In this episode, William Henry interviews Tom Cramer, Director of Operations for Fishing the Good Fight, about the transformative power of fly fishing and community in supporting men's mental health. They explore the origins, structure, and impact of retreats that combine nature, therapy, and peer support to foster healing and connection.
Guest Information
- Guest Name: Tom Cramer
- Bio: From a life-changing start at YMCA Camp Minikani in Milwaukee, WI, Tom has dedicated his career to creating transformative experiences. His path has included serving as an AmeriCorps member at Playworks-Wisconsin and leadership roles at YMCA Camp Minikani and Northwest Catholic School. Driven by a passion for equity, he co-founded and led Project Kindred for seven years, fostering community and leadership among diverse youth. Now, as Director of Operations at Fishing the Good Fight, Tom applies his firsthand knowledge of experiential learning and community to expand the program’s impact on men’s well-being.
Links:
Website: fishingthegoodfight.org
Instagram: @fishingthegoodfight
Facebook: Fishing The Good Fight
Key Topics
- Origins of Fishing the Good Fight
- The three-pronged approach: fly fishing, community, and therapy
- Barriers and stigma faced by men in seeking mental health support
- The impact of community and vulnerability in healing
- The structure and experience of retreats
- Psychological benefits of fly fishing and nature
- Maintaining community beyond retreats
- How retreats foster safety and vulnerability
- Volunteer and participant experiences and stories
Host & Show Info
- Host Name: William Henry, LCSW
- About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY.
- Website: riverstonementalhealth.com
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer:
The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.
