Partners of Commercial Fishermen

Story Time: When Your Fisherman is Married to the Sea

Does this title trigger you? You’re not alone! I know many Partners of Commercial Fishermen in our community can feel disconnected from their fishermen during the fishing season and even in the off-season. In this episode, I share a story about what it's like when I start to feel less like a priority during a season. I also share ways we can productively communicate our needs to our partners so that we can be heard, and the secret to feeling less alone even when we are alone (and you don’t have to connect with others to do it).
Let’s Dive In!
Link to Diary of a POCF: https://meganwaldrep.com/priorities-change/
5 Love Languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/
 
Private Communities For POCFs:
 > If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we’ve got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
>The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
Check out all of our offers here!
 

Pt. 2: Maintaining Good Mental Health and Relationships For Commercial Couples with Psychiatrist Douglas Waldrep M.D.

We are back with part two of a uniquely special episode to me because today we are continuing our conversation with retired Army officer Dr. Douglas Waldrep, who is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist—also known as my dad! As you probably know by now, my upbringing as a military kid sparked the idea of creating Partners of Commercial Fishermen in the first place. My ultimate goal is to learn ways to best support us through fishing seasons and beyond. This begins with learning how to nurture our mental health. 
In this episode, we touch on which mental health professionals may be best for you and how to choose, how to communicate and express to your partner if you’re feeling unappreciated or a lack of connection, and the common thread that has helped his patients in his 30+ year career, and it’s something we can offer to each other starting today. 
Let’s dive in!
 
Show Resources: 
International Assn. for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/
National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/research/
 
AA - https://www.aa.org/ and worldwide at https://www.aa.org/aa-around-the-world
NA - https://www.na.org/
AL-ANON - https://al-anon.org/
SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Assn -  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
 
> FOR POCFs: If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we’ve got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS! 
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
Check out all of our offers here!

Pt. 1 Maintaining Good Mental Health and Relationships For Commercial Couples with Psychiatrist Douglas Waldrep M.D.

This episode is particularly special to me because today we have retired Army officer Dr. Douglas Waldrep, who is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist—also known as my dad! As you probably know by now, my upbringing as a military kid sparked the idea of creating Partners of Commercial Fishermen in the first place. My ultimate goal is to learn ways to best support us through fishing seasons and beyond. This begins with learning how to nurture our mental health. 
In this episode, we discuss the similarities between military and fishing families, the importance of family cohesion and communities, and how to deal with trauma and challenges. We touch on the importance of communication and how commercial fishing couples can approach it during the season and in the off-season. We also talk about what it means to take mental health breaks, what that may look like, and its benefits. 
 
Let’s Dive in! 
 
Show Resources: 
International Assn. for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/
National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/research/
AA - https://www.aa.org/ and worldwide at https://www.aa.org/aa-around-the-world
NA - https://www.na.org/
AL-ANON - https://al-anon.org/
SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Assn -  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
> FOR POCFs: If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we’ve got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
 > *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
Check out all of our offers here!

Fishy Money Pt. 4: Private Community Members Share Financial Game Plans for Tough Seasons

After speaking to POCFs in our community, I’ve learned that the most helpful way to figure out the best financial plan for you is to learn what has successfully (and unsuccessfully) worked for others in our unique lifestyle, connect with financial professionals to ask questions, then create a financial plan that reflects your goals. That’s what this “Fishy Money” series is all about! 
Continuing our conversation about handling financials during tough seasons, I share what two members of our private chat community have done in the past and what they do now to stay afloat. I also share one huge financial mistake my fisherman, and I made in the past and how we got out of it. 
Disclaimer: I am presenting personal viewpoints of POCFS that do not directly reflect the opinions or positions of the POCF community. (I’m learning along with you and sharing advice and ways people in our community handle finances!) I’m not endorsing or taking responsibility for the accuracy or implications of this episode, so listeners are encouraged to form their own informed opinions based on a range of sources and perspectives and what works best for them. You got this!
 
Show Resources: 
> If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we've got you! Our lively group text chat is a space where you can connect immediately and ask questions anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
> BC Young Fishermen’s Network - https://www.bcyoungfishermen.ca/resources
> Fishing Partnership - https://fishingpartnership.org/economic-security
​​
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
 
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
 
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
Check out all of our offers here!

Fishy Money Pt. 3: Deadliest Catch’s Jenny Gore Dwyer on the Decision to Buy a Third Boat and Working with the ALS Therapy Development Institute

Our chat with Jenny continues with so much heart. In this episode, we discuss her husband Pat and his diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a rare degenerative disease also known as Lou Gherigs Disease. Jenny shares how ALS affected not only the family but also the fishing business, including financial management, and how the family came together to support each other during difficult times. Jenny also shares strategies for preparing for low or no seasons and the decision to expand their family's involvement in the fishing industry by adding a third boat to the fleet. She also gives us an update on her children and closing advice to all POCFs in our community. Let’s Dive In!
 
Show Resources: 
 
> Visit Jenny’s blog: www.crabbymama.net
> ALS Therapy Development Institute - www.als.net 
> Read Jenny’s essays she wrote for US on POCFPride.com!
Part 1 
Part 2 
Part 3 
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
 
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
 
> [JOIN] If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we've got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
 
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
Check out all of our offers here!

Fishy Money Pt. 2: Deadliest Catch’s Jenny Gore Dwyer on Money + Building a Legacy Business

Maternal + POCF wisdom in a candid interview with Jenny Gore Dwyer of Deadliest Catch! Jenny has been a huge support to our community since the beginning, and this episode is a perfect example of that. We discuss the challenges and successes of running a fishing business since 1986 and how she and her husband, Pat, managed to grow from one boat to a fleet of three. Jenny shares what they had to do financially at times to make it work while raising two kids. Plus, she shares the one business decision that has kept the business profitable to this day. Let’s Dive In!
 
Show Resources: 
> Visit Jenny’s blog: www.crabbymama.net
> Read Jenny’s essays she wrote for US on POCFPride.com!
Part 1 
Part 2 
Part 3 
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
 
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
 
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
 
> [JOIN] If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we've got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
 
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
Check out all of our offers here!

Fishy Money Pt. 1: Financial Game Plans for Tough Seasons

MONEY! Something every fishing household thinks about as frequently as the seasons and days come and go. Today, I’m sharing what two POCFs in our community do and have done financially to make money stretch when seasons tanked or were closed. These POCFs have been with their fishermen for over 20 and 40 years, so I'm passing along their knowledge to see if anything inspires you. 
Disclaimer: I am presenting personal viewpoints of POCFS that do not directly reflect the opinions or positions of the POCF community. (I’m learning along with you and sharing advice and ways people in our community handle finances.) I’m not endorsing or taking responsibility for the accuracy or implications of this episode. Listeners are encouraged to form their own informed opinions based on a range of sources and perspectives and what works best for them.
Show Resources: 
Listen to the full interview with Maureen Marinkovich on the Partners of Commercial Fishermen Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and more.
Read the full interview with Jolene Colomy on pocfpride.com here.
eBook Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide: How to Go from What the F*ck? to F*ck yeah!
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
 
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
 
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
> [JOIN] If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we've got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!
 
Check out all of our offers here!
 

FAQs: Common Qs About Our Community Answered!

At times, requests from international organizations, students, and writers make it feel like we're the "Google" of the commercial fishing industry! People want to know exactly who we are, where we live, and how we contribute to the industry. We get into this and a whole lot more! 
In this episode, we discuss:
- What exactly a POCF is, and where you'll find us.
- The invisible labor of POCFs (more than you can imagine!)
- What makes our community stand out, unique, and special.
- The reason why we are an incredible resource for change with scientists, environmentalists, researchers, and more. 
(This episode was inspired by an email I received from writer Rachel Dawson - Thanks for the inspo, Rachel!) 
Let's Dive In!
 
* EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS! *
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
 
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
 
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
 
> [JOIN] If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately, and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!

How to Care for Kids, Aging Adults, & Yourself with Dr. Melissa Batchelor

Plenty of Partners of Commercial Fishermen solo parent for days, weeks, or up to six months at a time (maybe longer, depending on the fishery), and we have several in our community who also care for aging parents. Aging happens to us all, yet caretaking kids or elder adults can be easier than you think. 
 
I’m honored to have Dr. Melissa Batchelor on this week. She hosts the podcast This is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World and is also an experienced nurse and nurse practitioner (with many acronyms behind her name) based in Wilmington, North Carolina. This episode is full of wisdom and helpful tips and hits home on so many levels!
In this episode, we discuss:
The similarities between caring for children and caring for aging adults with Alzheimer's.
Why Alzheimer’s doesn’t need to be feared.
Helpful conversations couples should have when caring for family members.
The simple ways caretakers can care for themselves (beyond a self-care routine).
Let’s Dive In!
 
Show Resources:
Dr. Melissa Batchelor: https://melissabphd.com/
IG: @melissabphd_thenurse
FB: @MelissaBPhD
PODCAST: This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World on Apple, Spotify, and more!
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
 
> *[eBOOK]* The ultimate guide for being a POCF - the book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah!
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum!
> [JOIN] If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately, and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!

Fisherman in Bristol Bay, AK? Same! Check out this Diary Entry of What It Was Like to Say Goodbye

The Goodbye is Chapter One of The Diary of a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman, a limited series written in honor of POCFs preparing to send or have sent off their loved ones for the season. 
 
Through 5 stories over 9 weeks, I shared my emotional journey of long-distance dating a fisherman in Bristol Bay, Alaska, including the uncertainty, frustration, & joys of a season apart. Inspired by Diary of a Sea Captain’s Wife, Tales of Santa Cruz Island by Margaret Holden Eaton. Hope you enjoy it!
 
Show Resources:
Diary of a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman 
Diary of a Sea Captain's Wife by Margaret Holden Eaton
Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
 
> [*eBook*] Partners of Commercial Fishermen Survival Guide 101: How To Go From WTF? To F*ck Yeah! Valuable Tips and Advice for Navigating a Relationship with a Fisherman & Yourself - The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! 
 
> [FREE]  Visit the Lifestyle Blog where it all started. Our blog is a go-to resource for all things related to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen lifestyle! If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your home port. Join us at pocfpride.com
 
> [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. You can also connect with other like-minded POCFs worldwide to learn about their experience, ask questions, and get personalized support. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to learn more about the private forum!
 
> [JOIN] Private Group Chat: If you're seeking real-time support from people who understand what you're going through, we got you! Our lively group text chat is a space you can connect immediately, and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!