Wild West Podcast

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In this two-part episode of Whiskey & Westerns on Wednesday’s we first characterize the legend of Bat Masterson while sipping a little whiskey. In part one of the “Characterization of Legends,” we will take you into the first chapter of the book “A Man in a Black Derby Hat.” Brad Smalley will break down a few additional characters like Ben and Billy Thompson along with Squirrel Tooth Alice. 

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

I can say with the lack of any contention that the proclaiming of a greenhorn has many setbacks in achieving credibility. They are among those who are not well served through experience. Whatever the reason, a greenhorn is firmly embedded in the language of the frontier. They are the young, naive, or inexperienced person who is likely to get into trouble - that is, until that person gets a little seasoning. This is the story of the greenhorn joining the Dodge City Gang and the lady-killer prank. To purchase our newest book go to Return of the Great Hunters: Tales of the Frontier. Join us on our YouTube channel at Whiskey & Westerns on Wednesday. 

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Ever wondered how a notorious buffalo hunter and prankster navigated his way through the wild west? Get ready to be regaled with tales of Luke McGlue, the Irish mischief-maker who lived in Dodge City in the mid-1800s. We dive deep into Luke's unordinary escapades, his Irish upbringing, his journey to Kansas as a buffalo hunter, and his induction into the infamous Dodge City Gang with the help of old-timer Smiley. With humor and daring adventures, this episode is a wild west ride you don't want to miss.

But hold on to your hats, folks! There's more to Dodge City than just Luke. Meet Mayor Kelly and his pet bear, Patty, whose antics had the townsfolk reeling with laughter. But the mirth doesn't stop there; we'll also be unveiling the suspenseful episode where Luke nearly lost his life to a mysterious stranger in a deadly encounter. Saved by the local Marshal, Luke's legend became forever etched in Dodge City folklore. Whether you're a history buff or a lover of good-old American humor, we promise you a riotous rollercoaster ride through history.

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Prepare for a journey of discovery as we trace the footprints of the majestic buffalo across the American plains, and how their fate was intrinsically tied to the westward expansion of settlers post the Civil War. We'll recount the profound bond between the buffalo and the Plains Indians, and how the end of the Civil War ignited a push in the American economy, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in this narrative. Witness the rise of military posts, buffalo hunts for feeding troops, settlers, railroad workers, and trading posts like the American Fur Company. We'll share the chilling account of the massacre at Walnut Creek and the escalating tensions between Indians and White Settlers.

Then, brace yourselves as we delve into the stories of the frontier entrepreneurs who gave life to Dodge City amidst these growing tensions and the extermination of buffalo herds. Feel the passion and determination of those who braved the frontier, their conquests, and their part in the haunting slaughter of bison herds. We'll explore critical events from the establishment of the Butterfield Overland Dispatch, the negotiation of the Medicine Lodge Treaty to the role of railroads in the decline of the buffalo population. This episode offers an intimate view into a pivotal era in American history filled with personal tales, conflict, and transformative change. Be ready to feel, learn, and understand history like never before!

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

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Prepare for an odyssey that takes us back to the times of the American Frontiersmen, the brave and resilient pioneers who ventured west, tamed the wilderness, and laid the foundation for the United States as we know it today. We promise you an adventure packed with tales of survival, resourcefulness, and the indomitable spirit that pushed these early settlers beyond known territories. Discover how they blazed the Santa Fe trail, accelerating the development of the Frontier.

As we journey further, we immerse ourselves in the early history of Kansas, a state with a past as wild as the Frontier itself. Brace yourselves as we unravel the challenges of wars, raids, natural disasters and disease outbreaks that shaped Kansas. Hear about the horrific Lawrence massacre led by William Quantrell, and how, despite these tragedies, Kansas found its path to peace and progress. From the pioneering Exodusters to the controversial reign of Henry J Allen, we explore all the extraordinary influences that made Kansas what it is today. Settle in and let us begin our expedition into America's Frontier past.

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

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Part One, tells the story of one of the largest gunfights to ever take place in the American West fought in Newton, Kansas on August 20, 1871. In Part two, of the Emanuel Dubbs story takes you back to the late spring of 1872. Emanuel Dubbs with Mr. Wiley a head contractor scout out a location for a new supply depot. Dubbs riding on his favorite mule named Marie travel up the line from Fort Larned over what was then known as the Dry Ridge Trail. They came off the trail in sight of the beautiful Arkansas valley about two miles above where old Fort Dodge then stood. Dubbs describes the panorama view just minutes before he charges down an embankment to shoot a buffalo. Emanuel Dubbs has an encounter with Billy Brooks. Brooks was a shabby character sporting a narrow mustache with a long rounded face trimmed out with a Van Dyke goatee. You can purchase the book by clicking on the link Return of the Great Hunters: Tales of the Frontier. 

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

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The story you are about to hear is fictitious, but portions of the story are based on factual accounts. 

This is the story of a mischief-maker by the name of Luke McGlue. The Luke McGlue character transcends from the perceptiveness of his personality; the way this fictitious character might have perceived Dodge City through the realization of his times. 

In the mid-1800s, the people of Dodge had a legendary person in which they could blame all sorts of mayhem. His name was Luke McGlue. He was credited with many devious deeds. Many individuals within the community would pull a prank, then pass it off on another individual or on to a fictitious person by the name of Luke McGlue. 

The story takes place in 1877, a time when Dodge City Kansas was full of pranksters. In the story, Luke visits the Boot Hill resting grounds and meets up with a few unknown characters to administer the Keeley Cure. 

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In Part Two of Boardwalks from Hell Bat Masterson is elected as Sheriff of Ford County as he continues to protect his brother Ed from evil doings. Yet, tragedy strikes quickly, at the Lady Gay Dance Hall. 

Experience a thrilling journey back to the Wild West in Dodge City, where a renegade cowboy named AC Jackson fires off a few shots, stirring up danger and sparking an intense chase. Join us, your hosts, as we bring this gripping tale to life, making you feel the dust settle post-gunfire and the public outcry for a stronger stand against such lawlessness. Listen to the captivating story of the marshal's relentless pursuit, with a helping hand from my friend, Ed, as we attempt to apprehend Jackson, only to find an unexpected twist.

We don't just stop at narrating high-stake chases, we're digging deeper into the politics of the West, embodied by the impending sheriff election. Hear our engaging conversation with Ed, where we shed light on the need for tougher law enforcement. Get the inside scoop on my personal determination to prove that I can be tough when required. You'll feel the anticipation build as we plan our campaign, make a public pledge in the Dodge City Times, and unmask the unpredictable nature of booze-addled cowboys.

Our tale takes a somber turn as we recount the tragic story of Ed Masterson, the Deputy Marshal of Dodge City, who met his untimely death in a bar dance hall theater. The grief and rage that followed his death are palpable, and you'll feel the raw emotion as we narrate this harrowing account. Amid the sorrow, we weave in a glimmer of hope and determination to exact revenge. We leave no stone unturned as we reflect on Edd's funeral, his religious upbringing, and the stark realities of life in the Wild West. Join us as we revisit the past and bring alive the tales of Dodge City.

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What you are about to hear is an individual historical account of Bat Masterson's return to Dodge City, Kansas. Ready for a thrilling journey back to the Wild West? Buckle up, as we spin a tale of the legendary Bat Masterson and his return to Dodge City in 1877. This ride is packed with high-stakes adventure, danger, and a deep dive into the fabric of America's past. Be right there with Masterson as he steps off the train into a bustling city, teetering on the edge of lawlessness. Your heart will race as we unveil the defining moments that shaped the man and the myth Masterson became.

In our second act, we explore the rough and tumble city streets of Dodge. The town is a powder keg, and Masterson finds himself in the center. His encounters with local figures, like the infamous Bobby Gill and Marshal Dagger, will have you gripping your seats. Then, we pivot from the dangerous city to the wild frontier. Experience a high-adrenaline buffalo hunt and a nerve-racking standoff with the Indians, featuring a show-stopping performance from young Billy Tillman. History isn't just a collection of facts and dates, it's a story of people, their struggles, their victories, and their defeats. Join us as we bring these stories to life.

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

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The Saloon War written and produced by Mike King and narrated by Brad Smalley is an account of a bloodless conflict that took place between Luke Short and the Dodge City mayor. The "HQ Audio" podcast documents the founding of Dodge City Kansas and the political factors leading up to up to the Saloon War of 1883. The story of Mayor Degers attempt to try and force Luke Short to close the Long Branch Saloon is an accurate account of the corrupt political factors supporting the take over of the whiskey trade in Dodge City. The event is best remembered for the Western gamblers and gunfighters who played roles in the history of the Wild West. To view, the Documentary go to http://worldfamousgunfighters.weebly.com/saloon-war.html

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.