#119 Monte Burke: On Writing, Fishing, and the Stories That Shape Us

Legendary tarpon guide Steve Kilpatrick is best known for the 202½-lb world record on fly, but there’s more to his story. In this episode, we dive into his childhood, leaving corporate America for guiding, the culture of Homosassa, and what it really takes to build great anglers—and a long career on the water. Monte Burke's book Lord's of the Fly: HERE Millhouse Podcast Episode: HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special tribute episode, we revisit two conversations with the legendary Flip Pallot—combined here to honor his life, legacy, and lasting impact on the outdoor world. Recorded on his front porch, these interviews explore Flip’s early days exploring the Florida Everglades, the creation of Walker’s Cay Chronicles, his thoughts on innovation in the outdoors, and his deep love for storytelling, archery, airboats, and wild places. Whether you grew up watching him on Saturday mornings or are just now discovering his story, we hope this episode helps you appreciate the depth of Flip’s wisdom and the spirit he passed on. Photo by @williamhereford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Nguyen, founder of the After Work Fish Club, to talk about fishing, community, and his unique tournament—the Red Spot Round Up. Designed to be accessible for anglers of all backgrounds, the Red Spot Round Up invites weekend warriors, guides, and everyday fishermen to compete for incredible prizes while supporting an important cause: the Ronald McDonald House and other local nonprofits. In this podcast, Sean shares the story behind the After Work Fish Club, how fishing fits into life for those balancing jobs, family, and passion, and why he believes anyone can find more time to get on the water. We also dive into how the Red Spot Round Up works, the surprising story of last year’s winning fish, and why this tournament is more than just competition—it’s about giving back and building community. Whether you’re a seasoned guide or an after-hours angler, this conversation will encourage you to fish when you can, support a great cause, and enjoy the small windows of time that get us outside. Learn more and join the Red Spot Round Up at: afterworkfishclub.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Captains Collective, we sit down with acclaimed author and storyteller Monte Burke, whose work spans the worlds of college football legends, titans of fishing, and the tangled history of tarpon on the fly. Together, we explore what it means to chase a good story—on the page, on the water, and in life. This episode also includes a special live Q&A recorded at Bar Fly in Safety Harbor, Florida, in support of Tampa Bay Water Keeper. OUR SPONSORS: Skinny Water Culture: https://www.skinnywaterculture.com Turtle Box Audio: https://turtleboxaudio.com Florida Fishing Products: https://www.floridafishingproducts.com YETI: https://www.yeti.com/ Purpose Built Optics https://purposebuiltoptics.com My Captain https://www.mycaptain.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode, the mic is flipped—AI joins the conversation. Using voice technology and scripted prompts, Hunter, Casey, and Jay engage in a first-of-its-kind round table where artificial intelligence gets a seat at the table. It’s strange, funny, and at times surprisingly insightful. But beneath the novelty lies a real question: how do we want to live with this technology? And what does it mean for our relationship with nature, each other, and ourselves? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of the series, we’re joined by longtime guide and outdoorsman Jay Johnson to talk about how AI might shape our world—both the one we live in and the ones we escape to. Together, Hunter, Casey, and Jay unpack the deeper philosophical and ethical questions AI presents to outdoorsmen, storytellers, and anyone who values real experiences in wild places. What should we be excited about? What should give us pause? And how do we hold on to what matters in the process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first installment of our three-part mini-series, we explore the basics of artificial intelligence and how it’s beginning to intersect with the outdoor world. From language models to digital companions, we lay out the groundwork for understanding what AI is and where it’s going. Hunter Leavine sits down with Casey Anderson to discuss the opportunities, concerns, and unknowns AI presents—not just in the tech space, but in the woods and on the water. This episode is a primer, a reflection, and an invitation to think critically about what’s next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Round Table episode, some of the Drifter Fish Club Crew share about their experience at East End Lodge in Grand Bahama.  To learn more about the Drifter Fish Club, head to www.drifterfishclub.com. To read our photo essay from the trip and for more behind the scenes content, head to Hunter Leavine’s Substack HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, Hunter Leavine sits down with Cecil Leathan of East End Lodge and discusses the beginnings of East End Lodge, and the impact of Hurricane Dorian.  To learn more about Drifter Fish Club, head to www.DrifterFishClub.com  To read our photo essay and for more behind the scenes content, head to Hunter Leavine’s Substack HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, Hunter Leavine sits down with "Chef John" of Izaak's Restaurant in Craig, Montana. In this episode, John shares about his story in as a chef, and how he has built his life around his love for nature and fishing. To learn more about the podcast, head to www.captainscollective.com. To learn more about traveling with us on hosted fishing trips, head to www.drifterfishclub.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices