Between the Levees
Between the Levees
The Living History Collection
S3:E178 | Clay Adams | "First Mate Hard Times"
1 hour 10 minutes Posted Mar 4, 2026 at 12:00 am.
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Show notes

"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.