In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Bob Bartlett sits down with Erica Nelson, fly fishing guide, social justice advocate, and founder of REAL Consulting. For an inspiring conversation about identity, community, and the transformative power of fly fishing. Erica shares her unique journey from studying narcissism in online dating profiles to becoming one of the most recognized and respected voices in the fly fishing world.

Through storytelling and laughter, Erica reflects on her early days navigating the outdoor industry, the systemic barriers she's faced, and the meaningful connections she’s built with anglers across the country. She also dives into her work with Wanderland Outdoors, a first-of-its-kind outfitter led by and for historically excluded identities, and her ongoing mission to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Whether you're an angler, a change-maker, or just someone looking for a genuine and inspiring story, this episode delivers real talk, real passion, and a refreshing perspective on what it means to show up fully—on the water and in life.

Episode Notes-

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awkwardangler
• Facebook - facebook.com/ericanelson25
• Email - AwkwardAngler@gmail.com@gmail.com
• Business - https://www.awkwardangler.com/
• Organization - https://www.awkwardangler.com/podcast

Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life—from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard.

Our episodes will be released on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish, DIY Fishing Events, Ubuntu Fly Anglers, and United Women on the Fly, we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love for fishing, ensuring that every person has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead.

Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ to learn more about the podcast.

In this heartfelt episode of On the Reel, host Bob Bartlett speaks with Angel Massie, co-founder of Wanderland Outdoors, about building a more inclusive and healing outdoor experience for Black and Brown communities. Angel shares how her childhood by the Chesapeake Bay, her career in journalism, and her training in mindfulness all led to creating a nature-based guiding business alongside her husband, former NFL player Bobby Massie. From guided fly fishing to meditative hikes to open-flame meals under Colorado skies, Wanderland Outdoors is redefining what it means to belong in nature.

Angel opens up about the power of intentionality, the importance of representation, and the joy of seeing community gather on the land. Whether you're an avid angler or new to the outdoors, this conversation is a reminder that nature is a place for everyone—and healing is possible when we show up as our full selves.

You can also watch Angel as a Housewife on this season of the Real Housewives of Potomac.

Episode Notes -

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angelera
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WanderlandOutdoors
• Email - info@wanderlandoutdoors.com
• Business - https://wanderlandoutdoors.com
• Organization - Wanderland Outdoors https://wanderlandoutdoors.com

Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life—from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard.

Our episodes will be released on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish, DIY Fishing Events, Ubuntu Fly Anglers, and United Women on the Fly, we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love for fishing, ensuring that every person has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead.

Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ to learn more about the podcast.

In this episode of On the Reel, host Bob Bartlett welcomes fly fishing guide, mentor, and community advocate Scot Simmons for a candid conversation about living with purpose both on and off the water. From his early days fishing Minnesota lakes with his father to guiding trips and mentoring youth today, Scot reflects on how fly fishing became a source of healing, identity, and joy. He shares how observing the life cycle of bugs, like the caddisfly, inspired a deeper understanding of intention and impact, drawing parallels between nature's rhythms and his own personal growth.

Scot also opens up about fatherhood, Black representation in outdoor spaces, and the importance of building inclusive communities like Ubuntu Fly Anglers. Whether he's wading a cold-water stream or helping others find their way to the river, Scot is committed to living a life that matters—and lifting others as he goes. This is more than a story about fishing; it’s about belonging, legacy, and the power of showing up fully in your own skin.

On August 14, 2025, the world lost Scot after a courageous battle with cancer. The Ubuntu family and the fly fishing community will deeply miss him. Scot is survived by his wife, Christy Simmons, and their son, Cooper. To support his family, please consider donating to his GoFundMe at [link in bio] or visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-scot-simmons-fight-against-cancer

Episode Notes -

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tribe.simmons
• Obituary- https://www.hofffuneral.com/obituaries/scot-simmons
• Go Fund Me- https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-scot-simmons-fight-against-cancer

Podcast Overview - On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life—from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It's about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard.

Our episodes will be released on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Ubuntu Fly Anglers is proudly a program of iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs such as All Kids Fish, DIY Fishing Events, Ubuntu Fly Anglers, and United Women on the Fly, we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing community. True integration celebrates individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love for fishing, ensuring that every person has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead.

Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ to learn more about the podcast.