The Megan Waldrep Podcast

Pt. 2: The Truth About Coast Guard Inspections with Coast Guard Safety Examiner, Steven Kee

In Part 2 of this safety-focused series, I continue the conversation with Coast Guard Safety Examiner Steven Kee.
This time, Steven walks us through practical advice and emotional insight, and I give empowering reminders and discussion prompts to have with your fisherman that matter more than you may realize.
You’ll learn:
Having a spouse or family member present during dockside safety exams often leads to better outcomes.
How often fishermen need to prepare for examinations.
Tips for starting the safety convo at home—and actually being heard
The one thing Steven wishes every partner and family member knew
Mentioned in this episode:
Text a picture of your life raft on board to see if it’s secured correctly. Steven can be reached on his government work phone during work hours at (504) 957-4794
AMSEA (Alaska Marine Safety Education Association): https://www.amsea.org
NIOSH - https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fishing
FishSafeWest.info - Generate a checklist for your fishing vessel using their checklist generator and pass your exam on their first visit.
Kent Safety Products episode 
Contact your local Coast Guard safety examiner (you can usually find them through your regional Coast Guard office or by asking at your local harbor)
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating or review, and share it with another partner who might need this message today. 💙
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Our Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Free Consultation with a commercial fishing lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🌟 The Lighthouse Collective: A global membership space for POCFs to gain tools, resources, and meaningful community connection—available year-round. Click here to join!
🔗Check out all of our offers here!

Pt. 1: The Truth About Coast Guard Inspections with Coast Guard Safety Examiner, Steven Kee

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your fisherman head offshore, this episode will empower you to know how boats are regulated to stay safe. In the first half of a two-part series, you’ll learn:
Common myths about Coast Guard examinations.
What happens during a safety inspection, and how to prepare.
Have questions about your life raft? Steven is offering direct support to POCFs and fishermen. You can text him a photo of your life raft at 503-957-4794 to check if it’s properly secured.
Mentioned in this episode:
📸 Need help with your life raft? Text a photo to Steven Kee’s official Coast Guard work number at 503-957-4794 to check if it’s secured correctly. He’s happy to help support fishing families directly. Note: This is his official Coast Guard work number for non-emergency safety support.
AMSEA: https://www.amsea.org
Kent Safety Products Episode
Follow Megan on Instagram: @megan.waldrep
Don’t miss Part 2, where Steven shares what actually happens during a dockside exam, and the one thing he wishes every fishing family knew.
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Our Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Free Consultation with a commercial fishing lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🌟 The Lighthouse Collective: A global membership space for POCFs to gain tools, resources, and meaningful community connection—available year-round. Click here to join!
🔗Check out all of our offers here!

How POCF Aubrey McNeil Navigates the Alaska Fishing Season

In this special encore episode, we revisit our conversation with POCF Aubrey McNeil — just in time for the Bristol Bay, Alaska, salmon season.
If you’re in the thick of saying goodbye, dropped phone calls, or settling into the solo stretch, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone — and that strength and support go hand in hand.
In this episode:
Aubrey shares what it was like to choose a long-distance relationship with a commercial fisherman, how she navigates his time away, and the tools that help her stay grounded when the season ramps up.
We also talk about how Aubrey discovered the POCF community, what it’s meant for her growth and resilience, and the powerful takeaways she’s gained — from finding sisterhood to sharpening her independence.
Plus, hear how Aubrey took her connection to the industry one step further by working with the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA), blending passion and purpose in her own way.
Let’s Dive In!
 
Resources Mentioned:
Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) https://www.bbrsda.com/
Private Group Chat: Connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
Connect with Aubrey: @aubs_outside 
Connect with Megan: @megan.waldrep 
Q: What do you want to see more of in our POCF community? (Aubrey mentioned Zoom calls to connect with POCFs.) Email me your thoughts at support@pocfpride.com
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Free Consultation with a Commercial Fishing Lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.

How One POCF is Navigating Her First Season Apart

In this heartfelt episode, we go behind the curtain of our Private Group Chat and hear from a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman (POCF) in Washington state who’s navigating her very first fishing season apart from her Alaskan boyfriend.
She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being apart during the Bristol Bay salmon season — from daily tears to deep love, short, spotty video calls, and the intense loneliness many of us know all too well.
You’ll hear my response of empathy, encouragement, and the honest truth: this is the kind of support you receive inside our private chat. On top of the incredible support you get from POCFs who can relate to where you are now. 
This episode is a gentle reminder that:
What to expect when communication drops off at sea
Your relationship can thrive through the distance — and even grow stronger.
How the POCF lifestyle is an adventure in its own right, and how connecting with others who understand can be your greatest anchor
Let’s Dive In!
Mentioned in this episode:
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
POCF Survival Guide — a must-have for new partners entering the fishing lifestyle. The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Click here! 
> Want to share your own POCF story or ask a question for the show? Reach out at support@pocfpride.com.
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
⚖️ Free Consultation with a Commercial Fishing Lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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.

Part 2: From Loneliness to Fulfillment (even when you’re alone) with Brenda Winkle

This episode is Part 2: From Loneliness to Fulfillment (even when you’re alone) with Brenda Winkle. I invite you to catch Part 1 on Brenda’s podcast called Your Yes-Filled Life! 
 In this raw and heartfelt episode, Brenda and I share personal stories of loneliness and anxiety and what it means to build a life of connection and meaning.
From my cross-country drive toward a sober life in California to Brenda’s empty-nest revelation that shook her to the core, we explore how loneliness can hit us even when we're surrounded by people — and how healing begins when we allow ourselves to be seen.
We unpack:
The difference between being alone and feeling lonely
Somatic or physical ways to manage anxiety and stress
The role of meditation and breathwork in building emotional resilience
The power of community (and how to start one from scratch!)
Tools to reconnect with yourself during difficult transitions
This episode is for anyone navigating change, craving deeper connection, or seeking peace in the quiet moments. Let's Dive In!
✨ Resources Mentioned:
Your Yes Filled Life Podcast: https://www.brendawinkle.com/podcasts/your-yes-filled-life
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
5 Quick Tips to Surviving a Fishing Season: https://partners-of-commercial-fishermen.kit.com/917e778540
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Our Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
⚖️ Free Consultation with a commercial fishing lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🔗Check out all of our offers here!

True Funny Story about Perimenopause & Couples (How to Communicate Your Needs When You Don't Know What To Say)

Today, we dive into a true (and truly funny) story about navigating the emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause while trying to keep communication open—and your relationship intact. (If you've ever snapped at your partner for breathing too loudly, this one's for you.)
In this episode, you'll hear:
A real-life/tense perimenopausal moment between Chris and me.
Why it’s so hard to explain what you need when you don’t even understand what’s happening yourself.
How to start conversations with your partner without making it a blame game.
Whether you’re in the throes of hormonal “activation” or supporting someone who is, this episode is your reminder that love, laughter, some crying, and a little grace go a long way. Let’s Dive In!
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Free Consultation with a Commercial Fishing Lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🔗Check out all of our offers here!
 

Yes! You Can Recycle Fishing Gear (and here's how to do it!) with Nicole Baker of Net Your Problem

Nicole Baker is a marine biologist and founder of Net Your Problem, an organization helping commercial fishing communities recycle their old gear and reduce plastic, without sacrificing their livelihoods. 
In this episode, Nicole explains firsthand how discarded gear gets sent to landfills and how she decided to do something about it.
From the logistics of collecting old gear to the powerful partnerships she’s building with fishermen and POCFs, Nicole offers real-world insight into how sustainability can support—not threaten—our working waterfronts. 
Whether you're a commercial fisherman, a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman, or just someone who loves the ocean, this episode is full of inspiration, practical action, and hope for the future of fishing. 
Let’s Dive In!
Resources & Links:
🌐 Net Your Problem Website
IG and FB: @netyourproblem
LinkedIn: @netyourproblem
YouTube: @netyourproblem 
📰 On the POCF Blog: Recycling Nets & Fishing Gear? How The F Do They Do it?!
https://meganwaldrep.com/recycle-nets-gear/
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Free Consultation with a Commercial Fishing Lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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.
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🔗Check out all of our offers here!
 

Caught Off Guard: When Your Fisherman Comes Home & Doesn't Text or Call First

Do you ever get overwhelmed when your fisherman comes home without notice? SAME!
In this episode, we get real about those moments when you just need a minute before switching from solo mode to partner mode—and how hard that can be to express.
You'll hear:
A relatable story that proves you're not alone in needing a heads-up.
A few gentle scripts and mindset shifts to help you speak up for what you need, even when it feels awkward.
How to avoid guilt when you’re craving quiet but love your partner deeply.
Let's Dive In!
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Free Consultation with a Commercial Fishing Lawyer! Contact Attorney Michael Flynn for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🔗Check out all of our offers here!
 

PTSD, Sleep, and Safety in Commercial Fishing + What We Can Do To Help Our Fishermen with Amanda Roome

Many of us don't think about how PTSD and sleep deprivation can affect our fishermen's mental health, both short-term and long-term. But there are ways to lessen the burden, and today's guest explains how. 
Amanda "Mandy" Roome is a Research Scientist at the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Cooperstown, NY
In this episode, Mandy shares:
What PTSD really is, and how to check if you have it.
Understanding fatigue and sleep deprivation on the job
Learning more about fishermen's brain health and improvement strategies
Safety research and how organizations can build trust with fishing communities
Let's Dive In!
Show Resources:
Amanda (Mandy) Roome, PhD Research Scientist, Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Cooperstown, NY 🌐 https://necenter.org/fishing 
📱 Facebook: NEC Fish
 
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🔗Check out all of our offers here!
 

Want Your Fisherman to Wear a PFD? Say This: Prompts to Get Your Fisherman to Wear Safety Gear

Today’s episode is powerful—it could literally save your fisherman’s life AND ease your stress each time they leave the dock. (Can I get an AMEN?! 🙌)
Highlights of Today’s Episode:
Why your voice matters more than you think
Messages and convo starters to gently encourage PFD use
How to tailor the conversation to your fisherman’s experience, body type, and needs
Real feedback from our Instagram community during Boat Safety Week
BLOG: Check out the Top 10 Best U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFDs, Life Jackets, and Flotation Wear 
Catch the full episode now using the links below! Better yet? Pop on the download and save them for later. This may be the most important conversation you have had with them yet. You've got this!
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ 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!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101:The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from "WTF?" to "F*ck Yeah!" in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🌟 The Lighthouse Collective: A global membership space for POCFs to gain tools, resources, and meaningful community connection—available year-round. Click here to join!
🔗 Check out all of our offers here!
 
MUST-HAVES:
🛟 Our Go-To Safety Gear - Kent Safety Products
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
 
⚖️ Attorney Michael Flynn - whom we trust with personal injury legal needs for our fishing families:
Contact Michael for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500, Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com, Visit FlynnWirkus.com
 
Seaworthy Foundation: Working to improve vessel stability and safety equipment for commercial fishermen. Their efforts include pushing for better safety regulations to protect those working at sea. Visit Seaworthy Foundation