Part 2 of the interview with NEA Fellow and poet Joel Nelson. In this episode, Joel talks about his lifelong journey into poetry from his earliest exposures to literature to writing his own poetry. Listen to the end to hear Joel recite his poem "Awakenings."

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NEA National Heritage Fellow and poet Joel Nelson recalls his childhood memories, how he ended up in Alpine, Texas, and his early days as a working cowboy on the 06 Ranch.

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Working cowboy, author, and poet Amy Hale Auker stops by Cowboy Crossroads and talks about her father, her history, her writing process, and her work with Andy Wilkinson. Listen to the end of the episode to hear Amy recite the title poem from her new book Livestock Man.

This episode was sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones.

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One of the last of the old-time Australian drovers, bush poet Jack Sammon talks about his fascinating life as a drover and coal miner. Tune in to hear about the similarities between Australian bush poetry and American cowboy poetry.

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Michael Martin Murphey returns to Cowboy Crossroads to talk about the history of Westfest and the influence of Buffalo Bill Cody. Tune in and hear Murphey play an acoustic version of his song "Wild West Show" at the end of the episode!

Find out more about Michael Martin Murphey at www.michaelmartinmurphey.com

Find out more about Michael Martin Murphey's Westfest at www.americanwestfest.com

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Cowboy poet and rancher Wally McRae talks with Andy about his father and grandfather, the story behind his poem "Reincarnation", the influence of theater on his work, and his friendship with Paul Zarzyski.

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Hank the Cowdog author John Erickson talks about his deep ranching roots, the inspiration for Hank the Cowdog, sense of place, and the oral tradition of storytelling.

Find out more about John Erickson at www.hankthecowdog.com

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Jerry Brooks shares about working as a woman in a coal mine for 26 years, coal miners & cowboys, the spoken word, and cowboy poetry.

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Recorded live from the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV, Riders in the Sky make the 7216th performance of their career on Cowboy Crossroads! Tune in to hear stories about their early days as a band, their worst gigs, and a few classic songs.

Find out more about Riders in the Sky at www.ridersinthesky.com

Find out more about the Western Folklife Center and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering at www.westernfolklife.org

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On part 2, Andy Wilkinson discusses his personal relation to Charlie Goodnight, the making of his Charlie Goodnight album, and sings his song "Palo Duro Farewell."

Find out more about Andy Wilkinson at www.andywilkinson.org

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