An Oregon favorite, Rick Steber joined the boys in the bunkhouse.
Author Rick Steber stops by the bunkhouse for a revealing interview with Craig & Jim. Steber has written more than 40 books, including “Caught in the Crosshairs,” “Red White Black,” and “Buy the Chief a Cadillac.” The recipient of numerous awards for his writing, the Los Angeles Times has said: “Steber’s words remind you of Hemingway or Fitzgerald.”
In this interview Steber discusses writing, publishing, death threats he received after authoring “Caught in the Crosshairs,” and offers an inside look to his vision as one of Oregon’s favorite authors. Fans of Rick Steber, new and old, are in for a real treat on this episode of the Running Iron Podcast.
Hosts: Craig Rullman and Jim Cornelius
Guest: Rick Steber
Audio Engineer: Pete “Oil Can” Rathbun
Original Music: “Once We Moved Like the Wind” Written and Performed by Jim Cornelius
“I Ain’t Making This Up” Written and Performed by Mike Biggers
Matthew says
August 4, 2018 at 5:29 pmWeird stories out of Japan are nothing new. Back in the ‘60s, there was a horrible crisis of teen mothers abandoning babies is lockers at train stations. One should also look at the various sub‐cultures (gothic lolita, motorcycle gangs, et cetera) of a fairly homogeneous country. The thing about the air being shot up the but is that Japan has a much more leniency toward heavy hazing than we do in the US.
I really enjoyed listening to Rick Steber even though I have never read anyone of his books. Now, I have too.
Jim Cornelius says
August 5, 2018 at 7:47 amThe two books we talked most about are a great place to start. Red, White, Black and Caught in the Crosshairs.
Matthew says
August 5, 2018 at 1:13 pmBoth of those sounded really interesting.
More weird news:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/thieves-snatch-shark-san-antonio-aquarium-wheel-it-out-baby-n895956
Paul McNamee says
August 6, 2018 at 6:27 amGreat interview. In this era of lies (I refuse to use the hip term ‘post‐truth’) writers who’ll put it on the line to tell the Truth (fiction or non‐fiction) are to be admired and commended.
Craig Rullman says
August 6, 2018 at 7:42 amThanks Paul. Rick was a terrific guest and there is a lot to be admired in his approach. Writing Caught in the Crosshairs can only be described as ballsy. One thing that particularly struck me was his mention that writing in today’s world is like working on wagon wheels while Henry Ford was cranking up his assembly line. That’s disturbing and, I think, accurate. There are fewer and fewer readers and those that remain are difficult to reach. Steber hasn’t compromised and has done well for himself in spite of it. Also, many thanks for your contribution to RIR, it is very much appreciated.
Saddle Tramp says
August 6, 2018 at 3:54 pmGlad to see others weighing in on what I would call THE SWEAT LODGE SESSIONS and also [ahem] where it appeared well advised to remain seated the entire time lest a compressed air snake bites you on the ass and takes your breath away. Yes Paul a few toes and finger triggers were stepped on and some feathers ruffled during this one. Never let it be said that RIR avoids controversy which can be quite problematic especially in smaller communities.
Great interview interlaced with some fine trail tales. My introduction to a devotee of the Oregon Trail was Ezra Meeker. I had stopped short of Chimney Rock and pulled into a RV Park and campground where there was a small store as well. I wanted to make sure I get park my rig near Chimney Rock. The map is not the road. During conversations with the proprietor I found out he was an amateur historian. He had a one page photocopy of a story written up about Ezra Meeker and the Oregon Trail. James Earle Fraser and his wife Laura Gardin Fraser designed the “Ezra Meeker” petioned Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar. I stopped several times and climbed to the top of Indepence Rock in the middle of nowhere Wyomimg when I rode the Chief Washakie trail coming out of Rawlins to cut up through Casper and over into Deadwood. Wide open country. Sometimes I would go over through Fort Laramie and on over through Fort Robinson and the Sand Hills. Love them old trails…
Another great podcast with no whitewashed empty drivel…
Listening to the very raw blues of Charles Caldwell who in his own words said “I was the first negro in Yalobusha County to own a Cadillac. Don’t believe me, go to the courthouse and ask them for yourself.”
P.S. Just because you are paranoid does not mean you are [not] being followed. Maybe that was LBJ that said it. Not sure.
Another practical paranoia quote:
“Paranoia is just another mask for ignorance. The truth, when you finally chase it down is almost always far worse than your darkest visions and fears.”
— Hunter S. Thompson
Jim Cornelius says
August 6, 2018 at 5:55 pmGlad to hear we’re hitting the mark. It sure is fun putting these together.