Wards Way Podcast

Boats don’t stop at borders, and in this episode, Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Joe Lynch, President of ICOMIA, to explore the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the global boating industry connected. Joe explains how ICOMIA helps harmonize standards, regulations, and best practices across international markets, making it easier and safer for marine businesses to operate worldwide. The conversation also examines global challenges such as water access, environmental pressures, and the industry's need for credible data to support smart policy decisions. Joe shares new insights from ICOMIA’s evolving research, including surprising findings about boat usage that could reshape how the industry approaches emissions and sustainability.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down at the American Boating Congress with John Adey, President of ABYC; Mark Reedenauer, President and Executive Director of NMEA; Brian Kane, President and CEO of GOST; and Dave Marlow, Senior Director of Product Integrity at Brunswick Corporation to explore how marine policy is shaped and why voluntary industry standards often move faster than regulation while still protecting people and the environment. The conversation tackles vessel speed reduction and whale protection efforts through the WAVES task force, including how trusted data and marine electronics can help boaters make safer decisions without creating unintended consequences. Kristina also uncovers the collaborative standards work behind modern boating technology, along with key industry priorities such as navigation aids, water access, Coast Guard equivalency, and workforce development. The episode wraps with a look at the future of boating—from autonomous docking and connected helm experiences to AI, cybersecurity, and the trust challenges facing the next generation of marine innovation.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Kira Maixner of American Sailing, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Master Captain and sailing instructor, to explore the training, certifications, and real-world skills that help boaters build confidence on the water. They discuss the path from basic sailing education to coastal cruising and bareboat chartering, while highlighting why strong crew skills are valuable whether you're at the helm or not. The conversation also examines power boating safety, the importance of understanding navigation rules and situational awareness, and American Boating's efforts to expand boater education through a NASBLA-approved certification program. Along the way, Kira shares lessons from the COVID boating boom, stories where training made all the difference, and ideas for attracting the next generation of boaters while protecting access to our waterways.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert welcomes David Carr of Firecrown Media’s Marine Division and Michelle Goldsmith of the Soundings Trade Only Group for a conversation about the evolving role of marine media in connecting the boating industry, influencing policy, and building community. They discuss how Firecrown serves diverse audiences across the marine ecosystem, the responsibility of industry media to deliver credible insights, and the trends shaping technology, mergers and acquisitions, and market demand. The conversation also explores the future of marine marketing, including the shift toward data-driven advertising, the enduring power of storytelling, and the importance of developing the next generation of marine journalists. Finally, they highlight industry initiatives such as Women in the Industry, the Global Women’s Walk, and the events that strengthen relationships and create meaningful impact throughout the boating community.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

A fishery can be fully rebuilt and still remain effectively closed when outdated data and regulatory delays limit public access. From the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Jeff Angers of the Center for Sportfishing Policy to explore how recreational fishing policy is shaped and why access and opportunity are essential to healthy fisheries and coastal economies. They discuss the red snapper debate across the Southeast, examining how state-led management and improved data collection could create longer, more predictable fishing seasons for anglers and businesses alike. The conversation also tackles the North Atlantic right whale vessel speed rule, highlighting the balance between conservation, boating safety, and innovative industry-led solutions that protect marine life while preserving access to the water.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down at the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., with Shannon Aronson, John Adey, and Brian Goodwin of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and Robert Newsome of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to explore how boating safety standards are developed, updated, and implemented across the industry. Kristina and her guests explain ABYC’s role as an ANSI-accredited nonprofit standards organization, the importance of its volunteer technical committees, and how NMMA leverages ABYC standards through manufacturer certification to advance safety without relying solely on federal regulation. The conversation also highlights workforce development and Marine Service Technician Week, emphasizing the critical role trained marine technicians play in keeping boats safe and reliable throughout their lifecycle. Looking ahead, Kristina examines emerging technologies such as e-foils, self-docking vessels, and advanced driver assistance systems while connecting these innovations to industry funding through the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund and opportunities to participate in standards development.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Jeff Wasil to discuss how EPA regulation of styrene under TSCA could impact recreational boatbuilding and why real-world manufacturing controls matter in chemical risk assessments. They also examine the challenges of evolving PFAS regulations, including state reporting requirements that create compliance burdens for marine manufacturers and their supply chains. Jeff explains why replacing PFAS-containing materials is often more complex than it seems and how policymakers can better balance environmental goals with manufacturing realities. The episode concludes with a discussion on practical decarbonization strategies, from alternative fuels to emerging propulsion technologies, and what they mean for the future of boating.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Louis Sola, former Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, to discuss his journey from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and yacht sales to leading a major dealership in Panama and serving at the center of U.S. maritime regulation. Louis explains the role of the Federal Maritime Commission, shares his experience overseeing the cruise industry during COVID-19, and details the challenges of repatriating Americans, coordinating port operations, and protecting consumers through refund and compliance policies. The conversation explores the broader economic impact of boating, highlighting how yacht sales support jobs, marinas, service providers, and working waterfronts throughout local communities. Louis also outlines his vision for the future of maritime policy, advocating for maritime prosperity zones, alternative marine fuels, stronger ship repair capabilities, and renewed American shipbuilding.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Federal Maritime Commission Chair Laura DiBella joins host Kristina Hebert for a timely conversation on the forces shaping U.S. ocean shipping, supply chains, and maritime policy. Filmed at the Federal Maritime Commission headquarters, the episode explores DiBella’s journey from Florida real estate and economic development to port leadership and national maritime regulation, including her frontline experience navigating the supply chain crisis during COVID-19. The discussion dives into the Maritime Action Plan, maritime opportunity zones, FMC regulatory authority, and why cargo movement is central to rebuilding American maritime strength. From working waterfronts and U.S.-flag vessels to Panama Canal pressures and emerging security risks, this episode offers an insider’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime industry today.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Miami’s return to Collins Avenue and Indian Creek showed why location and planning shape the entire boat show experience. 

Filmed in Washington, D.C., during the American Boating Congress, Kristina Hebert is joined by Grant Henderson, president of the International Yacht Brokers Association and sales broker at Burgess Yachts, along with Larry Berryman, VP of Southern Shows for Informa Markets, to discuss what worked, what still needs improvement, and how transportation, dock design, and site access affect attendees. 

The conversation also explores marine industry advocacy, infrastructure needs, crew visa updates, and the economic impact boat shows have on Florida’s boating industry. 

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Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75