The Megan Waldrep Podcast

Redefining Safety: Choosing Life Jackets Fishermen Actually Wear with Len Nelson of Kent Safety Products

Fun Fact: #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? Because their Partners tell them to! ⚓️ (We have more influence than we think!)
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of commercial fishing safety gear with Len Nelson of Kent Safety Products, a trusted name in personal flotation devices (PFDs). 
From engineering PFDs that balance comfort and protection to collaborating with fishermen and safety organizations, Len offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation shapes the future of fishing safety. We also discuss common misconceptions around PFDs, advancements in technology, and how wearing one can save lives, not just physically, but emotionally, for families back home.
Show Resources: KentSafetyProducts.com
Highlights: 
What sets Kent Safety Products’ PFDs apart for commercial fishermen
The crucial balance of safety vs. comfort, and collaborating with fishermen to test and improve gear
Recent technological advancements in PFDs
Addressing the biggest myths and hesitations around wearing life jackets
How Kent designs PFDs for hot and cold environments to fit any fisherman's needs
Environmentally-conscious initiatives in gear manufacturing
Ways to try before you buy, plus grant programs for free gear.
BLOG: Check out the Top 10 Best U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFDs, Life Jackets, and Flotation Wear 
Special Mention: Kent Safety Gear is now an official sponsor of the POCF community! Their commitment to keeping fishermen safe through high-quality gear is why we proudly partner with them.
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!
🔗 Explore All Offers: Click here to view everything we’ve created to support you!
POCF 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

Legal Insights Every Fisherman Needs with Attorney Michael Flynn

*FREE consultations for POCFs and Fishermen!*
In the second part of our conversation with Attorney Michael Flynn, we dive into the specifics of handling injuries at sea and the legal steps you need to take to protect your family. Michael breaks down how the Jones Act and Seaman’s Protection Act come into play during personal injury cases and what it means for fishing families seeking compensation.
We also discuss the practicalities of hiring a lawyer, how legal fees work, and what you can expect when working with an attorney. Plus, Michael answers your questions about maritime law submitted via the POCF private community and social media!
Key Takeaways:
What to expect from legal fees and the process when working with a maritime lawyer
How Michael Flynn supports fishing families and his process for injury cases
Answers to your questions about maritime law submitted via the POCF community and social media
Contact Attorney Michael Flynn:
Contact Michael for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500
Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com
Website: FlynnWirkus.com
Special Mention: Michael Flynn is now a proud sponsor of the POCF community. Listen in to hear why we trust him with the legal needs of our fishing families!
Additional Resources:
1. Maritime Law & Fishermen’s Rights
National Maritime Law Center: This organization provides resources and legal support specifically for injured maritime workers. Learn more about your rights at sea. Visit the National Maritime Law Center
2. Safety Regulations for Commercial Fishing
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
3. The Jones Act Explained
Jones Act Overview: This article explains in detail what the Jones Act is, its benefits, and how it protects maritime workers in the U.S. Read More About the Jones Act
4. Free Consultations with Attorney Michael Flynn
Remember, Attorney Michael Flynn offers free consultations for commercial fishing injuries. If you ever need legal advice or help with a case, reach out to him:📞 Phone or Text: 617-773-5500📧 Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com🌐 Website: FlynnWirkus.com
 
5. Our Go-To Safety Gear
If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.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!
🔗Explore All Offers: Click here to view everything we’ve created to support you!
Check out all of our offers here!
 

Navigating the Legal Waters: Your Rights as a Fisherman & POCF with Attorney Michael Flynn

*FREE consultations for all POCFs and fishermen!*
In this episode, we sit down with Attorney Michael Flynn to discuss the fundamental legal protections for commercial fishermen.
As part of our ongoing effort to help fishing families understand the laws that affect them, Michael unpacks essential maritime laws, discusses how proactive education can help fishermen avoid legal pitfalls, and what steps to take if an injury occurs aboard.
Key Takeaways:
Knowing your rights before an injury can make a huge difference.
The importance of understanding maritime law for both fishermen and their partners
Practical tips for dealing with maritime injury cases
Contact Attorney Michael Flynn:
Contact Michael for a FREE consultation via call or text: 617-773-5500
Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com
Website: FlynnWirkus.com
Special Mention: Michael Flynn is now a proud sponsor of the POCF community. Listen in to hear why we trust him with the legal needs of our fishing families!
Additional Resources:
1. Maritime Law & Fishermen’s Rights
National Maritime Law Center: This organization provides resources and legal support specifically for injured maritime workers. Learn more about your rights at sea. Visit the National Maritime Law Center
2. Safety Regulations for Commercial Fishing
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
3. The Jones Act Explained
Jones Act Overview: This article explains in detail what the Jones Act is, its benefits, and how it protects maritime workers in the U.S. Read More About the Jones Act
4. Free Consultations with Attorney Michael Flynn
Remember, Attorney Michael Flynn offers free consultations for commercial fishing injuries. If you ever need legal advice or help with a case, reach out to him:📞 Phone or Text: 617-773-5500📧 Email: mflynn@flynnwirkus.com🌐 Website: FlynnWirkus.com
 
5. Our Go-To Safety Gear
If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to stay safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.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!
🔗Explore All Offers: Click here to view everything we’ve created to support you!
Check out all of our offers here!
 

Learning to Embrace Loneliness — And Finding Strength in Being Alone

Today, I'm sharing a personal story about loneliness that surprised me this year — and how facing it head-on changed everything. Instead of numbing out with substances like I used to, I embraced the feeling with curiosity... and something profound happened.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
A 5-minute practice to move through hard emotions
How sobriety and letting go of old coping habits changed my life
Setting boundaries with people, social media, and yourself, plus 3 Solo Date Ideas from the POCF community!
✨ Favorite Quote: "If people could learn the skill and wisdom of meditation, they would have a good chance of being freed from their fear of being alone, their fear of death, and other imaginary worries." — The Magical Life of the Lotus Born
✨ Join the POCF Community! Sign up for the newsletter and get exclusive updates, advice, and support: Newsletter Signup Here.
Review and Receive!: If you find this helpful or want to show further support for the podcast, please leave a short review and email me a screenshot to support@pocfpride.com! Your review helps more POCFs (and anyone who needs it) find our awesome community. Thank you!

Top Bookkeeping Tips from CPA Chris Capone of Chris Capone and Associates

Today, we’re chatting with Chris Capone, the Founder & CEO of Capone and Associates, a firm specializing in bookkeeping, financial planning, CFO services, forensic accounting, exit strategy, and more. Stay to the end to hear how Chris got into it and the best advice for investing your money! 
In this Episode, we discuss:
Most common bookkeeping mistakes and how to avoid them.
Great practices for a POCF/bookkeeper, vessel owners, deckhands, and small business owners to stay organized without being overwhelmed.
How fishing businesses can avoid common payroll tax pitfalls.
The optimum time to contact your accountant.
His ultimate investment advice
And so much more!
Let’s Dive In!
 
Connect with CPA Chris Capone:
Email: chris@caponeandassociates.biz
Web: www.caponeandassociates.biz
Show Resources:
Quick Books
Fresh Books
FREE: Budget Tracker for Commercial Fishing Households: https://partners-of-commercial-fishermen.kit.com/231cc09dd1
Book - Money: A Love Story by Kate Northrup
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com
> Get Social with the POCF Community on IG at @megan.waldrep @megan.waldrep
>   [Join our Group Chat!] If you're seeking to connect with people who understand what you're going through OR are curious about what's happening in other fisheries and how they handle it, we've got you! Our group chat allows you to 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!

Connecting Fishing Families Across the Globe: A Conversation with UK Women in Fisheries

Today, we’re heading across the pond to connect with our friends at the United Kingdom Women in Fisheries (UK WIF)! I had the honor of speaking on their webinar, representing our Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCF) community in the U.S. and beyond.
In this episode, we explore how partners of commercial fishermen around the world share similar challenges, triumphs, and deep connections to the sea.
Whether you’re part of the fishing community or simply curious about this wild and unique lifestyle, this conversation is for you!
Let’s Dive In!
Show Resources:
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/oN_xWLinI0c?feature=shared
UK Women in Fisheries: https://www.women-fisheries.com/
POCF Blog Featuring Ashley Mullenger @thefemalefisherman: https://meganwaldrep.com/ukfisher-mullenger/
POCF Blog featuring UK POCF Jenny Price: https://meganwaldrep.com/uk-fishing-jenny-price/
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com
> Get Social with the POCF Community on IG at @megan.waldrep @megan.waldrep
>   [Join our Group Chat!] If you're seeking to connect with people who understand what you're going through OR are curious about what's happening in other fisheries and how they handle it, we've got you! Our group chat allows you to 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!

United Kingdom POCF Naomi Treneer Shares Her Experience in a Small Fishing Village in England

Today, we’re going overseas to the UK!
As many of us have come to realize, there’s a deep sense of adventure, trust, and flexibility that comes with being in a relationship with a commercial fisherman. And the best part? No matter where we are in the world, we can relate to this extraordinary lifestyle.
This month, we’re highlighting our international community, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a special guest: Naomi Treneer, a partner of a commercial fisherman from the United Kingdom. Naomi is both the daughter of a fisherman and the wife of one, living in Newlyn—a picturesque seaside village and fishing port in southwest Cornwall, England.
In this episode, she shares:
Experiences growing up as a fisherman’s daughter and how that shaped her life as a fisherman's wife
Her daily responsibilities as a mom of two school-aged children.
How she maintains her own independent life as a partner of a commercial fisherman in England.
Let’s dive in!
Show Resources: 
Connect with Naomi on Instagram: @fishermanandhiswife
UK Women in Fisheries: www.women-fisheries.com
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
 
> Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com
> Get Social with the POCF Community on IG at @megan.waldrep
>   [Join our Group Chat!] If you're seeking to connect with people who understand what you're going through OR are curious about what's happening in other fisheries and how they handle it, we've got you! Our group chat allows you to 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!

Behind-the-Scenes with Galley Stories Podcast Host Mark Caylor

A very special dual interview with the host of the Galley Stories Podcast, Mark Caylor! This is a rare behind-the-scenes conversation where we get to know Mark - this could be considered his first interview as he stays loyal to the Galley Stories Podcast theme: bringing the stories of commercial fishermen to the masses for over 100 episodes! 
In this episode, we discuss:
The different perspectives of a fisherman vs. their partner. 
Our most memorable episodes and why.
The work that goes into connecting with fishermen and bringing each episode to life.
Why Mark hadn’t agreed to an interview until now.
Let’s Dive In!
Connect with Mark Caylor:
Galleystories.net
Podcast: Galley Stories on Apple and Spotify
Instagram: @galley_stories
email: Galleystories@gmail.com
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com
> Hang with Megan on IG at @megan.waldrep
>   [Join our Group Chat!] If you're seeking to connect with people who understand what you're going through OR are curious about what's happening in other fisheries and how they handle it, we've got you! Our group chat allows you to 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!

Grants 101: How to Best Prepare to Receive Funding for your Fishery w Ava Schulenberg

She's back, and we're thrilled! Ava Schulenberg is based in Santa Barbara, CA, and is a female fisherman and leader in several fishing organizations. You may remember Ava from episode 96, where she goes into detail on how to advocate for your fishery and gives tips to help get your public comments heard.
In this episode, Ava shares:
How she secured funding for a clean-up initiative for CA spiny lobster fishermen.
The critical piece she included in the grant that she believes helped her gain priority over other entrants (there were many!).
 The course she took to learn how to write a grant effectively. 
As a side note, here’s a quick list of the many hats she wears:
 • Executive Director  of the California Lobster & Trap Fishermen's Association • Assistant Director of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB) • Manager  of  the Saturday Fishermen's Market of Santa Barbara • Laboratory Assistant II at CA Sea Grant • Deckhand with a variety of boats • Stewardess with yachting company, Santa Barbara Captains SB Captains.
Let's Dive In!Show Resources:
Contact Ava Schulenberg via email at: ava@cfsb.info
Harvard Kennedy School Grant Writing Course: https://ondemand.catalyst.harvard.edu/products/Techniques-to-Writing-a-Competitive-Grant
Virginia Institue of Marine Science: https://www.vims.edu/
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com
> Hang with Megan on IG at @megan.waldrep
>   [Join our Group Chat!] If you're seeking to connect with people who understand what you're going through OR are curious about what's happening in other fisheries and how they handle it, we've got you! Our group chat allows you to 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!

How Maine and California Fishing Families Can Secure Loans with California FarmLink and Coastal Enterprises, Inc.

California and Maine Fishermen and Partners, listen up! We know how challenging it can be to find financial support for your fishing business. Commercial fishing is expensive, and banks often don't give us a second look.  
However, there is a way to find loans that can support you, and today’s guests will explain more. In today's episode:
Meet Noah Strouse, the Senior Loan Officer & Strategic Initiatives Manager at California FarmLink, and Hugh Cowperthwaite, the Senior Program Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture at Coastal Enterprises, Inc., better known as CEI, located in Maine.
Learn how to get loans to help you enhance your boat, buy permits, buy a fishing boat and gear, your family's seafood business, and more.
Learn about the education resources and courses they have to help you make the most of your investment. 
This applies to captains, deckhands, and partners of commercial fishermen, too!
Let's Dive In!
Show Resources:
California FarmLink: www.californiafarmlink.org. 
Call Noah Strouse at (831) 271-5074
Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Maine: https://www.ceimaine.org/
Call Hugh Cowperthwaite at (207) 292-1102
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS!
> Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com
> Hang with Megan on IG at @megan.waldrep
>   [Join our Group Chat!] If you're seeking to connect with people who understand what you're going through OR are curious about what's happening in other fisheries and how they handle it, we've got you! Our group chat allows you to 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!