“I don’t like boats, I don’t touch fish, and I can’t tie a knot to save my life, but I can catch a fish,” laughs Dr. Loleta Robinson as she talks with host Bob Bartlett on On the Reel.
In this candid and inspiring episode, Loleta shares how her curiosity was first sparked by seeing anglers in Colorado, but it wasn’t until decades later, during the isolation of COVID, that she finally picked up a fly rod in Omaha. She opens up about what it means to be a Black woman in predominantly white outdoor spaces, and how finding the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network helped her feel less alone. With humor and heart, she reminds us that fly fishing isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, embracing the process, and finding your people along the way.
On the Reel is a live-recorded podcast hosted by Bob Bartlett and produced by the Ubuntu Flying Angler Network, dedicated to uplifting the voices and stories of Black and Brown fly anglers, outdoor educators, and environmental advocates. Through honest, in-depth conversations, each episode brings listeners face-to-face with individuals who are reshaping what it means to belong in outdoor spaces — from rivers and mountains to forests and parks.
With themes of connection, resilience, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship, On the Reel goes beyond surface-level interviews to explore the real-life journeys, challenges, and triumphs of people who are reclaiming and redefining nature as a place for all. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, social justice advocate, or simply curious about the healing power of the land, this podcast offers fresh perspectives and meaningful dialogue rooted in community and truth.
Go to https://ifishibelong.org/ubuntuflyanglers/on-the-real/ to learn more about the podcast.
Episode Notes –
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/doclola/
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.
