In this episode of Pieces of Impact, I sit down with Tom Rowland for a wide ranging conversation about building a life with intention. Tom shares how his path took him from Tennessee to becoming a fishing guide in Key West, and eventually into television, podcasting, and media.

We also dive into how media is changing. Tom shares his perspective on YouTube, streaming, sponsorships, and where fishing content is headed next. We explore emerging technology, from wearable devices and smart glasses to how AI is reshaping content creation and work itself. The conversation touches on fitness, presence, and learning to enjoy the process rather than rushing toward outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Tom Rowland's Journey

02:45 From Wrestling to Guiding: The Early Years

05:59 The Transition to Key West and Guiding Career

08:53 Building a Television Career in Fishing

12:05 Navigating Success and Fear of Success

15:05 Finding the Right Friends and Support

18:07 The Evolution of Podcasting and Media

20:58 Helping Others Achieve Their Goals

23:54 Overcoming Challenges and Defining Success

37:30 The Competitive Landscape of Redfish Tournaments 39:02 Understanding Sponsorships in Fishing

42:12 Building an Audience for Sponsorship Success

45:02 Transitioning from Tournaments to Television

46:30 The Importance of Being a Good Ambassador

50:01 Navigating Sponsorship Challenges

52:30 The Impact of Audience Growth on Personal Life 52:58 The Evolution of Media in Fishing

56:27 The Future of Content Creation and Technology 01:01:45 The Role of AI in the Fishing Industry

01:13:44 The Future of Work: Embracing Manual Labor 01:15:30 Fitness Journey: From Wrestling to CrossFit 01:27:39 The Evolution of Training: CrossFit and Beyond 01:34:25 Finding Happiness in the Journey

01:42:25 Wisdom and Influence: The Value of Your Audience