On this episode of On the Real, Bob Bartlett welcomes Emma Brown, whose life has been shaped by the rugged beauty of Colorado’s Front Range. Growing up on a ranch northwest of Denver, Emma learned the demands of ranch work early, surrounded by horses, cattle, and the rhythms of rural life. Her youth was spent riding trails and fishing for brook trout in the high country, sparking a deep connection to the land. That passion eventually grew into a successful fly-fishing guide service and ranch business. Emma shares her journey of building a life outdoors, her lessons, and the changes she hopes to see in how the outdoor world includes and represents women of color.

In this episode of On the Real, host Bob Bartlett is joined by fly fishing legend Joyce Shepherd, a trailblazer who has spent decades breaking down barriers in the sport and creating space for women and people of color. Joyce, originally from Snow Hill, North Carolina, reflects on her journey from farming to becoming a passionate fly angler. While she came to fishing later in life, Joyce's connection to the water grew quickly, leading her to teach and mentor others in the fly fishing community. From her early days fishing on the Chesapeake Bay piers to her transformative experiences with mentors like Lefty Kreh and Joan Wulff, Joyce shares stories of personal growth, challenges, and triumphs.

Joyce has been a powerful advocate for environmental conservation and inclusion. She highlights the importance of mentorship, representation, and how fishing can bring healing to both individuals and communities. Joyce also touches on her work with veterans, youth, and women facing cancer, and discusses her passion for teaching the next generation of anglers and stewards of the environment.

Join Bob and Joyce as they dive into her extraordinary story, the importance of making fly fishing a more inclusive space, and the joy of teaching others to connect with nature through this beautiful and complex sport.

Catch the full conversation on YouTube, where you can also see a humorous picture of Joyce in a kayak trying to avoid disaster. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook at Ubuntu Fly Anglers or reach out directly via email at ubuntuflyanglers@gmail.com for more info, questions, or comments.

In this inaugural episode, Nicole Tracey Lewis, a Black woman and proud Montreal native, shares her coming-of-age journey as a passionate fly angler and fly tier. Now based in Ottawa, Nicole has spent over a decade immersed in the world of fly fishing. Whether she’s fishing through the ice or swinging flies for steelhead with her two-handed rod, her love for the water runs deep.

Nicole recounts the unforgettable moment of landing her very first steelhead on the swing, a milestone that marked a turning point in her angling journey. She also reflects on the reality that, in more than ten years of fly fishing, she has never shared the water with another Black angler.

Her story underscores the importance of representation and highlights the vital role of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network in creating space and visibility for Black and Brown anglers in a sport and industry that remains overwhelmingly white.

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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.

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 like 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 world. iFishiBelong believes 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.