Anchored with April Vokey

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

Rick Hinderer is a world-renowned knife maker celebrated for his innovative designs and precision craftsmanship. Starting as a firefighter and EMT, Rick combined his firsthand knowledge of tactical needs with his passion for design to create high-quality knives built for real-world functionality. Founder of Hinderer Knives, his knives are a favorite among first responders, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts, blending rugged durability with ergonomic sophistication. His commitment to excellence has earned him a respected place in the knife-making industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ted Upton is the founder and CEO of Cheeky Fishing, a brand known for its high-performance fly reels and commitment to innovation in the angling industry. An avid fly fisher and entrepreneur, Ted combines his passion for the sport with a dedication to creating durable, functional gear designed to elevate the fishing experience. Ted's mission extends beyond products, fostering a sense of community through events like the Cheeky Schoolie Tournament, which promotes conservation and camaraderie among anglers. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss how Cheeky got its start and take a closer look at what’s really in a fly reel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices