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Behind Gray Walls

Behind Gray Walls

165 episodes

2 hours ago

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chat with writer, director, and documentarian Nik Tizekker, creator of the film Butch Cassidy’s Forgotten Outlaw. The documentary explores the life of Nik’s ancestor, Henry “Bub” Meeks (#574), a lesser-known member of the Wild Bunch but well-known resident of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Nik discusses how he uncovered Meeks’ story and the process of interviewing family members and historians to bring it to life. To learn more or support the future feature film, visit tizasterproductions.com Watch the documentary here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2JLTj7rHw Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DQ9143ZR/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw-DVD-X4-Pictures-Documentary/15664668415?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=bf35163d-7ec2-4392-be80-669ff312355a Fandango: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw/3948794 Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100041556/butch-cassidy-s-forgotten-outlaw?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHskdBZvhsbohMdQ0mpPG6qm7nMScyWG_c_CVETvWBUq9Ohn9TWrsL-GvvvBE_aem_VsOjR72NBUaA-Rh3ARHMtg

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In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chat with writer, director, and documentarian Nik Tizekker, creator of the film Butch Cassidy’s Forgotten Outlaw. The documentary explores the life of Nik’s ancestor, Henry “Bub” Meeks (#574), a lesser-known member of the Wild Bunch but well-known resident of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Nik discusses how he uncovered Meeks’ story and the process of interviewing family members and historians to bring it to life. To learn more or support the future feature film, visit tizasterproductions.com Watch the documentary here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2JLTj7rHw Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DQ9143ZR/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw-DVD-X4-Pictures-Documentary/15664668415?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=bf35163d-7ec2-4392-be80-669ff312355a Fandango: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw/3948794 Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100041556/butch-cassidy-s-forgotten-outlaw?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHskdBZvhsbohMdQ0mpPG6qm7nMScyWG_c_CVETvWBUq9Ohn9TWrsL-GvvvBE_aem_VsOjR72NBUaA-Rh3ARHMtg

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Episodes (20/165)

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Nik Tizekker on Butch Cassidy's Forgotten Outlaw

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chat with writer, director, and documentarian Nik Tizekker, creator of the film Butch Cassidy’s Forgotten Outlaw. The documentary explores the life of Nik’s ancestor, Henry “Bub” Meeks (#574), a lesser-known member of the Wild Bunch but well-known resident of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Nik discusses how he uncovered Meeks’ story and the process of interviewing family members and historians to bring it to life. To learn more or support the future feature film, visit tizasterproductions.com Watch the documentary here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2JLTj7rHw Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DQ9143ZR/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw-DVD-X4-Pictures-Documentary/15664668415?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=bf35163d-7ec2-4392-be80-669ff312355a Fandango: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw/3948794 Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100041556/butch-cassidy-s-forgotten-outlaw?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHskdBZvhsbohMdQ0mpPG6qm7nMScyWG_c_CVETvWBUq9Ohn9TWrsL-GvvvBE_aem_VsOjR72NBUaA-Rh3ARHMtg

2 hours ago

56 minutes 29 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday Halloween Special Ben Hamilton

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday Halloween Special, Samuel tells the dark story of the terrible chain of events in Idaho in 1928, following Ben Hamilton’s escape from an insane asylum just before Halloween.

2 weeks ago

47 minutes 5 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 102 - LIVE! Lei And Tucker

In this live episode, recorded on March 27, 2025, at the Podfort stage at Boise Contemporary Theater during Treefort Music Festival, Anthony shares the story of Walter Lei (#7062 & #8174), a scrappy barroom brawler with a tragic connection to the Women’s Ward. Samuel breaks new ground for the podcast by telling the story from the victims’ perspective for the first time, that of Sterling Tucker and his mother, Laura Conway Tucker, a pioneering Idaho newspaper editor. Video of the episode is available on Spotify and YouTube. https://youtu.be/in4i3oTLvic

1 month ago

47 minutes 16 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 101 - Mccollum and Chambers

In our first episode back after a rather extended break, we’re ready to hit the ground running! First, Skye tells Anthony and Samuel about a woman whose tumultuous relationship leads to some unfortunate outcomes #8568 Zona McCollum (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and then Samuel takes over to tell another classic Old West tale of a cowboy, stage robber, and escape artist #483 Charles Chambers (Robbery).

1 month ago

1 hour 32 minutes 32 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 100 - An Audio Tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary

In this episode, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye are joined by the voices of the men and women who lived and worked at the prison to guide visitors through the site. Drawing from oral histories of wardens, chaplains, matrons, guards, and prisoners, this immersive tour brings the past to life as we lead you through the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s four-acre grounds.

8 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes 52 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Eric Overzet on Boise Sandstone

In this rock-solid Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chip away at history with Old Pen staff member Eric Overzet, who quarries the fascinating story of the Old Pen's iconic building material - Table Rock’s sandstone.

9 months ago

47 minutes 17 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Steve North On The 75th Anniversary of the Merci Train Boxcar

On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Steve North, Old Idaho Penitentiary Volunteer and Commander of the Boise Chapter of the Forty and Eight. Steve dives into the captivating history of the Merci Train Boxcar, a symbol of gratitude from France to the United States after World War II. He shares insights about the enduring friendship between the two nations and the incredible stories of generosity and connection that emerged in the aftermath of war. For more information, pick up Boxcar Diplomacy by Jane Sweetland: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=1526 Steve North's Captivating Conversation: https://youtu.be/kXa2hL_w9fw Jane Sweetland's Captivating Conversation: https://youtu.be/DhJmBsOO7y8 http://mercitrain.org/ https://www.fortyandeight.org Oral History: Truman, Harry S. "President Truman's Radio and Television Address Concluding a Program by the Citizens Food Committee." Delivered from the White House, Washington, D.C., October 5, 1947. National Archives Identifier (NAID) 325599790. News coverage clip provided by Jane Sweetland.

11 months ago

44 minutes 16 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 99 - Reasoner And Trafton

In our 99th episode (can you believe it?), Skye has an extra short story because Samuel has an extra long story! Starting with the shorter, Skye discusses a young woman whose early hard-knock life made it difficult to adjust to life as an adult #8451 Claire Reasoner (Forgery) and an Old West Yellowstone stagecoach robber whose exploits, he believed, made him the inspiration for the hero of the classic 1902 Western book, The Virginian #814 Edwin Trafton (Grand Larceny).

11 months ago

2 hours 11 minutes 59 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Kirsten Corbett On Jackson Hole

On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel interviews Kirsten Corbett, Exhibits & Communications Director at the Jackson Hole History Museum. Kirsten discusses the rich history of Jackson Hole and shares insights about the opening of the brand-new Jackson Hole Museum. She also provides fresh perspectives on subjects previously featured on the show, including Teton Jackson (#111) and Edwin Trafton (#814), and shares fascinating stories about some of the trailblazing women of Jackson Hole. To check out the Jackson Hole Museum: https://jacksonholehistory.org/ To learn more about the some of the Native American nations of the Tetons. https://www.sbtribes.com/about/ http://windriveredu.com https://easternshoshone.org/about/#:~:text=The%20Eastern%20Shoshone%20Tribe%20has,at%20over%2012%2C000%20years%20ago.

11 months ago

39 minutes 12 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jan Cerney on Calamity Jane and Her Siblings

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel and Skye interview author Jan Cerney about her 2016 book Calamity Jane and Her Siblings: The Saga of Lena and Elijah Canary, in which she uncovers the tumultuous Canary family relationships often overlooked in the Calamity canon. Pick up a copy in the Souvenir Confinement store at the Old Pen, or order online: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=103

11 months ago

48 minutes 48 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 98 - Pickett And Garland

In this episode, Anthony shares the story of James Pickett (Murder), an Irishman whose possibly accidental killing led to his imprisonment in Idaho's oldest standing Territorial jail and ignited a debate over jurisdiction for crimes committed on tribal land, while Skye tells the story of Billy Garland #5127, a woman whose prison experience truly reflected the phrase "do your own time, do your own number" (Passing a Fictitious Check). Watch a presentation with John Bradbury about the history of Pierce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_Yp9uLTRXA

11 months ago

1 hour 20 minutes 36 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 97 - John Springer

On this episode, Samuel regales Anthony and Skye with the life story of a sheriff in Owyhee County whose refusal to use a gun in the old west town of Silver City ended with a stint in the prison - as the warden, that is.

11 months ago

1 hour 48 minutes 44 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 96 - Big River Paranormal

In this special spooky-season episode, Anthony and Samuel sit down with Marie, Madison, Sidney, and Tina from Big River Paranormal. They discuss their investigative philosophy, the tools they use, and share some of the chilling experiences they’ve encountered at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. EVPs captured during investigations are featured throughout the episode. Keep an ear out for a growl and a whisper saying, "You should let me out." For more, visit: www.bigriverparanormal.com. Have you grabbed your tickets for our Halloween event, Squawky & Spirits, on October 25 and 26th? Enjoy a night of spooky fun with two Haunted Houses, presentations by our very own Samuel, and SO MUCH MORE! Get your tickets here: history.idaho.gov/event/squawky-spirits-2024/ Don't miss out!

1 year ago

1 hour 15 minutes 14 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 95 - Grooms And Bitt

On this our last episode before a small break, Anthony regales Skye and Samuel with the complicated story of possibly-blind and heavily tattooed (like 2/3 of the podcasts' hosts) #11401 (Forgery) #12493 (Murder in the First Degree and Escape) Frank "Tony" Grooms, while Skye (recently laid up with a freak-accident ankle-break) tells the story of the only resident of the Women's Ward to hail from the Duck Valley Reservation #6857 Woffie Bitt (Forgery). Oral History: Melvin Aldous #11458, August 24, 1985, Idaho State Archives. You can pick up your tickets to our Halloween Event - Squawky & Spirits - here: https://history.idaho.gov/event/squawky-spirits-2024/

1 year ago

1 hour 57 minutes 46 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 94 - Harder And Brundridge

In this episode, Samuel guides Anthony and Skye through the intertwined stories of Willis Brundridge (#716, Grand Larceny) and Ira Harder (#679, Second-Degree Murder) as they explore the events that led to Brundridge being incarcerated alongside the man who killed his son. With invaluable help from Harder's family, this episode will also unravel a 116-year-old mystery that's been waiting to be uncovered. Have you grabbed your tickets for our Halloween events at the Old Pen? October 12 – Behind the Scenes Tours Discover hidden stories and access secret areas! Get your tickets here: https://history.idaho.gov/event/bts24/ October 25-26 – Squawky & Spirits Enjoy a night of spooky fun with two Haunted Houses, presentations by our very own Samuel, and SO MUCH MORE! Get your tickets here: https://history.idaho.gov/event/squawky-spirits-2024/ Don't miss out!

1 year ago

1 hour 13 minutes 45 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 93 - Brooks And Sayer

In this episode, Skye covers Mrs. H. E. Brooks #4238 (Involuntary Manslaughter) who found support behind the walls of the Idaho State Penitentiary despite her record behind the wheel, and Anthony covers John Sayer #1912 (Abortion) who nearly avoided serving his sentence simply by failing to report to the prison. Have you grabbed your tickets for our Halloween events at the Old Pen? October 12 – Behind the Scenes Tours Discover hidden stories and access secret areas! Get your tickets here: history.idaho.gov/event/bts24/ October 25-26 – Squawky & Spirits Enjoy a night of spooky fun with two Haunted Houses, presentations by our very own Samuel, and SO MUCH MORE! Get your tickets here: history.idaho.gov/event/squawky-spirits-2024/ Don't miss out!

1 year ago

1 hour 47 minutes 26 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 92 - LIVE! Rosso, Women's Ward Prose, And A Rock And Roll Redemption

In this live episode, recorded on March 21, 2024, at the Podfort stage during the Treefort Music Festival, Samuel discusses moonshiner Frank Rosso #3003 (Manufacture of Intoxicating Liquor), Skye shares poetry and art published in the prison magazine by the women of the Women's Ward, and Anthony talks about an unnamed rock star who failed as a marijuana dealer but found success as a musician. Oral History: Guard Donald Dye, 5/21/1992 (Idaho State Archives) Like the pod? Grab your own Behind Gray Walls t-shirts here: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShop.aspx?C=11&S=59

1 year ago

55 minutes

Behind Gray Walls

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Dr. Skye on the Sun Valley Ski Resort

On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, our guest might be familiar to some of you - it’s Dr. Skye! On a highly nepotistic episode, Dr. Skye joins us not just as an Idaho historian but as an American cultural historian too! She tells us a little bit about her dissertation, which she wrote alongside the podcast, about the history of the Sun Valley Ski Resort in Ketchum, Idaho, and why it matters that famous Hollywood actresses visited and skied there.

1 year ago

1 hour 14 minutes 48 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

EP 91 - Wild And Valle

On the first episode of our TENTH season (we can’t believe it, either), Anthony, Skye, and Samuel open the season a little wild…William Wild, that is! Hear about Penitentiary barber #2368 Wild (Grand Larceny) whose skill in cutting men’s hair proved to be both helpful and deadly, and the less-Wild story of #10233 Ina Jane Valle Paul (Forgery), whose life gives us an opportunity to discuss some very important and often untold Native American history in the state of Idaho.

1 year ago

1 hour 27 minutes 21 seconds

Behind Gray Walls

32 Cells: Artistic Reflections on the Old Idaho Penitentiary

In this off-season episode, the team celebrates the release of 32 Cells: Artistic Reflections on the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a new book featuring over 70 local and regional artists that chronicles the first five years of the iconic 32 Cells Art Show. Anthony, Samuel, and Skye are joined by Old Pen staff member Jacey Brain, along with Idaho artists Sue Latta and Chopsy (aka Ryan Harrison). They discuss the creation and publication of the book, the artistic methods used to incorporate Old Pen history into their work, and the role of art in humanizing the prison experience. Purchase a copy of the book here: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=9120 Visit Sue Latta's website here: https://suelatta.com/ Visit Chopsy's website here: https://www.itsmechopsy.com/

1 year ago

45 minutes 52 seconds