#93. The Outlaw Country of Humboldt: Brett McFarland's Journey

100% Humboldt

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26d ago 1:06:37

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Step into the extraordinary life journey of Brett McFarland, a musician whose path from Midwest farming to Humboldt County outlaw country is nothing short of cinematic. This deeply moving conversation reveals how Brett's search for a fresh start brought him to Northern California's emerald triangle, where he established himself as an organic farmer before becoming entangled in the cannabis cultivation that defined the region.
When federal agents built a conspiracy case against him based largely on hearsay, Brett found himself serving nearly four years in prison—a crucible that would transform him forever. The raw vulnerability with which he shares his incarceration experience is breathtaking, particularly as he describes discovering a Hawaiian forgiveness prayer that helped him release the bitterness threatening to consume him: "I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you."
Music became Brett's salvation behind bars, playing on battered guitars for fellow inmates, creating moments of connection amid dehumanizing circumstances. Yet his return to society brought new challenges, as post-prison trauma strained his marriage to the breaking point. In a moment of profound honesty, Brent reveals how therapy helped him recognize his hypervigilant state and ultimately save his relationship.
The conversation's most powerful revelation comes when Brent describes finally overcoming his fear of "not being good enough" to embrace music publicly. After seeing Willie Nelson perform in 2023, something clicked: "Not next year, today." The floodgates opened—from opening for blues legend Earl Thomas to recording in Nashville, his authentic outlaw country sound quickly gaining global recognition.
His performance of "How We Do It In Humboldt" captures the spirit of a community that embraces outsiders and second chances, written by someone who has lived its highest highs and lowest lows. Don't miss Brett's upcoming shows in Sebastopol and Trinity Center, with hints of a special Eureka Theater performance coming soon.

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About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond
Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.
We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!
Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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Chapters

1. #93. The Outlaw Country of Humboldt: Brett McFarland's Journey (00:00:00)

2. "How We Do It In Humboldt" Performance (00:01:00)

3. Brent's Early Life in Midwest (00:06:47)

4. Finding Farming in Humboldt County (00:13:11)

5. Cannabis Cultivation and Legal Troubles (00:22:16)

6. Life in Federal Prison (00:30:53)

7. The Healing Power of Forgiveness (00:37:47)

8. Marriage Crisis and Self-Discovery (00:45:50)

9. Musical Renaissance and New Beginnings (00:57:08)

10. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Shows (01:06:30)

95 episodes

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