Between the Levees

Miguel Spinola's full length episode debuts Saturday, 10/5 @ 06:00. In this clip, we cover a question I missed in our main interview, and he comments a bit on the experience interviewing with me here on the show. Stay tuned!

Recorded on July 14, semi-retired Steam Engineer Mark Veum joins me to share memories of some previous podcast guests who'd made up a cast of characters that converged aboard the storied AMERICAN QUEEN. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and still living there today, Mark tells stories of time spent on vessels sailing the Great Lakes, some others down in the Gulf of Mexico, and a few in the passenger vessel industry cruising up and down the western rivers of the United States. We also discuss a few literary efforts of his, one upon which I may well be working with him next year. Hope you enjoy it. Season of the Witch: A Great Lakes Shipwreck Tale https://www.amazon.com/Season-Witch-Great-Lakes-Shipwreck/dp/0595216323

Recorded on June 23, another New Yorker joins me on the show whose father was a longshoreman on Staten Island. Frank Rivera found himself in boot camp for his 18th birthday looking to become a United States Marine, two decades later he'd become Watchman and Riverlorian on the AMERICAN QUEEN, and is now driving delivery trucks in his semi-retirement. He joins me to discuss his early life in a northeast fishing town, his adventures in the Marine Corps that began in the late 80s, and he talks us through 20 years of service in the US Military, his introduction to the passenger vessel industry, some challenges he faced in the meantime, and his life as a part of the mighty AMERICAN QUEEN's rich and fabled history. As her Riverlorian, he researched, trained, and lectured about the lore and history that so defined the memory of that ill-fated and much-loved vessel.

Charlie and I wrap up a few more questions from last week's episode. He shares some additional insights on his experiences a few years back that led him to his current place in life, how the "good old days" weren't necessarily all that good, and he tells me about Captain Brian Hamilton and the great memories he has of working with him and paying him a visit some years ago. Captain Brian: if you're out there and want to get on the show, please get in touch with me at whereyatstudiosllc@gmail.com

Recorded on June 9, Mr. John Fox joins me on the show to talk through his time in the industry from washing barges for SCNO Barge Line to dispatching liquids for ACBL and beyond. His 45 years mostly in shoreside roles has developed in him an appreciation and respect for the industry that supports our way of life, and the people out there on the water that make it all happen.

Charlie joins me again to update us on his life and an array of developing opportunities. He covers, among other things, his physical and mental health, religion, morality, wants and goals, as well as the Veterans Administration and the potential for detox, rehabilitation, and recovery. It's a long one, so buckle up and hear him out. The first 42 minutes or so were recorded with a not so great connection that ended up dropping, but the two hours that follow didn't face those issues. Another (much shorter) round with him will publish next week.

Recorded on June 14, Captain David Dorrell joins me on the show to talk through a storied career in the maritime industry from chemical tows to international shipping. His career began in 1973 with Houston Barge Line and proceeded over the years to see time with Higman, Blessey, Southern, Martin, Crowley, and Florida Marine Transporters. He shares stories from the decades spent out there on the water and through a career that has, hopefully, not yet stood its last watch.

Charlie joins me once again to get caught up on his life as of late. We begin with a discussion about this podcast, and then he talks about his mother, his health, and the trials and tribulations he's endured while looking for (and finding) some help over the last few months.

Captain William Wright joins me on the show to talk through the usual questions. He's been with Blessey since 2008 and isn't looking back. He discusses his journey to the industry, time on deck, then as a tankerman, and finally in the wheelhouse.

Katelyn Banister joins me finally on the show. I found out about her from Captain James Edwards about a year ago and learned a little more on Facebook when I published the episode with Kim Bockman. Katelyn chronicles her life and experience so far, a few years of which she spent cooking for the boys out there on the water.