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 [email protected] for more info, questions, or comments.
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.
