Wild West Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Brace yourself for an unforgettable foray into the captivating narrative of Robert Service's poem, "The Cremation of Sam McGee." As the icy winds of the Klondike Gold Rush era whip around you, absorb the poignant tale of two friends' perilous quest for gold. Discover the historical significance of the term "sourdough," as we lead you deeper into the frigid Yukon wilderness. Marvel at how Service, like his characters, found inspiration in his surroundings. The chilling scene of Sam's cremation on the frosty expanse of Lake Labarge is brought to life in a dramatic reading of the poem. Illuminating the sacrifices made in the relentless pursuit of wealth, this haunting piece acts as a testament to human fortitude, enduring loyalty, and broken promises.

The raw, stark imagery and grim themes of this iconic poem have forever carved their place in the annals of literature. Delving into the eerie scene of McGee's cremation, we dissect how Service harnesses the potent power of words to paint a vivid picture of the harsh Yukon environment. This immersive exploration of the poem's themes and historical context underscores the tragic consequences of the gold rush. As we uncover the true meaning of "sourdough" and its connection to the Yukon, the poem's profundity unfurls, revealing an intricate tapestry of emotion and human perseverance. Join us on this journey, as we celebrate one of the most memorable poems from the Klondike Gold Rush era.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Picture this: it's 1858, a rugged miner's camp is bustling with activity, and a piano mysteriously shows up just in time for Christmas Eve. Oh, the chaos and hilarity that ensues! Journey with us as we follow our hearty miners wrestling with setting up the instrument and scrambling to find a player. This isn't just a piano; it's a beacon of camaraderie and festive spirit, shining through their rough and tumble exterior. Tune into our special presentation of 'A Miner's Christmas Carol' by Samuel Davis, edited by Mike King, and let Brad Smalley's narration whisk you away to a comical yesteryear. 

But wait, there's more! Can you imagine discovering a long-lost stranger on a Christmas Eve, a man who disappeared with a hefty sum of money? That's exactly what happens to Goskin and Driscoll, our beloved characters from the miner's tale. Embark on a captivating quest with them as they navigate through old grudges and current suspicions, all the while unearthing the essence of Christmas, tradition, and memory. Their Christmas wish extends not only to themselves but to you, our dedicated listeners. So, grab a hot cup of cocoa, find a comfy chair, and get ready to be immersed in a mesmerizing world of twists and turns. Trust us, you won't want to miss the end of this tale.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Prepare to be transported back to the Kansas plains of 1872! You'll journey alongside Richard Irving Dodge, a soldier stationed at the heart of the Wild West, as he recounts the awe-inspiring sight of a massive buffalo herd numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The vast prairie comes alive as he shares tales of life at Fort Dodge and his interactions with Robert M. Wright.

But life on the plains is not all breathtaking scenery and peaceful coexistence. The episode takes a dramatic turn as we recount the fiery confrontation between Captain Reif and Captain Moore at Fort Dodge, followed by the chaos instigated by a drunken Lieutenant Turner. As we navigate through these tales, we uncover the struggles of maintaining order among soldiers and the controversies surrounding alcohol consumption. The episode concludes with a look at the aftermath as we discuss the decision to establish a township near the fort and the impending court-martial charges. Listeners of Wild West Podcast should tune in for this riveting journey into the untamed life of soldiers in the Kansas plains during the 1870s.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Settle in, saddle up and join us as we ride alongside George W Brown and Prairie Dog Morrow, two audacious characters who guide us through the exhilarating era of buffalo hunting in the Great Plains of the 1870s. Hear how they mastered the art of buffalo hunting and their thrilling adventures from the Dakotas to Montana. Prairie Dog even reveals his unique prairie dog catching technique, an unexpected skill that surprisingly comes in handy on the frontier. 

Our journey doesn't stop at hunting. Just when you think it’s all buffalo hides and prairie dog tales, we introduce the whiskey saga at Fort Dodge. Hear the inside story of why a liquor ban was implemented, how it stirred chaos, and birthed a new underground business just outside the fort’s walls. Thriving despite the ban, these rogue whiskey sellers turned the frontier into the wild west we all know. But remember, every party has a hangover. We'll share the chilling story of a young man named Langford, whose life took a fateful turn after a perilous night of drinking.

Finally, listen to the heart-tugging story of Langford's grueling recovery from five gunshot wounds, an aftermath of a drunken brawl. Through this, we explore the dire repercussions of alcohol use, the role of friendship, and the extraordinary resilience of the human body. This isn't just history; it's an adventure, a cautionary tale, and a celebration of the human spirit all rolled into one riveting episode. So grab your headphones, your favorite drink (responsibly, of course) and get ready for a wild ride through the plains of the 1870s!

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine the southern plains once teeming with 50 million buffaloes, a resource so vast it was considered inexhaustible. Then, picture it transforming into a desolate, putrid desert, the aftermath of a rampant hunting spree fueled by the discovery of buffalo leather by tanneries worldwide, the westward migration of war veterans and the establishment of railroads. This episode takes you on an engrossing journey through this pivotal, and often ignored chapter of American history. We'll discuss how the pursuit of quick wealth led to the unintentional theft of the Indians' livelihood and the severe disruption of natural replenishment, leaving the plains a wasteland and the once-thriving buffalo population in shambles.

Fast forward to 1872, when the big hunt left the Arkansas buffalo herd in ruins, and hunters began encroaching on the Indian hunting grounds in southwestern Kansas. We'll recount riveting tales of their encounters with the military and the shocking scale of devastation through Lieutenant Colonel Dodge's eyes. The devastation was so profound that the plains, once bustling with buffalo life, were now filled with a sickening stench from the myriad of carcasses left to rot. The episode continues with a deep dive into the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867 and its implications for the buffalo hunting grounds. Join us as we shed light on this significant period of American history, a time of rapid change and devastating loss.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready to hitch a ride to the wild frontier with tales from the legendary George W Brown, also known as Hoodoo Brown. Born under the Missouri skies in 1847, he invites us into his past, from fighting in the Union Army to life as a bullwacker, hauling wood for the government. His trailblazing tales are packed with excitement, danger, and the raw reality of frontier life. With every twist and turn, from dodging wild Texas steers to navigating treacherous wagon trips, we're right there with him.

And the journey doesn't end there! The second half of our adventure features Jack Stilwell, a scout handpicked by Colonel George A Forsythe for a special operations unit. He takes us from being recruited at Fort Hays to the throes of intense battles, leaving us hanging on his every word. Jack’s recollections of the Battle at Beecher's Island will make your heart pound and your mind spin. Then, it's back to George Brown as he teams up with Buffalo Bill and other scouts on a mission to clear the Republican region of Indians. These unmissable chronicles from the frontier will have you yearning for the wide open plains and the echo of cattle drives in the distance.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Strap yourselves in folks, we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the wild and gritty tales of the legendary Wild West! Ever heard of the infamous Bat Masterson? Well, this episode is all about his equally intriguing brother, James Masterson. We shine a spotlight on his tumultuous life, culminating in his pivotal role in the Battle of the Plaza and the exhilarating Battle of Ingalls. This episode is not just a history lesson, it's a thrilling ride that will transport you back in time, making you feel like you're right in the heart of the action!

Are you ready to face the Doolin-Dalton Gang with us? Fasten your seatbelts as we delve into the notorious lives of outlaws like Bill Doolin, Bitter Creek Newton, Arkansas Tom Jones, Dan Clifton, Tulsa Jack, and George Redbuck Whiteman. Feel the tension rise as we relive the dramatic escape of George Bitter Creek Newcombe from a hostile Comanche band and his subsequent face-off with deputy Dick Speed in Ingalls. The adrenaline doesn't stop there! We intricately weave the narrative of the intense gun battle that ensued, with James Masterson and the townsfolk caught in the crossfire.

Finally, we dissect the heart-stopping gunfight in the tiny town of Ingalls, Oklahoma. Picture the scene - Arkansas Tom, trapped, his comrades escaping amidst a hailstorm of bullets. Experience the desperation of Doolan's frantic search for wire cutters for their escape. Feel the dread as Arkansas Tom watches the dust settle after his friends' escape, left alone in the deafening silence following the chaos. This episode is a wild rollercoaster of gripping narratives, fraught with danger, suspense, and the raw, unfiltered reality of the Wild West. So, hold onto your hats; this will be an unforgettable ride!

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Ever thought about how life was in the Wild West? Imagine, the rawness of survival against the elements, the adrenaline of buffalo hunts, and the intrigue of lawmen and outlaws! I'm inviting you to saddle up and join us on this journey as we live vicariously through the life of our protagonist, Josiah Wright Mooar, a young man discovering the thrills and perils of the frontier. 

Our tale begins in Fort Hays, Kansas, where Josiah sets up a buffalo hunting team with a seasoned hunter, James White. From acquiring a wagon and camping supplies to the exhilarating hunt itself, we are right there with them. We encounter the mysterious figure of Thomas Nixon, who offers us an exciting opportunity to buy a buffalo hide business. But as a fierce storm threatens our hunt and a stampede sets off, tension rises. How will Josiah and Jim navigate these sudden threats? 

Through this captivating narrative, we uncover the vibrant life of the Wild West, the frontiersman and Buffalo hunters who shaped it and the crucial role they played in frontier survival. Moreover, we delve into the techniques used in buffalo hunting and how these adapted to the changing environment. So, get ready for a riveting exploration of the Wild West's legacy, one that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Are you ready to step back in time with us to the age of the American frontier? This episode unfurls the tapestry of the life of the renowned Indian scout, Moses Milner, more famously known as California Joe. His tale, as wild and untamed as the frontier he called home, begins with his youthful years of trapping and trading with friendly Indians. We follow his path to the height of his storied career guiding for the US Army. From his service as a trailblazer for the Donovan expedition during the Mexican War, his marriage at the tender age of 21, his explorations to Oregon, and his associations with legendary figures like Kit Carson and Wild Bill Hickok, we delve into the depths of this captivating character.

Our journey through Joe's life marches on through the rugged terrains of Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountain Country where he served under General George Crook, and to the Powder River Expedition against the fierce Cheyenne under General Ronald S McKenzie. His thrilling life, filled with adventure, bravery, and intrigue, drew to a close at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in a fatal confrontation. His legacy, however, lives on, symbolized by his burial with full military honors at Fort MacPherson National Cemetery in Nebraska. Join us as we weave together the threads of California Joe's life and the richness of the frontier era. This is an episode that will leave you with a profound understanding of the scouts who played a pivotal role in shaping the history of America.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

Send us Fan Mail

Hold onto your hats as we whisk you away on a wild adventure with the charismatic Luke McGlue! Imagine a hidden backroom in the Lady Gay Saloon, brimming with peculiar jars and the air thick with anticipation. It’s a laughable escapade until the lights go out and bullets start to fly! If that’s not enough to get your pulse racing, we then introduce you to two intriguing doctors from around the globe who’ve arrived to hold a private lecture and examination. 

In the second half, things get political with Luke McGlue’s radical program aimed at shifting the balance of power in the town. The Luke McGlue Special High Society Training Program isn't just a mouthful; it's a game changer, designed to hand the City Council and the new sheriff the reins. As we dissect the implications of this, you'll also find out how you, the townsfolk, could make a difference. The final twist? A local minister embroiled in a case of horse thievery! Prepare for a roller coaster of an episode packed with humor, chaos, and a sprinkle of mischief.

Support the show

If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included.