Partners of Commercial Fishermen

By Megan Waldrep

Welcome to the Partners of Commercial Fishermen Podcast. A place to celebrate partners, supporters, and seafood lovers of commercial fishermen to connect and relate to this unique and adventurous life... more

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FAQs about Partners of Commercial Fishermen:

How many episodes does Partners of Commercial Fishermen have?

The podcast currently has 120 episodes available.

Partners of Commercial Fishermen episodes:

August 27, 2025Staying Grounded: How POCF Lena Kalafor Navigates Long Seasons Apart
Today, I sit down with Lena Kalafor, a member of the POCF private group chat membership, who lives in Florida while her fisherman, James, a clammer, works on a vessel off the coast of New Jersey.
In this episode, Lena opens up about finding community, the quirks of reunions, her advocacy efforts against offshore wind farms, and more. Plus, you’re going to appreciate the inspo for her latest spice business, Knead 2 Relax, as it directly relates to the POCF experience!
In This Episode, You'll Hear:
Lena’s move from New Jersey to Florida and how she adapted to the commercial fishing lifestyle
How she and James stay emotionally connected during long trips
The reality of reintegration and tips for smoother transitions
Her advocacy work surrounding wind farms and fishermen’s rights
The inspiration behind her spice business, Knead 2 Relax
What Lena values most about being a part of the POCF private chat membership.
Let’s Dive In!
Resources & Links:
Follow Lena’s business on Instagram: @knead2relax
Order directly through Lena on Knead 2 Relax Facebook page
Order on Etsy
15% off for all POCFs and Fishermen with code “Crew 15”
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
Let’s Connect!
Follow Megan on Instagram: @megan.waldrep
Visit the blog: www.pocfpride.com
🛟 Reliable PFDs Will Help Bring Your Fisherman Home!
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to return home, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.

Interested in supporting this podcast? Thank you! Please hit the follow button, leave a 5-star review, and share what we're doing here with others. Your feedback means the world and can help others feel less alone, too!
With Love & POCF Pride!
...more
55min
August 20, 2025Pt 3: POCF Angela Barnes on Being a POCF in Australia
What’s it like to be a Partner of a Commercial Fisherman in Australia? In this episode, we meet Angela Barnes — a veteran POCF from Port Broughton, South Australia.
From raising kids while holding down the fort to crab pots and “hook boats,” Angela’s story shows us that no matter where we live, the emotional tides of this life are universal. Tune in to hear how she finds joy, peace, and purpose through it all.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
How Australian commercial fisheries compare to the U.S.
The realities of raising kids while your partner is away for days
What shocked her the most in the fishing industry
How Angela finds fun and freedom on the water with her family
Let’s Dive In!

🔗 Links & Mentions:
Blog Post: POCF Mama on Raising a Toddler During Year-Long Fishing Seasons
Want to be featured on the podcast? Email me @[email protected]

Yes, You Can Keep Your Fisherman Safe at Sea!
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to keep them safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
More Resources:
Follow Megan on IG: @meganwaldrep
Join the POCF Private Chat: Here
...more
16min
August 13, 2025Pt 2: POCF Becca Bissett Raising a Toddler While Your Partner Fishes Year-Round
Part 2 of this series, and this one’s for all the mamas raising littles while their partners are out at sea. 💛
In this episode, we sit down with Becca Bissett, a POCF mama living in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Becca shares what it’s like to raise her two-year-old son while her husband Matt fishes for scallops out of New Bedford for weeks at a time, with no off-season in sight.
✨ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
How Becca preps her home and mindset before a trip

The emotional reality of parenting solo

Why transitions back home can feel harder than when they leave

The quiet strength and fierce love it takes to be a POCF Mama
🔗 Links & Mentions:
Blog Post: POCF Mama on Raising a Toddler During Year-Long Fishing Seasons
Want to be featured on the podcast? Email me @[email protected]

Yes, You Can Keep Your Fisherman Safe at Sea!
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to keep them safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.

More Resources:
Follow Megan on IG: @meganwaldrep
Join the POCF Private Chat: Here
...more
8min
August 06, 2025Pt 1: 19 Yr Old POCF Emily Cunningham: Real Talk on Life as a Fisherman & POCF
In this throwback episode, I revisit an unforgettable conversation with Emily Cunningham — a then 19-year-old lobsterwoman and Partner of a Commercial Fisherman from Swan’s Island, Maine. Emily not only works alongside her partner on the F/V Josephine Reagan, but also embodies the emotional depth and strength that comes with the POCF lifestyle.
From deck work to dinner prep, Emily reveals the unseen layers of life as a POCF and shares wisdom well beyond her years. This episode is a reminder that even if you’re new to the journey, your insight and presence matter.
Timestamps:
03:20 – What it's like to work as a sternman
05:00 – The quote that stopped me in my tracks
06:40 – Why emotional support matters as a POCF
08:15 – Supporting the domestic seafood industry
10:00 – Final thoughts + POCF call to action
Links & Resources:
The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People by Dr. Judith Orloff:
Check out Emily on the blog: https://meganwaldrep.com/emily-cunningham/
💬 Join Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
💌 Want to share your story or thoughts? DM Megan on Instagram or email [email protected]
Keep Your Fisherman Safe at Sea!
🛟 Go-To Safety Gear
#1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? “Because my partner tells me to.” If you want to ensure your fisherman has the best gear to keep them safe on the water, check out KentSafetyProducts.com.
...more
18min
July 30, 2025Pt. 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: [email protected], 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!
...more
38min
July 23, 2025Pt. 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: [email protected], 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!
...more
38min
July 16, 2025How 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 [email protected]

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: [email protected], 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.
...more
39min
July 09, 2025How 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 [email protected].

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: [email protected], 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.
...more
15min
July 02, 2025Part 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: [email protected], 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!
...more
52min
June 25, 2025True 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: [email protected], 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!
...more
17min

FAQs about Partners of Commercial Fishermen:

How many episodes does Partners of Commercial Fishermen have?

The podcast currently has 120 episodes available.