Best Flies And Feathers Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 250 From Zero to ATP by 21: Mason Jackson’s Fast-Track Flight Path 27:21

1d ago27:21

27:21

What does it take to become a 21-year-old with an ATP and a CJO in hand? In this interview, Mason Jackson joins Nik Fialka to break down his journey from high school to flight school to the cusp of beginning his airline career. Mason discusses finances, study habits as well as staying disciplined in training in pursuit of keeping the dream alive. M…

1
765 | New Mexico Fly Fishing with Spencer Seim – The Feather Thief, Rio Grande, Fly Tying 1:05:45

1d ago1:05:45

1:05:45

# 765 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/765 Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, San Juan Rodworks Did you know the Feather Thief story actually connects back to today’s guest? Spencer Seim is a New Mexico fly fishing guide and classic fly tyer whose deep knowledge and love for traditional patterns helped shape …

1
Supernatural Feathers: Death Beds, Witchcraft and Angels 51:21

2d ago51:21

51:21

Chris and Simon wing it through the strange world of feather folklore — from cursed peacock plumes to pillows that prevent the dying from slipping away. Do feather crowns signal a heavenly reward or a witch’s curse? Simon’s disturbed by beds hiding feather rats and spectral bouquets; Chris dares to suggest a rational explanation. There's a detour i…

1
Great Lakes Dude #12 | Float Fishing for Steelhead with Tom Blotzer – Rigging Tips, Winter Tactics 1:08:03

4d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

By Jeff Liskay, Tom Blotzer

1
Ep 249 It's Hard to See the Road...When You're On It 8:37

5d ago8:37

8:37

In this solo episode, host Nik Fialka reflects on the perseverance, purpose, and the long journey to becoming a professional pilot. Drawing inspiration from the grueling 21-day stage races of professional cycling like the Tour de France, Nik dives deep into what it means to keep going, even when the finish line feels out of reach. Whether you're bu…

1
763 | Urban Fly Fishing in Phoenix with Derek Rivchin – Carp on the Fly, Canal Tactics, Lo Water Guide Service 1:05:42

6d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

#763 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/763 Presented by: TroutRoutes, Fish The Fly, Stonefly Nets, On DeMark Lodge When you hear “urban fly fishing,” what comes to mind? Trash? Pollution? Or carp? But today’s guest is here to flip that idea on its head. He’s a full-time guide who chases fish in the heart of Arizona, exploring canals, lakes, and s…

1
#197: Stress in Sight: Why the Eye Is a Window Into the Brain—and Why It Could Transform How We Treat People, UC Berkeley talk. 37:24

7d ago37:24

37:24

When we visit the doctor, we routinely measure blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, weight, and heart rate. For years, we’ve known that early life experiences—especially stress and adversity—leave long-lasting marks on the nervous system. But we rarely stop to ask: How can we see those marks? That’s where the eye comes in. Why the Eye Reveals the …

1
Ep 248 Flight Plan Interrupted: A Midlife Journey from Runway to Recovery 28:29

8d ago28:29

28:29

GO FUND ME: https://gofund.me/bf973f3f In this emotional and motivating episode, host Nik Fialka welcomes Trent Dyrsmid—known to many from "Fly With Trent"—to share his remarkable journey from entrepreneur to regional airline pilot. At 53, Trent boldly changed careers, completed an accelerated flight training program, and built a dedicated online f…

1
762 | The Feather Thief with Kirk Johnson: The Natural History Heist of the Century 1:11:43

8d ago1:11:43

1:11:43

#762 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/762 Presented by: On DeMark Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Drifthook Fly Fishing Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Kirk Wallace Johnson, author of The Feather Thief, joins us to share the wild tale of a world-class fly tyer who broke into a British museum and stole nearly 300 rare bird specimens—all …

1
761 | Tails of the Tides: Fly Fishing for Redfish in South Carolina with Caleb Andrews 58:59

11d ago58:59

58:59

#761 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/761 Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory, Mountain Waters Resort, Smitty's Fly Box, Togiak River Lodge Caleb Andrews of Tails of the Tides is here to help you make the most of your trip if you plan on fly fishing for redfish in South Carolina. We’re talking perfect trip timing, his go-to fly materials, …

1
Ep 247 Suck Your Thumb or Get After It! 6:42

12d ago6:42

6:42

Host Nik Fialka shares a motivational solo episode, challenging pilots to take control of their aviation careers by becoming action-takers rather than sitting back and feeling discouraged. Drawing inspiration from a conversation with Tron Williams, Nik emphasizes the power of consistent effort, courage, and embracing discomfort to achieve success i…

1
760B | Moccasin Fly Club with John Hunt - Curated Fly Fishing Travel Experiences 53:34

12d ago53:34

53:34

#760B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/760B Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club Today's story started with a pair of forgotten wading boots, a group chat, and a long hike into Cheesman Canyon... with only a pair of moccasins! Hear how this mishap not only turned into a fun story to tell around a campfire but also sparked the idea for a company that’…

1
760 | Fly Fishing Colombia with Andres, Nick, and Jason - Baku Lodge, Giant Peacock Bass 1:06:22

13d ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/760 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, Smitty's Fly Box, FishHound Expeditions, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors One of the most iconic fish you'll see across social media is the peacock bass - massive, vibrant, and found deep in some of the most remote jungle waters on the planet. Today, w…

1
Ep. 246 Fit to Fly: A Pilot’s Guide to Fitness and Nutrition 28:39

15d ago28:39

28:39

Host Nik Fialka sits down with Lashea Bacon, founder of Mile High Health Club, to explore the often-overlooked topic of pilot wellness. As both an airline pilot and certified personal trainer, Lashea shares her mission to bridge the gap between aviation and sustainable health by helping pilots build better habits—both on the road and at home. From …

1
759 | The Soul of Fly Fishing: Jerry Kustich on Bamboo Rods, Steelhead, and Sweetgrass 1:30:12

15d ago1:30:12

1:30:12

#759 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/759 Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Fish The Fly, FishHound Expeditions, Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Kustich—bamboo rod builder, author, and one of the pioneers of Great Lakes steelhead fly fishing. From his off-the-grid cabin day…

1
758 | Colorado Fly Fishing with Alex Xenie Hall - Nymph Fishing, BC Steelhead, Low & Clear 1:12:43

19d ago1:12:43

1:12:43

#758 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/758 Presented by: TroutRoutes, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory, On DeMark Lodge Alex Xenie Hall — legendary Colorado fly fishing guide, steelhead nut, and self-proclaimed trout bum — takes us deep into his world, from the Upper San Juan to the far end of the Babine River. Show Notes: https…

1
Demeisha Dennis on Fly Fishing and BGOW 1:22:24

18d ago1:22:24

1:22:24

Tune in for our recent interview with Demiesha Dennis from Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW). We take a deep dive into the art and task of fly fishing, what it means to bring newbies into the space and everyone can be the gateway for keeping fishing in the outdoors alive and well with a simple invitation to someone looking to get into the water world…

1
Ep 245 Life is Great...Chaos: Thriving in an Unpredictable World 5:18

19d ago5:18

5:18

In this solo episode, host Nik Fialka dives into the unavoidable chaos of life and aviation, exploring how embracing unpredictability can lead to personal and professional growth. From messy kitchens to turbulent skies, Nik shares how facing challenges head-on not only builds resilience but also sharpens your focus, helping you become a better pilo…

1
757 | Top Survival Tips for Anglers and Adventurers with Brett Stoffel of Outdoor Safe 1:29:04

20d ago1:29:04

1:29:04

#757 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/757 Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What would you do if your wading boot slips, your ankle snaps, and you're stranded miles from help—in the cold, wet, and dark? In this episode, we bri…

1
Ep. 244 Wrenches, Waves, and Warbirds: Maintaining Naval Air Dominance in WWII 47:18

22d ago47:18

47:18

Welcome back to Ready 4 Pushback! Host Nik Fialka welcomes Stan Fisher — Naval Academy professor, PhD, aviator, and author of Sustaining the Carrier War — for a deep dive into the untold story of aircraft maintenance during World War II. Together, they explore how the U.S. Navy transformed from a fledgling aviation force in the 1930s into a dominan…

1
756 | Fly Fishing Seattle with Dave McCoy – Skagit Steelhead, Spey Casting, and Patagonia Conservation 1:01:35

23d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

#756 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/756 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Fish The Fly, On DeMark Lodge, Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Would you guide steelhead anglers through Washington's wild rivers, then hop on a flight to Gabon or French Polynesia to chase something completely different—all while pus…

1
755 | Fly Fishing Travel Hacks with Jeff Ditsworth of Pescador on the Fly 48:51

26d ago48:51

48:51

#755 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/755 Presented by: Pescador on the Fly If you’ve ever tried to sneak in a little fly fishing on a business trip or family vacation, this episode is for you. Jeff Ditsworth of Pescador on the Fly shares his fly fishing travel hacks from 25+ years of experience. We dive into how to pack light, avoid common gear…

1
Ep 243 Anna Talks Chickens: Finding Fulfillment Even with Ruffled Feathers 13:49

26d ago13:49

13:49

In this episode of Ready 4 Pushback, Anna Fialka—Nick’s wife—takes the mic and reflects on finding creativity and connection amid the structure of aviation and parenting. Using her family’s adventures in chicken care, Anna draws parallels between a pilot’s responsibility to maintain safety protocols and a parent’s duty to nurture and protect. She c…

1
In the Bucket #17 | Down the Path with Will Rice, Jason Rolfe, and Travis Bader - Fly Fish Journal, Outdoor Safety 1:51:38

28d ago1:51:38

1:51:38

#754 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/754 Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box, TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In today's show, we're gonna be expanding our discussion topics beyond the traditional scope of In the Bucket. Since we started the show, we've spent a lot of time talking about space-sp…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Flies And Feathers Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen