Drifting

Billy Durney is no stranger to adversity. Built during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Billy’s beloved Hometown Bar-B-Que restaurant is not only everyone’s favorite BBQ spot in the Northeast – it’s also a symbol of hope and perseverance. Now with Covid-19 threatening not only Hometown Bar-B-Que, but the restaurant industry as a whole, Billy discusses with JT the current state of the industry and how people can navigate getting back on their feet.

There are several world-famous guitar players hailing from Austin, TX, but perhaps none more consistent and versatile than Charlie Sexton. From his solo success in the 80s, to his affiliation with everyone from Joe Ely, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan - Charlie discusses his rich history full of colorful characters and musical highs and lows.

JT and Grahame connect for a good conversation discussing their shared passion for Texas conservation, looking back on some of Grahame’s proudest career moments before he retires, and the importance of getting kids outside.

Originally from Northern Alabama, Jason Isbell is an acclaimed writer and musician now living in Nashville – a place for which he and JT share a common connection. His current success as a solo artist is hard-earned, and comes after some time spent as the guitarist for Drive-By Truckers. In this conversation, JT and Jason discuss the current state of the music industry in the midst of a global pandemic, the ghosts and mythology of Nashville, misconceptions of The South, talk about Jason’s equally talented wife - Amanda Shires.

JT catches up with the legendary Conrad Anker, discussing the global impact of the Coronavirus, the role of empathy, and what it means to be human.

A few old fishing pals get together on this episode of Drifting. JT is joined by Carter Andrews in Vero Beach, FL and Cpt. Moe Newman in Venice, Louisiana, with her husband Eric. Tune in for their discussion of the issues impacting their respective environments and the importance of education and preservation for the next generation.

JT heads down to Hawaii to meet Shane and Mark – two local, big wave surfers – to talk…hunting. While most people, JT included, picture Hawaii as beaches and waves, it’s the axis deer and opportunities on public lands that dominate this conversation. After a day in pursuit of those axis deer, the guys talk about life on Lanai and bow hunting. 

Big wave surfer, Shane Dorian came up in the simpler days of surfing. One of a group of kids on the North Shore just after the fun of surfing big waves, right when board design and surfing itself was evolving. JT and Shane catch up with a new perspective as parents and on being part of a generation unencumbered by agents, brands, coaches, and fame – just out there for the pure love of catching waves.

According to him, Dave accomplished the single greatest achievement of his life on a surfboard at just eight years old. He won his first surfing competition at 18 because it would earn him a party. Dave’s broken his back and nearly lost his life surfing, on separate occasions. He’s now a lifeguard by trade, but despite his ocean proficiency doesn’t consider himself a waterman. Dave’s one piece of surf advice? Check in with the lifeguards.

It was Flip’s show, Walker’s Cay Chronicles, that first turned JT on to fly fishing. Now, JT gets some quality time with a personal hero, talking with Flip about keeping traditional hunting and fly fishing alive, basic shallow-water etiquette, and the first time he saw someone catch a bonefish with a fly rod back in ’56 or ’57.