Ep. 77 A Conversation w/ Outdoor Writing Master, Patrick Durkin

Son of a Blitch

George Blitch sits down with Patrick Durkin, a seasoned outdoor writer and regular on the MeatEater website, who shares his journey from the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin to the heart of the outdoor journalism world. Patrick takes us back to his youth, recounting his early adventures with a bow and arrow, and the significant impact of his surroundings on his love for hunting and fishing. We also reflect on his time in the Navy and a poignant visit to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, offering a rich tapestry of stories that honor the Greatest Generation.
Patrick's career trajectory has been anything but conventional. Starting out in Oshkosh covering everything from high school sports to the Green Bay Packers, he eventually found his true calling in outdoor writing. He discusses the challenges and rewards of this transition, his tenure at Deer and Deer Hunting magazine, and what it's like to navigate the evolving media landscape. Patrick's journey into freelancing and his eventual collaboration with Steve Rinella of MeatEater serves as an inspiring lesson in perseverance, hard work, and seizing opportunities.
But it's not all about the work. Patrick also offers profound insights into the broader themes of legacy, and writing. From the influence of mentors to the lessons learned through years of experience, he shares valuable wisdom on maintaining a disciplined writing process and exploring the Outdoor world. This episode is a heartfelt blend of personal stories, professional milestones, and philosophical reflections, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the outdoors, journalism, and personal growth.
To learn more about Patrick Durkin, and to read his articles, visit:
www.PatrickDurkinOutdoors.com
www.themeateater.com/people/patrick-durkin
To learn more about George Blitch visit:
www.SonofaBlitch.com
www.MapMyRanch.com

Chapters

1. Life, Writing, and Hunting (00:00:00)

2. Transitioning From Newspaper to Magazine Writing (00:12:02)

3. Meeting Steve Rinella, Becoming a Writer (00:19:10)

4. Finding Discipline and Success in Writing (00:32:14)

5. World War II Reflections in Normandy (00:35:45)

6. Honoring the Greatest Generation (00:47:55)

7. Life Lessons and Human Connections (00:56:19)

8. Legacy, Humility, and Moving Forward (01:06:25)

9. Documenting Decline and Editing Tips (01:15:06)

10. Reflections on Writing and Legacy (01:24:26)

11. Renovations and Future Plans (01:35:08)