Wild West Podcast
Welcome to Wild West podcast where fact and legend merge. The Wild West Podcast presents the true accounts of individuals, who settled in a town built out of hunger for money, regulated by fast guns, who walked on both sides of the law, patrolling, investing in and regulating the brothels, saloons and gambling houses. These are stories of the men who made the history of the Old West come alive - bringing with them the birth of legends, brought to order by a six-gun and laid to rest with their boots on. Join us now as we take you back in history, to the legends of the Wild West.
Episodes
213 episodes
Uncovering the Western Cattle Trail: Legendary Drives, Military Forts, and the Rise of Dodge City with Brad Smalley
Join us on a historical journey through the American West with Brad Smalley, a vibrant storyteller and fourth-generation Dodge Citian, as we uncover the compelling tales of the Western Cattle Trail. We promise you’ll gain a deeper understanding...
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18:36
Chasing Dutch Henry Born: Rebellion, Infamy, and the High-Stakes Pursuit in the American West
What if one man's rebellion against the military set him on a path to infamy in the untamed territories of the American West? Join us as we unravel the saga of Dutch Henry Born, a figure whose life was as wild as the frontier itself. Born to Ge...
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22:30
Unveiling Kansas Forts: Strategic Mastery, Pioneer Struggles, and the Central Plains Indian Wars with Historian Brad Smalley
Ever wondered how military forts without traditional defenses managed to secure the American West during the 1860s? Discover the strategic brilliance behind Kansas forts like Fort Zarah and Fort Larned, as we unravel their critical roles along ...
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17:50
Celebrating 150 Years of the Western Cattle Trail: Fireside Stories, Musical Heritage, and Frontier Legends with Historian Brad Smalley and Filmmaker Ken Spurgeon
Unearth the history of the American West as we celebrate the momentous 150th anniversary of the Western Cattle Trail. Join us for an unparalleled event scheduled for November 1st and 2nd, 2024, where you'll secure insights into the legendary ta...
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2:39
Halloween Mischief in 1877 Dodge City: Ghostly Legends, Frontier Pranks, and Luke McGlue's Infamy with Historian Brad Smalley
Prepare to be transported to the wild and mischievous streets of 1877 Dodge City, where history and legend collide in a Halloween tale like no other. Our featured guest, the acclaimed historian Brad Smalley, guides us through the shadowy alleys...
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30:59
Rethinking the Chisholm Trail: Challenging Myths, Revealing History, with Gary and Margaret Kraisinger
Forget everything you thought you knew about the Chisholm Trail. Historians Gary and Margaret Kraisinger have conducted groundbreaking research that challenges the traditional story of this iconic route. Contrary to popular belief, the Chisholm...
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11:33
Exploring the XIT Ranch: Texas Panhandle’s Cattle Legacy, Historical Trails, and Environmental Challenges with Dr. Michael Miller
Dr. Michael Miller, a historian with a former career in technology, brings his expertise and passion for the American cattle industry to our latest episode. Discover how a chance encounter with rare historical documents led Dr. Miller down an u...
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38:09
The Mischief-Maker's Guide to Dodge City
What if a fictional character could take the blame for all your mischievous antics? Meet Luke McGlue, the legendary scapegoat of Dodge City, concocted by the town's own prankster hall-of-famers like Bat Masterson. Join us as we explore how Luke...
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11:44
Cowboys and Campfires: Tales from Dodge City's Past
Gather 'round the campfire, folks! I'm Brad Smalley, your trusty storyteller of the Wild West Podcast. Imagine sitting under the vast Kansas sky, warmed by the crackling flames at Udland Ranch, a historic site steeped in the lore of Dodge City....
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2:27
Fairchild's Theatrical Arrival in Dodge City: Bat Masterson's Pranks, Frontier Mischief, and the Legendary 1874 Turkey Hunt
What happens when a flamboyant newcomer meets the unpredictable characters of Dodge City? Fairchild, the not-so-brave Indian fighter, steps into the Wild West with all the theatrical flair of a Broadway show. His garish attire and bold persona ...
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12:30
Halloween in the Wild West: Dodge City's Festive Traditions, Legendary Tricksters, and Historical Haunts
Have you ever wondered how the Wild West celebrated Halloween? Join Mike King and Brad Smalley as they resurrect our favorite troublemaker, Luke McGlue, to share a spellbinding tale of Dodge City's unique Halloween traditions. Picture a town sq...
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9:26
Legendary Prankster Luke McGlue: Dodge City’s Wild Hijinks, Community Bonds, and Humorous Survival
What if the tall tales of Wild West mischief you’ve heard weren’t just stories, but a way of life in Dodge City? Join us as we unravel the legend of Luke McGlue, a fictional troublemaker concocted by Bat Masterson and his band of pranksters to ...
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14:30
Uncovering the Western Cattle Trail: From Hidden Kansas Ruts to Nebraska's Frontier Expansion with Gary and Margaret Kraisinger
How did mysterious ruts on a Kansas ranch lead to an expansive journey uncovering the Western Cattle Trail? Join us as we welcome Gary and Margaret Kraisinger, distinguished researchers with a deep passion for American West history. Starting wi...
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32:10
The Western Cattle Trail: Cowboys, Iconic Towns, and the Lifeline of the American West
Unravel the cultural and economic tapestry of the American West through the lens of the Western Cattle Trail in our conversation with Brad. Ever wondered how cowboys, cattle, and cow towns like Dodge City became iconic symbols of the West? Brad...
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10:07
Forging the Western Trail: John T. Lytles', 3,500 Cattle, Historic Rest Stops, and the Dugan Family's Frontier Hub
What if a single trail could redefine the cattle industry and shape the American West? Join us as we unravel the extraordinary journey of John T. Lytle, and his 3,500 cattle, an endeavor that led to the creation of the iconic Western Trail. Spa...
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8:29
Unmasking Wild Bill Hickok: Debating His Legend, Kansas Criticism, and the Hickok-Tutt Gunfight
Was Wild Bill Hickok a larger-than-life hero or a product of wild exaggerations? This episode promises to uncover the truth behind Colonel George Ward Nichols' controversial portrayal of Hickok in Harper's New Monthly magazine. You'll hear abou...
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19:11
The Northern Cheyenne Exodus: Struggle, Resilience, and Cultural Shifts After Little Bighorn
What if the true story of resilience and struggle in American history has been overlooked for too long? Explore the harrowing journey of the Northern Cheyenne tribe after the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From the brutal winter attack on Dull K...
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34:36
Wild Bill's Rise: A Legendary Gunfight, Springfield Tensions, and Media Sensation
What if a single magazine article could immortalize a man into legend? This episode explores how Colonel George Ward Nichols' sensational account in Harper's New Monthly Magazine transformed James Butler Hickok into the iconic "Wild Bill." Thro...
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35:16
Preserving the Western Trail: A Historian's Perspective an Interview with Michael Grauer
Ever wondered how the foundations of America were built on "beef and bread"? Join us for an eye-opening journey into the heart of cowboy culture with Michael Grauer, the McCaslin Chair of Cowboy Culture and curator at the National Cowboy and We...
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19:14
Transforming Dodge City: From Buffalo Grounds to Cowboy Town
Why did Dodge City transform from the Buffalo capital to the Cowboy capital, and what did this mean for the American southwest? Join us as we journey through the economic upheavals that shaped this iconic city, tracing the steps of hunters like...
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11:50
Bravery at Adobe Walls: The Epic Battle, Buffalo Hunters, and Frontier Economy Transformations
Step back in time to the heart of the Second Battle of Adobe Walls, where 28 brave buffalo hunters faced off against a coalition of Native American tribes in an epic struggle for survival. You'll discover the intricate history behind the Medici...
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32:21
Dodge City's Electrifying Rise: Nightlife, Legendary Figures, and the Backbone of the Wild West Economy
Ever wonder how a modest village transformed into the Wild West's most infamous cowboy capital? Join us as we uncover the electrifying rise of Dodge City, from its economic boom fueled by the Western Trail to its diverse and lively social scene...
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26:57
The Evolution of Dodge City: From Cattle Drives to Remarkable Women of the Wild West
Ever wondered how a modest village grew into the legendary cowboy capital known as Dodge City? Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the vital role of the Western Trail and the economic boom that cattle drives ushered in, transforming this onc...
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33:50
Pioneering Prosperity: John T. Lytle, Dodge City's Wild West Boom, and the Western Trail Chronicles
Curious about the incredible transformation of humble villages into booming cowboy capitals? Join us as we uncover the captivating tales of pioneers like John T. Lytle, who blazed new trails, and how their efforts fueled economic prosperity in ...
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30:21
The Trailblazing Legacy of Margaret Borland: Irish Grit in Texas's Cattle Empire
How did a young Irish immigrant woman become a pioneering force in Texas's booming cattle industry? Embark on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Margaret Borland as we trace her family's audacious voyage from Ireland to the un...
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39:05
