Between the Levees

Leadman Cole Bizwell runs up and downriver on the M/V JOHN D ROBERTS with Ingram Barge. He's five generations deep in the industry, and his family ran a company some out there may remember. We discuss his childhood and the upbringing that brought him into aviation, and his fateful decision to pursue a career on the water. He's been out here for about three years now, and it looks like many will follow.

Jonathan Jackson, a crane supervisor for Associated Terminals, joins me on the show to talk through his early life in the Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas as well as his journey into the industry with a short stint working for a contractor at AEP's Convent Wash Dock that led him to Associated Terminals first on deck, then running cranes, and now into Operations Management. It's a great chat with a local that may develop into something new for my YouTube Channel.

"Big Dave" joins us back on the show to reminisce about careers and past associations he and Charlie survived together. Sounds yet again like these guys had a pretty good time in life. I'm not much needed here, but surely enjoyed it.

For the new Kulage and Friends series I'll be producing on my channel, Charlie and I get caught up on last week's release and banter a bit waiting on his old friend and partner in crime, Captain David Raines...To learn more about Captain Raines, please check out his full-length episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Hq87XJZc2nkG2cRuBVCp6?si=ikeQ6rlsT4iFur1d3g0MYAAnd to learn more about Charlie, we'll have almost 18 hours published here before long with more to come, so grab a favorite beverage and a favorite snack. Join us.

Charlie joins me again after six long months. He chronicles at length his journey into Recovery that continues through today in sober living and daily attendance in groups. This one's just over 3 hours long, and I'd ask that you watch and listen start to finish in as many sessions as may be necessary. For the next episode in two weeks, Capt. David Raines (Ep. 95 - https://youtu.be/id0DIkZ1eZ4?si=OCdCEqPsK6DJITFN) joins Charlie and me to get caught up on old times. I'm not much needed for that one!

We travel down memory lane again with Captain Rudy Ward as he shares stories about past associates and friends from a long career including, among others, Robert Thompson, Andrew McKinney, Jeremy Frazer, John Gentry, and Charles Strait. He also touches a bit on the Coast Guard, OSHA regulations, and those pesky shoreside folks.

Captain Greg "P-nut" Whittington joins me on the show to talk through his time on waterways across the United States as well as the trials and tribulations that persist out there for mariners related to mental health and coping with the towboat lifestyle. He's discovered a way through the challenges he's faced with depression when he picked up a banjo fairly recently and began sharing his life through song.

Captain Joey Swords joins me to talk through his career and experiences from a furniture factory in Mississippi to a week-long deckhand school, placement with Magnolia Marine, a deck position with Artco, and a chance in the wheelhouse at Jantran. His twenty-year career has seen time on most every river, but nearly ten years later with Jantran, he is one of a handful running the Arkansas.

Closing out Season 2 of the show, Capt. Rudy Ward joins me to share memories of a 50-year career out there on the water. From making $12.50 a day in the mid-70s when minimum wage was about $2/hour to the pilot house, Pilots Agree and beyond, he recalls a few stories about life on the water back then and on through to the present day. His illustrious career brought him to work for a ton of companies on nearly every waterway that supported barging, and he maintains a positive outlook on the industry he may well have left behind for good when he stopped off a vessel a few months back. I hope to host him again on the new show next year. Thanks for staying tuned!

Quick update on Charlie and what he's been up to lately. We'll see him again, I'd imagine, sometime early next year.

Quick update on things.

From St. Augustine, Florida, aboard the S/V Seeker, Mr. Doug Jackson joins me on the show to discuss the adventures that shaped his life from childhood through today. He chronicles his early travels across the southern border of the United States, to Columbia and West Africa, and all across the southwest region of his home country. He eventually landed in North Tulsa, Oklahoma well into an IT career when he had an idea to build a boat. For about 13 years in his front yard in Tulsa, a triple-masted 74' Chinese junk rigged sailboat, the S/V Seeker, "the boat the internet built," slowly came together. We touch a fair amount on his journey downriver and the ongoing project that has become a lifestyle. If you haven't already, check him out... - www.youtube.com/@UCj_XaV1ss-qdD-lPUtTEcXw - svseeker.com - facebook.com/groups/svseeker - etsy.com/shop/svseeker

Mr. Doug Jackson joins me on the show this week to discuss the ongoing project that took over his life many years ago. He is the owner and builder of the SV Seeker, a triple-masted Chinese junk rig sailboat, that came together over many years in his front yard in North Tulsa. In this short introduction to him and his project, among other things, he discusses the building process, the boat's specifications, and the help he's had along the way, including, not least of them, Captain Brandon Phillips who has appeared on the show a few times now and introduced us to make this happen. Check out his website and socials to follow the ongoing journey: - svseeker.com - facebook.com/groups/svseeker - etsy.com/shop/svseeker

Kannon Brown joins me on the show to chat through his life and career thus far, and his involvement in the Maritime Throwdown program his father, Kenny, created a few years ago. Kenny hops on as well to chat about the 2024 Wildcard Qualifier that took place at Workboat in New Orleans, and some updates about his program. If you missed it, you can check out the exclusive livestream (not great) of the MTD Wildcard Qualifier competition here: https://youtube.com/live/ytLiVPHbqEw?feature=share There are some audio quality issues on this one, but we'll try it again next year.

Harley East joined me at the Workboat Show in New Orleans last week. She discussed her life growing up with a father in the wheelhouse, her life today, and her involvement with Riverbank Professionals, the all-new crewing and social media platform created to connect mariners with companies and one another. Become a Pro today @ https://riverbankpro.com/ To watch the livestream of the Maritime Throwdown Wildcard Qualifier from the Workboat Show, please check it out @ https://www.youtube.com/live/ytLiVPHbqEw?si=n97zDBu3Yq6sLG06

Retired Captain David Greer joins me on the show yet again - this time to discuss some of the societal issues that have plagued our American history from the beginning - and of those, primarily, race. He covers his early life growing up in rural Mississippi, the emotionally charged 1960s, desegregation, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an assimilation within the towing industry in the late 70s and early 80s, professional advancement of minorities over the years, broadcast news of today, and the regulatory state created over the decades to keep big business in check. If you have any comments about the topics discussed in the episode, or if you have any additional questions for Capt. Greer, please track me down on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), YouTube, Spotify, or by email at whereyatstudiosllc@gmail.com.

Captain Dennis Springer II joins me on the show to share his story through life thus far. We hear about his familial history in the industry, a troubled childhood that found him emancipated and out of school by the age of 13, a 9-year prison term in young adulthood, and his journey into and through the industry thereafter with ample mention of a handful of previous podcast guests. He touches on the entrepreneurial efforts of Kenny Brown's "Maritime Throwdown," Gerald East's "Riverbank Professionals," mine with this show, and his own with a developing effort for the all new "Captain's Crew Service." All of these projects are by mariners for mariners (if I may consider myself one rather than the "office puke" moniker by which I've been so often referred by a certain fleet pilot out there) and are striving to affect positive change in our industry today.

I'm joined by Mr. George Nelson Jr., a logistics planner (among other things) for Cooper Marine and Timberlands. We talk through his early life growing up around a coal terminal in Mobile, AL, his great grandfather's experience on paddlewheel steamers back in the day, his father's career, his first time on a towboat, and his journey through the industry to today.

Retired Captain David Greer joins me again on the show to talk through the changes he saw in the country, the industry, and the river, itself, over the decades he spent shoving cargo up and down the waterways of the Americas. He'll open up the new show, "The Merchant Mariner Podcast," in early January. The first series on the MMP will focus on the History of Steamboats in the United States. Between the Levees will continue as well as guests find time to sit down with me. Thanks for sticking around!

After a 35-year career that started in the early 70s as a watchman for SCNO Barge Line, Mr. Jim Fox joined the industry during college and was called back to it after a brief jaunt as a teacher. After ACBL acquired SCNO barge line, he found himself in Venezuela helping develop an improved river transportation system for their bauxite mine and alumina production facilities with a few previous guests from the show, went into Argentina for similar pursuits, and later found himself in Colombia surveying another waterway for Trafigura. Since leaving the industry, he spent time employed by the Minnesota Twins teaching English to the Spanish speakers on the team, and keeps busy chasing grandkids and family around Florida.

Joining me from Paducah, Kentucky, Miguel Spinola shares his incredible story. Born in Madeira off the coast of Portugal, he grew up near the water and was well acquainted with the local maritime industry there. At the ripe old age of 6, he moved with his family to London, England where his life would change for the better and for the worse. He eventually made his way overseas to the finest city on the planet, hot and humid just outside the Louis Armstrong International Airport, and soon found himself in shipyards renovating towboats. If not for carpentry and online video games, this story would have been very different. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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.

Pilot Trainee Karla Evans joins me on the show to discuss her unlikely career out there on the water. From the galley to the wheelhouse, Karla chats through life as a cook, about time spent and lessons learned on deck, and especially now, about her time at the sticks. She's steering for Captain Steve O'Ferrell whose episode debuted last week, and she hopes to be cut loose in January 2025.

Captain Steve O'Ferrell joins me on the show to discuss a career that kicked off in 1985 with Exxon's tankering service. His career took him thereafter to Canal Barge, MEMCO, AEP, ACBL, and most recently, ARTCO. He shares his thoughts on a few previous guests and one that's upcoming next week, his Steers(wo)man Karla Evans.

Retired Mate Steven "Bull" Graham stepped aboard his first vessel in 1989 with Agri-Trans. He remained with Artco following their acquisition of Agri-Trans in 1992 until his retirement in 2022. We discuss a number of experiences from a life on deck, the childhood that led him to the U.S. Navy, a transition to the boats where he was saved by the river, and a number of issues faced by the deck crews of today.

I'm joined on the show tonight by Steersman Leighton Loveless to discuss his developing career having worked for Cheryl K, Houston Fleeting Services (Ingram), and now Central Boat Rentals following around the one and only Kenny Brown. The Throwdown Champ also turns the tables on me at the end of this one. The future shows promise, my friends. Thanks for staying tuned.

Charlie joins me on the show again to catch up on life and talk through his present condition and situation as well as answer an unresolved question from our previous meetings. He shares some more sea stories from his time out there on the water, and we discuss a glimmer of hope for the present.

Recorded on June 7th of this year, freshly cut-loose Pilot Deon Luter joins me to discuss his young career and the opportunities he found in the industry. We talk through the usual questions, some symmetries in life experiences, and we present answers from a young pilot whose passion for the industry is clearly evident.

Joining me from Cairo on the M/V ARDYCE RANDALL, Captain Ty Matheny hops on again to talk more about his life and career in the context of comrades in arms that have been lost to father time, some more of his own experiences, and a few more memories of a career that is still floating downriver these days.

Captain Bert Suarez joins me on the show to discuss a busy and capable career that began in childhood riding steamboats in New Orleans in 1969. His life steered its way onto passenger vessels where his career began, and eventually, onto towboats. He had the honor recently to pilot the M/V AMERICAN QUEEN to her present dockage where she awaits an uncertain fate. We discuss the AQ in depth and chat about her future, and he shares stories about his 55 years on the river.

Author Boyce Upholt joins me on the show along with Retired Captain David Greer to discuss his upcoming book, "The Great River," due to release June 11, 2024. We address his introduction to the world between the levees paddling a canoe downriver, his time researching centuries of information to put this book together, and we hear in detail the trials and tribulations set forth by the engineering feats that maintain the Mighty Mississippi as a carrier of commerce to the rest of the world. To order your copy of "The Great River," check out... https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393867879

Aboard the M/V DARIN M. ADRIAN on the Lower, Captain David "Webbie" Webster, high Captain of the M/V DAVID L FIELDS with Marquette, joins me to discuss his 40-year career. From getting his start in the Port of Cincinnati to training the next generation in the wheelhouse, Captain "Webbie" has, indeed, been everywhere. Check him out on YouTube  @Davwbs  And look for him on Facebook with #whereiswebbie

Joining me from a shipyard on the Tennessee River, Chief Bill Shackelford talks through his 45 years out there on the water. From the National River Academy in Arkansas to the deck in St. Louis to the engine rooms of various vessels all across the industry, Chief Bill currently calls the M/V DANNY ETHERIDGE home for half the year.

Allison joins me again on the show to talk through the not-so-surprising numbers on my YouTube Channel since publishing our first visit, and she also addresses some of the feedback received thus far on Facebook in response to her episode.

Finally joining me on the podcast, Mrs. Allison Baley chronicles her journey through life and her exposure growing up to the water and the industries it supports. She later attended SUNY Maritime College and made her way into the industry first on passenger vessels that traveled throughout the inland rivers, the storied AMERICAN QUEEN among them, and more recently into the barging world aboard, primarily, the CRIMSON GEM at ARTCO. Follow her on Facebook and connect on LinkedIn to follow her adventures out there between the levees.

Retired Capt. Ted Davisson joins me at long last on the show to discuss his maritime career. Introduced to the industry by a Summer job through college, Ted found himself working on passenger vessels for a decade, becoming licensed, and eventually finding opportunity with the NOBRA Pilots Association. We discuss his career progression as well as one fateful morning aboard the M/V BRIGHTFIELD passing southbound through New Orleans in the mid 90s. We touch briefly also on the recent M/V DALI incident in Baltimore, some additional sea stories from a 50 year career, and a bit about this podcast.

Growing up on the waterfront in a family of longshoremen, Ken Eriksen became familiar with waterborne commerce in childhood. Finding his way through college and into graduate school and agricultural economics, his fascination and appreciation for the industry we all serve has grown over the years. He offers unique perspectives on issues facing the industry today, some global economic history, and will be speaking May 31, 2024 at the Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, TN.

John Esser joins Charlie and me on the show to chat about the years they spent on the water, having first met on the original M/V HARRY WADDINGTON (previously the LADY GLORIA) with MEMCO in the late 90s, the boys get caught up discussing Charlie's condition and opportunities for help, sea stories from the decades they floated down river, and a little bit more about this podcast.

Captain Jimmy Cheatham and Chief Engineer Tony Bowden from the M/V JOHN D NUGENT join me together on the show to talk through relationships built and experiences had out there on the water, to the present-day workforce, the substantial retirement of industry experience and expertise looming on the horizon, and the future of our industry just a few decades down the road.

Zack Doss joins me to discuss his young career, a recent incident in Port Arthur, TX, mariners' mental health, and the challenges inherent to the industry that can greatly affect life at home.

Captains Marcus and Ty Matheny join me on the show to share stories about some previous guests, their family history in the industry, their own experiences out there on the water, positive influences on their careers over the years, and a little bit about this podcast project.

Capt. Brandon Phillips discusses the podcast and the impact our first visit has had on his network of friends old and new. Hope you enjoyed round 2 with Brandon that published yesterday.