On the Real with Ubuntu Fly Anglers

EP 7: Carl Crawford - Ubuntu in 2024: A Co-Founder’s Reflections and Vision Ahead

In this episode of On The Real, host Bob Bartlett sits down with Carl Crawford, co-founder of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network, to reflect on the journey through 2024 so far. From navigating challenges to celebrating milestones, this conversation explores key lessons learned and the vision shaping the future. Grounded in community, connection, and the spirit of Ubuntu, Carl offers a candid look at where the organization stands today and what lies ahead on the horizon.

EP 6: Just Fishing: Analiza del Rosario on Community, Culture & the Fly Life

In this inspiring episode of On the Real, host Bob Bartlett of the Ubuntu Anglers Network sits down with Analiza del Rosario, a seasoned fly angler, marketing professional, and community advocate, to explore her journey from growing up on a rice farm in the Philippines to becoming a passionate leader in the fly fishing world. Analiza shares how a work assignment unexpectedly launched her into fly fishing, and how it quickly became a central part of her life. She reflects on the challenges of entering the sport as a woman of color, the importance of building inclusive spaces through the Pasadena Casting Club, and her mission to welcome more women and people of color into the outdoors. 
With stories ranging from catching wild trout in California’s San Gabriel River to landing redfish in New Orleans and dorado in Baja, Analiza brings warmth, humor, and wisdom to the conversation. Her mantra,  “No Bitching, Just Fishing”, is more than a catchphrase; it’s a call to keep joy and connection at the heart of the fly fishing experience.

EP 5: Mario Guel: Fly Fishing, Tacos, and Creating Space

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Mario G., founder of Taco Fly Co., fly fishing guide, culture shifter, industry disruptor, and proud ambassador for Brown Folks Fishing. Mario opens up about his upbringing as a Mexican American in San Jose, how skateboarding and fishing shaped his life, and why inclusion isn’t a strategy, it’s just who he is.
From the banks of the Trinity River to Baja’s roosterfish runs, Mario has created more than a brand—he’s built a movement where tacos, special beers, and belonging collide. We talk about why representation matters, what it means to show up in spaces that weren’t built for us, and how he's helping others feel safe and seen on the river.
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit in or didn’t belong, this episode is for you. Mario reminds us that sometimes the most revolutionary thing you can do is just be yourself.

EP 4: Al White: Lines, Lessons & Life

Al is a passionate fly angler whose unexpected journey into the sport has taken him from urban Indiana waters to international fishing destinations. More than just a fishing story, Al’s path reflects personal transformation, a deepening connection to nature, and a commitment to uplifting visibility for anglers of color through the Ubuntu Fly Anglers network.

EP 3: Cowgirl Cast: Emma Brown on Horses, Cattle & Fly Fishing

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.

EP 2: Casting Change: Joyce Shepherd's Journey to Inclusive Fly Fishing

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.

EP 1: She Casts: The Fly Fishing Journey of Nicole Tracey Lewis

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.