Anchored with April Vokey

Clark “Cheech” Pierce is a fly tyer, educator, and co-founder of Fly Fish Food, one of the most influential fly-tying brands in the industry. Known for his creative patterns, clear instruction, and trademark sense of humour, Cheech has helped modernize fly tying for a new generation of anglers. His YouTube tutorials, product designs, and hands-on teaching have made him a go-to resource for tiers looking to sharpen their skills or explore innovative materials. In this episode of Anchored, we talk shop on materials, innovation, and the state of fly tying today, but we also get a glimpse into Cheech’s humour, hustle, and the passion that fuels everything he does. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Anchored is a little different. I recorded it while in steelhead camp this year, and my hope is that you’ll share it with someone in your life who’s thinking about getting into fly fishing but doesn’t know where to start. It’s based on an ebook I wrote a few years ago, so I’ve included an easy link to that book in the description. No sign-ups or email addresses required — just click and enjoy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfPE4LLt9pKT1WB4bEMq5mSpBYbuKz_x/view Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta’s Trout Trust is a grassroots group dedicated to protecting the province’s trout and fisheries. From tackling fish losses in irrigation canals to advocating for habitat protection and angler education, the Trust works to ensure healthy waters and sustainable fishing for generations to come. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss the challenges facing Alberta’s fisheries, and how anglers, advocates, and conservationists are working together to tackle issues like fish entrainment and habitat protection. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diane Michelin is a Canadian watercolour artist whose work is deeply rooted in the spirit and subtleties of fly fishing. Born in Montreal, she now lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Diane draws inspiration from the landscape, water, wildlife, flies, rods and reels, and the human moments that make up the fly-fishing experience. Over her career, she has built a global presence, with her work housed in private collections, fishing lodges, and museums around the world. In this episode of Anchored, Diane offers a personal glimpse into her life and artistic journey, sharing how rivers and reels became her canvas, and how she continues to capture the soul of angling through brush and watercolour. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Christmas is an accomplished fishing guide whose career has taken him from the remote flats of the Seychelles to destinations across the globe. Known for his skill in putting anglers onto everything from bonefish to giant trevally, James combines deep technical knowledge with an easygoing guiding style that keeps clients coming back. Alongside his guiding, he has designed influential flies such as the NYAP (Not Your Average Popper), patterns now used by anglers worldwide. Link for Catherine: https://givesendgo.com/Giveasmile?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=Giveasmile Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Silvey is a legendary Oregon guide and fly designer who has spent more than thirty years on the Deschutes, Sandy, and Clackamas Rivers. Known for his innovative patterns, he’s guided generations of anglers while sharing a lifetime of knowledge about the rivers, fish, and techniques that define Northwest fly fishing. In this episode of Anchored, he joins us to do just that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Lyons is a renowned fly fisher, author, and publisher whose influence has shaped the landscape of modern angling literature. A former professor of English at Hunter College, Lyons left academia to pursue his passion for writing and publishing, founding Lyons Press—a company that became one of the most respected publishers of outdoor and sporting books. As the longtime editor of Fly Fisherman magazine and author of numerous beloved titles, including Spring Creekand The Seasonable Angler, Lyons brought poetic introspection and literary quality to the world of fly fishing. His work is celebrated for its wit, humility, and deep reverence for nature, inspiring generations of anglers and writers alike. Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/ Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Gluck is a celebrated writer, editor, and advocate whose two-decade journey with multiple myeloma forms the deeply personal backbone of his memoir, An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope. Jon spent ten years as Deputy Editor at New York magazine, later serving as Managing Editor of Vogue, and in 2025 he became a Senior Editor for menshealth.com. Jon’s story is one of perseverance, perspective, and purpose—both as an accomplished editor in the cultural world and as an individual reconciling creativity, caregiving, and chronic illness. In this episode of Anchored, he shares his story… one I’m hoping many of you will find inspiring. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Bear Mattress. If you’ve been meaning to upgrade your mattress, now’s the time. Go to bearmattress.com and use promo code ANCHORED at checkout to get 40% off sitewide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rahm Emanuel is an American diplomat, politician, and former White House Chief of Staff. He served as the United States Ambassador to Japan, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Rahm previously held office as the Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019 and was a senior advisor to President Bill Clinton before serving as a U.S. Congressman from Illinois. Outside of public service, Rahm is a dedicated fly angler who finds solace and clarity on the water. Fly fishing has long been one of his favorite pastimes—a balance to the intensity of his professional life and a testament to his appreciation for patience, nature, and precision. In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about his story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob White is a celebrated artist and former fishing guide known for his evocative fly fishing and wingshooting artwork. With a background in guiding across Alaska and South America, his paintings capture the quiet moments and emotional essence of the sporting life. A longtime illustrator for writers like John Gierach, Bob’s work has appeared in Gray’s Sporting Journal, Fly Rod & Reel, and more. In this episode of Anchored, Bob shares his humble beginnings, and much, much more. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Bear Mattress. If you’ve been meaning to upgrade your mattress, now’s the time. Go to bearmattress.com and use promo code ANCHORED at checkout to get 40% off sitewide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mikey Wier is a lifelong angler, filmmaker, and conservationist based in California. Raised in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Mikey has spent decades exploring and documenting the wild waters of the American West. A passionate fly fisher and former professional snowboarder, he’s best known for his award-winning fly fishing films, including Soulfish and Fish Eye Films, which helped shape the modern fly-fishing film scene. Mikey currently works with California Trout, where he combines his storytelling skills and on-the-water knowledge to promote coldwater conservation across the state. In this episode of Anchored, we go all the way to the very beginning to hear how he got his start. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Bear Mattress. Go to bearmattress.com and use promo code ANCHORED at checkout to get 40% off sitewide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Weiner is a passionate fly angler and the author of Down By the River, an award-winning children’s book that celebrates the joys of fly fishing and family. With a deep-rooted commitment to the power of storytelling and healing, Andy draws inspiration from his late father, Jack B. Weiner—a prolific writer and recovered alcoholic whose influential works include the seminal A Day at a Time and the novel The Morning After. Andy’s dedication to recovery and the outdoors shapes both his writing and his life. He lives in Sonoma, California, where he continues to fish, write, and advocate for meaningful connection through words and water. In this episode of Anchored, we dive into his story—the one beyond the pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Currier is a globally renowned fly angler, artist, and educator who has caught over 450 species on the fly in more than 65 countries. Known for his adventurous spirit and vivid fish artwork, Jeff inspires anglers worldwide through his travels, teaching, and storytelling—all rooted in a lifetime of chasing fish across the globe. In this episode of Anchored, we get to know Jeff a little better and learn how he sculpted a life that made him the international man of travel. If you’re a regular listener of the show, then hopefully you know that I do my best to curate thoughtful, interesting, and well-informed conversations about the culture, community, and craft of fly fishing. So, when I partner with companies, I look for people who take a similarly measured approach to design and craft. You may have noticed that I’ve been wearing a lot of apparel from Skwala Fishing lately, and I’m thrilled to be working with them. I’ve worn just about everything out there, and Skwala makes the most innovative and effective fly fishing gear I’ve ever experienced. From their totally unique wader design, to rethinking the way hoods fit your head, to incorporating materials that stretch and move with you instead of forcing you to move inside of them, Skwala is improving essential fishing apparel. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com This episode of Anchored is brought to you by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth investing in. Visit BetterHelp.com/ANCHORED today to get 10% off your first month. That’s Better H-E-L-P dot com slash ANCHORED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eduardo Esquenazi is the founder of Terns, a company dedicated to merging outdoor adventure with sustainable innovation. A lifelong angler and waterman, his deep passion for fishing drives his mission to create eco-conscious solutions that protect the waters he loves. In this episode of Anchored, we dive into biology and explore a topic often overlooked—the importance of self-care for anglers in the outdoors. As it turns out, the solution may have been right under our rod tip all along… This episode of Anchored is brought to you by BetterHelp. On Anchored, we dive deep into conversations about the outdoors, personal growth, and the challenges that come with both. One topic that comes up time and time again is mental health—because let’s be honest, life can be tough, and the stresses of work, relationships, and even the activities we love can take a toll. Whether it’s managing anxiety, dealing with burnout, or simply striving for a better sense of balance, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it’s a powerful tool for building resilience, setting boundaries, and developing positive coping strategies. Traditional in-person therapy can cost up to $250 per session, but with BetterHelp, you can save up to 50% while getting professional support from the world’s largest online therapy platform. With over 30,000 therapists and the flexibility to switch providers anytime, BetterHelp makes therapy more accessible and convenient. Your well-being is worth investing in. Visit BetterHelp.com/ANCHORED today to get 10% off your first month. That’s Better H-E-L-P dot com slash ANCHORED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todd Moen is a celebrated filmmaker and angler, best known for his stunning fly-fishing cinematography. As the co-founder of Catch Magazine, Todd has spent decades capturing the beauty and essence of fly fishing through breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling. His films transport viewers to some of the world’s most remote and pristine fishing destinations, showcasing both the adventure and artistry of the sport. In this episode of Anchored we discuss how he got his start and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen Rupp is a seasoned fly tier with over 35 years of experience, renowned for his precision and dedication to the craft. As the founder of Fly On The Water, he offers high-quality, hand-tied flies and imparts his knowledge through instructional classes. Significantly, Allen was mentored by the legendary Dave Whitlock, who personally taught him to tie patterns like the NearNuff Crayfish and Sculpin. This mentorship has deeply influenced Allen's approach, allowing him to continue Whitlock's legacy by teaching these patterns to new generations of anglers. In this episode of Anchored, Allen shares the story. This episode of Anchored is brought to you by BetterHelp. On Anchored, we dive deep into conversations about the outdoors, personal growth, and the challenges that come with both. One topic that comes up time and time again is mental health—because let’s be honest, life can be tough, and the stresses of work, relationships, and even the activities we love can take a toll. Whether it’s managing anxiety, dealing with burnout, or simply striving for a better sense of balance, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it’s a powerful tool for building resilience, setting boundaries, and developing positive coping strategies. Traditional in-person therapy can cost up to $250 per session, but with BetterHelp, you can save up to 50% while getting professional support from the world’s largest online therapy platform. With over 30,000 therapists and the flexibility to switch providers anytime, BetterHelp makes therapy more accessible and convenient. Your well-being is worth investing in. Visit BetterHelp.com/ANCHORED today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RA Beattie is a renowned fly-fishing filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller. Founder of Beattie Outdoor Productions, he has spent over two decades capturing the beauty and adventure of fly fishing around the world. His award-winning films blend breathtaking cinematography with compelling narratives, showcasing remote fisheries, interesting people, conservation efforts and more. In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with RA and writer Miles Nolte, a friend and past guest of the show, to discuss RA's work, the state of fishing media today, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Purnell is the Editor of Fly Fisherman magazine, a position he has held since 2009. His journey into fly fishing began at age 16 when his mother gifted him a subscription to the magazine, inspiring a passion that would shape his career. In 1996, he joined Fly Fisherman under the mentorship of then-Editor John Randolph. Beyond his editorial role, Ross is an avid fly angler who has traveled the world with a fly rod in hand. He resides in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, and continues to contribute significantly to the fly fishing community. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how he followed his passion right into his dream career, and we get the inside scoop behind the magazine. If you listen to this show, you know I’m here to discuss the culture, community, and craft of fly fishing. I’m not all that interested in talking about clothes. What you do on the water matters a whole lot more than what you wear. That said, I have been wearing a lot of Skwala apparel recently, and I’m thrilled to be working with them. I’ve worn just about everything out there, and Skwala makes the most thoughtful, innovative, and effective fly fishing gear I’ve ever experienced. Check them out at skwalafishing.com and use code “Anchored10” to take 10% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jani Himanko is a seasoned Finnish angler, guide, and writer with over 20 years in fishing tourism and the tackle industry. As the owner of Kellankoski Lodge in Finland’s Troutland region, he specializes in fly fishing for large trout and grayling. Jani’s expertise has been featured in top Finnish fishing magazines, TV shows, and podcasts, and in 2023, he was inducted into the Finnish Fishing Hall of Fame. Passionate about sharing his knowledge, he continues to inspire anglers worldwide. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss some of the world’s most impressive trout in one of the world’s least known fisheries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omeko "Meko" Glinton is a renowned Bahamian fly-fishing guide with over two decades of experience. Beginning his professional journey at the age of eighteen, Meko has established himself as one of the premier bonefish guides in the world. In 2024, Meko was featured in the film Meko, which highlights the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of Grand Bahama's original fly-fishing guide families. His deep connection to the waters of the Bahamas and commitment to conservation make him a respected voice in the industry. Currently, Meko operates Meko Experience, offering world-class fly fishing and spa experiences on Grand Bahama Island. His dedication to the sport and his community continues to inspire anglers and conservationists alike. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss his role in one of the longest generational legacies in fly-fishing guiding, flats fishing techniques, his latest project, lodge, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices