Anchored With April Vokey Podcast

Brian O’Keefe started fly fishing as a young boy. He started taking fish photos in an attempt to prove that he wasn’t making up stories about the fish he was catching. He would go on to become one of the most well-known names in fish photography. On this episode of Anchored, we discuss his incredible evolution as an angler, photographer, world traveler and industry pro. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Tight Line Films. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Saltwater Guides Association is a coalition of forward-thinking guides, small business owners and like-minded anglers who understand the value of keeping fish in the water. In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with Willy Goldsmith and Tony Friedrich to discuss the health of the East-coast striper fishery. To add you name to our Once a Year Premium Plus Masterclasses Waitlist, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Nugent started his successful guiding operation, Out Fly Fishing Outfitters, in 2003. He recently purchased a fly shop in Calgary, Alberta, adding to his already impressive resume. I met Josh years ago during a filming project on the Bow river. He was my first guide and single-handedly changed how I looked at professionalism in the fishing industry.  Not only am I proud to announce Josh as one of Anchored Outdoor’s Masterclass instructors, but I’m excited to introduce him to many of you here. He’s a fountain of knowledge and you’re guaranteed to walk away from this episode learning something new. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss Josh’s Master's Thesis on eye tracking and the visual characteristics of expert fly casters, the latest conservation concern around the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine Project, whether or not to buy a fly shop and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donnie Vincent is an explorer, biologist, conservationist, and sportsman. These days Donnie is best known for his inspirational films and passion for story-telling, but Donnie’s journey started long before the cameras started rolling. On this episode of Anchored we discuss his passion behind the outdoors, his experiences with wild wolves, keeping our cool under pressure and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clint Goyette is a Twelve time Canadian National Fly Fishing Championships competitor. He is also a guide and certified casting instructor who operates out of Squamish British Columbia. I recently hired Clint to teach our Czech Nymphing Masterclass over at AnchoredOutdoors.com and I was horrified to learn how many fish I’ve been passing up all these years. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how to catch more fish, Euro Nymphing, equipment, presentation, objections and more. You can enrol in Clint’s Online Masterclass here. Brought to you by WaterMaster and Athletic Brewing Company. Try Athletic Brewing Company's award-winning beers at AthleticBrewing.com and use code Anchored20 to get 20% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaitlin Barnhart and Jess Westbrook are the founders of The Mayfly Project, an organization that uses fly fishing to help mentor and support children in foster care. The Mayfly Project introduces children in foster care to their local fisheries, with the hope that it will connect them to a rewarding hobby, ultimately providing them the opportunity to have fun, build confidence, and develop a meaningful connection with the outdoors. In this episode of Anchored we discuss the project, how it works and how you can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Drake is a hunting photographer whose work has helped to redefine how the hunting industry is perceived. An avid elk hunter, he frequents some of the most rugged and physically demanding terrain in the USA. In this episode of Anchored we discuss new hunters, the rut, moose pee and more. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Brownells. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of us, Kelly Galloup is a household name. His innovative fly-tying and unique angling approach has earned him his place in the fly-fishing industry. Kelly is the owner of the popular Galloup’s Slide Inn Lodge on the Madison river, but his story begins long before he moved to Montana.  In this episode of Anchored we discuss fly-tying materials, presentation, the industry, and of course the names of his flies. While I have you here, this weekend I’ll be hanging out at the Celebrating Women in Fly Fishing Virtual Expo. The expo is open to men and women and hosts an amazing lineup of exhibitors, casting clinics, tying demonstrators, artists, presentations and more. I’m excited to be one of 21 Zoom rooms where I’ll be hanging out for the day answering questions and getting to know visitors better.  You can buy your tickets here. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Great Fishing Adventures of Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis and Tiffany Bader are both passionate hunters, anglers, foragers and foodies. They make their livings by sharing their passion with others through their company, Silvercore. Silvercore is Canada’s largest company of its kind, providing industry-leading training to all levels of government, private business and the general public. In this episode of Anchored, Travis and Tiffany help answer my questions about firearms, bear safety, cougars and more. Sign up to become a member of Anchored Outdoors and get 50% off your next Silvercore Bear safety course! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristine Fischer @MidwestFishergal grew up fishing and playing in the outdoors. What she didn’t realise at the time, was that she’d soon become one of the most well-known anglers in the national kayak bass tournament scene. The recognition isn’t unwarranted… Kristine boasted 3 national level wins and a 2nd in the 2019 season, and she added another big win and several top tens in 2020. One of these wins secured her a spot on the USA team as 1 of 7 anglers to represent her country. It also just so happened to make her the first female in the world to ever qualify for this prestigious event.    In this episode of Anchored, we sit down to discuss her fiery online presence, her impressive catch record, and the sacrifices she’s made to get this far. This episode is brought to you by Great Fishing Adventures of Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith McCafferty is the Survival and Outdoor Skills Editor of Field & Stream, an author of eight books, winner of numerous literary awards, and just an all-round likeable guy. In this episode of Anchored, we hear the story behind Keith’s impressive history with Field and Stream, as well as the inspiration behind his novels and how he maintains his enthusiasm. Outline of This Episode [3:15] Keith’s hair-raising mountain lion encounter [8:23] Keith’s upbringing set him on to a life of literature and the outdoors [16:18] Does writing get better with age?  [24:54] How Keith became the wilderness survival editor at Field and Stream [28:06] How did he end up in Montana? [37:38] Is there any money in writing novels? [46:25] On his encounter with a grizzly [51:22] What is the most useful survival skill that he knows? [57:44] Where to find his books This episode is brought to you by Brownells. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Woniya Thibeault has spent her life studying ancestral skills. As the owner of Buckskin Revolution, she teaches classes and workshops, sharing her belief in the coexistence of humans and nature. In this episode of Anchored, Woniya and I discuss the desire to live off-grid, tanning deer hides and her remarkable experience on the popular tv show, Alone. Outline of This Episode [3:15] Woniya has spent a lot of time learning ancestral skills [7:45] A skills gathering opened her mind [14:34] Why she chose to participate in the Alone show [26:56] How she survived so long alone in the Arctic [34:29] How did she stay warm and sheltered during her time in the Arctic? [43:25] Community was a huge part of our ancestors’ lives [44:20] What do people not know about sewing buckskin? [51:02] How does Woniya feel aobut cultural appropriation? [57:22] Wearing buckskin is much different than wearing cloth This episode is brought to you by Brownells! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim McLennan was one of the first fly-fishing guides on Alberta’s Bow River. A well known writer and speaker, Jim has authored four books and written countless magazine articles. In this episode of Anchored we discuss why we fish, how Jim got his start in the fishing industry, what the Bow river used to be like and how we change as we get older. Outline of This Episode [2:35] Jim was born in Edmonton, Alberta [11:14] He started guiding on the Bow in the 70s [19:43] How did Jim become an editor? [26:54] How to piece all the income together to get by [34:25] What happens if you wake up one day and don’t want to go fishing? [41:49] Where is Jim in his evolution of fishing? [48:02] Jim is still involved in fly fishing [56:58] Jim’s thoughts on the best resources for learning the sport This episode is brought to you by Norvise! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yarrow Willard is an herbalist and philosopher who lives in British Columbia, Canada. Yarrow was born into a family of foragers who have changed thousands of people’s lives over the years. I was excited to sit down with him to pick his brain about mushrooms, wild foraging, pollens and more. Even if you’ve never foraged a day in your life, you're sure to walk away from this episode looking at the outdoors a little differently. Find his YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHarmonicArts Outline of This Episode [4:55] Yarrow is the son of an herbalist born in Calgary, Alberta [12:10] How do you ensure that a small child won’t eat a plant they shouldn’t when foraging? [18:04] Learn 10 herbs a year [22:24] Does Yarrow mainly forage for medicine or food? [32:12] How to harvest the inner bark of a tree [39:08] 5 easy starter plants to learn [58:24] What’s the deal with lichens? Find us at www.AnchoredOutdoors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nanci Morris Lyon and Nelli Williams have been working for over a decade to safeguard Bristol Bay from the Pebble Mine. Nanci owns Bear Trail Lodge on the famed Naknek River, and was one of the first female fishing guides in Alaska. Nelli is the Alaska Director for Trout Unlimited in Anchorage. Both Nanci and Nelli are mothers, avid anglers, and spokespeople for a cause that needs us more than ever. In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with both of them to hear why the general public’s help is needed now more than ever before.  As many of you probably already know, the mine is an issue that has long been discussed by anglers and hunters, but what you might not know is that it’s on the brink of obtaining a major permit that could push the project forward. Last month, the Final Environmental Impact Assessment was released, outlining massive impacts to Bristol Bay fish, wildlife and water. A decision determining if the permit will be issued will be made by the Trump Administration sometime between now and th

Chad Brown is a decorated US Navy veteran who struggles with PTSD. A failed suicide attempt eventually led Chad to found a non-profit organization called Soul River Inc. Soul River brings together at-risk youth and veterans who act as mentors. Together they visit threatened wild spaces and embark on mission-driven experiences based around advocacy and outdoor education. In this episode of Anchored, Chad and I discuss his remarkable story, the realities of PTSD, and what it’s like to be a black man in fly fishing. Team up with Soul River here. You can donate to Soul River here. Outline of This Episode [3:15] Fishing came later in his life [8:22] Fish more was his new prescription [17:33] Joining the military was the beginning of the roller coaster ride [19:54] Chad describes PTSD [26:45] PTSD looked different in each different war era [36:57] He didn’t even know what fly fishing was [42:07] How did Soul River start? [49:47] How does a troubled youth find Soul River? [1:00:22] How can people help?

***Check out our Bow Drill Masterclass here!*** Brad Salon and Sarah Corrigan own the Roots school in Vermont. They teach a variety of skills, including self-reliance, survival, tracking and naturalist studies. In this episode of Anchored we discuss instinctive shooting, mushroom identification, basketry, foraging, hide tanning and more.  If these sorts of skills interest you, be sure to check out my new website www.AnchoredOutdoors.com where we cover all things fishing, foraging, homesteading and subsistence hunting. Our first masterclass drops this week and the next dozen are soon to follow! If you sign on now, memberships are only $4.99 a month. That will be changing once the first three classes are up, so don’t wait to hop onboard! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational speaker and founder of the Pride and Joy Foundation. When she reached out to me to see if we might be able to connect for a podcast, I wasn’t sure how her story linked back to the outdoors. So I tuned in to her TED talk, only to be taken aback when I learned that fly fishing changed her life. In this episode of Anchored I sit down with Elena and her partner Kristen to discuss the story of how they met, diversity in fly fishing, feeling trapped in the corporate world and more. This episode is brought to you by Olukai. Outline of This Episode [4:15] What is the politically correct way to refer to the community? [7:55] How did Kristen get into fly fishing? [15:05] Elena has a big story [28:18] What is it about being outdoors that awakens someone’s soul? [32:12] Being trapped in an office job  [44:27] Does the LGBTQ community feel underrepresented in the outdoors? [52:52] Elena Joy speaks of her divorce [58:42] There are some native fish in Arizona [1:00:36] A wo

John Dietsch is perhaps best known in fly fishing circles for supervising all of the fly fishing scenes on the OSCAR winning film "A River Runs Through It", where he also conceived and executed the famous final fishing scene doubling for actor Brad Pitt by swimming a rapid while playing a fish. In this episode of Anchored we discuss John’s new book "Graced by Waters" and the healing properties of immersing ourselves in the outdoors, as well as John’s personal journey through loss, scenes in "A River Runs Through It" and more. Sign up here for our free live presentation with John at 5:00pm PST this Wednesday, June 17th!  This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Norvise!  Outline of This Episode [3:15] John grew up fishing around L.A.  [9:05] How did he get involved in A River Runs Through It? [16:33] Meeting Redford was intimidating [20:35] The final scene was all John [25:45] The fly fishing is about more than just catching [33:22] Fly fishing has the potential to heal [44:09] How he lost his

Hank Shaw is a celebrated chef, author and outdoorsman who runs the award-winning website Hunter Angler Gardener Cook. In this episode of Anchored, Hank and I walk through his timeline, stopping along the way to discuss how we age game-birds, our favourite edible weeds, dandelion wine and more. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Great Fishing Adventures of Australia.  Outline of This Episode [9:15] Ancillary information makes you a good angler, but also a good hunter [15:22] His Master’s in History [22:02] Hunting is about more than just the meat [34:37] Do you have to let all meat age a while to actually taste it? [38:30] His newspaper career taught him restraint [45:44] He made the transition to running the website fulltime in 2010 [51:03] Does he want to take it to the next level? [52:55] He is a seasonal eater [1:03:33] Dandelion wine is all about the aroma [1:12:54] Be a conscious harvester   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices