Ep 19: The Wild Is Ours Too: Ann Brissette on Ice Fishing, Fly Fishing & Finding Belonging

Ep 19: The Wild Is Ours Too: Ann Brissette on Ice Fishing, Fly Fishing & Finding Belonging

In this episode of On the Real, Nicole Tracy-Lewis speaks with Ontario angler Ann Brissette about finding joy, healing, and connection through ice fishing and fly fishing. Ann shares how a winter hobby evolved into a deep love of wild places, backcountry lakes, and life on the water, while reflecting on injury, resilience, and the importance of slowing down and appreciating the outdoors. Together, they explore what it means to be Black and BIPOC women in outdoor spaces, the power of community and representation, and how fishing can create peace, belonging, and adventure far beyond the catch itself. Episode Notes- Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/its_ann_calling] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@unpluggedadventuring] Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life, from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard. Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish [https://ifishibelong.org/allkidsfish/], DIY Fishing Events [https://ifishibelong.org/fish/], Ubuntu Fly Anglers [https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/], and United Women on the Fly [https://uwotf.com/], we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love of fishing, ensuring that everyone has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead. Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/  [https://ubuntu-on-the-real.podbean.com/e/ep-10-angelica-talan-raising-role-models-motherhood-fly-fishing/]to learn more about the podcast.

Season 2- EP 18: Casting Beyond Boundaries: Dudley Edmondson’s Story of Nature and Purpose

In this episode, Dudley Edmondson joins the show to share his powerful journey from growing up in the urban core of Columbus, Ohio to building a life centered around nature in Duluth, Minnesota. He reflects on how fishing local rivers as a kid and escaping into the natural world helped him navigate personal challenges, ultimately shaping his path as a wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and author. Along the way, Dudley recounts unforgettable experiences—from photographing birds across the country to surviving a plane crash in the Arctic while filming a documentary. The conversation goes deeper into his mission to expand representation in outdoor spaces, emphasizing that people cannot be expected to protect environments they’ve never had the chance to truly experience. He speaks candidly about the psychological and real barriers faced by people of color in the outdoors, challenging ideas like “inclusion” and “tolerance” in favor of true collaboration and belonging. Grounded in his love for fly fishing, storytelling, and community, Dudley offers a perspective that is both thought-provoking and deeply rooted in purpose. Episode Notes -  * Dudley Edmondson [https://dudleyedmondson.com/] * Books [https://dudleyedmondson.com/books/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dudley.edmondson/] Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life, from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard. Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish [https://ifishibelong.org/allkidsfish/], DIY Fishing Events [https://ifishibelong.org/fish/], Ubuntu Fly Anglers [https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/], and United Women on the Fly [https://uwotf.com/], we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love of fishing, ensuring that everyone has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead. Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ [https://ubuntu-on-the-real.podbean.com/e/ep-10-angelica-talan-raising-role-models-motherhood-fly-fishing/]to learn more about the podcast.

EP 17: From the Bow River to Argentina: Kaith Palmaria's Journey

In this episode of On The Reel, Kaith Palmaria shares her journey into fly fishing, a passion she discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic while working as a nurse. What began as a way to cope with stress quickly evolved into a life-changing pursuit, leading her from her home waters on Alberta’s Bow River to unforgettable fishing experiences around the world, including hosting trips in Argentina targeting golden dorado and other species. Kaith reflects on her love of spey casting for steelhead, the meditative and grounding nature of being on the water, and the powerful sense of community that fly fishing fosters. She also speaks candidly about the barriers to entry in the sport and her hope for a more inclusive and accessible future, where more people, regardless of background, can experience the joy, purpose, and connection that fly fishing has brought to her life. Episode Notes -  * Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roneykaith/ [https://www.instagram.com/roneykaith/] * Calgary Women Fly Fishers - https://www.instagram.com/calgarywomenflyfishers/ [https://www.instagram.com/calgarywomenflyfishers/] * Out Fly Fishing Fly Shop - https://www.calgarysflyshop.com/ [https://www.calgarysflyshop.com/] Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life, from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard. Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish [https://ifishibelong.org/allkidsfish/], DIY Fishing Events [https://ifishibelong.org/fish/], Ubuntu Fly Anglers [https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/], and United Women on the Fly [https://uwotf.com/], we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love of fishing, ensuring that everyone has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead. Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ [https://ubuntu-on-the-real.podbean.com/e/ep-10-angelica-talan-raising-role-models-motherhood-fly-fishing/]to learn more about the podcast.

EP: 16 Healing, Empowerment, Representation: The Story Behind Her Waters

Dr. Yolanda Edwards, founder of Her Waters [https://herwaters.org/], Inc. and retired Army veteran, sits down with Ubuntu Fly Anglers podcast manager Alisha Bartlett for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about fishing, healing, and representation. Dr. Edwards learned to fish from her mother, who learned from her grandmother, a three-generation legacy of anglers. Yolanda’s work is not new. She founded the nonprofit Remain Hooked Outdoors in 2017 and, in January 2026, intentionally renamed the organization to Her Waters, Inc., a change that reflected deeper clarity and alignment with her mission. Her Waters (Healing, Empowerment, and Representation) exists to show female veterans, Black women, and girls that fly fishing is for them, too. Connect with Yolanda - * Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mz.hookedonthefly/ [https://www.instagram.com/mz.hookedonthefly/] * Her Waters Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/herwatersinc/ [https://www.instagram.com/herwatersinc/] * Website - https://herwaters.org/ [https://herwaters.org/] Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, our episodes will be released on the first and third Mondays of each month. Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish, DIY Fishing Events, Ubuntu Fly Anglers, and United Women on the Fly, we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, provide financial assistance, and create spaces where all anglers can thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love of fishing, ensuring that everyone has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead. Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ [https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/] to learn more about the podcast.

EP 14 : Outside Is My Church: Healing, Mental Health, and Fly Fishing with The Gentleman Lumberjack

After climbing the corporate ladder and building a successful career, Ashley White found his world unraveling after a traumatic medical crisis nearly took his wife’s life. In this deeply personal episode, Ash, now known as The Gentleman Lumberjack, opens up about his battle with anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts, and how traditional systems of support fell short. It was not until he began meeting his therapist outdoors in everyday parks and natural spaces that healing truly began. Fly fishing soon followed, becoming a practice of mindfulness, presence, and peace. Today, Ash guides others into the backcountry and onto the water, helping them reconnect with themselves through nature. His story is a powerful reminder of the healing that can happen when we finally step outside. Episode Notes- * Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_gentleman_lumberjack [https://www.instagram.com/the_gentleman_lumberjack] * Email - ash@thefishinggent.com [ash@thefishinggent.com] * Business - https://www.thefishinggent.com [https://www.thefishinggent.com] * Organization -The Gentleman Lumberjack Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life—from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard. Our episodes will be released on the first and third Mondays of each month. Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish, DIY Fishing Events, Ubuntu Fly Anglers, and United Women on the Fly, we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love for fishing, ensuring that every person has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead. Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ [https://ubuntu-on-the-real.podbean.com/e/ep-10-angelica-talan-raising-role-models-motherhood-fly-fishing/]to learn more about the podcast.