It seemed important to share some of the behind the scenes conversations for this series. As a white woman reporting on Indian Country, Melodie always knew she would need extra guidance putting this season together. So she’s been regularly sitting down to talk with Oglala Lakota member and Native American historian Jeff Means to discuss best practices.

Bonus Episode: A Conversation with Lakota Historian Jeff Means

Exploring the evolving identity of the American West. Produced by Wyoming Public Media and PRX, The Modern West takes you on a sound-rich journey into some of America's most iconic landscapes. Guided by host Melodie Edwards' personal connection to the region, it's an unflinching look at the American West--its problematic history, its modern-day struggles and resilience, and how its present and future are being shaped.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Documentary

The story of two wolves in Colorado’s North Park, a father and a son, and how the community is – or is not – coming to terms with their presence.

"Wolves represent a lot of what farming and ranching is about, which is like, you have no control ultimately."

Wolves #2101 and #2301: episode 3 of our series High Altitude Tales.

Wolves #2101 and #2301: Part Three of High Altitude Tales

Take a bike ride into a tiny forgotten historic mining town that sits at the intersection of two beloved through trails. For hardcore bikers and hikers, this town is an oasis. And for a community used to cycles of boom and bust, there's hope this boom could last.

The Sixth Boom - Part Two of High Altitude Tales

Exactly 100 years to the day after a woman named Eleanor Davis became the first recorded woman to ever climb the Grand Teton – a nearly 14,000 foot-tall mountain that’s the namesake for Grand Teton National Park – an all-female group of climbers is summiting the peak to celebrate her legacy. Hannah Habermann tagged along for the adventure.

Courage is a Muscle - Part One of High Altitude Tales

Miss us? We're back for Season 8 of The Modern West - High Altitude Tales. High Altitude Tales drops on April 3rd on all of your favorite streaming platforms.

High Altitude Tales Trailer

“In Paradise, what the fire didn't take was the sense of community that exists there. Our mission was, ‘look how far we've come, and it’s a vision to the future.”

Bonus Episode: A Conversation with Lakota Historian Jeff Means

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