🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 53: Roy Rogers - How Leonard Slye Became the Legendary Cowboy 📢 Episode Summary:This episode of This Week in The West celebrates the life of Leonard Franklin Slye — better known to the world as Roy Rogers — born this week in 1911. Roy’s story began far from Hollywood, in poverty on the Ohio River. After the Depression forced his family west, he worked migrant farm jobs in California, living a life reminiscent of The Grapes of Wrath. But in those hard years he discovered his voice. With a mandolin, a guitar, and a yodel, the shy farm kid stepped behind a microphone for the first time in 1931 — and a new chapter began. Roy’s talent led him to join early Western music groups in Los Angeles, eventually forming the Sons of the Pioneers. Their harmonies and radio presence earned national fame. When fellow singing cowboy Gene Autry left film to serve in World War II, Roy stepped forward to fill the void. That’s when Leonard Slye became Roy Rogers — a strong-sounding cowboy name paired with a tribute to Will Rogers. His rise was staggering: for 16 straight years he ranked among the top money-making Western stars, with a string of hit movies and record-setting popularity. Roy’s charm extended far beyond the screen. He mastered early celebrity branding, turning his image into toys, lunchboxes, comics, and even a restaurant chain. His iconic palomino Trigger became a Hollywood star in his own right, and the partnership only grew when Roy married singer Dale Evans in 1947. Together they moved into television, closing each episode with Dale’s famous sign-off, “Happy trails to you…” Their 50-year marriage and enduring legacy earned Roy the title “King of the Cowboys,” a testament to resilience, talent, and humble beginnings. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How a struggling farm kid named Leonard Slye became Roy Rogers, the “King of the Cowboys  Why the Sons of the Pioneers changed Western music and launched Rogers into stardom  How Trigger, Dale Evans, and smart business instincts turned Roy into a cultural icon 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: The Official Roy Rogers Website: https://royrogers.com/ The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Media Archives at the Dickinson Research Center here at The Cowboy: https://images.nationalcowboymuseum.org/collections-a-z/roy-rogers-and-dale-evans-media-archives Roy Rogers on David Letterman, 1983: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_z2UP8QnNk 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 🎟️Tickets: You can now buy tickets to The Cowboy online, go to https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/tickets/💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/ 🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 52: The Prince and the Painter - the story of Karl Bodmer 📢 Episode Summary:Karl Bodmer may have been born along the Rhine River, but his greatest artistic legacy came from his journey up the Missouri. This episode of This Week in the West follows the young Swiss artist who, at just 23 years old, joined Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied on an ambitious scientific expedition through the American frontier in the 1830s. Their goal was to record the landscapes, wildlife, and Indigenous peoples of North America with accuracy and respect—and Bodmer’s brush brought those goals to life. As they traveled thousands of miles by steamboat, keelboat, and on foot, Bodmer captured the world of the upper Missouri in stunning detail. His portraits of the Omaha, Mandan, Minatarre, Sioux, and Assiniboine peoples are celebrated for their humanity and precision, offering an irreplaceable visual record of cultures that were soon devastated by disease and displacement. Despite hardships that included freezing paints and dangerous travels, Bodmer produced hundreds of sketches and watercolors that became the foundation for Travels in the Interior of North America, published in the 1840s. After returning to Europe, Bodmer continued to paint and eventually inspired artists like Claude Monet. Though he died in relative obscurity in 1893, his legacy endures in his 81 aquatints—works that remain among the most important artistic and ethnographic documents of the American West. Through his eye and hand, the frontier lives on in color, compassion, and truth. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Karl Bodmer’s expedition with Prince Maximilian documented Native peoples and landscapes of the early 19th-century American frontier Why Bodmer’s detailed aquatints remain vital both as art and as ethnographic history How his influence extended beyond the West, inspiring future artists such as Claude Monet 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Videos and images about Bodmer from the Metropolitan Museum of Art https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2021/karl-bodmer-north-american-portraits The National Mississippi River Museum Hall of Fame: Karl Bodmer: https://www.rivermuseum.org/inductees/artists-writers-and-musicians/karl-bodmer From Swann Auction Galleries, an overview of Bodmer’s work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oNwMc4APIM 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map🎟️You can now buy tickets online at www.thecowboy.org/tickets 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 51: The Thrilling Cowgirl Life of Lucille Mulhall  📢 Episode Summary:Lucille Mulhall’s story begins with a legendary encounter involving Theodore Roosevelt and a roped wolf—an act that launched her into Western folklore. Born in St. Louis and raised on the Oklahoma frontier, Lucille grew up on the Mulhall Ranch, where her father’s traveling Wild West shows introduced her to the world of performance and competition. As a teenager, she was already out-roping men and dazzling audiences with her skill and poise. Her talent and grit made her the first woman many Americans called a “cowgirl.” Performing alongside names like Will Rogers, Mulhall redefined the role of women in rodeo and Western entertainment. She became a headliner at events across the U.S. and abroad, competing at the inaugural Calgary Stampede and even leading her own rodeo troupe—Lucille Mulhall’s Roundup—at a time when few women owned or managed such enterprises. Mulhall’s legacy extended beyond the arena. Her independence and tenacity paved the way for generations of women in rodeo and the Western arts. Though her life ended tragically in 1940 near her family ranch. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Lucille Mulhall became one of America’s first true cowgirls, earning the admiration of Theodore Roosevelt and Will Rogers How her performances and victories against male competitors reshaped perceptions of women in the early rodeo world How her life and legacy continue to influence the image and identity of the Western cowgirl today 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Article on Mulhall, “The World’s Greatest Woman Roper”: https://teamropingjournal.com/ropers-stories/lucille-mulhall-the-worlds-greatest-woman-roper/ Lucille Mulhall and the Mulhall Wild West Show: https://flinthillsspecial.com/2020/12/04/lucille-mulhall-and-the-mulhall-wild-west-show/ Atlas Obscura: The Ballad of Lucille Mulhall: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-ballad-of-lucille-mulhall-americas-original-cowgirl 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 50: Reg Kelser and the Invaluable Stock Contractors   📢 Episode Summary:This episode of This Week in The West spotlights Reg Kesler, one of rodeo’s most versatile and influential figures. Born in Alberta in 1919, Kesler grew up immersed in ranch life and quickly took to rodeo, competing in nearly every event imaginable—from bronc and bull riding to tie-down roping and even wild cow milking. His skill and determination earned him multiple Canadian All-Around Championships and solidified his reputation as a fearless, all-around cowboy. As Kesler’s career evolved, he recognized that rodeo was becoming more organized and professional. He saw the need for consistent, high-quality livestock that would challenge riders and thrill audiences. Transitioning from competitor to stock contractor, he began breeding and raising his own line of broncs and bulls—animals selected for strength, stamina, and the instinct to buck. By the 1950s and ’60s, his operation was supplying stock to major rodeos across North America, helping transform rodeo into the sport fans know today. Kesler’s influence endures through the professional standards he helped establish for stock contracting—an essential, yet often overlooked, part of rodeo. His legacy stands alongside industry greats like Cotton Rosser and the Beutler family, and his induction into both the ProRodeo and National Rodeo Halls of Fame cements his place as one of rodeo’s founding fathers. As announcer Bob Tallman put it, Kesler embodied what rodeo is all about: grit, honesty, and excellence earned the hard way. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Reg Kesler rose from ranch cowboy to champion rodeo performer and pioneering stock contractor Why the breeding and care of bucking stock are vital to modern rodeo’s success How Kesler’s innovations helped shape rodeo into a professional, spectator-driven sport 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: News article on the rodeo life of Reg Kelser: https://oldmissoula.com/reg-kessler-a-rodeo-life-by-kim-briggeman/ A look at the Kesler Family from NBC News Montana: https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/a-montana-rodeo-dynasty-broncs-bulls-and-family Reg’s entry in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame: https://www.canadianprorodeohalloffame.org/1989?rq=kesler 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 49: Ty Murray, All-Around Rodeo Greatness  📢 Episode Summary:This episode of This Week in the West celebrates Ty Murray, one of the most accomplished rodeo cowboys in history. Born in Arizona on October 11, 1969, Murray grew up surrounded by rodeo culture—his parents were both accomplished riders, and his mother was even a two-time bull riding champion. From a young age, Ty set his sights on greatness, training relentlessly and studying gymnastics to improve his balance and agility. His dedication paid off when he met his idol, rodeo legend Larry Mahan, who took him under his wing. Murray’s rise was meteoric. He joined the PRCA at 18, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1988, and by 1989, he became the youngest cowboy ever to win the All-Around World Championship. He went on to tie Jim Shoulders’ record of six consecutive titles and later surpassed his mentor, Larry Mahan, with a seventh in 1998. Known for his courage, he repeatedly faced legendary bulls like Bodacious and Red Wolf, enduring broken bones and dislocated shoulders while creating some of the sport’s most iconic moments. Beyond the arena, Murray helped shape modern rodeo by co-founding Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) in 1992, elevating bull riding to a global sport. Even after retiring in 2002, he continued to promote the sport as a commentator, celebrity competitor, and ambassador. Inducted into both the National Rodeo Hall of Fame and PBR’s Heroes & Legends, Ty Murray remains a symbol of grit, humility, and the enduring spirit of the cowboy. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Ty Murray’s family heritage and early training shaped his path to rodeo greatness The story behind his record-breaking career and his legendary duels with bulls like Bodacious and Red Wolf How Murray’s vision and leadership helped found the PBR, transforming bull riding into a global phenomenon 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: The PBR: https://www.pbr.com/ Ty Murray on Dancing with the Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i7Hi8sRZJE Ty Murray on the Dale Brisby podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_W3tue2tQs 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 48: Gene Autry, the Hollywood Cowboy Who Did It All 📢 Episode Summary:Gene Autry, the Singing Cowboy, was born in Texas in 1907 and grew up in Oklahoma, where his love for music was nurtured while working as a telegraph operator. Encouraged by Will Rogers, Autry began performing on radio, eventually landing record deals and breaking into film with a persona that combined cowboy grit, musical talent, and wholesome charm. His horse, Champion, became almost as famous as he was, and his popularity soared through movies, radio shows, and merchandise that made him a household name. When World War II began, Autry set aside his Hollywood stardom to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, he returned to the screen, launched his own production company, and continued a remarkable music career that included holiday classics such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Here Comes Santa Claus. His recordings have sold more than 100 million copies, and he has become forever linked with Christmas traditions. Autry was more than an entertainer—he was a businessman, rancher, rodeo stock contractor, and the founding owner of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. He left behind Melody Ranch, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the distinction of being the only person with stars in all five categories of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His influence on Western film, country music, and American popular culture remains unmatched. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Gene Autry rose from a small-town telegraph operator to one of Hollywood’s most beloved cowboys The role Autry played in shaping both Western film and country music, as well as his service during World War II How Autry built a lasting legacy through business ventures, holiday music, and cultural landmarks like the Autry Museum of the American West 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Official site of Gene Autry: https://www.geneautry.com/home.php A dive into Autry’s baseball ownership legacy: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/gene-autry/ The Autry Museum of the American West: https://theautry.org/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 47: Cowboy poet Badger Clark 📢 Episode Summary:Charles Badger Clark was the first poet laureate of South Dakota and one of the most enduring cowboy poets of the American West. Born in 1883, his life took him from Iowa to Dakota Territory and eventually to the deserts of Arizona, where a battle with tuberculosis set him on the path of writing. His time working on ranches gave him a firsthand understanding of cowboy life, which would become the heart of his poetry. Clark’s verse captured the rugged independence, loneliness, and beauty of Western life. His first published poem, Ridin’ (1907), quickly resonated with readers, and his collection Sun and Saddle Leather cemented his reputation as a voice of the plains. His work combined simple language with deep insight, making it accessible to both cowboys on the range and urban readers fascinated by the West. Later in life, Clark returned to South Dakota and lived in a cabin in Custer State Park, where he wrote and welcomed visitors for three decades. His poetry not only preserved the cowboy experience but also shaped how generations imagined the American West—an enduring contribution to both literature and cultural identity. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Badger Clark’s early struggles and time in the Arizona desert shaped his poetic voice Why Sun and Saddle Leather became a foundational work of cowboy poetry How Clark’s life in a remote cabin reflected the themes of independence and solitude found in his verse 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: [Link 1 - Relevant article, book, or resource] [Link 2 - Sponsor or affiliate link (if applicable)] [Link 3 - Any additional references] 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.thecowboy.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@thecowboy.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 46: The Legendary Record-Breaking Career of Bull Rider Don Gay 📢 Episode Summary:In this episode, we pay tribute to rodeo legend Don Gay, whose name surfaced repeatedly when fans were asked to name the greatest bull rider of all time. We take listeners through Gay’s extraordinary life and record-breaking career, timed with Gay’s birthday week, September 18. Born into a rodeo family in Mesquite, Texas, Don’s journey began early under the guidance of his father Neal Gay, himself a rodeo pioneer being inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame this year. Don Gay’s career was marked by unmatched dominance in professional bull riding. After joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as a teenager, Don quickly rose to prominence, earning eight world championships between 1974 and 1984—a record that still stands. His legendary 97-point ride on the bull Oscar, and his performance in the only sudden-death ride-off in National Finals Rodeo history, cemented his place in rodeo lore. He was known not only for his skill but also for his work ethic, even flying himself to rodeos to maximize his competitive schedule. Though he retired from riding in 1989, Don Gay remained a vital figure in the rodeo world through business, broadcasting, and promoting the sport. He founded the Don Gay Bull Riding Tour and became a beloved commentator on networks like ESPN and The Cowboy Channel. His lifetime of contributions has been recognized by multiple halls of fame. The episode closes with one of Don’s favorite reflections—reminding listeners that the “bumps” in life are often what keep us riding forward. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why Don Gay is considered one of the greatest bull riders in history, with a record-setting eight world championships. How his early life and family background shaped his path into the rodeo world. Don Gay’s lasting influence on the sport through commentary, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building after retirement. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Interview on Dale Brisby’s podcast: https://youtu.be/QgJjXgBriEg?si=MlZebMkxJ6Ajhv2D Cowboy Life’s video story on Don Gay’s career: https://youtu.be/yXi9cQdzx8o?si=hO_qnk0moNmkWvDA Spotlight article by the Choctaw Nation: https://togetherweremore.com/competitors/don-gay/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 45: This Week in the West: The Origin of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association 📢 Episode Summary:The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) was born out of a simple conversation in Elko, Nevada, in 1998, when craftsmen like Mike Beaver and Cary Schwarz dreamed of elevating cowboy gear—saddles, spurs, rawhide, and silverwork—from utility to recognized fine art. Inspired by the success of the Cowboy Artists of America, they envisioned a similar group for traditional artisans and gained momentum through meetings with fellow masters and the support of banker Don Bellamy. The idea found its home in Oklahoma City, when the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum agreed to host the first exhibition. By coin toss, the new organization was named the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, and on September 11, 1999, its debut exhibition transformed saddles and spurs into gallery-worthy works of art. The show’s success cemented the TCAA’s role as a bridge between craftsmanship and fine art. Over the years, the TCAA has grown beyond exhibitions to become a hub for mentorship, education, and preserving traditions for future generations. Now celebrating more than 25 years, the TCAA continues to showcase the artistry of the West while ensuring its heritage is carried forward through skill, creativity, and community. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association began with a coin toss, handshake deals, and a dream to elevate cowboy craftsmanship into fine art. Why the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum became the home for the TCAA’s first exhibition in 1999. How the TCAA expanded from showcasing artistry to mentoring, teaching, and preserving cowboy traditions for future generations. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: The TCAA Art Exhibition & Sale Website: https://tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org/ TCAA Official Site: https://tcowboyarts.org/ Cowboy Renaissance, a book about the history of the TCAA: https://persimmonhillstore.com/products/cowboy-renaissance-the-traditional-cowboy-arts-association 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 44: Tad Lucas, the First Lady of Rodeo 📢 Episode Summary:Tad Lucas, remembered as the “First Lady of Rodeo,” rose from humble beginnings in Nebraska as the youngest of 24 children to become the most celebrated trick rider of her time. Nicknamed “Tadpole” for her size and spirit, she quickly made a name for herself in rodeo competitions and joined California Frank’s Rodeo Company at just 19, where she met and married fellow rodeo performer Buck Lucas. Her daring trick riding—hanging beneath horses, handstands, and acrobatics—captivated audiences worldwide, including a sold-out Wembley Stadium in 1924. Lucas dominated the rodeo scene throughout the 1920s and 1930s, winning major competitions at Madison Square Garden and Cheyenne Frontier Days. Earning today’s equivalent of nearly $300,000 in prize money, she cemented her reputation as one of the greatest female riders in history. Even a devastating injury at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair couldn’t keep her out of the arena, as she continued to perform with her arm in a cast. Her grit and success elevated women’s roles in rodeo, paving the way for future generations. Beyond her competitive career, Lucas played a lasting role in rodeo history. She co-founded the Girls Rodeo Association in 1948, served on leadership boards, and became the first woman inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. Her legacy lives on through the Tad Lucas Award, presented annually at the Museum to honor women who uphold Western heritage. Tad Lucas not only entertained millions but also reshaped the role of women in rodeo, leaving a mark that still inspires today. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Tad Lucas transformed trick riding into a respected rodeo discipline and became a global star. The resilience she showed by performing after a severe injury and her role in legitimizing women’s rodeo. The enduring legacy she left through leadership roles, Hall of Fame inductions, and the Tad Lucas Award. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Video interview with Mitzi Lucas Riley, Tad Lucas’ daughter: https://youtu.be/sOlAlReJblc?si=XCl3gpx2C7vnzBHX Fort Worth Magazine story on Tad Lucas and her family: https://fwtx.com/news/rodeo%E2%80%99s-first-family/ Winners of the Tad Lucas Award: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/collections/awards/tad-lucas/honorees/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 43: This Week in the West, Episode 43: Eight Bears - Edwin Willard Deming's Native Art & Connection 📢 Episode Summary:This week’s episode of This Week in The West honors the life and legacy of artist Edwin Willard Deming on the 165th anniversary of his birth. Known to the Blackfoot as Eight Bears, Deming earned this name through years of respect, friendship, and authentic portrayals of Native life. His deep immersion in tribal communities set him apart from other artists of his era, who often leaned on stereotypes. Deming’s artistic journey took him from Illinois to the Art Students League in New York, to Paris’s Académie Julian, and back to the American West, where he sketched and painted Native cultures with accuracy and care. He lived with tribes such as the Crow, Sioux, and Blackfoot, recording their traditions while also building trust through shared experiences. His approach brought dignity to his subjects and preserved cultural details that were disappearing during rapid westward expansion. Beyond painting, Deming became known for large-scale murals and sculptures, including a major series for the American Museum of Natural History’s Plains Indian Hall. His art was displayed in major institutions across the country, and one work even appeared on a U.S. postage stamp. From cycloramas to camouflage training in World War I, Deming’s career spanned many disciplines, but his lasting contribution remains his empathetic, respectful depictions of Native American life. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Edwin Willard Deming earned the name Eight Bears from the Blackfoot people and why it symbolized profound respect. How Deming’s immersive approach to Native communities influenced his realistic, respectful portrayals of tribal life. How his murals, sculptures, and museum works helped preserve and share Native American history with broader audiences. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: New York City Library’s Collection of Deming’s papers: https://archives.nypl.org/mss/766 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, example of Deming’s work: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/10740 Blog from Sid Richardson Museum: https://sidrichardsonmuseum.org/happy-birthday-edwin/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 42: Charles Colcord at the center of Oklahoma history 📢 Episode Summary:On this week’s episode we tackle the life of Charles Colcord. Colcord’s life reads like a frontier epic. Born in 1859, his early years were marked by illness, forcing his family to send him to Texas to recover. That move set him on a path toward cowboy life, the cattle trails, and eventually into the thick of the Oklahoma Land Run. His resilience carried him through personal and financial hardships, including the collapse of his family’s cattle business, pushing him toward new opportunities in the growing Oklahoma Territory. Colcord’s role in shaping early Oklahoma City was pivotal. As the city’s first chief of police and later county sheriff, he worked alongside legendary lawmen like Bill Tilghman to rein in outlaws and establish order in the rough frontier town. His efforts in law enforcement were just the beginning—Colcord soon turned his energy toward development, investing in land, oil, and banking, becoming one of the city’s most influential figures. Perhaps his most lasting contributions were in business and architecture. His part in discovering the Glenn Pool oil field cemented Oklahoma as a major energy hub. And in 1910, he built Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper, the Colcord Building, a 14-story landmark that symbolized progress and innovation. Beyond his business ventures, Colcord also championed cultural preservation, serving as longtime president of the Oklahoma Historical Society. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Charles Colcord rose from cowboy beginnings to become a key figure in Oklahoma City’s law enforcement, business, and development. The pivotal role Colcord played in discovering the Glenn Pool oil field, one of the largest in the world. How the Colcord Building became Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper and a symbol of the city’s growth. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Colcord’s biography from the Oklahoma Historical Society: https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=CO020 An audio biography from VoicesOfOklahoma.com: https://voicesofoklahoma.com/interviews/colcord-charles/ The Colcord Hotel: https://www.colcordhotel.com/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 41: When Henry Fonda Became a Western Bad Guy 📢 Episode Summary:In the newest episode of “This Week in the West” we tell the story of Henry Fonda, one of Hollywood’s most enduring actors, who left a lasting mark on the Western genre through roles defined by quiet strength and moral clarity. His breakout Western, The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), drew on his memory of witnessing a lynching at age 14, giving the role a haunting authenticity. In the 1940s and 1950s, Fonda cemented his place in Westerns with My Darling Clementine, Fort Apache, and The Tin Star. He often collaborated with director John Ford, bringing depth and humanity to figures like Wyatt Earp and seasoned bounty hunters. He even ventured into television with The Deputy, continuing his connection to frontier stories. In 1968, Fonda shocked audiences in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West, playing the ruthless killer Frank. The role worked because it clashed with his “good guy” image, making the villainy unforgettable. Posthumously inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers in 2005, Fonda remains a towering figure in Western film history. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Henry Fonda’s real-life experiences shaped the moral complexity of his Western roles The significance of his collaborations with John Ford and his influence on the genre Why his turn as a villain in Once Upon a Time in the West remains one of cinema’s most shocking transformations 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: [Link 1 - Relevant article, book, or resource] [Link 2 - Sponsor or affiliate link (if applicable)] [Link 3 - Any additional references] 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 40: Rodeo Cowboys on Strike? The Story of Herman Linder 📢 Episode Summary:This week on This Week in The West, we turn the spotlight on rodeo legend Herman Linder, remembered during the week of his birth on August 5. Known as the “King of the Cowboys,” Linder wasn’t just a champion in the arena—he was a driving force in reshaping the sport of rodeo itself. From humble beginnings in Alberta to record-breaking victories at the Calgary Stampede, his legacy stretches across borders and generations. Listeners will hear the dramatic story of October 30, 1936, when Linder and 60 other rodeo cowboys walked out of Boston Garden in protest, effectively launching the first organized labor movement in rodeo. Their bold stand led to the formation of the Cowboys’ Turtle Association—so named because they were “slow but sure”—which would eventually become today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Linder’s leadership helped bring structure, fairness, and accountability to a sport that badly needed all three. Beyond the bucking chutes, Linder promoted rodeos across North America, represented Canada at Expo 67, and was honored with inductions into both the Canadian and American rodeo halls of fame. He even earned the prestigious Order of Canada before passing away in 2001 at the age of 93. His legacy isn’t just one of titles and trophies—it’s one of integrity, advocacy, and the enduring spirit of the West.   🔍 What You’ll Learn: How a 1936 cowboy strike in Boston led to the founding of modern professional rodeo organizations. Why Herman Linder earned the nickname “King of the Cowboys” and how he dominated the sport in the 1930s. The role Linder played in professionalizing rodeo, advocating for better conditions, and shaping its future in both the U.S. and Canada. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Western Horseman Magazine: The Tale of the Boston Strike: https://westernhorseman.com/rodeo/the-boston-strike/ The Canadian Encyclopedia entry on Herman Linder: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/herman-linder Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame entry on Herman Linder: https://www.canadianprorodeohalloffame.org/1982 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 39: Lane Frost, Bull Riding Legend 📢 Episode Summary:This episode of This Week in The West honors bull riding legend Lane Frost on the anniversary of his tragic death in 1989. We tell the story of Frost’s early life, raised in a rodeo family and already winning events as a child. With a magnetic personality and unstoppable talent, Lane quickly rose through the rodeo ranks, winning a world title in 1987 and capturing fans' hearts across the country. A defining chapter in Lane’s career came in 1988 with the Challenge of the Champions—an epic showdown between man and beast, as Lane faced the unbeatable bull, Red Rock. In seven matchups, Lane succeeded in doing what no cowboy had ever done: ride Red Rock for a full eight seconds. Their battle captivated national attention, symbolizing Lane’s grit and showmanship at the height of his career. Tragically, Lane’s life was cut short at age 25 after a fatal accident at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Though he died young, his legacy has lived on—in safety innovations like the protective vest designed by his friend Cody Lambert, in honors like the PBR award named after him, and in the hearts of fans through the film 8 Seconds. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum proudly preserves Lane Frost’s memory with artifacts from his remarkable life. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: The story behind Lane Frost’s legendary matchup with Red Rock and how it changed bull riding history How Frost’s tragic death led to major safety changes in rodeo, including the invention of the protective vest Why Lane Frost’s legacy continues to inspire fans, friends, and fellow cowboys decades after his final ride 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: The Lane Frost Brand: https://lanefrost.com/ From PBR, “The Real Lane Frost”: https://pbr.com/news/2011/06/the-real-lane-frost/ The National Rodeo Hall of Fame located here at The Cowboy: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/collections/awards/rodeo-hall-of-fame/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 38: The Groundbreaking Woody Strode 📢 Episode Summary:This episode of This Week in The West highlights the remarkable life and legacy of Woody Strode—an athlete, soldier, actor, and barrier-breaker born on July 25, 1914. Strode was a pioneer in sports, playing on UCLA’s historic football team alongside Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington, and becoming one of the first Black players to integrate the modern NFL. His early achievements in track and field, professional wrestling, and his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II demonstrated his wide-ranging talents and dedication. Strode transitioned from sports to Hollywood, where he built a career playing warriors, gladiators, and heroes. His breakout role in Spartacus and his lead performance in Sergeant Rutledge marked significant steps forward for Black representation in film, particularly in Westerns. Director John Ford became a mentor, casting Strode in multiple films and forging a personal bond with him that lasted until Ford’s death. Despite his talent and charisma, Strode often found himself limited by Hollywood’s narrow view of Black actors, leading him to work internationally in European Westerns and action films. Still, his influence endured—he worked steadily into his seventies, and in 2021, he was inducted into our Hall of Great Western Performers. His legacy lives on quietly, even in pop culture, as the inspiration for Toy Story’s Sheriff Woody. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Woody Strode broke racial barriers in college football, the NFL, and Hollywood. The cultural and historical significance of his film roles, especially in Spartacus and Sergeant Rutledge. Why Woody Strode remains an underappreciated but influential figure in both Western film and American history. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: The Museum of the Moving Image - the Legend of Woody Strode: https://movingimage.org/series/the-legend-of-woody-strode/ UCLA Hall of Fame: https://uclabruins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/woody-strode/310 Men's Health: Woody Strode's Workout: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/building-muscle/train-smarter/a64849697/charles-bronson-workout/#woody-strodes-brutal-bodyweight-routine 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 37: Jim Bridger, Mountain Man 📢 Episode Summary:In this episode of This Week in The West, we explore the adventurous and often unbelievable life of Jim Bridger, one of the most iconic mountain men of the 19th century. Born in 1804 and orphaned young, Bridger’s journey into the wild began early. By 18, he had joined a fur trapping expedition that would lead him deep into the rugged, uncharted American West. His early explorations, including the discovery of the Great Salt Lake—which he mistook for the Pacific Ocean—helped define the frontier era. Listeners learn how Bridger developed close relationships with Native tribes, learned their languages, and even married into Indigenous communities. Known for his resourcefulness and resilience, Bridger also had a flair for storytelling. Tales of petrified singing birds and glass mountains became part of his legend, blurring the lines between fact and frontier folklore. While these embellishments sometimes undermined the credibility of the lands he described—like Yellowstone—they also cemented his mythic status. Bridger’s influence extended far beyond exploration. He co-founded Fort Bridger, a critical outpost for westbound pioneers, and later served as a U.S. Army scout. His knowledge of the land contributed to the development of major travel routes like the Overland Trail and even helped shape the path of the transcontinental railroad. Despite controversies—such as his alleged advice to the ill-fated Donner Party—Bridger remained a key figure in Western expansion. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: The real-life adventures and tall tales of mountain man Jim Bridger, including his mistaken discovery of the Great Salt Lake. Bridger’s relationships with Native American tribes and his pivotal role in mapping routes through the Western frontier. How Fort Bridger, the Donner Party, and the Overland Trail connect to Bridger’s complex legacy in American history. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: Jim Bridger, Yellowstone’s Spinner of Tall Tales: https://www.usgs.gov/news/jim-bridger-yellowstones-spinner-tall-tales Utah’s history of Jim Bridger: https://historytogo.utah.gov/bridger-james/ Legends of America: Jim Bridger 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 36: Jake McClure 📢 Episode Summary:This week on This Week in The West, we dive into the remarkable yet often overlooked life of Jake McClure, one of the first five inductees into what was then called the Cowboy Hall of Fame. While names like Theodore Roosevelt, Will Rogers, and Charles Goodnight are well-known in Western lore, McClure remains a bit of a mystery to many. This episode honors his legacy during the anniversary week of his untimely death in 1940. Born in 1903, McClure was a roping prodigy from an early age, perfecting a unique, fast-paced style that set him apart in the rodeo world. By the 1930s, he was a dominant force, winning major titles from Pendleton to Phoenix and even setting records in London. Known not just for his skills but also his humility and trademark necktie, McClure became a respected figure in both rodeo and ranching circles. Though his life was tragically cut short at age 36, his legacy lives on through the Jake McClure Arena in Lovington, New Mexico, and his influence on generations of ropers, including his great-nephew Jake Barnes. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why Jake McClure was one of the inaugural inductees into the Cowboy Hall of Fame How McClure revolutionized calf roping with a fast, compact loop The lasting legacy of McClure’s life, from championship rodeos to a namesake arena in New Mexico 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: [Link 1 - Relevant article, book, or resource] [Link 2 - Sponsor or affiliate link (if applicable)] [Link 3 - Any additional references] 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!  

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 35: Ralph Doubleday and the Birth of Rodeo Photography 📢 Episode Summary:In this episode of This Week in The West, we take you back to the dusty arena of Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1910, where a single photograph would help define the visual legacy of rodeo in America. Behind the lens was Ralph Doubleday, a tenacious and inventive photographer whose work transformed rodeo into a national spectacle.  Listeners will learn how Doubleday, raised far from the frontier in Iowa, embraced early photography as his ticket to adventure. From photographing foreign lands and presidential safaris to braving bucking broncs and raging bulls, Doubleday’s career was as wild and unpredictable as the sport he helped to immortalize. His distinctive approach to photography—favoring blur over freeze-frame—captured the energy and emotion of rodeo like no one else. You’ll also learn about the remarkable Ralph R. Doubleday Rodeo Photograph Collection held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Dickinson Research Center—and how this treasured archive keeps his story alive for future generations. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Ralph Doubleday helped establish rodeo as a significant American sport through his innovative action photography. Why his gritty, handcrafted approach to capturing the moment set him apart from other photographers of the era. Where to find thousands of Doubleday’s original images today, preserved at the Dickinson Research Center here at The Cowboy. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: The Ralph Doubleday Rodeo Photograph Collection at our Dickinson Research Center: https://archives.nationalcowboymuseum.org/repositories/3/resources/16 The photo that started it all, Gus Nylen thrown off by bucking bronco Teddy Roosevelt on The Cowboy’s page on Google Arts & Culture: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/teddy-roosevelt-gus-nylen-going-down-ralph-r-doubleday/lAHobLDO8JfkNg?hl=en A short video created by The Cowboy about Ralph Doubleday: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/explore/ralph-r-doubleday-capturing-rodeos-golden-age/ 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!

🤠This Week in the West🎙️ Episode 34: Bettina Steinke 📢 Episode Summary:This episode of This Week in The West celebrates the life and legacy of Bettina Steinke, one of the most influential women in the history of Western art. We take listeners back to 1938, when Steinke was sketching live performances of the NBC Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini at Studio 8H—now known as the home of Saturday Night Live. Her early work at NBC, including portraits of major radio stars, quickly earned her national attention and launched a career that would span portraiture, murals, and illustrations. Steinke’s artistic journey took her from Connecticut to the world stage during World War II, where she painted American leaders and sketched wounded soldiers in hospitals for their families. After marrying photojournalist Don Blair, she eventually settled in the American Southwest. There, her passion turned to Western themes and portraiture. Her home, "The Compound," in Santa Fe became a thriving creative space, and her role as a mentor to young artists earned her the affectionate nickname “Mother Blair.” The episode also highlights Steinke’s deep ties to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Her painting Father and Daughter at the Crow Fair won a prestigious Purchase Award at the Prix de West, and she helped found the National Academy of Western Art. The museum honored her with retrospectives and a lifetime achievement award. Steinke passed away in 1999, but her artistic legacy continues to inspire through her portraits, mentorship, and contributions to elevating Western art to fine art status. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: How Bettina Steinke rose to fame through her portraits of major figures in entertainment and wartime America. The pivotal role she played in shaping and legitimizing Western art as fine art. Her lasting legacy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and her influence on generations of artists. 👥 Behind the ScenesHost: Seth SpillmanProducer: Chase SpiveyWriter: Mike Koehler 🔗 Further research: More about the 2012 Exhibition of Steinke’s work at The Cowboy: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/explore/faces-bettina-steinke/ Buy a print of Steinke’s Purchase Award-winning painting “Father & Daughter at the Crow Fair.” https://persimmonhillstore.com/products/father-daughter-at-the-crow-fair-by-bettina-steinke-unsigned Don Hedgpeth’s biography of Bettina Steinke: https://www.amazon.com/Bettina-Portraying-life-Don-Hedgpeth/dp/0873581695 📬 Connect With Us:🌐 Website: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org📖 Read Our Blog: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/📩 Email: podcast@nationalcowboymuseum.org📲Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ncwhm/📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalcowboymuseum❎X/Twitter: https://x.com/ncwhm💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cowboy-&-western-heritage-museum 🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map 💡 Support Us:🏅Become A Member of the Museum: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/support/memberships/🛒Shop at Persimmon Hill, our Museum store: https://persimmonhillstore.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-the-west/id1776228708🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYmd2BumVtQVH1ez1Cr2U🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFoE2kU21JpX9T6W9NonXuD9UapS1TsmN🔹Podbean: https://thisweekinthewest.podbean.com/  ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate & review!