The angler known as The Black Stonefly was raised in the city. But now he's on a mission to get more Black people into the outdoors.

Fly fishing changed Giancarlo Lawrence’s life. He says it has healed him and inspired him to become more self-sufficient. And, he says, he believes it can do the same thing for Black people like him, who are currently underrepresented in the sport.

Growing up between the suburban and urban areas of the South Puget Sound region, Lawrence had little exposure to the outdoors growing up. Now his love of fly fishing has led him to more outdoor pursuits – such as mushroom foraging, gardening and hunting – and a role as an advocate for a life that is more connected to nature.

For this episode of the Out & Back podcast, host Alison Mariella Désir talks with Lawrence about his journey to the outdoors, his passion for cooking and his vision of liberation and self-sufficiency for Black people.

Then he gives Désir her first fly fishing lesson, leading the city-loving host to consider a different life.

Before listening, we suggest you watch the episode about Giancarlo Lawrence here.

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Credits

Host: Alison Mariella Désir

Producer: Brooklyn Jamerson-Flowers

Executive producer: Mark Baumgarten

Audio production: Bryce Adolphson, Sarah Hall

Audio support: Resti Bagcal, Seth Halleran, Sara Bernard