Podcast | Giancarlo Lawrence on the freedom of fly fishing

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.

A man in a black “Tacoma” hat smiles as a woman speaks to him

Giancarlo Lawrence speaking with Out & Back host Alison Mariella Désir. (Sarah Hall)

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. 


Subscribe to the Out & Back podcast on SpotifyApple Podcasts, Amazon or wherever you listen.


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.

Topics:

About the Hosts