Tom Rowland Podcast

At 16, Jordan Thomas lost both legs in a Keys boating accident—and turned it into purpose. He launched the Jordan Thomas Foundation to help kids get the prosthetics and community they need through age 18, and he’s now a top adaptive golfer competing at the US Adaptive Open in Pinehurst. We get into mindset and trauma, why running blades aren’t covered, real talk on water safety, community beats hardware, and pushing policy so access is affordable and durable. Big heart, big mission—tons of practical takeaways. Connect with Jordan Instagram — @jordanthomasfoundation Website — https://www.jordanthomasfoundation.org Free Resources Saltwater Knot Guide — https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP Tom Rowland Podcast — https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversationshttps://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 Follow the Show Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/tvswe

Conway Bowman is a legendary San Diego fly-fishing guide and pioneer of sight-fishing mako sharks from a 24’ bay boat. He’s a former wetlands manager who grew up in San Diego, spent summers in Idaho, and built a career around putting anglers eye-to-eye with apex predators—and sending them home safely. In this conversation, we talk about why makos have gotten so big, the exact conditions he looks for, and the discipline it takes to keep people safe when a 400- to 800-pound shark turns on the afterburners.

Captain Jimmy Armel is an Army Ranger veteran, founder of Knot Lucky Veteran Fishing, and a man on a mission to heal others through the ocean. After 11 years in the military—including brutal combat deployments—Jimmy faced the battles of PTSD, brain injuries, and addiction. Through fishing, plant medicine, and service, he found a path back to purpose. In this conversation, we go deep on combat, trauma, forgiveness, psychedelic therapy, shark tagging, and how fishing changes lives. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: How fishing gave Jimmy purpose when everything else was falling apart. The raw truth about combat, concussions, and what veterans really experience. Jimmy’s near-death experience — and how it changed his outlook forever. The power of psychedelic therapy (Ibogaine & Ayahuasca) in healing trauma. Why helping veterans isn’t about pity — it’s about purpose, community, and action.

Captain Blair Wiggins — known to many as the Mogan Man from Addictive Fishing — has spent decades shaping saltwater fishing on Florida’s Space Coast. Today, he’s leading the charge on one of the most ambitious conservation projects in the state: planting over 96 million clams to restore the Indian River Lagoon. In this conversation, Blair and I go deep on fishing history, the birth of Addictive Fishing, the boom and bust of the clam fishery, his new show Blair Wiggins Outdoors, and why restoring water quality is the fight of our generation. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: The wild story of how “Mogan” became his nickname and brand. The rise of Addictive Fishing and what it was like to film all over the world. His first trip to Alaska — and how it changed him. The shocking scale of clam overharvesting and the black water years in the Indian River. How the Clam Project is filtering Florida’s waters and changing the future for fish, anglers, a

Wesley Brough — better known as Cabo Surf Caster — has been fishing the beaches of Baja for over 25 years. From trophy roosterfish to monster Pacific cubera snapper and mahi right from the sand, Wesley has dialed in one of the most unique surf fisheries in the world. In this conversation, we talk about Baja’s seasons, species behavior, lure tactics, guiding in Cabo, and what makes land-based fishing so addictive. Wesley also shares the behind-the-scenes strategy behind his epic social media clips that get millions of views. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: How Baja’s beaches have changed — and where the fish still thrive The seasonal game plan from January to December for multiple species The insane story of landing a 73-pound Pacific cubera snapper on a surface lure Roosterfish “Godzilla mode” and how to time your cast perfectly The thrill (and heartbreak) of hooking big mahi from shore 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Growing Up in Cabo 06:45

Jameson Reeder Jr. is a shark attack survivor, amputee, surfer, and one of the most courageous young men I’ve ever spoken with. At just 10 years old, Jameson was attacked by a 9-foot bull shark while snorkeling in the Florida Keys. What followed was a miraculous chain of events involving strangers, a nurse who swam through shark-infested waters, a faster boat, and a powerful spiritual encounter that Jameson says saved his life. He and his father Jamon recount the entire journey in their new book, Rescue at the Reef. In this conversation, we talk about trauma, faith, family, facing your fears, and how this young man chose purpose over fear—and joy over bitterness. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: The unbelievable moment Jameson said, “Jesus is going to save me,” moments after losing his leg Jamon’s impossible decision to hand off his son to a stranger on a faster boat Jameson’s vision of Jesus and the peace that carried him through the ride back The family’s return t

Jonathan Gluck is an award-winning writer and editor who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 38 and given just 18 months to live. Over 21 years later, he joins Tom to share how fishing helped him survive, how mindset plays into healing, and why he wrote An Exercise in Uncertainty. This episode covers purpose, parenting, diagnosis, remission, resilience, and how to live when you don't know how much time you have left. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend, rate the show, and stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations. Tune in to hear this inspiring story and learn from John's experiences. You can also buy Jonathan’s book, “An Exercise in Uncertainty” wherever books are sold.  00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:18 Fishing in Idaho and Jackson 00:47 The Glory Days of Fishing 01:16 Challenges of the Salmon Fly Hatch 02:54 Introducing the Book: An Exercise in Uncertainty 03:17 John's Illness and Diagnosis 03:51 Fishing as a Lifeline 04:47 Writing and Fishing Adventures 08:17 C

How Jake Hutchison Built a Career in Fishing and Social Media In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, I sit down with social media expert and fishing enthusiast Jake Hutcheson. Jake shares his unique journey from fishing in bass tournaments as a middle schooler to building custom rods and managing social media for Mudhole, a fishing rod company. Discover how growing out his hair became the best decision Jake made for his business development and hear his insights on using social media to drive sales and build a brand in the fishing industry. All of my other socials can be found here : https://linktr.ee/TomRowlandPodcast The Tom Rowland Podcast is presented by Star brite! Star brite is clean and protect with Star brite, a leading manufacturer of appearance, maintenance, and performance chemicals and accessories, serving the marine, RV, automotive, powersports, hardware, and home care industries for over 50 years. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and with its manufacturing plant in Montgomery, AL,

Over the last year, we got a little carried away trying to organize the podcast into its own channels and destinations. The idea was to make things easier, but I realize now—it just created more confusion. That’s on us. And I really appreciate your patience. So here’s what we’re doing to fix it: ✅ Every single episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast is now back where it belongs (Saltwater Experience YouTube Channel) ✅ We’ve built organized playlists so you can find exactly what you’re looking for — Full Lengths, How-To Tuesdays, Physical Fridays, Behind the Scenes, and more. From Here Forward…this is home!

I have followed Mark Quartiano who is better known as Mark The Shark for a couple of years. To say that Mark is controversial is an understatement. Mark seems to relish the role as the bad boy of Sportfishing and referred to himself as the Darth Vader of Sportfishing. This was interesting to me because he also seems to have a lot of kind of contrary opinions and actions to being the badboy. For example, Mark has no problem killing big sharks and posting the pictures on Instagram, however after talking to him for a while I also learned that he has tagged more sharks than anyone in the world. He doesn't just kill sharks for no reason, they are sent to biologists or he takes them to the homeless shelter. I wanted to learn more about what made him tick so I took a chance and sent him a message. To my surprise, he responded right away and we set up the podcast even though he didn't know what a podcast was. When I met him at his iconic office in Miami it was literally jammed with shark jaws, pictures st

This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andy Strelcheck, NOAA's Southeast Regional Fisheries Administrator. We talked about everything from fisheries regulations to data collection methods.  Andy provided a ton of insight into how NOAA works with state agencies like the FWC, the challenges of managing both commercial and recreational fisheries, and even delved into the complexities of assessing the Southeast's favorite—red snapper.  We also discussed innovations in data collection, the importance of using descending devices, and how to get involved in fisheries management councils and advisory panels. If you care about our ocean’s fish populations and sustainable fishing practices, this is a must-listen!  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 NOAA's Role and Public Perception 01:48 Goals and Collaboration with State Authorities 04:08 Data Collection Challenges 06:24 Commercial vs. Recreational Data Collection 07:24 Release Mortality and Observation Methods 10:33 Regul

In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, I sit down with Captain David Cohen to discuss the intricacies of tarpon fishing in Miami.  David shares his experiences over seven years of full-time guiding, providing insights on how fishing has evolved and the techniques he's found most effective. From the importance of using the right hook and leader lengths to the invaluable role of a trolling motor, David offers a wealth of knowledge.  We also delve into the challenges of maintaining physical fitness as a fishing guide, the competitiveness of the Miami fishing scene, and the nuances of using platforms like Fishing Booker for marketing.  Tune in for an in-depth conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a deep passion for the sport. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:27 Fishing in Miami: A Seven-Year Journey 01:18 Tarpon Fishing Techniques and Strategies 03:42 The Art of Hooking and Fighting Tarpon 06:41 Maximizing Success with Multiple Rods 10:48 Advanced Techniques and Clien

In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, I sit down with Harley Van Henning, better known as Gnarley Harley, to delve into his unique journey into the world of fish printing.  Harley shares how his mother's formal art training influenced his creative path and how his love for the ocean and surfing shaped his artistic focus.  We discuss the intricate process of fish printing, the challenges of working with different species, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.  Harley also offers advice for aspiring artists and reflects on his experiences traveling and painting fish around the world. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of art, nature, and passion. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:28 Harley's Artistic Journey 01:33 The Influence of Harley's Mother 02:17 The Personal Nature of Art 07:52 Balancing Art and Marketing 13:56 Growing Up in Destin 16:01 Harley's Early Career and Podcasting 23:35 Discovering Gyotaku Art 37:29 The Impact of Fish Printin

In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, I sit down with international angler Leanne Powell, who recently set a world record for bass fishing. Leanne shares her intriguing journey into fishing, which began at a young age and became a serious pursuit after significant personal losses in 2015.  We discuss her life between the U.S. and the Middle East, her experiences with tournament fishing, and the unique challenges and triumphs of being a woman in male-dominated sports like fishing and car racing. Leanne also highlights her aspirations for future tournaments, the importance of perseverance, and her goal to inspire others through her passion for fishing.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, ambition, and the love for angling. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:28 Leanne's Early Fishing Journey 01:21 Fishing Adventures in the Middle East 05:57 Transition to Tournament Fishing 08:42 Racing and Mechanic Work 15:45 Life in Texas and Fishing Tournaments 25:36 World Record

In this episode, I sit down with Captain Tony Young from Forever Young Charter Company, who recently completed the grueling Keys 100 race. We dive into Tony's inspiration to run a 100-mile race, his training regimen, and how he balances his demanding life as one of the top charter captains in the Florida Keys.  Tony shares the profound experiences and challenges he faced during the race and how ultrarunning has impacted his approach to his business and life.  We also get insights into the operations of Forever Young Charters, its rapid growth, and the specialized fishing and diving trips they offer. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with motivation, dedication, and a peek into the extraordinary life of Captain Tony Young. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:19 Tony's First 100-Mile Race Experience 00:58 The Journey to Ultra Running 02:09 Forever Young Charters: A Growing Business 03:50 Balancing Work and Training 08:48 Training and Nutrition for Ultra Marathons 17:47 The Mental and P

In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, I sit down with Enrique Zapata, a record-holder for multiple pull-up endurance challenges. Enrique opens up about his journey from battling serious health issues, including obesity, hypertension, and panic attacks, to transforming his life by breaking pull-up records.  He shares the physical and mental struggles he faced along the way, the inspiration he drew from David Goggins, and the scientific approach he takes to optimize his performance.  We also delve into Enrique's training regimen, the sacrifices he's had to make, and his future goals to inspire others. Tune in to hear Enrique's incredible story of resilience and determination. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:38 Enrique's Pull-Up Records and Motivation 01:32 Personal Transformation Journey 03:53 Mindset and Overcoming Doubts 06:38 Training and Techniques 11:29 Challenges and Sacrifices 14:00 Scientific Approach to Training 21:29 Preparing for the Record Attempt 34:25 Dealing with Pa

Bill Golden, the founder of Golden Boat Lifts, shares his journey from moving to Florida in 1980 to building a global empire in the boat lift industry.  Bill discusses his innovative approach to manufacturing, his commitment to quality and customer service, and how he turned his initial experience with a welding machine into a successful business.  Highlights include his insights on industry challenges, the importance of listening to customers, and exciting new developments like a hurricane-resistant boat lift cover. Bill's passion for innovation and excellence shines through as he explains how he's maintained a thriving business for over 40 years. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:17 Ocala's Horse Country and Rock the Country Event 01:22 Golden Boat Lifts Facility Tour 01:41 Bill Golden's Journey into the Boat Lift Business 02:32 Innovations and Manufacturing Processes 04:45 Global Expansion and Unique Installations 07:46 Challenges and Innovations in Boat Lift Design 23:01 Freestanding and

I sit down with Ryan Johnston, a fly fishing guide with 22 years of experience and the founder of Cast Hope. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey of guiding across Northern California, Idaho, and Montana while discussing the evolution of his career and the impact of the 'A River Runs through it' movie on the fly fishing industry.  We explore Ryan's inspiring work with Cast Hope, a nonprofit organization that uses fly fishing to empower underserved youth. Ryan also recounts heartwarming and transformational stories from his guiding experiences, including mentoring a young guide who now works in Idaho.  This episode is packed with engaging tales and invaluable insights into the world of guiding and giving back through the sport we love. Tune in to hear how Ryan's personal experiences and passion for fly fishing have made a difference both on and off the water! 00:00 Introduction and Quick Turnaround 00:43 Guiding in Montana and Idaho 01:43 Memories of the South Fork 06:04 First Guided Trip Exper

I sit down with Steve Kantner, famously known as the 'Land Captain'. Steve shares everything from his 30-year career as a fishing guide in South Florida to incredible stories of close encounters with wildlife, including an attack by a Florida panther. From discussing the introduction and impact of exotic fish species to recounting memorable adventures on the Tamiami Trail, Steve's tales are both riveting and informative. If you're interested in fishing, wildlife, and an insight into the life of an experienced guide, this is a must watch.

In this episode, I sit down with Emanuel Williams, an avid jet ski fisherman and social media creator, to discuss his unique journey in the fishing world.  Emanuel shares how his passion for fishing developed from childhood outings with his dad in Florida to adventurous deep-sea escapades on a SeaDoo.  We dive into his incredible experiences, including catching giant fish like swordfish and cobias, exploring The Bahamas, and navigating the challenges of offshore fishing.  Emanuel also talks about his social media journey, favorite platforms, and future plans, including his new 27-foot Sea Lion boat. Don't miss this exciting and insightful conversation with one of the most innovative fishing content creators around! 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:18 Early Fishing Adventures 00:36 Jet Ski Fishing Journey Begins 01:09 Growing Up in Florida 01:25 Fishing with Family 02:57 Offshore Fishing Challenges 05:12 Safety Measures and Close Calls 10:07 Fishing in The Bahamas 20:03 Social Media Journey 28:55 Full-T