Tom McGuane | Mill House Podcast - Episode 74

Tom McGuane is a giant among legends across all continents and countries. His boundless heart and endless determination tackled dreams only he could’ve accomplished. Tom’s extraordinary writing is in the record books and for the rest of time he’ll be remember as one of the greats. His literary spectrum includes ten novels, five screen plays, and countless short stories. His work has received a page full of awards culminating with his induction into The American Academy of Arts and Letters. But then there’s the fishing, the hunting, and the HORSES; cutting horses. Tom McGuane is a savant of many talents!
Although he was born in Michigan, his heart ventured west. As a young man he worked on a ranch in Wyoming where he first got his boots dirty. After the success of his book and movie “Sporting Club," he bought a ranch in Montana and property in Key West. His life on a horse became extremely important to him and he became a great “cutter” often beating the best in the world and eventually was inducted into The Cutting Horse Hall of Fame.
But it was in Key West where Tom McGuane caught fire. It was there, when his writing was young and his aspirations were as vibrant as the blistering sun. Literature, fishing, and adventures after dark took on a life of its own. It was there, where of a handful of friends, all writers too, became a brotherhood that challenged life’s offering to its fullest. Jim Harrison, Russell Chatham, Guy De La Valdene, Jimmy Buffett, Hunter S.Thompson, and Kurt Brautigan did what the rest of the world wished they could do. They had more fun than the law allowed and were brilliant with everything they touched. Each would become extremely successful and famous. But as much as anything else, they loved to fish. What most the fishing world doesn’t know is that these guys put Tarpon fishing on the map. And they made a movie about it called, "Tarpon." This production showed what a magnificent, beautiful, ageless fish it is. It loves to eat flies, it’s big and jumps majestically.... It's the most perfect fly rod fish one could ever have the privilege to catch.
As much as Tom McGuane has accomplished, his greatest success is having Laurie Buffett as his wife and their daughter Annie. And fathering two other children, Thomas and Maggie with former wives, Rebecca Crocket and Margot Kidder.
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[@andymill3174]

Part two is coming soon everyone. Glad everyone is enjoying this Wonderful man’s story!

[@nineteenfrankie]

I can't imagine anyone seeing this who hasn't read some of Thomas McGuane but in case you haven't do yourself a favor and do it. Get CLOUDBURSTS and you'll be hooked. There's nobody better. You'll be so glad you did.

[@Charlie-zb4yw]

What an incredible interview with a true legend.

[@LMarkWeeks]

Fear of failure: “That really never goes away.”

[@williambenson9902]

Yes, encore. Follow up on the Chart Room. Good work, Andy.

[@georgelabonteoutdoors]

This is important work you're doing Andy. Documenting history within our sport is a gift to future generations and a treasure for those of us who lived through the era to enjoy. Hat tipped-

What a wonderful conversation with Tom! Thanks Andy!

[@Wesmark1184]

Would love to see a Podcast with Guy Valdene as well.Part of the Key West crowd of the 70's...Helped make Tarpon (movie)and an excellent author as well.

[@davidgray3321]

British fly fisherman here, I enjoy this gentleman’s writing a great deal, often fishing runs in families I am third generation, my paternal grandfather was the first I know of, he was a fabulous shot I think he joined the Territorials as a way of doing this (they are our reserve forces intended for home defence but since they were formed they have fought abroad many times. Anyway his hobby had unintended consequences. He ended up in France at the start of WW1, as part of the best professional army we ever had except perhaps the men who fought Napoleon. But they were a small force, about 100 thousand, Germany’s army was huge. They arrived in the autumn of 1914, by Christmas 90% were dead or injured. My grandfather was a sniper, who later trained American troops in sniping and scouting, a whole division in fact. His regiment was The Cameronians. When the war ended he never shot again to my knowledge, he returned to Scotland and took up fly fishing, I have his vice feathers and lovely old hooks, in their brass boxes. Like many veterans of the trenches he had a rather shorter life, it ended in his 40s, but my father always reflected that on the 11th day of the 11th month, remembrance day, when those who served were at memorials the length of our island and throughout the British Empire, he would drive out to the Scottish countryside and look upon a Loch or river. Thank you Thomas for your wonderful books, loved the world over. Long may yer lum reek, it’s Scot’s for have a long and healthy life.

[@marianomoran3072]

I need 4 more hours of McGuane interview.

[@RussShirley1]

Wow, just Wow, another survivor from that era of pure chaos, but as always, the fishing must've been awesome.

[@paulsegal5414]

so enjoyable and such a learning experience, Andy is the most congenial interviewer and does his home work; can't wait for next chapter with McGuane

[@markcapps4616]

Great work you are doing! I’ve watched most of the mill house episodes. McGuane is absolutely captivating. Thank you thank you!

[@marklyons4999]

One of the best, interview and podcast

[@jao081]

I have been looking forward to this interview. All of these interviews are treasures. Thank you for doing these.

[@Immarkyo58]

I interviewed Tom for The Livingston Enterprise in 2008. The story helped get him and longtime friend Gatz Hojortsberg back together after a spell of jealousy and bad blood. I'm proud of that.

[@Bea-f4g]

Some horses my favorite

[@bobsartor5559]

Keep half Leave Half Pretty darn good!

[@bobcirulnick3598]

Another great interview! Seems like it was cut short and just scratched the surface.

[@robertcraig3700]

Hope there is more of the Mcguane interview!

[@larrymccrary1659]

Love this interview, but can't help but feel like I'm missing four hours of it. Like your work

[@yambagnelson9987]

Been looking forward to this one for awhile. Way too short!!

[@Immarkyo58]

My grandfather worked for the railroad in Maine. He fished but not with a fly.

[@kdbmeb99]

I was fascinated by this interview.... And then it ended ..... Is there a part 2 ?

[@millhousepodcast]

Yes part 2 next week

[@DoubleHaulSeth]

Tom is referring to Jan Isley and his wife Ina. They started Ascension Bay bonefish club. Some of the first guests included. Ted Williams and the like. Ina was very much into the mystical and aliens etc.

[@sallyreno6296]

Chart ROOM, not Chart House. Tiny place.In the Pier House.