The show shares real stories of dads raising confident, outdoor-loving daughters, as well as women reflecting on who first opened the door to the wild for them. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartfelt — always authentic.
Each episode invites listeners into those formative moments that spark a lifelong love of nature — highlighting the mentors, mishaps, triumphs, and memories that shape who we become.
Small Starts, Big Impact — Debbie Hanson on Fishing, Guiding, and Giving Back
What does a little girl digging worms on a glacial lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula have to do with changing lives in Southwest Florida? Everything.
This week on the Girl Dad Outdoors Podcast, Greg sits down with Debbie Hanson — award-winning outdoor writer, former ESPN radio show host, professional freshwater fishing guide, and current Community Outreach Director for the Freedom Waters Foundation in Naples, Florida.
Debbie's story starts exactly where the best ones do — with a grandfather who never once thought twice about taking his granddaughter fishing. Those summers on a lake in the U.P. shaped everything that followed. And what followed is remarkable.
In this episode, Debbie and Greg dig into:
How early outdoor experiences shape kids for life — and why it doesn't have to be a big adventure to make a big difference
What nine years of guiding taught her about parents, kids, and managing expectations on the water
The Freedom Waters Foundation's Heels & Reels program — putting at-risk teenage girls on the water, many for the very first time, and watching their confidence transform in a single day
Why the water heals — and the science that backs it up
Her simple, powerful advice for any dad who wants a stronger bond with his daughter
This one will hit you right in the chest. If you've ever wondered whether the small moments matter — Debbie Hanson is your answer.
🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
🙏 Thank you to our sponsors:
St. Croix Rods — Handcrafted rods built for serious anglers. stcroixrods.com (http://stcroixrods.com)
Seviin Reels — Performance reels engineered to perform when it counts. seviinreels.com (http://seviinreels.com)
American Sportfishing Association— Advocates for the future of fishing in America. asafishing.org (http://asafishing.org)
🙌 HELP US HELP THEM
The Freedom Waters Foundation's Heels & Reels program puts at-risk teenage girls on the water — many for the very first time. Every dollar goes toward t-shirts, fishing rods, lunch, sunscreen, and sunglasses for girls who don't have the means to provide them for themselves. Small donations make a huge difference.
👉 Donate here: freedomwatersfoundation.org/donate (http://freedomwatersfoundation.org/donate)
27 May 2026
Captain Leiza Fitzgerald — Breaking Barriers on the Water
She was one of the first female saltwater fishing captains in Tampa Bay. She competed on the professional redfish tournament circuit as part of the first all-female team to qualify for a national championship — finishing in the top 10 out of nearly 250 mostly male teams. And after 30 years, she's still on the water. Captain Leiza Fitzgerald joins Greg at the stunning waterfront of Farlow's on the Water in Englewood, FL for an inspiring conversation.
Leiza opens up about what it took to carve out a career in a world that wasn't built for her — navigating sponsorships, single motherhood, saltwater stigmas, and a tournament circuit that didn't know what to do with two women who just kept catching fish. She shares the marketing genius that helped her outsell her male counterparts for sponsors, why she never wore a bikini on a tournament boat, and how that decision is the reason she's still thriving three decades later.
But at the heart of this conversation is something every Girl Dad will feel deeply — the unbreakable bond between a parent and a child built one fishing trip at a time. From her dad being her very first charter client (and nearly getting her in trouble over an oversized redfish) to her 29-year-old son who still joins her every opening morning of turkey season, Leiza leaves us with a reminder that echoes long after the lines are reeled in: it's never really about the fish.
This episode is brought to you by St. Croix Rods and Seviin Reels — two of the most trusted names in fishing. We're also proud to be supported by the American Sportfishing Association, whose advocacy work protects the access and conservation that make stories like Leiza's possible for the next generation of anglers. And a special thank you to the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau for welcoming us to one of Florida's most breathtaking fishing destinations. We are grateful for the support of all three in making this conversation possible.
29 Apr 2026
Raised by a Legend: Karlee Winkelman on Growing Up as Babe's Daughter and Finding Her Own Voice
In this episode of Girl Dad Outdoors, host Greg Thompson sits down with Karlee Winkelman — daughter of outdoor legend Babe Winkelman and a lifelong hunter, angler, and outdoor media personality in her own right. Karlee grew up with a fishing rod in hand almost from birth, tagging along on hunts as an infant and traveling across North America with her family for decades of wild adventures.
But this conversation goes deeper than just the fish stories. Karlee opens up about what it was like being raised by a father who made the outdoors his life's mission — and how those early experiences shaped who she became. She talks honestly about the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, the power of authentic storytelling in outdoor media, and what she believes girl dads do that makes all the difference.
If you're a father trying to pass on a love of hunting and fishing to your daughter, this one is for you.
Topics covered:
Growing up as Babe Winkelman's daughter — and stepping out of that shadow
Her first memories of hunting and fishing with her dad
What girl dads do right (and what they sometimes get wrong)
Being a woman in the outdoor industry: challenges and evolution
How authentic outdoor experiences build confident, capable daughters
Her work in outdoor media and content creation
19 Mar 2026
Family Adventures in Nature: A Conversation with Christine Peterson
In this episode of the Girl Dad Outdoors podcast, host Greg Thompson speaks with Christine Peterson, a seasoned journalist and outdoor enthusiast. Christine shares her journey from childhood camping trips in a Volkswagen bus to her current life as a mother and outdoor advocate. The conversation explores the importance of integrating children into outdoor activities, the balance of family adventures, and the lessons learned from childhood experiences that shape parenting today. Christine emphasizes the need to make outdoor experiences fun and engaging for kids, ensuring they develop a love for nature and outdoor activities.
24 Feb 2026
Cultivating Conservation Leaders: A Father's Journey with Land Tawney
In this episode of the Girl Dad Outdoors podcast, host Greg Thompson speaks with Land Tawney, a dedicated conservationist and father, about his journey in conservation and the importance of instilling outdoor values in the next generation. Tawney shares personal stories of his upbringing in Montana, the influence of his parents, and how he has carried on their legacy with his own children. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of parenting, the impact of technology on outdoor experiences, and the significance of engaging youth in conservation efforts. Tawney emphasizes the need for advocacy in protecting natural spaces and encourages parents to create meaningful outdoor experiences for their children.
27 Jan 2026
The Art of Balancing Fatherhood and Outdoor Adventures
In this episode, Scott Mackenthun joins the podcast to share his path from growing up as a farm kid in Minnesota to building a career in fisheries and outdoor education. Scott talks candidly about fatherhood, raising daughters who love the outdoors, and finding the balance between teaching skills and giving kids the freedom to explore on their own. He reflects on how hunting, fishing, and camping create lasting family memories, why choice matters in outdoor experiences, and how technology can be a helpful tool rather than a distraction. From turkey hunting as a gateway to the outdoors to camping trips that strengthen family bonds, this conversation highlights how early experiences can spark a lifelong connection to nature.
27 Jan 2026
Owning the Story: Building a Life in Outdoor Storytelling
In this episode of the Girl Dad Outdoor Podcast, host Greg Thompson sits down with Emmy award-winning journalist Kris Millgate to talk about her 20-year journey in outdoor storytelling. From leaving network news to founding Tightline Media, Kris shares what it means to own your narrative, build a career on passion, and tell meaningful stories about wildlife and natural resources. She offers candid advice for aspiring journalists—especially women—reflects on how time outdoors with her father shaped her grit, and explains why getting kids outside matters more than ever. Throughout the conversation, Kris highlights the significance of engaging children in outdoor activities, fostering their curiosity, and ensuring they understand the importance of nature. The episode culminates in Kris sharing some of her projects, including a documentary on salmon migration, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of her work in the field.
19 Jan 2026
Connecting Through the Outdoors: A Journey with Lindsay Persico
In this episode of the Girl Dad Outdoors podcast, host Greg Thompson interviews Lindsay Persico, a veteran of Alone the Beast and a passionate advocate for outdoor experiences. Lindsay shares her journey of growing up in an outdoor-driven family, the importance of fostering a love for nature in her children, and the lessons learned from her own childhood experiences. The conversation delves into the significance of building confidence through outdoor activities, the challenges of modern parenting, and the importance of gun safety education for kids. Lindsay emphasizes the need for parents to connect with their children by meeting them where they are and nurturing their individual interests, ultimately leading to a deeper bond and shared experiences in the great outdoors.
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