Wild West Podcast

By Michael King/Brad SmalleySociety & Culture Education History Personal Journals

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Wild West Podcast episodes

April 28, 2018 Alonzo B Webster: The Unsung Hero of Dodge City and his Riveting Legacy
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Ready to uncover the gripping tale of a true Dodge City legend? Today, we're peeling back the layers of history to reveal the astounding life of Alonzo B Webster. Born in 1845, this Rochester native took to the wild west after serving in the Civil War and swiftly made a name for himself. A businessman, a mayor, a marshal, and an adversary to the notorious gang led by saloon owner Luke Short, Webster was the very definition of cool-headed bravery.

From his involvement in the infamous Saloon War of 1883 to his innovative ventures during alcohol prohibition, Webster's life was brimming with tales of courage, ingenuity, and conflict. Not to mention, he was the mastermind behind the United States' only traditional bullfight! Despite his untimely death at the age of 41, the legacy he left behind continues to resonate through the streets of Dodge City. Tune in for an episode brimming with tales of a man whose life was as dramatic and unpredictable as the town he helped shape. Discover the unforgettable story of Alonzo B Webster, the unsung hero of Dodge City.
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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.
5 min
April 15, 2018 Battle of the Plaza, April 16, 1881
The Wild West podcast presents the Battle of the Plaza the retelling of the gunfight between Bat Masterson, A.J.Peacock, and Al Updegraff. The story begins on April 15, 1881, after Bat Masterson living in Arizona is telegraphed by an unknown informer, notifying Bat that his brother Jim was about to be assassinated by the co-owner of the Lady Gay, Jim Masterson's partner. Purchase the book A Man in a Black Derby Hat at Amazon. Bat takes a train to Dodge City and arrives on the April 16 noon train but decides to get off early suspecting he might encounter resistance at the train depot. The Battle of the Plaza written and produced by Mike King takes the listener deep into the conflict surrounding the feud between Jim Masterson and A.J. Peacock over the Lady Gay Saloon. The story narrated by Brad Smalley gives a first-person account as the gunfight begins to unfold the night before at the Long Branch Saloon when George a local cowboy inquires about the ongoing conflict between Jim Masterson and A.J. Peacock. During the twenty-minute podcast, many legends of the old west are revealed to include the characterization of Bat Masterson, A.B. Webster, Tom Nixon, Pat Sughrue, Fred Singer, A. B. Webster, and Jim Masterson.
27 min
April 03, 2018 A Buffalo Stampede, Richard Irving Dodge Story
The Wild West Podcast proudly presents the story of Richard Irving Dodge. Travel with Richard Irving Dodge as he explores the great southwest plains of Kansas. Richard Dodge a naturalist tells his experience of seeing one of the last great buffalo herds twenty-five miles wide and fifty miles deep from the top of Pawnee Rock. In this episode narrated by Brad Smalley will take you deep into a buffalo stampede five thousand strong. The story of Richard Irving Dodge written and produced by Mike King takes place in May of 1872 just two months before Colonel Dodge takes command of Fort Dodge located on the North banks of the Arkansas River five miles West from the place where Dodge City will soon be born. The story transpires during the time Colonel Dodge was stationed at Fort Larned, a disbursement point for Indian annuities and a base for troops guarding workers on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad against an Indian attack in the 1870s. You can purchase the book by clicking on the link Return of the Great Hunters: Tales of the Frontier. Learn more about this episode at Wild West Podcast Facebook Page.
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Return of the Great Hunters
Cattle Drives Website
Legends of Dodge City Website
Order Books
13 min
April 03, 2018 From the Swarms Come the Beasts of Civilization: Part 1
The story of Richard Irving Dodge written and produced by Mike King takes place in May of 1872 just two months before Colonel Dodge takes command of Fort Dodge located on the North banks of the Arkansas River five miles West from the place where Dodge City will soon be born.
13 min
March 30, 2018 Riding the Storm: The Bold Rescue of Chief Spotted Tail in the Old West
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Imagine yourself in the Wild West, where buffalo roam and tensions are high. Are you ready to venture back to 1870s Dodge City, to a time fraught with peril and intrigue? This episode plunges you right into the heart of a deadly standoff involving Cheyenne Chief Spotted Tail and renowned buffalo hunter Charles Rath. With a violated peace treaty as the catalyst, you'll feel the urgency of Chief Spotted Tail's journey to deliver a dire warning to Charles, who was the best hope for reaching fellow buffalo hunters.

But that's just the beginning of this riveting tale. Expect to be swept up in a whirlwind of courage and daring as Charles, aided by his wife Kerry and Sally McCarty, Dodge City's first physician's wife, battles against the clock and an enraged mob to secure Chief Spotted Tail's safety. Can they navigate the complexities of frontier life and successfully execute a daring plan to get the Cheyenne chief out of Dodge City alive? Prepare for a wild ride through this vivid slice of history and a glimpse into the fearless human spirit. Don't miss out on this high-stakes adventure! Read more about Chief Spotted Tails Life and Death
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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.
3 min
March 30, 2018 Legends and Legacies in the Wild West: The Resounding Journey of Chalkley Beeson from Saloon Owner to Sheriff and Saviour of Dodge City's History
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Ever wondered how the Wild West was truly won? This episode transports you back in time, to an era brimming with saloons, stagecoaches, and sheriffs, precisely to Dodge City, where we unearth the remarkable story of Chalkley Chalk Beeson. Beeson's gripping tale takes us from his beginnings as a stagecoach driver, through his rise to fame as an owner of the legendary Long Branch Saloon, to his tenure as a state legislator and sheriff. We also delve into his heroic role in the downfall of the notorious Bill Doolan Gang and discover the phenomenal legacy he left behind – the cherished Cowboy Band that graced the inauguration of US President Benjamin Harrison.

In the second half of the episode, we honor Beeson's unwavering commitment to preserving Dodge City's history. Along with his son Merritt, the Beesons became zealous collectors, amassing a treasure trove of historical artifacts that led to the establishment of the Beeson Museum. Though the museum may have closed in 1964, the Beeson legacy shines brightly at the Boot Hill Museum, home to a significant portion of the Beeson collection. As we revisit the past, we offer an intimate look into the life of one of Dodge City's most intriguing characters and how his love for the city continues to be celebrated today.

Brent Harris a noted Boot Hill Museum historian narrates the conclusion of the podcast presenting Chalk Beeson as the primary reason the Boot Hill Museum exists today. Check out the full story of Chalk Beeson with video at Legends of Dodge City.
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.
7 min
March 28, 2018 An Unfortunate Incident: The Story of Dora Hand
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Dora Hand narrated by Brad Smalley is an account of an unfortunate incident played out on the streets of Dodge City in the fall of 1878. The night of October 4 brought with it a strange ominous feeling when two men’s love for one young maiden ended in a tragic shooting leaving behind a fascinating frontier tale. The next day thunder rang over the prairie as the legendary lawmen—Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Charlie Bassett and Bill Tilghman—chased the would-be assailant leaving the killer trapped under his prize horse and brought back to Dodge for justice. The story of Dora Hand is credited to Boot Hill Museum and produced by Mike King.
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.
6 min
March 23, 2018 Hoodoo Brown Remastered
The Wild West podcast proudly presents the story of Hoodoo Brown. The story begins in 1886 when Hoodoo takes his first job as a Bullwacker taking supplies to Fort Wallace Kansas. Hoodoo Brown’s adventures on the plains of Kansas, written and produced by Mike King takes the listener to a time when Kansas was settling lands along the overland routes of the Santa Fe, and Smokey Hill trails. Narrator Brad Smalley will take you to Abilene, were Hoodoo joins a cattle as a drover and then on to Hays City right before Hoodoo meets up with Jack Stillwell a famous Indian scout. At the conclusion, Hoodoo gives up on the hide-hunting business when he sees prosperity in starting a saloon business in Dodge City, the second business in the new town. Brown hauled plank wood from Fort Hays to construct his small building, a shack on the south side of the tracks and near the bank of the Arkansas where it was handy to get water to cut his whiskey with, as well as for the Texas men to water their livestock.Support the show
Return of the Great Hunters
Cattle Drives Website
Legends of Dodge City Website
Order Books
23 min
March 21, 2018 Faith and Fortitude in the Frontier: Reverend Ormond W. Wright's Inspiring Saga of Resilience and Divine Intervention in Dodge City
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What if you could face the toughest crowd and emerge victorious, not with swords or guns, but with faith, resilience, and a dash of humor? Brace yourselves for an enticing journey back to the wild, unpredictable frontier days of Dodge City, as we follow the extraordinary life of Reverend Ormond W. Wright. Born in New Hampshire in 1850, Wright showed up in Dodge City at the nubile age of 26 - a young, unordained minister in the midst of rowdy buffalo hunters and cowboys. Unfazed, he charmed the locals, and soon became a beacon of faith, guiding the town with his divine intervention.

Wright's story is punctuated with amusing anecdotes, including the time Luke McGlue, a notorious prankster, stole his prize pony, and how the shadier side of Dodge City came to his aid during hard times. Despite the tumultuous setting, Wright accomplished the extraordinary - he established the first denominational church in Dodge City. His journey wasn't devoid of hardships, but his undying spirit and sense of humor kept him going. Wright served in Dodge City until 1882, took a short health-related break, and then continued his service in Barnagat, New Jersey, for 30 more years, until his death at age 86. So, buckle up for a wild, inspiring ride into history as we unravel the fascinating tale of Reverend Ormond W Wright.
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.
4 min
March 19, 2018 Dodge City Unleashed: A Night of Bulls, Guns, and Grit in the Wild West
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Can you imagine stepping into the raw energy of the Wild West, where saloons boom with business and townsfolk eagerly await an extraordinary bullfight? That's exactly what Simeron George, a late 1800s adventurer experienced upon his arrival in Dodge City. We'll take you through his riveting journey, painting a vivid picture of a wild night filled with anticipation, money, and guns, culminating in the dramatic spectacle of a Mexican bullfight.

The drama doesn't stop there. We're right there in the thick of it, watching the matadors take on the fearsome bulls in the arena. We'll relive the thrilling triumph of the matador captain, the electrifying silence, and the wave of cheers that swept across the stadium. As we move from the adrenaline-filled bullfight to the aftermath, we share the tale of the town recovering from its wildest days, where the dust of Dodge City settles and the martial and his deputies are left with the task of restoring order. This is not just a tale of the Wild West, but a story of human grit, anticipation, and the recovery that follows.
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.
12 min

About Wild West Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Wild West Podcast, winner of the 2026 Best of Western Podcast award, where fact and legend merge. We present the true accounts of individuals who settled in towns built out of hunger…