Best Old West Novels Podcasts (2024)

1
The Hancock Expedition: Frontier Diplomacy and The Precipice of War in 1867 Plains 36:56

1h ago36:56

36:56

Embark on a journey to the year 1867, where the grasses of the Plains whispered tales of imminent turmoil. Our episode chronicles the audacious maneuvers of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, as he brandishes the might of the military in a perilous dance with the Plains tribes. We peel back the layers of the government's attempts at peace—effort…

1
Western Cattle Trail Newsletter Promotional 1:08

2h ago1:08

1:08

Don't miss the chance to delve deeper into the history of the Western Cattle Trail. Sign up for a free Western Cattle Trail Newsletter for a limited time. The newsletter will include featured articles by noted Western authors on historical accounts of the cattle drives of the 1880s. Additionally, those who receive the free newsletter will get exclu…

1
Western Cattle Trail Association 150th Conference 1:50

4d ago1:50

1:50

The Western Cattle Trail Association is delighted to announce that it will be hosting an exclusive 150-anniversary conference in Dodge City, Kansas, on November 1st & 2nd. This two-day gathering, reserved for those truly passionate about the history of the Western Trail, is not just a celebration but also a unique platform to delve into the history…

1
Tales of Abilene Kansas: Gunfighters, Gamblers, and the Wild Spirit of the Old West 41:27

5d ago41:27

41:27

Embark on a thrilling journey to the raucous streets of 19th-century Abilene with us, where the legends of the Wild West come alive. Get ready to be transported to a world where cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen like Wild Bill Hickok and Tom Smith walked with a swagger, and the promise of prosperity mingled with the ever-present risk of gunfights. Our n…

1
Echoes from Fort Dodge: The Pioneering Trials of Major Douglas and the Clash with the Kiowa 38:45

13d ago38:45

38:45

Feel the icy winds and hear the echoes of challenge and survival as we unveil the untold narratives of Fort Dodge's pioneering spirits. This episode promises to transplant you to the heart of a 19th-century military outpost, where Major Henry Douglas and his command contended with more than just the bitter cold. Mike King, a historian who profoundl…

1
Pioneering the Heartland: Isadore Douglas' Perilous Journey and the Spirit of the Santa Fe Trail 40:32

27d ago40:32

40:32

Embark on a trek through time as we uncover the remarkable story of Isadore Douglas and her family's poignant journey westward in the aftermath of the Civil War. Imagine braving the unknown frontier, where every step is a dance with danger and every letter home is a testament to survival. You're invited to live through Isidore's eyes, as her corres…

1
Fortifying the Frontier: Major General Dodge, Indian Diplomacy, and Life on the Western Kansas Plains 40:32

1M ago40:32

40:32

Step into the dusty boots of Major General Grenville Dodge as we venture into the heart of the post-Civil War American frontier, where securing the wild plains was as treacherous as it was vital. Our episode, guided by an esteemed historian, captures the essence of life at Fort Dodge, the strategic military stronghold pivotal in taming the Western …

1
Whispers of the Wild West: The Bose Ikard Story 34:18

2M ago34:18

34:18

Step back in time on our auditory trail as we unearth the powerful yet overlooked stories of African American cowboys. Through the unyielding dust of cattle drives and the camaraderie of the trail, we pay homage to trailblazers like Bose Ikard, who navigated the complexities of a post-slavery America to etch their names in the annals of frontier hi…

1
The Untold Legacy of Black American Cowboys: Nat Love's Journey and the Rise of the Western Trailblazers 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

Discover the unsung heroes of the Wild West as we share the riveting tales of Black American Cowboys, who emerged as skilled drovers and cow punchers in the post-Civil War era. Our journey through history celebrates these trailblazers, whose stories are often overshadowed, despite making up one-quarter of the 19th-century cowboy population. Join us…

1
Trading Bullets and Buffalo Hides on the Frontier 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

Strap on your spurs and hold onto your hats as I, Cranky McCabe, whisk you away to the days when Dodge City was overrun with buffalo hunters, traders, and outlaws. Ever wondered what it'd be like to stand in the midst of a buffalo stampede or face down danger at the turn of a card? Our latest journey into the echoes of the past promises tales of ad…

1
The Fabric of a Boomtown: Dodge City's Origin and the Characters Who Wove Its Story 23:30

3M ago23:30

23:30

Ever wonder how a legendary Wild West town like Dodge City came to be? Prepare to be transported to the very roots of this iconic boomtown, where the dreams of early settlers flourished alongside the roaring trains of progress. Your ears won't believe the tales of Dodge City's first entrepreneurs, John MacDonald and George Hoover, or the dramatic f…

1
Braving the Blizzard with General Custer: An Unforgettable Journey Through the 1868 Winter Campaign and the Pursuit of an Elusive Enemy 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

Imagine journeying through a blizzard-stricken landscape in late 1868, alongside General Custer and his men. Intrigued? That's just a taste of the thrilling expedition we embark on in today's episode, as we delve deep into General Sheridan's campaign. We're thrust into the harsh realities of the time - troops scattered across vast distances, severe…

1
Unwrapping Christmas in the Old West: Pioneer Traditions, Dodge City Divides, and the Heartening Tale of the Kincaid Family's Festive Feast 17:05

4M ago17:05

17:05

Join us on a captivating journey back in time as we unravel the heartwarming traditions of Christmas in the Old West. We've enlisted the help of historian Lucian Ruhl to paint a vivid picture of Christmas celebrations among pioneers, cowboys, and settlers. Sit back and immerse yourself in fascinating stories like Ruhl's family's harrowing journey f…

1
Exploring the Klondike Gold Rush: The Chilling Tale of 'The Cremation of Sam McGee' and the Harsh Reality of the Yukon Wilderness 9:00

5M ago9:00

9:00

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 th…

1
Christmas Craziness in the Miner's Camp: Unveiling 'A Miner's Christmas Carol' and the Tumultuous Holiday Misadventures of Goskin and Driscoll 18:41

5M ago18:41

18:41

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 camarad…

1
Tales and Trials on the Kansas Plains: Richard Irving Dodge's Awe-Inspiring Buffalo Encounter and the Heated Conflicts of Fort Dodge 22:27

5M ago22:27

22:27

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 interact…

1
Buffalo Hunt and Whiskey Busts: The Wild Exploits of George W Brown, Prairie Dog Morrow, and a Tumultuous Night at Buffalo City 27:56

5M ago27:56

27:56

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 hi…

1
Unearthing the Buffalo Dystopia: The Catastrophe of Overhunting and the Medicine Lodge Treaty Consequences 6:16

5M ago6:16

6:16

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…

1
Thrills and Tales from the Frontier: George 'Hoodoo' Brown's Exciting Exploits and Jack Stilwell's Gripping War Experience 31:36

5M ago31:36

31:36

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 …

1
Adventures and Adrenaline in the Wild West: James Masterson's Battle of Ingalls and the Unforgettable Escape in Ingalls Oklahoma 32:38

5M ago32:38

32:38

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…

1
Survival and Suspense in the Wild West: Josiah Wright Mooar's Thrilling Adventure into Frontier Life and Buffalo Hunting 47:28

6M ago47:28

47:28

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 thril…

1
Thrills and Tales of the Frontier: Charting the Untamed Life of Moses 'California Joe' Milner 12:05

6M ago12:05

12:05

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. W…

1
Humor and High-Stakes in the Wild West: Luke McGlue's Saloon Showdown and Radical Game-changer Plan 15:09

6M ago15:09

15:09

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…

1
Chaos and Cigars in the Wild West: Stirring Ventures of Luke McGlue and the Perplexed Cigar Merchant 13:03

6M ago13:03

13:03

Ever wondered what happens when a charming mischief-maker crosses paths with a hapless cigar salesman in the wild, wild west? Buckle up and get ready for a roller-coaster of an adventure as we follow the delightful exploits of Luke Maglue, our very own Kansas troublemaker, and Saddler, our unwitting cigar merchant, in a town that's as mysterious as…

1
Humor and Heroics in Dodge City: The Hilarious Exploits of Luke 'Buster' McGlue and the Spirited Saga of a Pet Bear 20:51

6M ago20:51

20:51

Ever wondered how a man named Luke McGlue transformed the wild west of Dodge City with his infectious laughter and pranks? Or what happens when a pet bear named Patty runs amok in a hotel and ends up as the main course for Christmas dinner? Buckle up, as we take a ride into the humorous and heroic tales of Dodge City, Kansas. We kick off the journe…

1
Pranks and Ploys in the Wild West: A Gritty Dive into the Dodge House Antics and Legends of Buffalo City 17:42

6M ago17:42

17:42

Have you ever wondered what pranks looked like in the Wild West? Well, imagine being a naive, greenhorn man stepping into one set up by the seasoned regulars at the Dodge House. This episode whisks you into a wild adventure, spun from the tale of a man who fancied himself a lady killer being played by the cunning men of Buffalo City. Notably, a pla…

1
Plumber's Harrowing Recount of the Adobe Walls Killing of Dudley and Wallace 25:02

6M ago25:02

25:02

Prepare yourself for a bone-chilling journey through the unchartered territories of the Wild West! Get ready to feel the sweat on your brow and the grit in your teeth as we traverse from Adobe Walls to Chicken Creek, recounting tales of confrontation, courage, and survival straight from the horse's mouth, Joe Plumber. We kick things off with the ho…

1
Riveting Retelling of Kit Carson's Strategic Showdown at the First Battle of Adobe Walls 31:55

6M ago31:55

31:55

Based on true accounts of the first battle of Adobe Walls listeners immerse in a heart-stirring narrative of the Wild West as we sit by the campfire with Joe Plummer, a man as distinctive as the tales he shares. Plummer, a vibrant storyteller adorned with tattoos and piercings, spins a compelling yarn of Kit Carson's surprise attack on the Comanche…

1
Mobeetiy's Triumphant Heroine: Molly Brennan and her Heartbreaking Sacrifice 16:47

7M ago16:47

16:47

Imagine strolling into a saloon and locking eyes with a man whose hatred for you is palpable. Welcome to a tumultuous evening in a Wild West Texas settlement, Mobeetiy, where confrontations brew, and gunfire could break out at any moment. In this high-stakes setting, we revisit my conflicted relationship with the despised Corporal Melvin King, whos…

1
Dodge City's Love Triangle: A Dance with Death in the Heart of the Wild West 25:58

7M ago25:58

25:58

Hold onto your hats, folks! Ever wondered how a dance hall girl can set off a chain of explosive events in the Wild West? Let's journey back to 1879 and step into the infamous Lady Gay Dance Hall. It's here, amidst the gamblers and dance hall girls, that we find ourselves in the middle of a deadly love triangle. In this whirlwind of attraction and …

1
Kansas's Outlaws Unveiled: Stripping Back the Legends of Jim Curry and Henry Brown 22:21

7M ago22:21

22:21

Get ready to venture into the gritty underbelly of post-Civil War Kansas with us, as we expose the chilling tales of the state's most notorious outlaws. We're dusting off an article from the Kansas Magazine, a deep-dive into the state's darkest past, co-authored by our very own producer Mike King. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, we…

1
A Ghostly Journey through Dodge City: Mysteries, Hauntings, and the Infamous Keely Cure 31:00

7M ago31:00

31:00

Get ready for a chilling walk down memory lane as we take you on a ghostly journey through Dodge City with our mischievous guide, Luke McGlue. Picture this: it's Halloween night, and the usually bustling streets are eerily silent. Luke has a mission - to administer the infamous Keely Cure to a stubbornly intoxicated judge. Sounds simple, right? But…

1
Dodge City in the 1870s: A Searing Tale of Lawlessness, Vigilantes, and the Wild West 23:19

8M ago23:19

23:19

Step right up, folks, and time travel with us back to the wild and unpredictable days of Dodge City in the 1870s. Picture a lawless town desperate for order, a vigilante mob, and a tragic tale of an innocent man named William Taylor. Brace yourself as we recount the events leading up to his death, the formation of the vigilance committee, and the n…

1
A Glimpse into the Frosty Plains of the Wild West: The Life and Times of Henry Raymond 43:34

8M ago43:34

43:34

Can you imagine stepping into the frosty plains of the wild west, with just the shimmering moonlight for company and the tales of buffalo hunters, railroad workers, and the occasional gamblers to keep you entertained? And all this through the eyes and trials of a young man named Henry Raymond? Well, you're in for a treat! We're about to take you on…

1
Bat Masterson's Reckoning: A Return to Dodge City and the Unforgiving Law of the Wild West 51:13

8M ago51:13

51:13

Step back in time with us, to the raw, challenging days of the Wild West, as we reveal the captivating narrative of Bat Masterson's return to Dodge City in 1875. This isn't just an echo from the past; it's a living, breathing snapshot of a period when courage was currency, and legends were born. Immerse yourself in the charm and chaos of the fronti…

1
Swept Away by the West: The Epic Tale of Squirrel Tooth Alice and Texas Billy 34:28

8M ago34:28

34:28

Ever wondered how a woman of privilege found herself dancing wild in a saloon of the Old West? Meet Elizabeth Haley, otherwise known as Squirrel Tooth Alice, as we traverse her thrilling journey from a life of luxury to being a dance hall girl alongside Texas Billy Thompson. As we delve into their story, we'll uncover their life on the frontier, th…

1
Sawlog Creek to Lone Star Dance Hall: A Wild West Spectacle 25:41

9M ago25:41

25:41

Are you ready for an intoxicating journey through the lawless frontier of the Wild West? That's exactly what this episode brings as we find ourselves drawn into a world of gun-slinging chaos and bone-chilling ghost stories. Our adventure begins near Sawlog Creek, where we are visited by a lone rider called Bob Shaw who shares an eerie tale of a wro…

1
Colonel Edwin Vos Sumner: His Crucial Role in the Cheyenne Indian Wars 36:00

9M ago36:00

36:00

Are you ready for a shot of adrenaline? Strap in, as we rocket back through history to the volatile era of the Cheyenne Indian Wars. From the first sparks of conflict in the Cheyenne Campaign of 1857 to the chilling Sheridan Winter Campaign of 1868, we're about to rip the lid off the stories that shaped the American West. It's a wild ride filled wi…

1
Riding High: The Intriguing Evolution of Rodeo from Wild West to Professional Sport 29:31

9M ago29:31

29:31

Hold on to your cowboy hats as we set off on a galloping journey back to the wild West - the birthplace of the rodeo. We're venturing back to the mid-1800s, where it all began with Spanish missionaries, Vecarro culture, and the early cowboys whose fierce rivalry sparked the creation of what we now know as professional rodeo. Discover how their ropi…

1
Historic Dodge City: An Interactive Tour with Tim Wenzl 42:31

10M ago42:31

42:31

Get ready for an in-depth journey into the heart of Dodge City's rich history with our special guest, Tim Wenzl, distinguished for his significant contributions to the community and author of the book Historic Buildings and Landmarks of Dodge City. We will peel back the layers of time in this iconic town, from its exclusive heritage to the impressi…

1
Winter Campaign of 1868: Custer's Icy Confrontation in Indian Territory 29:46

10M ago29:46

29:46

Brace yourself for an exciting journey as we take a riveting plunge into the icy depths of military history, focusing on the winter campaign of 1868 and 1869 in Indian territory. Our adventure begins with the Custer's 7th US Cavalry and the 19th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry’s unyielding march across chilling winds and treacherous rivers, to establish a…

1
The Brutal Truth of the Kansas Frontier: Raids, Captivity, and Controversy 28:17

10M ago28:17

28:17

Unearth the shocking details of the Kansas Frontier Conflict as we traverse its harrowing terrain in this riveting discussion with Jeff Broome and Brad Smalley. Brace yourself as we delve into the horrifying Solomon raids of August 1868 and the dreadful fate of the little Bell sisters at the hands of Black Kettle's band. The Indian Depredation Clai…

1
Face Off at Little Coon Creek: A Night of Extraordinary Bravery with Jeff Broome 18:21

10M ago18:21

18:21

Prepare to be transported back to the tumultuous times of 1868 as we bring you the heart-racing tale of two courageous soldiers, Corporal Leander Herron, and Private Patrick O'Boyle. Under the ominous cloak of night, Herron and O'Boyle faced off against a circle of Indians to secure the post mail from Fort Larned, in an encounter that would etch th…

1
Conflict on the Kansas Frontier: Treaties, Buffalo, and the Indian Depredation Claims 31:55

10M ago31:55

31:55

We're excited to bring you a fascinating conversation with Jeff Broome, a renowned historian recognized globally for his contributions to Native American history. Jeff provides us with unparalleled insights into the Southern Plains tribes and their growing grievances due to the presence of White Settlers, as well as the complex causes of the war, i…

1
Thriving in the Unforgiving Rockies: The Saga of America's Gold Pioneers 16:52

10M ago16:52

16:52

Have you ever wondered who the true pioneers of America's gold rush were? Find yourself transported back to the era of undying ambition and relentless prospecting in the Rocky Mountains with our gripping episode. We unravel the tales of men like John Ralston and William Green Russell, who dared to dream of a golden fortune. They ventured forth on p…

1
Part 3: 1868 Indian Campaign: Custer, Sheridan, and the Battle for Mulberry Creek 32:43

11M ago32:43

32:43

Imagine journeying back to the late 1860s, a tumultuous time in American history. The anticipation rises as Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer is sent on a mission without specific orders, relying solely on his judgment. We explore his dramatic arrival at the 7th Cavalry's camp on Mulberry Creek, stepping back into command amidst a mixed reception…

1
Unraveling the Tangled Threads of Cheyenne History: Dee Cordry's Insightful Exploration of The Battle of the Washita 28:45

12M ago28:45

28:45

Have you ever pondered the complexities of Cheyenne's history and the events leading up to the Battle of the Washita? You’re in for an educational journey as acclaimed author Dee Cordry unravels the intricate historical events of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Our conversation is packed with fascinating insights, from the skirmishes on Beaver Cre…

1
1868 Plains Unleashed: Forsythe, Dog Soldiers, and the Tumultuous Clash on Beaver Creek 24:20

12M ago24:20

24:20

Promised insights await as we unravel the tumultuous events of the plains in 1868, from the Indian raids sparked by illegal gun and whiskey traders to the rapid spread of white settlers. You'll discover how Major George A Forsythe led the Battle of Beecher's Island and the 7th Cavalry's efforts to shield Kansas settlements from Indian raids. We she…

1
Clara Blinn Harrowing Odyssey: A Journey through 1868 Kansas and the Indian Wars with Siobhan Fallon 25:15

1y ago25:15

25:15

Picture yourself in a covered wagon, travelling the harsh trails of 1868 Kansas, where the dusty winds whisper tales of hope and dread. That's where we're headed in this compelling episode, as we delve into the captivating story of Clara Blyn, her husband Richard, and their perilous journey westward, with award-winning author Shabon Fallon as our g…

1
Custer’s Return: Unveiling the Post-Civil War Chaos and Transformation on the Kansas Frontier 30:02

1y ago30:02

30:02

Get ready to time travel as we journey back to the post-Civil War era in Kansas, a time marked by exhilarating growth and brutal conflict. We'll paint a vivid picture of the settlers who transformed the land for commercial farming, the upheaval it brought to the Plains Indian culture, and the bloody battles that ensued, driving folks to seek Govern…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Old West Novels Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide