Fly Fishing Saves Lives

In this captivating episode of our podcast, we dive into the life of Mike Ritsco, a 47-year-old boilermaker from Calgary, who finds solace and joy in the art of fly fishing. Born in Claresholm, Alberta, Mike's journey is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take us on. We start by exploring Mike's early years in Alberta, discovering how his childhood influenced his love for outdoor activities, particularly fly fishing. His stories from the serene streams of his hometown bring to life the tranquility and connection to nature that fly fishing offers. As we delve deeper, Mike opens up about the demanding nature of his job in the Syncrude oil sands. He shares how the rigorous demands of being a boilermaker contrast with the peace he finds by the water, casting his line. This conversation leads us into a thoughtful discussion on work-life balance and how hobbies like fly fishing can offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The heart of this episode lies in Mike's insights on how fly fishing has positively impacted his mental health. He shares personal anecdotes and moments of revelation, highlighting how this sport has been a lifeline during challenging times. In a touching segment, Mike talks about his family, trauma, loss , and too many things that a child should never have to go through, and at the heart of it all, the river was his escape! As we wrap up, Mike offers invaluable advice to aspiring fly fishers, especially those seeking mental wellness through the sport. He emphasizes the importance of patience, connection to nature, and the therapeutic power of fly fishing. This episode is not just about fly fishing; it's a journey through life's ups and downs, and how finding that one passion can provide balance, peace, and a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.

Join us in this Episode as Mike Hawkins from Longview Texas shares with us his story of the fly rod his Dad (Robert Hawkins) built him in 1991 for Christmas, and how that would help heal them after losing their mother the year before. Fly fishing became a Journey of healing, and ultimately a bond that was unbreakable between him and his Father. Mike lost his dad just In Dec 2019, but he will never lose the memories, and cherished time that his father gave him!

In this episode, I sit down with a good friend and Local Guide Quinn Styles with Trout Farmer. He opens up about his life as a fly fishing guide, and long time Calgary firefighter, and how he balances the two. More importantly, he shares with us a scary time In his life where he had to say "I need help" and the steps he took to get the help he needed for his mental health. We also discuss a little more in-depth the guiding industry, and WHY he loves guiding so much after almost 30 years in the industry!

We chat with Brain McGrattan, former NHL tough guy/enforcer, as he vulnerable shares with us the demons that almost cost him his life with drugs and alcohol right to the moment he declared " I need help". Through his journey, he shares how Fly Fishing Saved his life, and how it continues to give him what he needs to carry on with 12 years of sobriety!

In this episode with chat with Steven Lyle. Steven grew up in the rocky mountains just west of Sundre, Alberta. Having grown up playing hockey at a high level, his next step in the corporate world involved a lot of alcohol and trying to win over sales through entertaining people. Now 6 years sober, and 5 years into his fly fishing journey, he shares with us what this journey has been like and how Fly Fishing Saved His life.