Guiding Light: Adirondack Guide Matt Burnett on Living, Working & Creating in the Adirondacks

What happens when you grow up in the heart of the Adirondack Park, spend your life paddling its waterways, hiking its backcountry, and painting its moods—and then decide to share that world with others? That’s the life of Adirondack guide and artist Matt Burnett, whose work on the water and in the studio captures both the wild beauty and the human stories of the region.In this episode of ADK Talks, we meet Matt Burnett, a sixth-generation Adirondacker, licensed wilderness guide, and accomplished painter whose life defies easy labels. He’s an educator, artist, former forest ranger, and a storyteller who uses both words and watercolors to share the deeper truths of the Park.Matt shares his unique experiences, from ice fishing on Raquette Lake to restoring a century-old guideboat. This episode of ADK Talks is a soulful, intelligent, and surprisingly funny conversation about living deliberately, locally, and in rhythm with the seasons.You’ll learn:Why Matt calls Adirondack guides “fun brokers”How guiding today compares to the era of legendary guides like French LouieWhat a 10-year-old girl in a guideboat can teach you about leadershipWhy ice fishing is basically a social club with tip-upsHow one misadventure in the Dix Range became a lifelong lesson in humilityFeatured moments:A hilarious campsite debacle involving two families and dueling tentsWhy guiding isn’t about knowing it all—but about connecting people to placeMatt shares the story behind his hand-painted guideboat mural, a work that holds deep meaning for him. This episode will deepen your appreciation of the people who live and breathe the backcountry.How he’s mentoring a new generation of guides through the Northern Forest Explorers program, a hands-on educational program that introduces young people to the skills and knowledge needed to become competent outdoor leaders.Whether you're an armchair adventurer or 46er-in-training, this episode will deepen your appreciation of the people who live and breathe the backcountry.Mentioned in this podcast:“Adirondack French Louie: Early Life in the North Woods” by Harvey L. DunhamROOST - Regional Office of Sustainable TourismWilliam C. Whitney Wilderness AreaAbe Gadway, Adirondack Mountain GuideW.H.H. Murray and John PlumleyNate Atkinson, Adirondack Boat BuilderADK Trading Post in Long LakeThe Natural Edge gallery in Long LakeAbout our guest:Matt Burnett is a licensed Adirondack guide, painter, educator, and former assistant forest ranger. His work has been exhibited across the region and featured in outdoor education programs like the Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Explorers initiative. Learn more or book a trip at his website.Love the show? Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us