From cattle trails to concert stages, the cowboy hat has always stood tall. In this episode of Way Out West, we uncover the history, meaning, and myths behind the most iconic headwear of the American frontier. Learn how cowboys shaped their hats—and how those hats shaped their identity.

We also tip our brim to the unwritten rules of cowboy hat etiquette. Never touch another man’s hat. Take it off in church. And whatever you do, don’t put it on a bed. These aren’t just superstitions—they’re signs of respect in the cowboy code.

Whether you're new to the West or born in the dust of it, this episode will have you lookin’ at that hat rack with fresh eyes.

As mentioned in this episode, check out my blog article to learn more about the father of the cowboy hat, John B. Stetson. 

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He was the West’s most dangerous gentleman—a Southern-born dentist turned gambler, gunfighter, and legend. In this episode of Way Out West, we dive into the life of Doc Holliday: the man who followed Wyatt Earp into history, faced down outlaws at the O.K. Corral, and lived every day like it might be his last.

Charming, deadly, and fiercely loyal—Doc's story is one of grit, illness, friendship, and fire.

Stick around and after this episode, check out Episode 33, GUNSMOKE AND JUSTICE: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE SHOOTOUT AT THE O.K. CORRAL

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What does it really mean to ride for the brand?
In the Old West, it was more than a job—it was a way of life. Cowboys lived by loyalty, grit, and doing the right thing even when no one was watching. 

In this episode, explore the cowboy code behind the phrase and why that old-school loyalty still matters today. Whether you're leading a business, working a job, or building something of your own—this one’s for anyone who believes your word oughta mean something. Saddle up. Let’s ride.

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love the blog article What It Means to Ride for The Brand

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In this episode of Way Out West, we head into the wide, unforgiving country of the Great Basin—where the land is harsh, the cattle are scattered, and the cowboys ride a little different. These are the buckaroos: proud descendants of the vaquero tradition, known for their rawhide gear, bridle horses, and quiet confidence.

Chip shares his deep respect for these high desert hands and explores how their traditions differ from Texas cowboys—from slick horns to spade bits. Along the way, we’ll cross paths with Basque sheepherders, hear about life in cow camps, and learn how cowboy poetry gives voice to the silence of the range.

This is a story about grit, solitude, and the timeless spirit of the American buckaroo.

As discussed in this episode, check out these two great blog articles:

Cowboy Gear: What Is a Wild Rag?

Cowboy Poetry: The Timeless Art of Storytelling on the Range

Cover art © 2012 Mary Williams Hyde

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Before the first light of dawn, before boots hit stirrups and the long day begins, there’s one thing every cowboy counts on—a strong cup of coffee.

In this episode of Way Out West, we’re brewing up the history, legends, and secrets of cowboy coffee—the simple, no-frills drink that fueled cattle drives, warmed cold mornings, and became a staple of life on the frontier. From the chuckwagon cooks who perfected the boil to the tall tales about coffee so strong it could float a horseshoe, we’ll dive into the rich traditions that made cowboy coffee more than just a drink—it was a way of life.

Explore:
☕ How cowboys made their coffee on the trail
🔥 Why a good chuckwagon cook never let the pot run dry
🐴 The myths and legends behind the strongest coffee in the West
🌄 How you can brew your own cowboy coffee today

So grab a tin cup, pour yourself a black, bold brew, and settle in by the fire. It’s time to taste the past.

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The American frontier wasn’t just shaped by the men who rode into battle—it was defined by the warhorses that carried them. In this episode, dive into the legendary bond between warrior and steed, from the fearless Comanche riders to the hard-charging U.S. Cavalry.

How did Native horsemen become the finest riders in the world? What breeds and bloodlines dominated the battlefield? And how did the epic clash at Little Bighorn prove the power of mounted warfare?

Saddle up as we gallop through history, strategy, and survival in the fight for the American Plains. This is one ride you won’t want to miss!

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In this episode of Way Out West, pull back the curtain on one of the Wild West’s most iconic showdowns—the legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral. But this isn’t just another retelling of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday’s famous gunfight. Dive deep into the truth behind the legend, and explore the gritty reality of Tombstone in 1881 and the razor-thin line between lawmen and outlaws.

Explore why this thirty-second gunfight became a defining moment in Western history and what modern-day lessons we can draw from it. How do the events of that fateful afternoon still echo today? What can we learn about reputation, loyalty, and knowing when to stand your ground—whether you’re on the trail or in the boardroom?

So, saddle up and join us as we explore the lawmen, legends, and lasting legacy of the O.K. Corral—a story of justice, revenge, and the struggle for control in a town where reputations were made or lost in the blink of an eye.

If you liked this episode, check out my blog post The Reality of Guns in the Wild West. You'll find even more details, plus some great old photos.

O.K. Corral® is a registered trademark of Tombstone Historama Corporation

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Cowboys were tough, but they weren’t about to mess with bad luck. From the curse of a hat on the bed to ghost riders spooking their horses, the men of the range had plenty of superstitions to keep them on their toes. 

Ever wonder why cowboys refused to whistle at night? Or why they never counted their cattle before a drive was done? 

In this episode of Way Out West, we round up the strangest, spookiest, and most deep-rooted cowboy superstitions—from eerie campfire legends to the kind of bad omens that could send a chill down a trail boss’s spine. So saddle up, and maybe keep your lucky horseshoe handy—we’re riding into the unknown.

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The Wild West wasn’t just a land of outlaws and cattle drives—it was a paradise for con men. From Soapy Smith’s rigged gambling dens to snake oil salesmen peddling miracle cures, the frontier was full of smooth talkers looking to make a quick buck. 

In this episode of Way Out West, we’re diving into the most infamous scams, tricksters, and tall tales that fooled frontier folk. How did swindlers sell fake gold mines? Why did cowboys fall for rigged poker games? And what lessons can we take from these old-school hustles? 

Saddle up and keep your wits about you—because the best con is the one you never see coming.

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The Old West wasn’t just built by lone white cowboys—Black cowboys, Native American horsemen, and Mexican vaqueros played a huge role in shaping ranching and rodeo traditions. 

In this episode of Way Out West, we uncover the forgotten legends of the frontier, from the fearless vaqueros who brought cattle ranching to the Americas to the Native riders who mastered the plains. We’ll also explore the story of Bill Pickett, the Black cowboy who revolutionized rodeo with his invention of steer wrestling.

Join us as we ride through history and shine a light on the cowboys who helped define the West—but were too often left out of the story.

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