Partners of Commercial Fishermen

Identity Shifts: Navigating the Messy Middle of Life After Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle that shapes both the fisherman and their partner. But what happens when that identity changes?
In this episode, we explore:
Life after the boat
The “messy middle” of transition
and how to reconnect with yourself when the lifestyle that defined you evolves.
Let's dive in.
 
RESOURCES:
Spend less energy worrying about your loved ones on the water. Kent Safety Products makes Coast Guard-approved PFDs and flotation gear that commercial fishing families have trusted for generations. Visit KentSafetyProducts.com.
Let’s connect on meganwaldrep.com

Protecting Those Who Work the Sea with Beth Casoni of Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association

Today, we’re talking with Beth Casoni of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association about something that goes deeper than just fishing: it’s about community, care, and what happens when the unthinkable strikes.
As we know, the sea is unpredictable, but amid that risk is a tight-knit community that shows up for one another in powerful ways. 
We’ll talk about how lobstering families support each other, how MLA steps in during shifts in regulation and tragedy, and how they actively reach out to officials to make sure their fishermen’s voices are heard.
Let's Dive In!
Show Resources:
Website: Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association: https://lobstermen.com/
Connect with the POCF community at https://pocfpride.com
 

We're on the Bristol Bay (Alaska) Fisheries Report!

This feels like a big “get” for the POCF community. Today, I’m sharing our feature on the Bristol Bay Fisheries Report from July 18, 2025, with Kendra Hanna, a KDLG fish reporter and freelance radio and podcast producer.
KDLG is THE radio station that fishermen listen to daily while in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and it was such an honor to share personal stories and highlight how families and partners of commercial fishermen form the backbone of community life throughout the season. GO US!
Listen to the Full Episode: Streaming available via KDLG’s website under “Bristol Bay Fisheries Report: July 18, 2025” at kdlg.org.
RESOURCES FOR POCFS:
🎉 POCFs are the biggest influences for fishermen's safety. GO US!
⚓️ How much do you worry about your fisherman's safety on the water? Every time they leave the dock? Yep, we get it. But guess what - the #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs is "Because my partner tells me to.” Let's ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home. Check out KentSafetyProducts.com .
💬Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more !
🛟 Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
📱 Connect on Instagram: @megan.waldrep – Stay in the loop and engage with the POCF community.
🔗 Explore All Offers: Click here to view everything we’ve created to support you !

We Sold the Fishing Business— What’s Getting Us Through the Transition

Today’s episode is a big one. On the first day of spiny lobster season, we announce something deeply personal: Chris and I sold the fishing business.
Chris has been fishing since he was 15—lobster, salmon, sea cucumber, Bristol Bay—you name it. Over 15 seasons, I’ve been alongside him, which eventually inspired the creation of the Partners of Commercial Fishermen. Selling the Joseph Warren marks the end of a chapter and the start of something new.
In this episode, I share:
The emotional and logistical process of selling the boat.
How therapy supported us through the transition.
The power of the POCF community (we literally helped make the sale happen!).
Why “salt in our blood” means this community is forever part of us.
Whether you’re navigating a career shift, considering therapy, or just curious about what happens when a fisherman retires or sells their boat, this episode is for you.
Resource Mentioned in Episode: BetterHelp at betterhelp.com
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
🎉 POCFs are the biggest influences for fishermen's safety. GO US!
⚓️ How much do you worry about your fisherman's safety on the water? Every time they leave the dock? Yep, we get it. But guess what - the #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs is "Because my partner tells me to.” Let's ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home. Check out KentSafetyProducts.com .
💬Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more !
🛟 Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
📱 Connect on Instagram: @megan.waldrep – Stay in the loop and engage with the POCF community.
🔗 Explore All Offers: Click here to view everything we’ve created to support you !

Got the Blues? Advice from POCFs in our Community

In this episode, I’m sharing advice straight from our private POCF chat community — the kind of support you’ll find in this safe, just-for-us space, like:
Why feeling “lost” is actually a normal (and necessary) part of growth
How old comforts like shopping, sweets, or scrolling can lose their spark — and what that really means
Real advice and encouragement from the POCF private chat community to help you move through the blues
Tune in, take what resonates, and remember: you’re not alone when the blues roll in. Let’s Dive In.
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
🛟 Reliable PFDs Will Help Bring Your Fisherman Home!
How much do you worry about their safety on the water? Well, it's valid: 8 of our 10 Fishermen who were lost at sea weren't wearing safety gear. BUT you can change that! #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
 

Stop Overpaying Taxes: What to Ask Your Accountant with Chris Capone

Do finances scare or bore you, yet you stress out when tax season approaches? You're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Capone to explore how the right guidance can help you save money and reduce stress in your fishing business or personal business. 
What we learn in this episode:
The difference between an accountant and a CPA—and which you might need.
How fractional CFO services can support small businesses.
Simple strategies to reduce taxes through better planning.
Tax filing requirements specific to commercial fishermen.
Tips for improving communication with your accountant.
Why financial clarity leads to stronger business decisions.
Let’s Dive In!
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
 
🛟 Reliable PFDs Will Help Bring Your Fisherman Home: 8 out of 10 Fishermen who were lost at sea weren't wearing safety gear. BUT you can change that! #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” Ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home. Check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
 
⚓️ Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
 
📱 Connect on Instagram: @megan.waldrep – Stay in the loop and engage with the POCF community.
🔗Check out all of our offers here!

Feeling Stuck? 7 Ideas To Switch Up Your Routine So You Don’t Feel Like a Robot

Sometimes, a routine can help you feel grounded, while other times, it can leave you feeling like you’re going through the motions in robot mode. The best part is that we don’t have to make huge changes to bring more joy into everyday life. 
What We Learn in This Episode:
Easy shifts wake up your brain and make life feel more alive.
Small changes to refresh your daily rhythm
Mini-adventure ideas that spark creativity and fun
Let’s Dive In!
RESOURCES FOR POCFS:
 
🛟 Reliable PFDs Will Help Bring Your Fisherman Home
How much do you worry about their safety on the water? Well, it's valid: 8 of our 10 Fishermen who were lost at sea weren't wearing safety gear. BUT you can change that! #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home, check out KentSafetyProducts.com .
 
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
 
⚓️ Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
 
📱 Connect on Instagram: @megan.waldrep – Stay in the loop and engage with the POCF community.
 
🔗Check out all of our offers here!

Part 1: From Loneliness to Fulfillment (even when you’re alone) with Brenda Winkle

I invite you to catch Part 1 through the link below!
"Does this make me less of a strong woman because I am lonely?"
That was a mic drop moment for me. Loneliness hit me hard at the beginning of the year, and I was kind of...confused. How can I feel this way when I love alone time? In this episode, we go deep with Brenda Winkle, who is an energetic leadership guide, intuitive channel, and somatic mentor. 
We released Part 2 of this conversation on the POCF podcast several weeks ago as a cross-podcast promotion with Brenda's podcast called Your Yes Filled Life. Learn more about Brenda and catch the second half of our vulnerable convo in Part 1 through the link below. Let's Dive In!
 
✨ Resources Mentioned:🎧
Catch Part 2 of our convo here!
Your Yes Filled Life Podcast: https://www.brendawinkle.com/podcasts/your-yes-filled-life
5 Quick Tips to Surviving a Fishing Season: https://partners-of-commercial-fishermen.kit.com/917e778540
Energy Audit - in just 10 minutes, get clarity around what's really fueling and draining you: https://www.brendawinkle.com/audit
Meditation to Feel Better: https://www.brendawinkle.com/feelbetter
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
🛟 Reliable PFDs Will Help Bring Your Fisherman Home
How much do you worry about their safety on the water? Well, it's valid: 8 of our 10 Fishermen who were lost at sea weren't wearing safety gear. BUT you can change that! #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home, check out KentSafetyProducts.com .
⚓️ Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
📱 Connect on Instagram: @megan.waldrep – Stay in the loop and engage with the POCF community.
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!

Staying Grounded: How POCF Lena Kalafor Navigates Long Seasons Apart

Today, I sit down with Lena Kalafor, a member of the POCF private group chat membership, who lives in Florida while her fisherman, James, a clammer, works on a vessel off the coast of New Jersey. 
In this episode, Lena opens up about finding community, the quirks of reunions, her advocacy efforts against offshore wind farms, and more. Plus, you’re going to appreciate the inspo for her latest spice business, Knead 2 Relax, as it directly relates to the POCF experience! 
In This Episode, You'll Hear:
Lena’s move from New Jersey to Florida and how she adapted to the commercial fishing lifestyle
How she and James stay emotionally connected during long trips
The reality of reintegration and tips for smoother transitions
Her advocacy work surrounding wind farms and fishermen’s rights
The inspiration behind her spice business, Knead 2 Relax
What Lena values most about being a part of the POCF private chat membership.
Let’s Dive In!
Resources & Links:
Follow Lena’s business on Instagram: @knead2relax
Order directly through Lena on Knead 2 Relax Facebook page
Order on Etsy
 15% off for all POCFs and Fishermen with code “Crew 15”
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
Let’s Connect! Follow Megan on Instagram: @megan.waldrep Visit the blog: www.pocfpride.com
🛟 Reliable PFDs Will Help Bring Your Fisherman Home!
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home, check out ​KentSafetyProducts.com​.
 
Interested in supporting this podcast? Thank you! Please hit the follow button, leave a 5-star review, and share what we're doing here with others. Your feedback means the world and can help others feel less alone, too!
With Love & POCF Pride!

Pt 3: POCF Angela Barnes on Being a POCF in Australia

What’s it like to be a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman in Australia? In this episode, we meet Angela Barnes — a veteran POCF from Port Broughton, South Australia. 
From raising kids while holding down the fort to crab pots and “hook boats,” Angela’s story shows us that no matter where we live, the emotional tides of this life are universal. Tune in to hear how she finds joy, peace, and purpose through it all.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
How Australian commercial fisheries compare to the U.S.The realities of raising kids while your partner is away for days
What shocked her the most in the fishing industry
How Angela finds fun and freedom on the water with her family
Let’s Dive In!
🔗 Links & Mentions:
Blog Post: POCF Mama on Raising a Toddler During Year-Long Fishing Seasons
Want to be featured on the podcast? Email me @support@pocfpride.com
Yes, You Can Keep Your Fisherman Safe at Sea!
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear 
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to keep them safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
More Resources: 
Follow Megan on IG: @meganwaldrep
Join the POCF Private Chat: Here