"A hidden gem of Western storytelling"

Stories of the American West

Ride along as we journey through the untamed spirit of the American West. Each episode of the Way Out West podcast brings you closer to the men and women whose grit, wisdom, and heart built a nation. One unforgettable story at a time.

Recent Episodes

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The U.S. Army Went Camel Shopping: Texas's Great Camel Experiment
117
Nov. 11, 2026

The U.S. Army Went Camel Shopping: Texas's Great Camel Experiment

In 1855, Congress gave the U.S. Army $30,000 to find out whether camels could haul supplies across the American Southwest. The Army went shopping overseas, brought the animals to Texas, and put them to work. The surprising part is how well they did.

In this episode of Way Out West, follow the camels from the docks at Indianola to Camp Verde and west with Edward Beale’s wagon-road expedition. Along the way, meet Hadji Ali, the camel handler better known as "Hi Jolly," and find out what became of
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Bringing Oliver Loving Home: Charles Goodnight’s Promise
116
Nov. 4, 2026

Bringing Oliver Loving Home: Charles Goodnight’s Promise

In 1867, a cattle drive turned deadly along the Pecos River. “One-Armed” Bill Wilson walked barefoot back to the herd, and Charles Goodnight made a promise to his dying partner that would bring Oliver Loving home to Weatherford, Texas.
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The Ghosts of Fort Phantom Hill
115
Oct. 28, 2026

The Ghosts of Fort Phantom Hill

A bugle sounds across an abandoned Texas fort. A soldier waits for orders that never came. This Halloween, journey into the ruins of Fort Phantom Hill, where one traveler discovers that some men never quite leave their posts.
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The Night Luke Short Stepped Outside
114
Oct. 21, 2026

The Night Luke Short Stepped Outside

Luke Short had been getting his shoes polished. Then someone called him outside. Waiting was Longhair Jim Courtright, a former marshal with a dangerous reputation. Step onto Fort Worth’s Main Street for the quarrel, the gunfire, and the stories that followed.
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Cowboys and Indians: How the West Became a Story
113
Oct. 7, 2026

Cowboys and Indians: How the West Became a Story

How did “cowboys and Indians” become the familiar story of the West? From Cherokee grazing agreements to Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull, this episode explores how popular entertainment turned complicated history into recognizable roles while the Old West was still alive.
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Reviews

Amazing content
Definitely a unique perspective of applying the lessons of the past to true business problems of today. Well done and great information.
  • Cooljames5555
  • March 6, 2025
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Fantastic and educational
This podcast is an intriguing look into cowboy culture and history. It’s educational, entertaining, and just downright fun.
  • AlamoJay
  • Nov. 20, 2025
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Cowboys
Very interesting perspective on the history of the west and western way of life. Spot on subject matter. I grew up around really old cowboys so I appreciate the authenticity
  • Texas Girls are Smart
  • June 14, 2026
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Latest From the Way Out West Journal

WHERE DID THE WORD “COWBOY” COME FROM?

The American cowboy owes much to Spanish and Mexican vaqueros. But did the word cowboy come from vaquero? The answer runs through English pastures, the cattle country of the Southwest, and a second word with a clearer Spanish connection: buckaroo.

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