Legends & Lore Episodes

The Old West wasn’t just built by lone white cowboys—Black cowboys, Native American horsemen, and Mexican vaqueros played a huge role in shaping ranching and rodeo traditions. In this episode of Way Out West, we uncover the forgotten legends of the frontier, from the fearless vaqueros who brought cattle ranching to the Americas to the Native riders who mastered the plains. We’ll also explore the story of Bill Pickett, the Black cowboy who revolutionized rodeo with his invention of steer wrestli...

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 of frontier life—he was a cowboy first, an artist second, and a storyteller always. In this episode of Way Out West, we ride through the life and legacy of Charlie Russell, from his days wrangling cattle in Montana to becoming one of the greatest Western artists of all tim...

From the gunslinging hero to the lone cowboy riding off into the sunset, the Old West is filled with larger-than-life legends that have captivated us for generations. But how much of it is real? In this episode of Way Out West, dive deep into the heart of these myths to uncover the truth behind the Hollywood tales. Were shootouts really an everyday affair? Did cowboys always work alone? And were outlaws like Jesse James truly heroes? Listen in to peel back the curtain on the Wild West, reveali...

It’s Election Day in the U.S., and there’s no better time to take a look back at the wild, untamed world of frontier politics. In this episode, dive into the rough-and-ready political landscape of the Old West, where lawmen, outlaws, ranchers, and railroads all fought for influence. This wasn’t about debates and ballots—this was a world where a sheriff could be as powerful as a mayor, where railroads shaped towns, and where outlaws held the loyalty of entire communities. Explore the rivalries, ...

In this episode of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant, dive into the life and legend of Buffalo Bill Cody, the man who brought the Wild West to the world. From his early days as a frontier scout and Pony Express rider to the creation of his world-famous Wild West Shows, explore how Cody crafted a legacy that blurred the lines between myth and reality. Separate fact from fiction, uncovering the truth behind his larger-than-life persona and the impact he had on shaping the global perception ...

Joaquin Jackson was the iconic representation of a Texas Ranger. Known for his fearless dedication and larger-than-life persona, Jackson's career with the Texas Rangers spanned over three decades and saw him face some of the most notorious outlaws of his time. We explore the fascinating journey of this iconic figure, from his early days growing up in the rugged landscapes of West Texas to his rise through the ranks of the Texas Rangers. This episode paints a vivid and personal picture of a man ...

There are very few items in North American culture that carry the same iconic weightiness as the cowboy hat. It's the singular item of apparel that can be worn in any corner of the globe, by most anyone, and receive instantaneous acknowledgment. As the old cowboy saying goes, “It’s the last thing you take off and the first thing that is noticed.” Interestingly, the history of the iconic cowboy hat is not that old, and in this episode we talk about John B. Stetson and his iconic "cowboy's" hat. ...