The Megan Waldrep Podcast

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your fisherman head offshore, this episode will empower you to know how boats are regulated to stay safe. In the first half of a two-part series, you’ll learn: Common myths about Coast Guard examinations. What happens during a safety inspection, and how to prepare. Have questions about your life raft? Steven is offering direct support to POCFs and fishermen. Y...

In this special encore episode, we revisit our conversation with POCF Aubrey McNeil — just in time for the Bristol Bay, Alaska, salmon season. If you’re in the thick of saying goodbye, dropped phone calls, or settling into the solo stretch, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone — and that strength and support go hand in hand. In this episode: Aubrey shares what it was like to choose...

In this heartfelt episode, we go behind the curtain of our Private Group Chat and hear from a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman (POCF) in Washington state who’s navigating her very first fishing season apart from her Alaskan boyfriend. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being apart during the Bristol Bay salmon season — from daily tears to deep love, short, spotty video calls, and t...

This episode is Part 2: From Loneliness to Fulfillment (even when you’re alone) with Brenda Winkle. I invite you to catch Part 1 on Brenda’s podcast called Your Yes-Filled Life!    In this raw and heartfelt episode, Brenda and I share personal stories of loneliness and anxiety and what it means to build a life of connection and meaning. From my cross-country drive toward a sober life in California...

Today, we dive into a true (and truly funny) story about navigating the emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause while trying to keep communication open—and your relationship intact. (If you've ever snapped at your partner for breathing too loudly, this one's for you.) In this episode, you'll hear: A real-life/tense perimenopausal moment between Chris and me. Why it’s so hard to explain what you n...

Nicole Baker is a marine biologist and founder of Net Your Problem, an organization helping commercial fishing communities recycle their old gear and reduce plastic, without sacrificing their livelihoods.  In this episode, Nicole explains firsthand how discarded gear gets sent to landfills and how she decided to do something about it. From the logistics of collecting old gear to the powerful partn...

Do you ever get overwhelmed when your fisherman comes home without notice? SAME! In this episode, we get real about those moments when you just need a minute before switching from solo mode to partner mode—and how hard that can be to express. You'll hear: A relatable story that proves you're not alone in needing a heads-up. A few gentle scripts and mindset shifts to help you speak up for what you...

Many of us don't think about how PTSD and sleep deprivation can affect our fishermen's mental health, both short-term and long-term. But there are ways to lessen the burden, and today's guest explains how.  Amanda "Mandy" Roome is a Research Scientist at the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Cooperstown, NY In this episode, Mandy shares: What PTSD really is, and how to check i...

Today’s episode is powerful—it could literally save your fisherman’s life AND ease your stress each time they leave the dock. (Can I get an AMEN?! 🙌) Highlights of Today’s Episode: Why your voice matters more than you think Messages and convo starters to gently encourage PFD use How to tailor the conversation to your fisherman’s experience, body type, and needs Real feedback from our Instagram co...

Fun Fact: #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? Because their Partners tell them to! ⚓️ (We have more influence than we think!) In this episode, we’re diving into the world of commercial fishing safety gear with Len Nelson of Kent Safety Products , a trusted name in personal flotation devices (PFDs).  From engineering PFDs that balance comfort and protection to collaborating with fishermen and safety or...

*FREE consultations for POCFs and Fishermen!* In the second part of our conversation with Attorney Michael Flynn, we dive into the specifics of handling injuries at sea and the legal steps you need to take to protect your family. Michael breaks down how the Jones Act and Seaman’s Protection Act come into play during personal injury cases and what it means for fishing families seeking compensation....

*FREE consultations for all POCFs and fishermen!* In this episode, we sit down with Attorney Michael Flynn to discuss the fundamental legal protections for commercial fishermen. As part of our ongoing effort to help fishing families understand the laws that affect them, Michael unpacks essential maritime laws, discusses how proactive education can help fishermen avoid legal pitfalls, and what step...

Today, I'm sharing a personal story about loneliness that surprised me this year — and how facing it head-on changed everything. Instead of numbing out with substances like I used to, I embraced the feeling with curiosity... and something profound happened. In this episode, you’ll hear: A 5-minute practice to move through hard emotions How sobriety and letting go of old coping habits changed my li...

Today, we’re chatting with Chris Capone, the Founder & CEO of Capone and Associates, a firm specializing in bookkeeping, financial planning, CFO services, forensic accounting, exit strategy, and more. Stay to the end to hear how Chris got into it and the best advice for investing your money!  In this Episode, we discuss: Most common bookkeeping mistakes and how to avoid them. Great practices f...

Today, we’re heading across the pond to connect with our friends at the United Kingdom Women in Fisheries (UK WIF)! I had the honor of speaking on their webinar, representing our Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCF) community in the U.S. and beyond. In this episode, we explore how partners of commercial fishermen around the world share similar challenges, triumphs, and deep connections to the s...

Today, we’re going overseas to the UK! As many of us have come to realize, there’s a deep sense of adventure, trust, and flexibility that comes with being in a relationship with a commercial fisherman. And the best part? No matter where we are in the world, we can relate to this extraordinary lifestyle. This month, we’re highlighting our international community, and today, I’m thrilled to introduc...

A very special dual interview with the host of the Galley Stories Podcast, Mark Caylor! This is a rare behind-the-scenes conversation where we get to know Mark - this could be considered his first interview as he stays loyal to the Galley Stories Podcast theme: bringing the stories of commercial fishermen to the masses for over 100 episodes!  In this episode, we discuss: The different perspectives...

She's back, and we're thrilled! Ava Schulenberg is based in Santa Barbara, CA, and is a female fisherman and leader in several fishing organizations. You may remember Ava from episode 96, where she goes into detail on how to advocate for your fishery and gives tips to help get your public comments heard. In this episode, Ava shares: How she secured funding for a clean-up initiative for CA spiny lo...

California and Maine Fishermen and Partners, listen up! We know how challenging it can be to find financial support for your fishing business. Commercial fishing is expensive, and banks often don't give us a second look.   However, there is a way to find loans that can support you, and today’s guests will explain more. In today's episode: Meet Noah Strouse, the Senior Loan Officer & Strategic...

Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that makes you doubt your perceptions, memories, or reality. It goes to say that dealing with a Gaslighter can be incredibly frustrating and emotionally draining.  In this episode, I share: - A real example of a fisherman and a POCF in our community. - Common gaslighting phrases and what to look out for. - Ways to handle a conversation with a gaslighter and ho...

We’ve recently talked a lot about advocacy in fishing recently, yet advocacy also extends to your relationships. Advocating for yourself in a relationship means clearly expressing your needs, boundaries, and desires while maintaining mutual respect and understanding. You deserve this always! Because commercial fishing can feel so overwhelming for fishermen, partners, and families, feeling like you...

Ava Schulenberg is a female fisherman and leader in many important roles in Santa Barbara, California, fisheries. She also works from Santa Barbara to San Diego for the CA Lobster Association due to the geographical span of the fishery. She, along with her colleagues, has SoCal on lock! Here’s a quick list of the many hats she wears: Executive Director  of the California Lobster & Trap Fisherm...

This month's theme is “Bringing the Feminine into Fishing,” which is also a theme of Advocacy. I feel the themes complement each other so much because, since the beginning of our economic civilization, POCFs have been instrumental in keeping the industry going and protecting our fisheries, fishermen, and fishing families. And, the people at Oregon State University understand this on a deep level,...

Maressa Voss is a writer, the partner of a commercial fisherman, and a mother living in Santa Barbara, CA. Beyond our shared passion for writing, we have another unique connection—her husband, James, is my husband’s cousin! Through marriage, both Maressa and I have been immersed in the culture of this unique industry—one that has been woven into our families for generations. As a side note, Our th...

Since the beginning of our economic civilization, POCFs have been instrumental in keeping the industry going and protecting our fisheries, fishermen, and fishing families. (Mic drop!)  For that reason, I’m sharing 10 tips that may help you next time you: Speak to an audience to advocate for your fishery. Chat with friends and family outside of the industry Interact with customers who are purchasin...