Partners of Commercial Fishermen

Dropping some pearls of wisdom with this one! If you're an entrepreneur or are interested in starting or scaling your business (fishery business included!), then you'll love this interview with POCF Lindsey Hoadley from Ventura, California. In this episode, we discuss:  The relaunch of her business, Mothersun and the Captain, and the importance of taking a 1-year break to get in the mindset to restructure it the way she wants to create and scale, How she and her husband, John, work together on a joint venture called the Good Captain Co. and how they work together creatively to create messages that connect and advocate for their fisheries,  And the importance of diversifying and finding mentors to help guide them through success. Let's Dive in! Connect with Lindsey: mothersunandthecaptain.com @mothersunandthecaptain The Good Captain Co.  @thegoodcaptainco Connect with Megan and More POCFs in our Community: pocfpride.com @megan.waldrep > JOIN OUR EPIC GROUP CHAT! If you want to talk with others 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 lively group text chat lets you connect immediately, and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!

In Part 2, I answer questions from our IG community by sharing intimate stories about my sobriety journey from alcohol and marijuana. We also discuss: The transformative power of the mind in overcoming addiction. (Including weed, which I discuss in more detail than planned. Let's get into it!)The challenges of breaking habits, the prevalence of alcohol consumption in society, and the various non-alcoholic beverage options available for those who choose to quit or reduce their alcohol intake.Several memoirs about addiction helped me understand my journey through the experiences of others and ways to navigate a sober lifestyle.  Let’s Dive in! Show Resources: Joe Dispenza - Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself Sobriety Journey Part 1: on Apple & Spotify   If you find yourself challenged, you are not alone! Here are ways to find support: Talk to family or friends you can trust who lead a sober life.Search for sober accounts on social media (they are out there!)There are apps for that: Sunnyside (tracks time sober, money saved, and motivational quotes) I Am Sober (same as above) Sober Time (counts days sober and an option to join a community)AA Speakers To Go (stories from AA speakers)NA To Go (stories from NA speakers) Alcoholics Annonymous: www.aa.orgNarcotics Annonymous: www.na.org Addiction is widespread in the commercial fishing industry and, basically, everywhere. If your partner or a loved one is suffering and you feel stuck, Al-Anon is an excellent option for family support: www.al-anon.org. If you’re feeling distressed or having thoughts of suicide or severe depression, you can call 988 in the US or visit 988lifeline.org. The line is open 24/7 and completely anonymous.  For international assistance, visit https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines and choose your country to receive guidance and support.    Exclusive Offers for POCFs! > JOIN OUR EPIC GROUP CHAT! If you want to talk with others 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 lively group text chat lets you connect immediately, and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!

This organization was *founded by a commercial fisherman* who wanted to keep fishing and has since grown into an initiative that helps sustain the North Carolina coastline. This perfectly reflects our fishing families, who have a shared passion for caring for our oceans. And when you connect with others in this space, it can be a real eye-opener on what we’re all experiencing individually to maintain and make positive changes for our coastlines and coastal communities. Our goals may be the same, but our challenges differ. Yet, we can learn from one another how to overcome.  Today, I’m speaking with Bonnie Mitchell, the Coastal Education Coordinator for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, known as NCCoast. In this episode, we discuss: What environmental conservation and education can look like and how Partners and fishing communities can implement it locally.We highlight the oyster farming in North Carolina, how it preserves our coastlines, and the North Carolina Oyster Trail (the “Napa Valley” of oysters!).The challenges of advocating for environmental issues and solutions to make our messages heard to help sustain our fishing communities.How to keep mental health intact when dealing with big issues like advocacy. Let’s Dive In! *Correction: NC Coastal Federation was founded by a recreational fisherman, not a commercial fisherman (my mistake!). You can learn more about Todd Miller, Founder and Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, here!  Show Resources: North Carolina Coastal Federation website: https://www.nccoast.org/ IG: @nccoastalfed  IG: @ncoystertrail  #NCOysterMonth #NCOysters #GiveAShuck #KeepShuckin Connect with Megan: pocfpride.com @megan.waldrep The ultimate gift to yourself: Instant connection with other Partners of Commercial Fishermen for the price of a large latte. Meet your new friends here: Enter our Private Group Chat.

This is a very special episode that you can save and replay anytime you need it.  In this episode, I guide you through deep breaths that will help regulate your nervous system and bring you to a place of calm so you can continue your day or night with a clearer mind, eased body, and peaceful heart. I love thinking about how when we practice this for ourselves, we practice with each other. All you need to do is: Find a comfortable seat. Close the door to your room or park your car.Put aside two minutes to just breathe together. Let's Dive In. :)   Hey, POCFs - Let's Connect! > Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com > Hang with Megan daily on IG at @megan.waldrep > Valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle that only POCFs can understand. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum! > Think of this as an epic group chat with besties you don't have to explain yourself to. Click here to learn more about the private chat! > 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!   Check out all of our offers here!

At 42, I've begun to notice big changes in my body and mind, and going through a "mid-life review" has been more inspiring than society/media/Hollywood lends it to be. Peri-menopause, Menopause, and Post-Menopause are other superpowers that women experience, and in this episode, I want to normalize the conversation by sharing personal stories about what this has looked like for me in the past 12 months and positive ways I've learned to handle physical and mental changes that are supportive in the long run. Let's Dive In! Hey, POCFs - Let's Connect! > Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com > Hang with Megan daily on IG at @megan.waldrep > Valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle that only POCFs can understand. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to learn more. > Think of this as an epic group chat with besties you don't have to explain yourself to. Click here to learn more about the private chat! > 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! Check out all of our offers here!

Whether during a fishing season or in the off-season, solo date nights (or trips!) allow you to get a deeper sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and personal joy - something you can carry throughout your life that no one or nothing can take away from you. What a gift! In this episode: I give you a ton of ideas on different hobbies and interests and how to get started. Personal stories of how other POCFs in our community and myself do like to spend solo time. Making time for yourself is the vehicle that helps you understand your desires, life goals, and personal values on a much deeper level. Let's Dive In!   Hey, POCFs - Let's Connect! > Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com > Hang with Megan daily on IG at @megan.waldrep > Valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle that only POCFs can understand. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum! > Think of this as an epic group chat with besties you don't have to explain yourself to. Click here to learn more about the private chat! > 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! Check out all of our offers here!

This one is so rich that I can’t wait for you to hear it.  In this episode, Artist David Macomber shares his family's history in the commercial fishing industry in Cape May, New Jersey, and his journey into fine art. We discuss: The creative process by acknowledging the challenges of maintaining motivation and overcoming self-doubtHow spirituality plays into his daily life and creative liveand the near-death experience that set David on a firm path as a professional artist.  Let’s Dive in!   Connect with David: www.davidmacomber.com @davidmacomber_art   Hey, POCFs - Let's Connect! > Consider this your home port: pocfpride.com > Hang with Megan daily on IG at @megan.waldrep > Valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle that only POCFs can understand. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum! > Think of this as an epic group chat with besties you don't have to explain yourself to. Click here to learn more about the private chat! > 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!   Check out all of our offers here!

We have many superpowers, yet this is one many of us don't realize we have access to. Our fishermen may not because they are exhausted, fishing, or all of the above. In this episode, we discuss: One skill POCFs may have more than their fishermen.How to lean into this skill.The #1 way to gain support when you utilize this power. Let's Dive In! Show Resources: PRIVATE GROUP CHAT: Our lively group text chat is a space to 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 > [FREE] Don't forget to follow and check in with us on IG! I post daily in Stories and share funny, relatable, and informative Reels to connect us to our unique and beautiful lifestyle. Join me at @megan.waldrep > [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!

Eating healthy can be challenging when you're on the go or deciding what to make for your fisherman (and their crew) for the season. A recent road trip inspired this one, and I hope this helps make food shopping and prepping a lot easier for you! In this episode, we discuss: - Best healthy meals to take along or send aboard.  - Foods that keep fresh for up to 3-5 days in the cooler or fridge.  - Easy meal combinations for everything you make. *A complete list will be available to Private Forum members for November. :) If you'd like to join, check out the link below! Let's Dive in! EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS! > [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources important to our unique lifestyle monthly. It's a treasure box curated just for you. Click here to join the private forum! > *[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 > [FREE] Don't forget to follow and check in with us on IG! I post daily in Stories and share funny, relatable, and informative Reels to connect us to our unique and beautiful lifestyle. Join me at @megan.waldrep > [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!

This was inspired by a DM I received that said, “Hi! I just wanted some advice because I have been with my boyfriend for only three months (and he leaves for Alaska soon)…I just don't know how to deal with it...Do you know if there are any other apps that I can use or what else I can do?" In this episode, I share: - direct ways to communicate with your fisherman - indirect ways to feel connected - the one advantage we have as POCFs that other relationships lack.  Let's Dive In! EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR POCFS! > [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 > [FREE] Don't forget to follow and check in with us on IG! I post daily in Stories and share funny, relatable, and informative Reels to connect us to our unique and beautiful lifestyle. Join me at @megan.waldrep > *[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! > [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!

This lifestyle can stir up some BIG feelings that can sometimes show up in strange ways. Miscommunication can quickly lead to resentment if not addressed. If you’re feeling this or felt this, you’re not alone!  In this episode, I share 3 ways to fix it by discussing: Three common scenarios between partners of commercial fishermen and their fishermenConversation prompts to help you discuss challenges with your partner in healthy, productive ways.The one resource that will help you, no matter what phase of the season or relationship you are in.  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 > [FREE] Don't forget to follow and check in with us on IG! I post daily in Stories and share funny, relatable, and informative Reels to connect us to our unique and beautiful lifestyle. Join me at @megan.waldrep > [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!

Enter to Win Scholarships from Guy Cotten & Partners of Commercial Fishermen! We're giving $500 scholarships to 4 students and 1-year memberships to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen Forum to 4 POCFs. POCF winners will also receive access to private group chat, a one-year access to private podcasts (launching 2025), a one-year access to the private newsletter (launching 2025), 1 POCF Survival Guide, and 1 POCF Pride T-shirt.       Just fill out this form, and you will be automatically entered to win! Winners are to be announced on 10/10/24 through Instagram stories and emails. Thanks for your interest, and good luck! >>> Enter to win here! https://forms.gle/UPKHmZEPdtw5JPKt9 Did you know you’re already advocating for your fishery and don’t even know it? One of the most significant support systems for commercial fishermen is the partners. Not only do we take care of “shoreside duties,” but we (arguably) have more access to help protect our fisheries from regulations without merit (and I know you know what I’m talking about!).  In this episode, I discuss easy ways to be proactive in your fishery if you choose to. I spoke with several Partners of Commercial Fishermen about what they do or have done to create a presence in political meetings and help spread the word that wild-caught seafood is essential locally and globally.  You have significant, influential power that can harnessed in the commercial fishing industry, and in this episode, I discuss how to do it. Let's Dive In! Show Resources: POCF Science Writer Danielle Hall on Why Fishermen Need to be Heard To Help The Environment Episode 48   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 > [FREE] Don't forget to follow and check in with us on IG! I post daily in Stories and share funny, relatable, and informative Reels to connect us to our unique and beautiful lifestyle. Join me at @megan.waldrep > [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!

Enter to Win Scholarships from Guy Cotten & Partners of Commercial Fishermen! We're giving $500 scholarships to 4 students and 1-year memberships to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen Forum to 4 POCFs. POCF winners will also receive access to private group chat, a one-year access to private podcasts (launching 2025), a one-year access to the private newsletter (launching 2025), 1 POCF Survival Guide, and 1 POCF Pride T-shirt.       Just fill out this form, and you will be automatically entered to win! Winners will be announced on 10/10/24 through Instagram stories and emails. Thanks for your interest, and good luck! >>> Enter to win here! https://forms.gle/UPKHmZEPdtw5JPKt9   In this episode, we discuss your major influential power that can be harnessed in the commercial fishing industry and how to do it! Since starting this community in 2019, speaking to others about our community has been a big highlight for me. Today, I share the biggest takeaways from the recent Ocean Innovation Conference and NC EcoTech summit in Wilmington, NC, our most significant influence as POCFs and fishermen, and why sharing about our lives is essential to preserving the industry. 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 > [FREE] Don't forget to follow and check in with us on IG! I post daily in Stories and share funny, relatable, and informative Reels to connect us to our unique and beautiful lifestyle. Join me at @megan.waldrep > [JOIN] The POCF Private Forum delivers valuable and helpful resources essential 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 allows you to connect immediately and anytime you need us. Sound fun? Click here to learn more about the private chat!

While in California recently to spend extra time with Chris and help him prep for spiny lobster season, I seriously considered fishing with him this season for about 5.5 hours. In this episode, I share: Advice from POCFs in our community about why working alongside their fisherman was a great decision for them (and reasons to consider doing it, too). The POV of a female fisherman who is co-captaining with her partner and the challenges she recently experienced.And the importance of every POCF, whether you're a co-captain, "shoreside" captain, stay-at-home parent, or in a new long-distance relationship.  Let's Dive In! Show Resources: Private Group Chat: 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! 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! Check out all of our offers here!

Returning to my solo POCF life after traveling with my fisherman to his fishery in California wasn’t as easy as it had been in the past, and it almost felt daunting. How did I do it before? How will I get through this long season? I felt the inklings of depression coming on, if I’m being honest. Thankfully, I remembered the advice I’d gotten from POCFs and personal experience, and I went through each tip like a mental checklist to recalibrate myself back to life. In this episode, I share those exact tips that helped me so that it may help you get back to your independent POCF life, too! We got this.  Let’s Dive In! Show Resources: Rom-com books about Commercial Fishing Couples by Tessa Bailey: It Happened One SummerHook, Line, and Sinker Private Group Chat 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!   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! Check out all of our offers here!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!