The Sustainable Angler

Rick Crawford
  • 4.9 (36)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Sustainable Angler

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 75. Bonus Episode: The Rise of Sustainability Regulations – What Brands Need to Know

    JUN 27

    EP 75. Bonus Episode: The Rise of Sustainability Regulations – What Brands Need to Know

    In this special bonus episode of The Sustainable Angler, host Rick Crawford is joined by James Pollack, attorney at Marten Law, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of sustainability regulations. From PFAS restrictions and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws to SEC and California's climate-related disclosures and the crackdown on green marketing claims, this episode offers a high-level overview of the regulatory forces reshaping business. Whether you're a brand selling into retail, a sustainability professional, or simply trying to keep up with the shifting legal landscape, this episode is your go-to guide for what’s happening now—and what’s coming next. Tune in to learn: Why PFAS is becoming the new plastic—and what bans mean for your productsHow EPR laws are pushing brands to take ownership of packaging and wasteWhat California's climate disclosure rules mean for companies of all sizesHow to avoid the legal risks of greenwashingStay ahead of the curve. Stay compliant. And most importantly—stay sustainable. 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1 hr
  2. EP 74. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: Green Marketing Claims with James Pollack

    JUN 20

    EP 74. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: Green Marketing Claims with James Pollack

    In Part 4 of The Rise of Sustainability Regulations series, host Rick Crawford sits down with environmental lawyer James Pollack of Marten Law to explore one of the most high-stakes topics in sustainability today: green marketing claims. With regulators, retailers, and consumers cracking down on greenwashing, how can brands in the fishing and outdoor industries talk about their sustainability efforts without getting into legal trouble? In this episode, we cover: What counts as greenwashing under U.S. lawHow the FTC’s Green Guides can help brandsWhat retailers expect from supplier marketing claimsBest practices for making credible, compliant, and substantiated sustainability claimsWhether you're a marketing leader, sustainability professional, or business owner, this episode offers critical insights into staying transparent, trustworthy, and competitive in a changing regulatory landscape. Also, be sure to check out Emerger Strategies’ new Sustainability Sales & Marketing Services help outdoor and fishing brands turn credible sustainability performance into powerful, compliant marketing that drives revenue and builds trust. We translate technical data into clear, compelling messaging that meets retailer requirements and avoids greenwashing. From strategy to storytelling, we make sustainability sell.  🎧 Tune in now and avoid the legal pitfalls of greenwashing—while still telling your brand’s sustainability story with impact. 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    55 min
  3. EP 73. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: Climate-Related Disclosures with James Pollack

    JUN 13

    EP 73. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: Climate-Related Disclosures with James Pollack

    In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, we continue our Rise of Sustainability Regulations series with a timely conversation on climate-related disclosures featuring James Pollack, environmental attorney at Marten Law. With new regulations like the SEC’s climate disclosure rule and California’s SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305 taking effect, brands in the fishing and outdoor industries are under growing pressure to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions. But what does that actually mean for your business? James breaks down: What these new climate disclosure laws requireWho is affected — and when compliance deadlines hitThe business risks of inactionHow transparency can become a competitive advantageWhat small and mid-sized companies can do now to prepareIf your company sells into big-box retailers or wants to stay ahead of regulatory, investor, and consumer expectations, this episode is a must-listen. 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    51 min
  4. EP 72. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with James Pollack

    JUN 6

    EP 72. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with James Pollack

    In Part 2 of our special series The Rise of Sustainability Regulations, host Rick Crawford is joined by environmental attorney James Pollack of Marten Law to unpack one of the most important—and misunderstood—emerging policies in the outdoor industry: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging and Textiles. With states like California, Oregon, Maine, and Colorado rolling out EPR for Packaging laws, fishing and outdoor brands are now being held accountable for the environmental impact of their packaging. In this episode, James shares how he helps top outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear companies navigate this evolving regulatory landscape to:  ✅ Stay compliant with EPR laws  ✅ Reduce packaging-related fees and waste  ✅ Future-proof their business in a climate-conscious market If your brand sells to major retailers, wants to lower regulatory risk, or is trying to meet rising consumer and investor expectations—this episode is a must-listen. Protect your brand. Protect the places you love. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. #EPR #ExtendedProducerResponsibility #SustainablePackaging #SustainableAngler #FishingIndustry #OutdoorIndustry #GreenMarketing #MartenLaw #ClimateRegulations #SustainabilityPodcast #ConservationBusiness #SustainableBusiness 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    58 min
  5. EP 71. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: PFAS with James Pollack

    MAY 30

    EP 71. The Rise of Sustainability Regulations: PFAS with James Pollack

    Welcome to a special 4-part series of The Sustainable Angler, where we tackle the most pressing sustainability regulations shaping the fishing and outdoor industries. Over the next four weeks, I’ll be joined by James Pollack, environmental and regulatory lawyer at Marten Law, to unpack what brands need to know about PFAS (forever chemicals), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and climate regulations. At Emerger Strategies, I help brands reduce costs, enhance reputation, and increase customer loyalty by measuring and improving sustainability performance. But here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for managing regulatory risk. That’s why this series is a must-listen for any fishing and outdoor brand navigating the complex world of compliance. James works directly with outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear companies—helping them understand and comply with regulations around material inputs, emerging contaminants, green marketing claims, and climate impacts. His insights are a game-changer for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve. In this first episode, we dive deep into PFAS (forever chemicals): ✅ What they are and why they matter ✅ How PFAS regulations impact fishing and outdoor products like waders, wading boots, rain jackets, and fluorocarbon fishing line ✅ How PFAS is found in our drinking water ✅ What brands and retailers can do to manage chemicals of concern like PFAS …and much more. If you’re a fishing or outdoor brand navigating sustainability and compliance—or just passionate about protecting the wild places we love—this series is for you. 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    53 min
  6. EP 70. Public Lands Are Not for Sale: A Conversation with Land Tawney

    APR 18

    EP 70. Public Lands Are Not for Sale: A Conversation with Land Tawney

    In this powerful episode of The Sustainable Angler, we're diving deep into a topic close to my heart: America’s public lands. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend countless days camping, hiking, and fly fishing on these wild, beautiful landscapes. Public lands connect us with nature, fuel our $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, and offer a spiritual refuge that’s becoming increasingly rare. But right now, they’re under serious threat. Some lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, are proposing to sell off our public lands to balance the federal budget, putting our shared natural heritage—and the communities that depend on it—at risk. To unpack this critical issue, I’m joined by Land Tawney, longtime conservation leader, public lands advocate, and leader behind American Hunters and Anglers Action Network. We talk about how Land got into conservation, the spiritual and economic value of public lands, their role in protecting clean air and water, and why they must remain in public hands. We also explore the history of the American conservation movement, the mounting threats to public lands today, and how you can make your voice heard. Land also shares the Top 5 most effective ways to make your voice heard with lawmakers, based on his 25 years in conservation: Have a 1-on-1 conversation and tell your story.Call your Senators and elected officials and tell them to keep public lands in public hands.Comment and message your elected officials on social media with that same message.Send an email, especially using easy tools and petitions from groups like Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.Talk to your friends and family—your voice carries more power than you think.Side note: If you are a brand that wants to support keeping public lands in public hands, I highly recommend joining Brands for Public Lands, an initiative from The Conservation Alliance that currently has 60+ members, including Patagonia, Meat Eater, and Emerger Strategies. Sign sign up to join Brands for Public Lands.  This episode is a call to action. If you care about wild places, clean water, healthy communities, or just love spending time outdoors—you don’t want to miss it. To listen to previous episodes of The Sustainable Angler, visit emergerstrategies.com/podcast, and if you like what you’re hearing, an absolutely free way to show your support is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Sp 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 2m
  7. EP 69. From Canvas to Camera: How Art and Film Shape Conservation with Paul Puckett & Hilton Graham

    MAR 28

    EP 69. From Canvas to Camera: How Art and Film Shape Conservation with Paul Puckett & Hilton Graham

    Hilton shares his extraordinary journey from political operative to documentary filmmaker after surviving cancer twice and receiving a life-changing stem cell transplant that he calls his "rebirth." This profound reset led him to abandon the pursuit of power for the authentic storytelling that now defines his award-winning films like "Tension" and "Father Nature." Meanwhile, Paul reveals how his lifelong obsession with drawing fish began in middle school and eventually became his artistic signature. His philosophy that "every painting is a stepping stone" captures his humble approach to a body of work that has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation efforts over the years. The conversation weaves through the making of "Time Will Tell," which documents Paul's artistic impact on the fly fishing world and features his work being inducted into the American Museum of Fly Fishing. With filming locations spanning from Jackson Hole to the Florida Keys to Vermont, the documentary represents a beautiful convergence of two artists using their gifts to inspire others. What emerges most powerfully is their shared commitment to conservation – not just as a concept but as a legacy. As Hilton notes through a Native American proverb featured in his work: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children." It's a reminder that whether through paint or film, their creative work serves something larger than themselves. Check out "Time Will Tell" at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, and discover more from these talented creators at paulpuckettart.com and loveaffaircreative.com. This episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and  and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging. 🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    1h 18m
  8. EP 68. Gene Gilliland, National Conservation Director at B.A.S.S.

    FEB 21

    EP 68. Gene Gilliland, National Conservation Director at B.A.S.S.

    In this episode, we dive into the world of bass fishing with the Bass Angler Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), the largest fishing organization in the world with over half a million members. Founded in 1968 by Ray Scott, B.A.S.S. has been a driving force behind professional bass fishing, youth involvement, and conservation efforts.I sit down with Gene Gilliland, who is a nationally renowned fisheries biologist and the National Conservation Director at B.A.S.S. to explore key challenges in bass fisheries management, from invasive species and aquatic plant control to the surprising impacts of climate change on bass populations. We discuss the balance between recreational use and habitat preservation, habitat restoration in aging reservoirs, and the importance of angler involvement in protecting our waters.🎣 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 stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

    55 min
See All (75)

4.9
out of 5
36 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Sustainable Angler
  • Show Website
    The Sustainable Angler

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