In this episode, Jerred Metz and Forest Fighter Travis Bratten discuss the 2003 Deep Lake Fire. Travis shares firsthand experiences battling the wildfire, the challenges of the rugged terrain, and the dramatic helicopter rescue of campers. The episode weaves together the story of Earl Durand, local history, wildfire response, and the enduring spirit of the region.

"Extremely rugged, extremely tough to access. You have to be fit.”

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In this episode, Actor and playwright Don MacKay joins Jerred Metz to discuss adapting "The Last 11 Days of Earl Durand" for the stage. Don shares how the story resonated with his own life and the creative choices behind bringing this American legend to theater.

"I feel like these kinds of stories…need to be told because people need to understand people on the other side. I always try to feel like I wanna play those characters, not as villains, but as to try to understand them and to have compassion."

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In this episode, Jerred Metz and historian Dave Wetzel discuss the dramatic life and death of Earl Durand, an outlaw whose story blurs the line between legend and reality. Through analysis of Durand’s final letter and actions, they explore themes of rebellion, Western myth, and the making of an American antihero.

"Earl Durand did have a legend that followed him…the story is important."

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In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with publisher Nancy Curtis about her decision to publish his book The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand. They discuss why regional crime stories matter, how Durand’s tale reflects a changing West, and the impact of community and technology on the story’s outcome.

"It seems to me that what we're seeing here is a transition time in the history of Wyoming in particular... All of a sudden we had radios and national attention showing up in Wyoming, telling a story that was spell binding.”

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In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the story behind the 1974 film "The Legend of Earl Durand." 

With anecdotes about the cast, local legends, and the experience of teaching the story in a university course, this episode offers a candid look at the intersection of history, myth, and cinema in the tale of Earl Durand. 

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In this episode, Jerred Metz interviews Brandi Wright, director of the Homesteader Museum in Powell, Wyoming, about artifacts related to Earl Durand. They discuss the significance of items like a bullet-grazed hat, a jail cell, and a rifle, as well as the museum’s role in preserving local history and community memory. Brandi highlights how the museum presents facts and lets visitors interpret the story, reflecting on the impact of history on the community.

"We are a history museum so we can historically approach the events. Primary sources such as newspapers reportings, and say, this is the series of events that have taken place, and leave it up to the person reading the information to draw their own conclusions."

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In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the aftermath of Earl Durand’s dramatic end, focusing on the unusual public response to his death. The story covers the creation of a death mask, the community’s involvement in his burial, and the almost carnival-like atmosphere that surrounded his funeral. 

Listeners hear firsthand accounts from the undertaker and learn about the crowds that gathered to view Durand’s body, the emotional reactions of the townspeople, and the challenges faced by the family. The episode concludes with a heartfelt eulogy written by Durand’s sister, reflecting on his character, values, and the legacy he left behind. 

This episode offers a unique look at how a community processes tragedy, blending history, personal memory, and the rituals of mourning.

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In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the final days of Earl Durand, a man who knew his fate was sealed. Through five chilling moments, hear how Earl repeatedly predicted his own death as he evaded law enforcement, took hostages, and made his last stand. 

Discover the dramatic true story of an outlaw's final journey, told through firsthand accounts and historical detail. 

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In this episode, Jerred Metz highlights two honorable Park County citizens, Virginia Turner and Bill Garlow. Together, their stories reveal the enduring spirit of courage and compassion that defines Wyoming’s history.

Virginia Turner showed extraordinary courage during Earl Durand’s escape and hostage standoff, staying calm, aiding the wounded, and supporting the Durand family through chaos and loss. 

Bill Garlow, grandson of Buffalo Bill Cody, carried his family’s legacy of bravery from leading a local manhunt for Durand to sacrificing for his men in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. 

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In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Cathy Blake and explores the making of a graphic novel about Earl Durand, blending history and art. The discussion includes how visual storytelling brings new life and emotion to Durand’s story, highlighting the creative process and unique artistic choices that make the graphic novel stand out.

"The great thing about graphic novels is they enhance the story through visuals, and add a better dimension to the story."

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