Behind Gray Walls

By Behind Gray WallsTrue Crime

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22
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Typical duration
85 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Behind Gray Walls episodes

October 14 EP 113 - The Hunt for the Bill Mathews Gang
In this very special episode, Samuel tells a story of betrayal, love, and brotherhood. He guides listeners as they follow one of the last prominent gangs of train robbers of the Old West, an international manhunt involving the Pinkerton detectives and the FBI, which caused the leader of the gang, Bill Matthews (#UN), to have an incredible brief stay at the Idaho State Penitentiary. Making him the most famous Idaho prisoner you have never heard of before.

Between the gunfights, assassinations, dead-or-alive bounties, and shocking twists, you will not want to miss The Hunt for the Bill Matthews Gang.

Please help support A City Behind Wall Exhibit today! https://history.idaho.gov/reimagining/
1 hr 41 min
October 06 EP 112 - LIVE! Poulsen And Copeland
In this live episode, recorded on March 28, 2026, at the Podfort stage at Boise Contemporary Theater during the Treefort Music Festival, Anthony shares the story of Hillis Poulsen #5828 (Grand Larceny) and explores how his artwork may have helped shape Boise as we know it today. Samuel dives into the mysterious case of a missing man and the nationwide search that followed to find his killer, Paul Copeland #3832 (Murder in the 2nd Degree).

50 min
September 24 EP 111 - A City Behind Walls
In this episode, Anthony and Samuel sit down with Idaho State Historical Society Executive Director Janet Gallimore and Development & Membership Administrator Seth Wheeler to talk about A City Behind Walls, the new immersive survey exhibition being developed at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
Anthony also sits down with Exhibit Developer Tim Pfaff for an inside look at the new Survey Gallery, walking through the exhibition and exploring how we are reimagining the way visitors experience more than 100 years of Idaho’s prison history.
This is more than a new exhibition—it is a new way to experience the Old Pen. From the stories of the people who lived and worked behind its walls to the larger history of crime, punishment, and life in Idaho, A City Behind Walls will transform how visitors understand this historic site.
The exhibition is being made possible through the support of our community, and you can help bring it to life. To learn more, watch a fly-through of the new exhibition, and find out how you can support A City Behind Walls, visit:
https://history.idaho.gov/reimagining/
50 min
August 22 Stool Pigeon Saturday - Daniel Neal
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel interview Daniel H Neal, author of No Forgiveness - Family, Polygamy, Murder, and Justice Among Idaho's Pioneering Mormons. Daniel recounts his career as a journalist and his techniques to research the fascinating account of his family's history and a murder rooted in a water-rights dispute in Idaho's Teton Valley.You can purchase Daniel's book in the Old Idaho Penitentiary Souvenir Confinement shop.
1 hr 25 min
August 11 EP 110 - Grant And Boan
In this episode, Skye covers the complicated life of Elizabeth Grant #11234 (Forgery), whose troubled childhood and struggle with alcohol addiction eventually landed her behind the walls of the Idaho State Penitentiary. Meanwhile, Anthony tells the brutal and tragic story of Earl Boan #9599 (Murder in the 1st Degree), an escaped mental patient who turned on the person who tried to help him. Listener discretion is advised as we discuss murder, self-harm, and suicide.

Oral Histories:
Clark, Carringer, and Dobson, 2/22/1979, Idaho State Archives.Idaho State Penitentiary Guard Chet Stinnett, 5/27/1992, Idaho State Archives.

Dennis Clark, 4/1/1982, Idaho State Archives.

Rodger Hall, 11/12/1993, Idaho State Archives.

Russ Anspaugh, 4/6/1982, Idaho State Archives.

Special thanks to Charlee Draper for the additional voice acting.

2 hr 9 min
August 01 Stool Pigeon Saturday - Mike Hanley
It's not often you get to sit down in person with a real stagecoach driver. In this episode of Behind Gray Walls, Samuel sits down with rancher, historian, and local legend Mike Hanley, who has been driving stagecoaches for more than 60 years.
Mike, who is currently donating the historic vehicles he has personally restored to create the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn at the Owyhee County Historical Museum, joins Samuel to discuss the history of stagecoaches, his own experiences behind the reins, and what inspired him to make such a remarkable donation of his life's work.
If you would like to support the creation of the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn, please consider making a donation at:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/4SXGCPD9X7FVY/checkout/NWSBBVDFIDF7NMJPZMBIQSXI

1 hr 3 min
June 06 Stool Pigeon Saturday - Susan Brodrero Hawkes on Franklin Idaho
In this episode, Anthony interviews the Site Coordinator for the Franklin Historic Site, Susan Bodrero Hawkes, in the Franklin City Center. Susan shares the history of Idaho's oldest settlement, from the arrival of early pioneers to Franklin's role in the establishment of the Idaho Territory and the annual celebration of Idaho Day.
Along the way, Susan explores the stories behind some of Franklin's most treasured historic structures, including the Lorenzo Hill Hatch House and the John and Ann Doney Cabin, and highlights several of her favorite artifacts from the site's collection. Join us for a fascinating conversation about pioneer life, preservation, and the people who helped shape one of Idaho's most important historic communities.
Visit today! The Franklin Site is open Memorial Day to Labor Day - 11:00 am - 2:30 pm - Tuesday-Saturday.
Take a virtual tour with Susan here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UEO1Ctpr-c
1 hr 6 min
May 19 EP 109 - Ross and Haram
In this episode, Samuel takes listeners into the gang wars of the Prohibition era, exploring connections to Al Capone and a police shooting tied to Carl Ross #4237 (Robbery) while Skye transports listeners to Rupert, Idaho, where a domestic dispute ended in tragedy and led to the imprisonment of Lucille Haram #10184 (Involuntary Manslaughter).
1 hr 17 min
April 21 EP 108 - Muguerza and Rasulo
In this episode, Skye tells the story of a domestic dispute gone awry, Ella Muguerza #3955 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and guest host and Education Specialist, Mariah Villafañe, joins to tell the tale of wannabe mobster, Tony Rasulo #4863 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary in the First Degree).
For Behind Gray Walls merch and more, visit:
https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShop.aspx
1 hr 45 min
April 18 Stool Pigeon Saturday - HannaLore Hein and Michael Hart on the Boise Meridian Initial Point
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel sit down with HannaLore Hein and Michael Hart to explore the history of surveying in Idaho. From Surveyor General Lafayette Cartee and the establishment of the Initial Point to the challenges faced by early surveyors, they unpack how these foundational lines still shape land ownership today.
Join us at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on May 2, 12–5 PM for the Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration, featuring live demonstrations, talks, vendors, and more.
1) Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration: Surveying the Past, Mapping the Future
https://america250.idaho.gov/events-calendar/boise-meridian-initial-point-celebration-surveying-the-past-mapping-the-future/
2) America250 in Idaho
https://america250.idaho.gov/
3) Initial Point Location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GQ4hVvbvxG6X6xTS8
4) Bureau of Land Management Official Federal Land Records
https://glorecords.blm.gov/default.aspx
1 hr 12 min

About Behind Gray Walls

From the publisher's feed

“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today.