The Megan Waldrep Podcast

A recent newsletter sent to our POCF community sparked some feelings for our readers and some from me, too. In this episode, I dive into the kinds of emotions you can have when your fisherman leaves (from sad to elation), why it's normal, and why it's imperative for our sanity. EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!  > [FREE] Grab the FREE Budget Guide:   Wealth building, income tracking, organizing expen...

When all was lost - ALL WAS NOT LOST! Here's how crab fishermen and West Coast communities rallied to replace up to 8,000 pot and raise over $114K in six days caused by the fire that swept Ilwaco Landing in Washington. Today's episode is with Taunette Dixson of the Newport Fishermen's Wives, giving us the back story on how they made this dream happen, mere days before the opener. Stories like this...

Overall wellness comes in many forms, and being prepared for an opioid overdose can help save a life and protect everyone on board! Denise Damewood is a public health nurse in Sitka and created Project Gabe in honor of her stepson, Gabe Johnston, who passed away from an opioid overdose in January 2022. Project Gabe is a resource for harm reduction that provides opioid misuse awareness, education,...

I share a personal story of how I used energy and breathwork tips this weekend and how it instantly worked when I faced an awkward confrontation, and how it relates to our lifestyle in commercial fishing.  Show Notes: Learn breathwork and energy healing on last week's podcast w Breathwork Facilitator, Reiki Master, and Somatic Coach Brenda Winkle : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/partners-of...

Did you know Maine Lobstermen have adapted breathwork practices to help regulate stress? This episode is filled with calm and comfort for our mental wellness and emotional stability for the new year! I’m so honored to introduce Brenda Winkle, a certified advanced trauma-informed breathwork facilitator, somatic coach, and trauma-informed Reiki Master, into our community. Brenda shares with us the p...

Happy 2024! I’m excited to start our year off with the theme “Independence within a Strong Partnership.” The first place to start is supporting yourself so you can support others you love most. We can all benefit from learning some tools to help through challenging times, and at Partners of Commercial Fishermen, we’re here to do it together. Here are some helpful therapy takeaways for anxiety that...

In this episode, Monique shares her journey to sobriety, her initiative "How to Stay Sober,” and the conscious choices she made that positively impacted her life. We also discuss the support available for those seeking to become sober or the sober curious. Resources from the episode: How to Stay Sober: https://www.aragostamama.com/how-to-stay-sober Visit Monique's blog: https://www.aragostamama.co...

Part 2 of the Dry December Series, Unintoxicated and Uncomplicated: How to Make "Sober Curious" A Lifestyle Choice with Jessa Frances Jessa is an alcohol-free beverage consultant, and in this episode, we touch on: Her journey to sobriety The Differences in “good for you” neurotropic, adaptogenic, and CBD drinks. Substituting normal drinking habits with all the healthy alternatives out there. Keep...

I decided December was a great time to introduce this series on sobriety (why wait until "dry January?"). This is the first part of the three-part series. The first episode features my sober story and six tips that helped me quit drinking, the second episode is an interview with a Non-Alcoholic beverage consultant Jessa Frances, and the third is the sober story of POCF Monique Coombs of the Maine...

Today we're discussing the Women in Commercial Fishing Panel highlighting the POCF Community hosted by Julie Kuchepatov of Seafood Gender Equality. I'm also giving a full review of the highlights from the Pacific Marine Expo 2023 that may inspire you for the new year.  Episode Resources:  Project Gabe - Addressing onboard Opioid Overdose and Narcan support.  Marine Advisory Program Agent for Alask...

(Not Sponsored): It took Bill Combs, founder of Tama Boots, twelve years to perfect the sole for a slip-resistant boot that passes military approval. In this episode, we discuss his journey from founding Bogs Boots, to designing products for retailers and emphasizing the importance of pushing the boundaries to create groundbreaking footwear for commercial fishermen. Bill discusses the in-depth dev...

Today is a reading from a study done in 1978 of New England POCFs called "Fishermen's Wives: Coping with an Extraordinary Occupation." I wanted to share this with you because it COMPLETELY VALIDATES our existence and the service of partners of commercial fishermen worldwide! KEY POINTS:  How forced independence of our lifestyle benefits us in the long run. The key to a fishermen's success in the i...

Don't know what to get a fisherman? You're not alone! In this episode, I share the top gift ideas voted on by the partners of the commercial fishermen community. The link below will take you to the list, including the number one gift NOT to get a fisherman and why. Happy Holidays, y'all! meganwaldrep.com/commercial-fishermen-gifts RESOURCES Just for POCFs [Order] WE NOW HAVE GEAR! We recently got...

This is a groundbreaking episode because it is our first interview with a fishing couple! Author Terry Evers reached out to be on the podcast to talk about his memoir Fifteen Seasons, and when he mentioned he’d been married to his wife, D’Ann, for 36 years, I was even more thrilled to have him on.  Today, Terry is joined by his POCF D’Ann, and they discuss 36 years of marriage, his book, Fifteen S...

Today, I’m sharing a personal email I received from a 55-year-old POCF whose sparse communication with her commercial fisherman is triggering past unhealthy relationships. I also share how I was able to overcome some of my own insecurities and my recommended tools for each transition. If you find this relatable, be sure to check out our recommended resources to support your journey as a POCF, like...

This episode explores simple things that made life easier to maximize quality time when I learned my fisherman was visiting from California for a surprise three-day weekend home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Our Instagram community voted on this subject in a recent Story, and I’m passing it along in case it may help you, too!  Inside, we discuss: How to nurture a smooth transition home. Best food...

Sena Wheeler is well established as a POCF, and in this episode, she shares how yearly 6-month separations from her Fisherman while raising 3 kids is just part of their game. Sena also touches on: What makes her life easier when you’re managing home solo. The visualization technique she uses when anxiety rises. Her mindset and advice for raising young kids on your own. To learn more about Sena, vi...

This episode is all about helping YOU live your best life in the commercial fishing industry! In this episode, we discuss:  Ways I can help be a platform to get your issues heard and noticed by officials inside and outside of commercial fishing A *Free In-Person Event* that I’d love for you to join in November at the Pacific Marine Expo! For tickets: https://www.pacificmarineexpo.com/    I'm shari...

Whew, this one is FIRE! Our girl Trish Whetstone of the BC Young Fishermen's Network out of Canada, shares the backend of what they're doing to help new fishermen become successful in this industry, the challenges for new entrants and young fishers on the BC coast, and how they actively work to make things easier for everyone involved. WARNING: We get down and dirty, and *expletives* fly. Around t...

This is our first international episode with Canadian POCF Melissa Collier, where we learn how a husband and wife team created a wholesale fishing business without prior experience while raising two kids and how you can, too! Connect with WC Wild Scallops through Instagram @wcwildscallops or learn more at www.wildscallops.ca Helpful Recommendations by WC Wild Scallops: NO FISHING ALLOWED Documenta...

We've got a seat at the table! This is a behind-the-scenes look at a candid phone call with Dr. Laurel Kincl of Oregon State University. She called to learn from our POCF experience and ask what we would suggest to make fishing safer. I'm sharing because I want you to know that others outside the industry care and want to hear our opinions on the matter to improve commercial fishing at large! Also...

Who wants free money? Sounds too good to be true, but it can happen! POCF Bri Dwyer explains the grant writing process and how you can apply to get grants and loans to help your personal fishing business and your community, too. I love this episode because, although you may know Bri from the wildly popular show Deadliest Catch, this conversation shows how a partner of a commercial fisherman works...

This is a POCF celebrity interview! Tuanette Dixon of the Newport Fishermen's Wives out of Newport, Oregon shares what it's really like to support a local fishing community, the important role they play in keeping fishermen and families cared for, and how you can join if you're in Newport, too! To learn more about the Newport Fishermen's Wives, check out Taunette's interview on meganwaldrep.com or...

How does the only national magazine for the commercial fishing industry do it? National Fisherman Content Specialist & POCF Carli Stewart shares what it's like behind the press (it takes a lot!), how her childhood as a commercial fishing kid shapes her point of view, and the ways she connects with the industry, which also includes a trip to the Pacific Marine Expo this year. We'd love for you...

We think about it every time our fisherman leaves but isn't discussed because it's too hard to bear. Tammy Roberts lost her fisherman at sea six years ago, and she shares her experience with grief, how she found support, and the incredible work she's doing with the Seaworthy Foundation to make sure all vessels are safe for fishermen. Join us for this emotional interview that puts into perspective...