#75 Lessons For The Writer, The Rebel, And 30-Something-Year-Old With Ken Ilgunas

Unruly Podcast

Ken Ilgunas, author of 3 books including “Walden On Wheels,” has been called many things: a wanderer, pro-hitchhiker, journalist, and Alaskan back country ranger. Now, he’s taken on new titles like “husband” and “dad.” This leads us to ask: What happens to the most adventurous of our society when we enter a phase that calls for settling down, growing roots, and re-entering institutions? It’s a life transition that can feel tricky and hard to navigate. Luckily, Ken candidly shares what he’s learned while walking down this uncertain road that comes with no playbook. In this episode he takes us into the company of strangers by telling stories made of hitchhike magic, ex-cons, and religious hallucinations while thumbing his way thousands of miles across the US. He then pulls us behind the scenes of the writing process where he transforms these gritty life experiences into something worthy of being page-bound. Listen in as we ponder the sacredness of books; how writers risk damaging relationships in the name of creating good art; and how writing changes the narrative about our own lives. “I think to be a good artist, a small percentage of you has to be a sociopath. You have to be willing to sacrifice something in the name of the art.” Ken’s Substack: https://kenilgunas.substack.com/ Second Gear / Podcast Sponsor: https://secondgearwnc.com *Let them know the Unruly Podcast sent you for 10% off! - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: wanderwoman.online - Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT - Join the Unruly Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/unrulytravel - Donate to the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, Venmo - @unruytravel - Contact: [e-mail] - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller