Anchored Podcast Ep. 283: April Vokey on Being Human
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In this deeply personal and candid episode of Anchored, April Vokey reflects on her journey from a quiet, introspective child to a globally recognized fly fishing ambassador, podcaster, and advocate for women in the outdoors. Drawing from formative experiences—like skinny-dipping at Grantham Falls with her sister, nearly being killed in a drunk driving accident, and learning fly fishing through VHS tapes—April reveals how fishing became more than a sport; it’s a spiritual practice, a form of self-discovery, and a way to reconnect with her animal instincts. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of recovery, the gender dynamics in fishing culture, and how her menstrual cycle now informs her outdoor decisions. With humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, April dismantles stereotypes about fishing, celebrates the power of curiosity, and champions slowing down as the ultimate life hack. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and the profound transformation that comes from embracing both vulnerability and wildness.
Fishing is not just a sport—it's a spiritual and emotional practice that helped April navigate trauma, identity, and self-worth.
Slowing down is the most powerful tool for success in fishing—and in life.
Your menstrual cycle can and should inform your outdoor plans; being in tune with your body’s rhythms enhances safety and performance.
Curiosity disarms people and builds connection—ask questions, listen deeply, and see others as people, not stereotypes.
The outdoors is not just about adventure; it’s about trusting your instincts as an animal, honed through years of immersion in nature.
Introduction: A Different Kind of Anchored
April Vokey introduces the episode as a departure from her usual format, sharing her recent guest appearance on The Outside Podcast and setting the stage for a raw, personal conversation about identity, fishing, and the wildness of being human.
The Naked Truth: Grantham Falls and the Firefighters
“We got these two naked nymphs. We're trying to just cover absolutely everything. And they're just sitting there. Can you imagine collecting water? It looked like there were four of them.”
From Introvert to Fly Fishing Icon: The Early Years
“I was young and I was a little trouble, you know, regular troubled teen story. I was finding who I was. And those steelhead as they were finding their way home upstream, I always kind of, I was quite romantic...”
The Real Fishermen: Beyond the 'Dickhead' Myth
“The most arrogant ones are the worst fishermen because they're typically insecure. That's why they're dickheads. So you have to just break through that and be kind to them because they need a bit of coddling.”
The Animal Within: Instinct, Motherhood, and Menstruation
“I do everything around those four words. I eat around those four words. I make business meetings around those four words, my relationships and my trips around those four words.”
“I do everything around those four words. I eat around those four words. I make business meetings around those four words, my relationships and my trips around those four words.”
“The most arrogant ones are the worst fishermen because they're typically insecure. That's why they're dickheads. So you have to just break through that and be kind to them because they need a bit of coddling.”
“We got these two naked nymphs. We're trying to just cover absolutely everything. And they're just sitting there. Can you imagine collecting water? It looked like there were four of them.”
Host
Guest
April Vokey
person
Anchored Podcast
media
Patty O'Connell
person
Watermaster
product
The Outside Podcast
media
Dean River
place
Squala Fishing
brand
Fly Gal Ventures
other
Grantham Falls
place
Anchored Outdoors
organization
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