing stem cell transplant that he calls his "rebirth." This profound reset led him to abandon the pursuit of power for the authentic storytelling that now defines his award-winning films like "Tension" and "Father Nature."Meanwhile, Paul reveals how his lifelong obsession with drawing fish began in middle school and eventually became his artistic signature. His philosophy that "every painting is a stepping stone" captures his humble approach to a body of work that has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation efforts over the years.The conversation weaves through the making of "Time Will Tell," which documents Paul's artistic impact on the fly fishing world and features his work being inducted into the American Museum of Fly Fishing. With filming locations spanning from Jackson Hole to the Florida Keys to Vermont, the documentary represents a beautiful convergence of two artists using their gifts to inspire others.What emerges most powerfully is their shared commitment to conservation – not just as a concept but as a legacy. As Hilton notes through a Native American proverb featured in his work: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children." It's a reminder that whether through paint or film, their creative work serves something larger than themselves.Check out "Time Will Tell" at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, and discover more from these talented creators at paulpuckettart.com and loveaffaircreative.com.This episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and  and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode, we dive into the world of bass fishing with the Bass Angler Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), the largest fishing organization in the world with over half a million members. Founded in 1968 by Ray Scott, B.A.S.S. has been a driving force behind professional bass fishing, youth involvement, and conservation efforts.I sit down with Gene Gilliland, who is a nationally renowned fisheries biologist and the National Conservation Director at B.A.S.S. to explore key challenges in bass fisheries management, from invasive species and aquatic plant control to the surprising impacts of climate change on bass populations. We discuss the balance between recreational use and habitat preservation, habitat restoration in aging reservoirs, and the importance of angler involvement in protecting our waters.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Josh Jenkins, Research and Development Manager for Scientific Anglers, and we dive into an important topic: sustainable packaging. We’ll discuss the innovative steps Scientific Anglers has taken to reduce its environmental impact, the challenges and opportunities in moving toward more sustainable materials, and what this means for the future of the fly fishing industry.Thank you for tuning in—and Be sure to check out TheSustainableAngler.com for some sweet TSA merch, and if you enjoy the podcast, an absolutely free way to your support is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.The Sustainable Angler is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Did you know that South Carolina has a long history of conservation? In fact, conservation is baked into our constitution and Audubon South Carolina continues that legacy today by working with policy makers and land owners to support habitat conservation and restoration in our state with bird- and climate- friendly forestry. Additionally, Audubon South Carolina owns and manages 30,000 acres of land at Beidler Forest and Silver Bluff where they work on longleaf pine restoration, natural climate solutions, and provide an example for other land owners for how to manage their own land. That’s why I am stoked to share my interview with Rebecca Haynes who is the Executive Director at Audubon South Carolina, and Vice President at National Audubon Society. We take a deep dive into the environmental threats to birds, such as climate change and habitat loss, which contributes to the global trend in biodiversity loss, and Rebecca shares all the good work Audubon SC is doing to protect and restore habitat for birds and other species. I hope you enjoy! 🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Storytellers have a unique ability to engage and captivate their audience, which is a critical skillset to have when it comes to saving the planet, which is why I am stoked to share my interview with Steve Duda who is a writer and the former editor of the Fly Fish Journal, and today is the Head of Fish Tales at Patagonia. In this episode we discuss his new book, River Songs:, the role of storytelling when it comes to deadbeat dams, climate change, and why fly anglers are often the tip of the spear when it comes to activism. Steve also shares stories from the late and legendary John Gierach and I hope you enjoy!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Hunters and anglers have a long history of fighting for access, protection and the conservation of America’s bountiful natural resources, and today, our fisheries face multiple threats from overfishing, nutrient pollution, plastic pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. In this episode I interview T. Edward Nickens, who is a New York Times best-selling author and award-winning journalist that I am lucky to call a friend. We discuss Eddie’s writing background and new biography of Flip Pallot, environmental threats to our fisheries, the power of storytelling to effect change, and what you can you do as an individual to protect what you love.Be sure to check out the website, www.TheSustainableAngler.com to read blog posts, get caught up on previous episodes and show your support for the podcastThe Sustainable Angler is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, and also airing Saturday’s at 2 PM on Charleston's first and only community supported radio station, Ohm Radio, 96.3 FM.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.Special thanks to Eddie for everything he is doing to protect what we all love! If you enjoy the podcast, an absolutely free way to support the show is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It’s a chance to tell me what you love about the show and it helps others discover it, too. I’ll also mention that there is also some The Sustainable Angler merchandise available on the website that have been thoughtfully procured and packaged with zero plastic, organic cotton, and cotton that is made 100% from dirt to shirt in North Carolina! Thanks for listening and stay tuned for new episodes dropping every month!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Have you noticed that there are less insects stuck to your windshield these days? Well, you’re not alone, and in fact, insects are in decline, but there really hasn’t been a ton research and science behind some of the prolific aquatic bugs that trout, and trout anglers love. Enter, The Salmonfly Project. In this episode we hear from Jackson Birrell and James Frakes, co-Founders of the conservation nonprofit, The Salmonfly Project, whose mission is to conserve aquatic insects for future generations through research, monitoring, education, and sound management and restoration practices.Be sure to check out the website, www.TheSustainableAngler.com to read blog posts, get caught up on previous episodes and show your support for the podcastThe Sustainable Angler is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, and is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, and also airing Saturday’s at 2 PM on Charleston's first and only community supported radio station, Ohm Radio, 96.3 FM.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

The Everglades are a National Park, a World Heritage Site, and there is no place else on Earth like it. The Everglades are also a place that is near and dear to my heart because I used to make an annual trip with some friends from Savannah to camp, fish, and explore. I landed my first tarpon in the Everglades, have too many funny stories to tell camping on chickees, and found myself completely awestruck by the fishery, bird life, and vastness of the Everglades. That's why I am stoked to share this interview with Chris Wittman, co-founder of Captains for Clean Water, and we discuss everything from how Chris started guiding, the history of Everglades restoration, what Big Sugar is doing to prevent restoration, and what you can do today to support Captains for Clean Water by signing their petition to oppose Big Sugar’s lawsuit over a critical Everglades restoration project.Special thanks to Chris and Captains for Clean Water for all they are doing to protect what we all love!This episode of The Sustainable Angler is brought to you by: Emerger Strategies and A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

I am thrilled to share my interview with Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC! In this episode, we talk about everything from Leslie’s background and the history of Sustain SC, and how they are setting the table for conversations between businesses and local stakeholders in SC through their Membership Network and Sustainability Leadership Initiative, and we talk about how nature inspires Leslie to keep doing the good work!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

I am thrilled to share my interview with Chris Crolley, who is the CEO of Coastal Expeditions and Founder of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. Chris is a naturalist and storyteller, and in this episode, we discuss everything from the Lowcountry’s barrier island ecology, environmental threats to our paradise in the Lowcountry, and the importance of education in solving many of our environmental problems. As Chris says, “educate, commit to doing the work, become inspired and take action!” I hope you enjoy this episode!I am also super stoked to share that The Sustainable Angler is officially a 1% for the Planet member, so 1% of all merchandise and sponsorships will be donated to environmental nonprofits! Also, be sure to check out my weekly blog posts, get caught up on previous episodes and don’t forget to check out our Lowcountry Love t-shirt made with Cotton of the Carolinas! The Sustainable Angler is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, and is now airing Saturday’s at 2 PM on Charleston's first and only community supported radio station, Ohm Radio, 96.3 FM.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Jeff Wagner, who is the CEO of Mayfly Outdoors, which is the parent company of Abel, Ross Reels, Airflo, and the recently acquired Dyna-King. We discuss everything from how Jeff got started in the fly fishing industry, to what it means to be a B-Corp; how Ross Reels has partnered with Trout Unlimited in an effort to restore native trout species throughout the U.S.; how Airflo has partnered with Terracycle to create a fly line and plastic recycling program which are free to any fly shop and helps keep plastics circular; how good sustainability projects benefit people, the planet and profits, and why they still pursue sustainability projects that may only benefit people and the planet; and of course we talk a little fishing!Special thanks to Jeff, and Mayfly Outdoors, for all they are doing to protect what we love, and thank you for taking the time to listen to the show.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by: Emerger Strategies, Atlantic Packaging, and A New Earth Project.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

I am stoked to share my interview with Wes Carter, who is the President at Atlantic Packaging and Founder of A New Earth Project. You may remember Wes from Episode 39 when he was just launching A New Earth Project and since then, Wes and his team have been busy revolutionizing the sustainable packaging industry. In this interview, we discuss everything from the outdoor state and consumers demanding sustainability, trends in sustainable packaging, and some innovative solutions such as packaging made from mushrooms and seaweed that Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project are bringing to market.Be sure to check out www.TheSustainableAngler.com to read my weekly blog posts, get caught up on previous episodes and stay tuned as I will also be releasing some brand new The Sustainable Angler merchandise this spring. The Sustainable Angler is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, and is now airing Saturday’s at 2 PM on Charleston's first and only community supported radio station, Ohm Radio, 96.3 FM.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Aloha y'all! I am thrilled to share my interview with Daniel Nussbaum, who is the CEO of Z-Man Fishing Products, who has been making innovative lures in Charleston, SC for 30-plus years. In this episode, Daniel shares his personal story of how he got introduced to fishing, went from studying marine biology to practicing law to working at The Charleston Angler; we discuss how Z-Man Fishing Products is harnessing the power of the sun to manufacture non-toxic fishing lures, as well as making the business case for sustainability; and of course we talk some fishing.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Aloha Y'all...I am stoked to share my interview with Austin Whitman, who is the The Change Climate Project CEO, which is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate carbon emissions (you may better recognize them as Climate Neutral Certified). In this episode Austin shares how his love for the outdoors inspired him to pursue a career in sustainability and climate, we answer why a company might want to become Climate Neutral Certified, the business case for sustainability and also squeeze in some talk about fishing. I am also stoked to share this episode with you because my company, Emerger Strategies, is now Climate Neutral Certified! We are also a member of the Climate Neutral Open Certification Service Provider Network, which means we can help your organization align to the Climate Neutral Standard and achieve certification, so give me a shout if you'd like to learn more!Special thanks to Austin for your time, sharing your knowledge and for all you do to protect what you love, and if you like what you're hearing, please leave a Rating & Review!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Cheeky Fishing + Wingo Outdoors CEO Ted Upton, and we discuss everything from following his passion for fishing into a career with Cheeky to taking Cheeky and Wingo's first steps on their sustainability journey, to joining 1% for the Planet and all of the amazing conservation work Cheeky and Wingo have done since their inception.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

If you have been paying attention to recent headlines, you know that we are experiencing record heat, both on land and in our rivers and oceans. For example, the week of 4th of July was the hottest week ever recorded and in Florida, record water temps are causing coral bleaching.That's why I am excited to share this interview with Dr. Aaron Adams who is the Director of Science and Conservation with BTT and we talk about everything from how climate change is impacting tarpon, bonefish, permit and redfish, how climate change is exacerbating the effects of the impact of El Nino and tips on how to be a more responsible angler.Special thanks to Dr. Aaron Adams for sharing his knowledge with me and for everything he does to protect what he loves. I hope you enjoy and if you like what you are hearing, leave a rating and review on apple podcast. Thank you!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Tia Clark who is the founder of Casual Crabbing with Tia and we discuss everything from Tia being born and raised in Charleston, SC, but not having access to our natural resources to the important role our connection to the water plays, to rebuilding oyster reefs with recycled oyster shells and the power of purpose. If you are in town visiting, or even if you are a local, I'd encourage you to support Casual Crabbing with Tia with your business!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Yellow Dog Community & Conservation Foundation (YDCCF) Executive Director, Brooks Scott, and we discuss everything from Brooks' 20 year career path in the outdoor industry, environmental threats to our fisheries and the amazing work that YDCCF is doing in fly fishing communities around the world.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Dr. Andy Danylchuk who is the Professor of Fish Conservation at UMASS Amherst, a Research Fellow at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a Science Advisor at Keep Fish Wet, a Patagonia Ambassador and the list goes on! My point is that I am stoked to share our interview where we discuss everything from how Andy got into fisheries conservation; how climate change is impacting our fisheries, and actions anglers can take to make our fisheries more resilient to a changing climate; and some of the incredible research projects Andy is doing with BTT involving tarpon. I hope you enjoy!Special thanks to Andy for all he does to protect what he loves and for sharing his knowledge with me on The Sustainable Angler.The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and is available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. The Sustainable Angler is also now airing every Saturday on Charleston’s first and only community supported radio station, Ohm Radio 96.3 FM!Finally, THANK YOU for listening! If you like what you’re hearing, please Subscribe, leave a Rating & Review and show your support by picking up some The Sustainable Angler Merchandise!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Release Over 20" (and Eye Strike Fishing) Founder David Fladd, and we discuss everything from why he founded Release Over 20", some of David's conservation hero's, the declining population of speckled trout, flounder and even redfish here in the Lowcountry, as well as what gives Fladd hope about the future of our fisheries.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) Fisheries Fund's Executive Director, Whitney Tilt, and we discuss everything from his career in conservation and the lessons learned, threats to our fisheries, and how the Fisheries Fund is working to engage and activate anglers to take action at the policy level.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I interview Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association's Capt. Chad Dubose, and this episode is all about redfish. More specifically, this episode is about Georgia redfish regulations and limits, which may be playing a critical role in the State's decline in redfish populations. Hope you enjoy!🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Aloha y'all! In this episode of The Sustainable Angler I interview author and angler Dylan Tomine. We discuss everything from what a good day of steelheading looks like; to environmental threats to steelhead, such as climate change and hatcheries, which brings up a topic I've never thought about, which is how is South Carolina's redfish hatcheries impacting our own fishery; to his newly release book, Headwaters: The Adventures, Obsession, and Evolution of a Fly Fisherman. I've had the opportunity to read Headwaters, and it is an excellent read for anglers, no matter where you are on your angling evolution.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

Aloha y'all! I love bonefish for a number of reasons, but they just so happen to live in the most beautiful places, which is why I am so glad I had the opportunity to interview Justin Lewis, who is a marine biologist and the Bahamas Initiative Manager for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. If you are curious, or you love bonefish, this episode is for you because we take a deep dive into the spawning habits of bonefish; how to properly handle a bonefish once caught; environmental threats to bonefish, such as habitat degradation, but also some inspiring habitat restoration initiatives like replanting mangroves; and finally, Justin's favorite bonefish fly. Special thanks to Justin for protecting what he loves and for sharing his knowledge with me on The Sustainable Angler. This episode of The Sustainable Angler is brought to you by Emerger Strategies.🎣 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.