Between the Levees

Three old retirees get together to reminisce about where they came from, where we are today, and where we're headed. From the old times in the 70s up into the 20s, we hear about the industry and the people that run it, some recent US history, politics, and life in old age looking back on things past and present. All three have been on my channel in various capacities over the years. I do my best to stay out of the way. More to come next week.

"First Mate Hard Times" hops on the show this week to discuss his path through life that began in Indiana in the 1970s. His family was well-known in the area having founded, owned, and operated Adams Oil for the local farming community. Following his parents divorce and a separation from his brother, he ran away from home at 14 years old and began to struggle with the law. He spent 25 of his 50 years on this Earth behind bars having battled issues with anger, violence, and an array of substances. When he got out of prison for the final time in 2018, he met Tom McPherson and found his way into the industry with Evansville Marine, Excel Marine, and Western Rivers. Since then, he's worked for a few smaller operations, relocated to Port Allen, La, and is looking for a local gig to call home. His life is guided these days by a committed faith and moral compass realized alongside a Christian ethos. We'll do this again one day soon to have a more in-depth look at his maritime career.

Clay Adams joins me on the show this week to discuss the life and times of "First Mate Hard Times." In this short intro, he discusses his social media presence, family, work, and faith.

From Louisville, Kentucky, former CEO Mr. Mike Hagan joins me with a previous podcast guest and associate of his, Mr. Jim Fox, to chat about industry history and development. Starting out after college as a management trainee with ACBL, Mr. Hagan reminisces about dispatch back in the 70s, Mr. Joe Bobzien, efforts over the years to improve accounting and dispatch systems, the advent of technology onboard vessels, the rampant overbuilding of the barge fleet across the industry in the late 70s and early 80s, and the Russian grain embargo that put Brazil and Argentina in the grain business.We also hear about the acquisition of Texas Gas (and it's subsidiary, ACL) by the CSX Railroad, antitrust litigation, John Snow, a business venture in South America, a new quality program, Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Mr. Hagan's journey to retirement thereafter. It's a long one, but it tracks history from a rare perspective and set of life experiences. Pause as necessary, but come back to it! Enjoy!

Interim Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana, Mr. Brian Cox, joins me to talk through a career in stevedoring that began in 1999 on the dock in New Orleans with Coastal Cargo as a clerk, eventually leading him to assume a vessel supervisor role, and then a jump to Associated Terminals at their brand new Globalplex facility in 2005. As opportunity would have it, he stepped into operations and management roles with the Port of South Louisiana in 2017, and, since August of 2025, has served as the Interim Executive Director. Please check out our sponsor at https://portsl.com/

The Sultana Disaster, pt. 3

By: Capt. Lee Hendrix (Ret.)

https://towboatcaptain.substack.com/p/out-out-brief-candle

To support his efforts and check out more, head to his Substack. You can subscribe for FREE!

The Sultana Disaster, pt. 2By: Capt. Lee Hendrix (Ret.)https://towboatcaptain.substack.com/p/a-deadly-schemeTo support his efforts and check out more, head to his Substack. You can subscribe for FREE!

The Sultana Disaster, pt. 1By: Capt. Lee Hendrix (Ret.)https://towboatcaptain.substack.com/p/the-cross-of-deathTo support his efforts and check out more, head to his Substack. You can subscribe for FREE!

Connected on the river back in the 90s, a pair of old retired river men join me to catch up on life these days and reminisce about their careers and the days long ago. From meeting at Kinder's Restaurant with Adrian Hargrove and Popeye to sitting across the aisle from one another in court, their careers ran in tandem over the years. Ol' Sam takes over the interview in stride and I settle comfortably into their meandering trips downriver as we float through the decades with them. We hear about legal proceedings with which they were both involved, safety and the expectations of deck crew, and a disconnect evident in the crews of today relative to the standards of the past. We'll probably do this again sometime.

Born in 1949 in poverty, Capt. Lee Hendrix stumbled into the industry and found himself on a grand adventure that spanned a great many years. We hear about his early life growing up in St. Louis, his first boat, the M/V HAVANA ZEPHYR (now the mighty MERLIN BANTA), the good old days, the ill-fated steamer AMERICAN QUEEN, and the Army Corps' M/V MISSISSIPPI. His wealth of experience and connections is unmatched.