The Sustainable Angler

Rick Crawford

The Sustainable Angler podcast is your go-to source for insightful conversations about sustainability, conservation, and the future of fishing. Hosted by sustainability expert Rick Crawford, who is also the founder of the sustainability consultancy, Emerger Strategies, this podcast features interviews with fishing guides, artists, storytellers, scientists, conservationists, and sustainable business pioneers making a positive impact on our planet. Whether you're a passionate angler, outdoor enthusiast, or business looking to improve your sustainability performance, The Sustainable Angler delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories. Listen now to explore the intersection of fishing, conservation, and sustainable business—because protecting what we love starts with knowledge and action. A huge thank you to A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, for sponsoring the podcast! Want to connect your brand with a passionate, sustainability-minded audience? Sponsorship opportunities are available! Partnering with The Sustainable Angler is a powerful way to showcase your commitment to the environment while reaching engaged anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and industry leaders. Email rcrawford@emergerstrategies.com to learn more!

  1. EP 95. Fly Fishing, Climate Change & Conservation Storytelling, How AI is Warming Our Waters, & Why the Next Generation Gives Us Hope | Ross Purnell of Fly Fisherman Magazine

    May 29

    EP 95. Fly Fishing, Climate Change & Conservation Storytelling, How AI is Warming Our Waters, & Why the Next Generation Gives Us Hope | Ross Purnell of Fly Fisherman Magazine

    In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, Emerger Strategies founder and host Rick Crawford sits down with Ross Purnell, Editor in Chief of Fly Fisherman Magazine, for a wide-ranging conversation that covers the past, present, and future of one of fly fishing's most storied publications — and how conservation storytelling protects the wild places we love. We cover how AI and data centers are contributing to rising water temperatures, exacerbating climate change, and threatening fisheries across the country. Ross breaks down the Boundary Waters controversy, explains why more fly fishing brands are doing more for the resource, and discusses a powerful cultural shift: younger anglers who vote with their wallets by supporting brands that align with their values. Ross also shares the story behind his new film The Shoals — a fishing journey to protect St. Brandon's Atoll — and makes the case for storytelling as a frontline conservation strategy. Plus: why the next generation gives him genuine hope, the story of almost making a film with President Jimmy Carter, and a direct call to get involved in advocacy before it's too late. In this episode: A brief history of Fly Fisherman MagazineHow AI is warming our rivers and threatening fisheriesThe Boundary Waters controversy, explainedFly fishing brands stepping up for conservationGen Z and millennial anglers voting with their walletsThe Shoals — protecting St. Brandon's Atoll through filmStorytelling as a conservation toolAlmost making a film with President Jimmy CarterWhy advocacy and getting involved has never mattered moreSponsors: This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!) 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 1m
  2. EP 94. Washington Just Sold Out the Boundary Waters — 20% of All U.S. National Forest Freshwater — Here's What Anglers Can Do | Land Tawney

    Apr 22

    EP 94. Washington Just Sold Out the Boundary Waters — 20% of All U.S. National Forest Freshwater — Here's What Anglers Can Do | Land Tawney

    America's public lands & waters are under attack — and what can you do about it. In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, Emerger Strategies founder and host Rick Crawford sits down with Land Tawney, a 25-year conservation veteran and co-leader of American Hunters and Anglers, to break down the most pressing threats facing hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts today. Land and Rick dive deep into the controversial decision by 50 Republican lawmakers — including South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott — to greenlight a foreign-owned copper-sulfide mine upstream of the Boundary Waters, America's most visited wilderness. "The three million-acre Superior National Forest, which includes the Boundary Waters, contains 20% of all the fresh water in the entire National Forest System at 193 million acres," according to Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. With copper mines carrying a 100% failure rate for toxic leakage and extracted resources being sold to China, this decision raises serious questions about who our elected officials are truly serving. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the Boundary Waters mining decision sets a dangerous precedent for the Grand Staircase National MonumentWhat new oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge mean for wildlife and habitatHow relocating U.S. Forest Service offices to Utah threatens conservation operationsWhy the dismantling of federal agencies like NOAA and the U.S. Forest Service puts wildfire response, weather forecasting, and habitat restoration at riskConcrete steps YOU can take to hold elected officials accountable and protect public landsWhether you're a hunter, angler, or simply someone who values America's wild places, this episode is a must-listen. Your public lands need you now more than ever. 🎙️ Guest: Land Tawney, Co-Leader of American Hunters and Anglers | @AmericanHuntersAnglers 🔗 Take Action: Contact Your Senators. 🗳️ Vote for pro-public lands candidates this November in the midterms. Sponsors: This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!) 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    54 min
  3. EP 93. Fly Fishing, Music, Art, & Sustainability | Inside Soul Fly Lodge & Soul Fly Charleston with Alec "Griz" Griswold

    Apr 10

    EP 93. Fly Fishing, Music, Art, & Sustainability | Inside Soul Fly Lodge & Soul Fly Charleston with Alec "Griz" Griswold

    What happens when a fly fishing lodge co-founder decides the community needs more than just great water and great guides? You get Soul Fly Co. — and an event that might just change how the fly fishing world thinks about gathering. In this episode, host and Emerger Strategies founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with Alec "Griz" Griswold, co-founder of Soul Fly Co. and Soul Fly Lodge. Griz, alongside partners Kitri and Kyle Schaefer, is building something genuinely different: live music events designed specifically for the fly fishing community — events that celebrate the culture, protect the resource, and bring people together in a meaningful way. We cover how Griz got into the lodge business, the sustainability steps Soul Fly Lodge has taken on their journey, and a deep dive into Soul Fly Charleston — a fly fishing, music, and art event taking place May 16th at The Refinery in Charleston, SC, with proceeds benefiting Charleston Waterkeeper. Emerger Strategies recently partnered with Soul Fly Co. to develop a comprehensive Sustainable Event Plan for Soul Fly Charleston, establishing a framework to measure and improve the event's environmental and community impact — including ambitious goals around zero waste, local sourcing, and community engagement. If you care about the future of fly fishing, the places we fish, and the communities built around them, this episode is for you. In this episode: How Griz, Kitry, & Kyle built Soul Fly Lodge and why sustainability became a priorityThe origin story of Soul Fly Co. and its live music + fly fishing eventsHow Soul Fly Lodge is measuring and improving its sustainability performanceWhat goes into a Sustainable Event Plan — and why it mattersSoul Fly Charleston's zero waste and community impact goalsHow to support Charleston Waterkeeper by attending May 16thLearn more: soulflyco.com | Follow Soul Fly Co. on Instagram Get tickets to Soul Fly Charleston: May 16 · The Refinery · Charleston, SC Sponsors: This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!) 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    57 min
  4. EP 92. How B-Corp Certification & Sustainability Data Can Transform Your Fishing Brand | Hazel Horvath of Ecolytics

    Mar 25

    EP 92. How B-Corp Certification & Sustainability Data Can Transform Your Fishing Brand | Hazel Horvath of Ecolytics

    What does it actually take for a fishing or outdoor brand to become B-Corp certified — and how do you prove your sustainability claims without greenwashing? In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, is joined by Hazel Horvath, Founder and CEO of Ecolytics, a software platform built to solve one of the biggest challenges facing brands today: sustainability data management. Hazel breaks down how Ecolytics helps companies streamline the B-Corp certification process by organizing and substantiating the data that certifications require — making it easier, faster, and more credible. They also dig into why major retailers are now holding brands accountable for measuring & improving sustainability performance, and what that means for the fishing and outdoor industry. In this episode, you'll learn: What B-Corp certification really means and why it matters for fishing and outdoor brandsHow sustainability data software like Ecolytics helps eliminate greenwashing riskWhy retailers are demanding measurable sustainability metrics from the brands they carryHow anglers can use certifications like 1% for the Planet and B-Corp to make smarter, more values-aligned purchasing decisionsHow The Sustainable Angler, Ecolytics, and Emerger Strategies have partnered to help brands pursue B-Corp certification more efficientlySpecial Offer: If your brand is ready to pursue B-Corp certification, reach out to Rick Crawford directly or mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's Ecolytics subscription. Whether you're a brand trying to back up your sustainability story with real data, or an angler who wants your gear purchases to mean something — this episode is for you. Sponsors: This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!) 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    55 min
  5. EP 91. Why Public Lands Advocacy Matters for Anglers and Outdoor Brands | Keith Shattenkirk of Patagonia

    Mar 13

    EP 91. Why Public Lands Advocacy Matters for Anglers and Outdoor Brands | Keith Shattenkirk of Patagonia

    In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with Keith Shattenkirk, Program Officer for Healthy Lands & Waters at Patagonia. Keith shares the fascinating story of how he transitioned from a career in finance to working on the frontlines of conservation for one of the most influential outdoor companies in the world. They dive into some of the biggest conservation challenges facing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts today—including ongoing threats to America’s public lands like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. We discuss why these places matter not just for recreation, but also for the small businesses and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy that supports our public lands. The conversation also explores the power of advocacy—why contacting your elected officials about our public lands matters now more than ever—and how the outdoor industry can play a meaningful role in protecting the landscapes and waters that sustain it. Keith also explains why outdoor brands should consider joining The Conservation Alliance, a coalition of companies working together to fund and support grassroots conservation efforts across North America. Finally, Keith shares what gives him hope for the future of our lands, waters, and fisheries—and why anglers are uniquely positioned to be some of the most powerful voices for conservation. Take Action: Visit Patagonia Action Works to advocate for our public lands.  If you care about wild fish, public lands, and the future of outdoor recreation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Sponsors: This episode is brought you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!) 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 2m
  6. EP 90. There’s No Such Thing as a Green Product (Only Greener Ones) | Al Iannuzzi on Sustainable Product Strategy

    Feb 25

    EP 90. There’s No Such Thing as a Green Product (Only Greener Ones) | Al Iannuzzi on Sustainable Product Strategy

    In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with sustainability pioneer, author, and veteran Al Iannuzzi, to discuss what it really takes to build greener products—and why making improvements is only half the battle. Al, author of Greener Products: The Making & Marketing of Sustainable Brands, shares insights from decades of experience helping companies design, improve, and market more sustainable products. We explore the three pillars of his work: The business case for greener productsHow to actually make greener productsHow to market them with credibility and confidenceOne of the biggest takeaways? There’s no such thing as a “green” product—only greener ones. Sustainability is about continuous improvement, not perfection. Al explains why the number one thing brands can do today is understand the full lifecycle impact of their products—from raw material extraction and ethical sourcing to end-of-life. For fishing and outdoor brands especially, this lifecycle lens is essential. We also discuss: Why communicating your sustainability improvements is just as important as making themHow market leaders like Walmart and REI have driven major change by asking brands to measure and improve performanceWhy proactive brands need an “emerging issues process” to stay ahead of future regulationsHow circular economy thinking is reshaping product designWhy CEOs shouldn’t let the perfect get in the way of the goodAl also shares a personal story about how fishing—and the legacy of Jacques Cousteau—inspired his lifelong appreciation for God’s beautiful world and his career in sustainability. If you’re a brand leader, sustainability professional, or outdoor industry executive looking to turn sustainability into a strategic advantage—not just a compliance exercise—this episode is packed with practical wisdom. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to build greener products, communicate your progress effectively, and embrace sustainability as the journey it truly is. Sponsors: This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount off your first year's subscription!) 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 5m
  7. EP 89. Waste Audits, Public Lands, PFAS & Avoiding Greenwashing with Meg Careny

    Feb 9

    EP 89. Waste Audits, Public Lands, PFAS & Avoiding Greenwashing with Meg Careny

    What if one simple habit after your next camping or fishing trip could dramatically reduce your environmental impact? In this powerful episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, sits down with Meg Carney, founder of The Outdoor Minimalist, to explore practical, honest, and hopeful solutions for protecting the places we love. Meg shares how conducting a personal waste audit after your outdoor adventures can uncover hidden waste and help you make smarter, lower-impact choices moving forward. We also dive into urgent threats facing our public lands—including a proposed copper sulfide mine at the headwaters of the Boundary Waters. This is an action moment. Listeners are encouraged to contact their Senators and oppose HJ Res 140,the bill that would undo the 20-year mining ban near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  ACTION ALERT! Call your Senators TODAY (2/9/26)! Save the Boundary Waters has an excellent call script which takes less than a minute to protect our public lands and waters! From there, the conversation turns to PFAS in the outdoor industry, highlighting brands working to eliminate these harmful “forever chemicals,” and a candid discussion about greenwashing—how to spot it, avoid it, and build real trust. Rick explains how tools like REI’s Product Impact Standards can guide brands toward transparency and authentic sustainability, and Meg shares the red flags she looks for—like missing sustainability pages or reports. We close on a hopeful note: what’s giving Meg optimism about the future of outdoor stewardship, responsible brands, and a more sustainable industry. If you care about clean water, honest sustainability, and protecting wild places for future generations, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to conduct a simple waste audit after your next outdoor tripWhy the Boundary Waters mining proposal matters—and how to take actionThe truth about PFAS in outdoor gear and who’s leading changeHow to recognize and avoid greenwashing in the outdoor industryPractical tools brands can use to build authentic sustainabilityReasons for hope in the future of conservation and outdoor recreationTake Action: Call your U.S. Senators today and urge them to oppose HJ Res 140 to protect the Boundary Waters. Connect with Meg Carney: The Outdoor Minimalist Subscribe & Follow: Follow The Sustainable Angler for conversations at the intersection of conservation, responsible business, and the future of the outdoors. Sponsors: This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount on your first year's subscription of Ecolytics!). 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 2m
  8. EP 88. Making the Business Case for Sustainability with Bob Willard

    Jan 14

    EP 88. Making the Business Case for Sustainability with Bob Willard

    In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, host and Emerger Strategies Founder, Rick Crawford, is joined by sustainability expert, author, and speaker Bob Willard, one of the world’s leading voices on making the business case for sustainability. Bob shares his journey from the corporate world into sustainability leadership and unpacks key insights from his book, The Sustainability Advantage. We dive into how sustainability drives real business value—from reducing operating expenses and attracting and retaining top talent to what may be the most overlooked benefit of all: risk avoidance. We also explore how brands can use cost–benefit analysis to evaluate sustainability projects, and Bob walks through his open-source tools, including the Basic Sustainability Assessment Tool, Advanced Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, and the role of B Corps, where Bob serves as an advisor. Along the way, we swap sustainability success stories, discuss the most underestimated advantages of sustainability, why sustainability feels so overwhelming for so many businesses, and—importantly—what gives Bob hope for the future. If you’re a fishing or outdoor brand trying to cut through the noise, reduce risk, and build a stronger, more resilient business, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount on your first year's subscription of Ecolytics!). 🎣 Like what you heard?  Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries. For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com. Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 7m
See All (95)

4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

The Sustainable Angler podcast is your go-to source for insightful conversations about sustainability, conservation, and the future of fishing. Hosted by sustainability expert Rick Crawford, who is also the founder of the sustainability consultancy, Emerger Strategies, this podcast features interviews with fishing guides, artists, storytellers, scientists, conservationists, and sustainable business pioneers making a positive impact on our planet. Whether you're a passionate angler, outdoor enthusiast, or business looking to improve your sustainability performance, The Sustainable Angler delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories. Listen now to explore the intersection of fishing, conservation, and sustainable business—because protecting what we love starts with knowledge and action. A huge thank you to A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, for sponsoring the podcast! Want to connect your brand with a passionate, sustainability-minded audience? Sponsorship opportunities are available! Partnering with The Sustainable Angler is a powerful way to showcase your commitment to the environment while reaching engaged anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and industry leaders. Email rcrawford@emergerstrategies.com to learn more!

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Crawford
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sustainable Angler
  • Show Website
    The Sustainable Angler

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