Cowboy Life & Culture Episodes

Cowboys didn’t smell like Hollywood heroes. On the trail, water was for cattle, not baths. Discover the grit and humor of cowboy hygiene — from dust baths and wild rags to Saturday night bathhouses and barber shops.

Step into the Great Basin, where the land is harsh and the cowboys ride different. This encore episode of Way Out West explores the traditions of the American buckaroo—vaquero roots, rawhide gear, cow camps, and poetry of the high desert.

They called them the Lords of the Plains. From humble foot hunters to the most feared horsemen in history, the Comanche built an empire that rivaled Spain, Mexico, Texas, and even the United States.

They’re icons of the American West—lawmen in white hats, riding hard for justice with six-guns on their hips. But the real story of the Texas Rangers isn’t all legend and glory. It’s a tale of grit, controversy, and transform...

From the grit of Jim Shoulders to the lightning-fast turns of Charmayne James, rodeo history is full of legends who defined the sport — and the cowboy way of life. In this episode of Way Out West , head into the arena with ei...

Way Out West turns 50! To celebrate this milestone—and with Independence Day just around the corner—we’re saddling up for a special episode packed with 50 fun facts from the American West. From legendary trailblazers and wild...

In the Old West, the toughest cowboys didn’t need to raise their voices—they let grit, silence, and action do the talking. In this episode of Way Out West, explore the quiet strength that built the frontier. From trail bosses...

What was it really like to live the cowboy life? In this episode of Way Out West, saddle up and ride through a typical day on the range, from the crack of dawn to the glow of the campfire. Discover the grit, hard work, and ca...

Under the vast skies of the American West, cowboys have always found a way to capture the beauty, grit, and humor of their lives through poetry. In this episode of Way Out West, explore the timeless tradition of cowboy poetry—stories told in rhyme that speak straight to the heart. From the campfire…

Before barcodes and credit cards, the West ran on barter, grit, and a good reputation. In this episode of Way Out West , ride into the heart of frontier commerce—where cowboys traded cattle for coffee, trappers swapped beaver...

In this episode of Way Out West , we head into the wide, unforgiving country of the Great Basin—where the land is harsh, the cattle are scattered, and the cowboys ride a little different. These are the buckaroos: proud descen...

Cowboys were tough, but they weren’t about to mess with bad luck. From the curse of a hat on the bed to ghost riders spooking their horses, the men of the range had plenty of superstitions to keep them on their toes. Ever won...

Before Hollywood and dime novels shaped our vision of the American West, Charlie M. Russell was painting it exactly as he lived it—raw, untamed, and full of heart. Known as the "Cowboy Artist," Russell wasn’t just an observer...

Saddle up for a journey through the origins and history of rodeo, a tradition built on grit, courage, and timeless skill. Explore how the vaqueros of Mexico laid the groundwork for modern rodeo, the evolution of cowboy compet...

In this episode of Way Out West with The Cowboy Accountant, dive into the lasting legacy of the cowboy as an icon of freedom, resilience, and adventure. From the vivid brushstrokes of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell...

On a quiet winter night beneath the endless Western sky, a cowboy speaks to the heavens—not with polished words, but with the humble honesty of a man who knows the land and its Creator. In this special holiday episode of Way ...

Step back in time to the crackle of a campfire under a starlit sky as we explore the small but meaningful comforts that kept cowboys going on the trail. In this episode, dive into the rituals and traditions that made coffee m...

In this episode of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant , step back in time to explore the heart and soul of a cowboy's life on the trail—his meals. From the comforting smell of beans simmering over an open fire to the art...

In this episode of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant , we explore the rich history and lasting significance of cattle brands in the American West. Far more than just symbols of ownership, cattle brands tell stories of f...

Hollywood often portrays Cowboys and Indians constantly fighting against each other. But, do movies bear any relationship to reality? In this episode, we dive into a pivotal chapter of American history that often gets oversha...

Hobbling horses dates back to at least the ancient Egyptians. And while today hobbles are most closely associated with Western culture and their use by working cowboys to restrain horses in lieu of trees or other tie devices...

Considered the most important of cowboys on a cattle drive, outriders were unique in their capabilities and in their responsibilities. In this episode, we talk about the outriders of old and their modern day counterparts. And...

Cowboys have a lot of tools at their disposal, but there is one that far exceeds the usefulness of all others. A well broke cowhorse. But, like any tool, it's only as effective as the person using it. And, with this tool, y...