The Cowboy Up Podcast Episodes

Who did what and when in the Old West continues to tantalize historians, novelists, filmmakers and others. Bill Markley has spent more time than most delving into infamous events and characters and trying to sort fact from fiction. Did Butch Cassidy die in Bolivia? What about Davy Crockett’s many deaths? And what really happened during the Johnson County War? Bill joins Russell and Alan to take a trail ride into the West’s intriguing past. [...]

Japanese-American cowgirl Miko Moriuchi McFarland put herself through college trick riding six nights a week and going to classes during the day. A founder of the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders, she has performed on the rodeo circuit, ridden beside Budweiser Clydsdales and carried the the American flag during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. She chats with Russell and Alan about her career as a professional trick rider and her new hobby—mounted archery. [...]

The Pacific Northwest Trail has Cheryl Strayed. The Appalachian Trail has Bill Bryson. And now the Arizona Trail has Tom Zoellner. In 2019, Zoellner hiked the trail’s 800 miles and took a deep dive into what makes the Grand Canyon State tick. He chronicles his extraordinary journey and insights into Arizona’s culture, history, mysteries and more in his new book “RIM TO RIVER: Looking into the Heart of Arizona.” Zoellner joins Russell and Alan to talk about it all, including the city once known as Pumpkinville.      [...]

Finally, after having to shut down for the Covid events, we are so happy that a world-class famous Tucson Festival of Books is back. And we are going to take you there. So think about getting a good book and join us as we celebrate the festival. I often like to tease Russell by saying, “I’m not sure all your stories are real but of course they’re all True.”  So join the gentleman cowboys, Russell and Alan, as they tell stories, go down memory lane, and share some cowboy and life wisdom, which we certainly need in our world today. -Stan Hustad [...]

Ted Conover decided to give it a try. This award-winning journalist and New York resident spent parts of four years living off the grid on five acres of Colorado land. There, he encountered an unexpected diverse population and learned much about a culture that steers clear of the mainstream. He speaks with Alan and Russell about his experiences and his new book “Cheap Land Colorado.” [...]

Back in the day, Bisbee was a hub of mining and shipping, a city of immigrants. Now a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, tourists, and ghosts (yes, – ghosts!), Bisbee is one of Arizona’s revered cities. Photographer Virgil Hancock captures the essence of Bisbee past and present in his new book, “Bisbee: The Alchemical City of the Borderlands.” He visits with Russell and Alan to talk about his experience photographing and researching this fraught and fascinating area. [...]

Barbra Schulte has spent almost her entire life with horses. What has she learned from them? Tons, including how to overcome some tough challenges she’s had to face. This National Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree joins Russell and Alan to talk about her career as a cutting horse trainer and competitor and how that morphed into becoming an equestrian performance coach. [...]

Cowboy boots! They’re a staple of western wear. But what’s the history of the cowboy boot? Who originally designed it and how did it become so popular? Russell and Alan speak with Zach Lawless, the CEO of Hyer Boots, whose great-grandfather is credited with designing the first cowboy boot. [...]

Without a doubt, “Ride Lonesome” is a classic Western. Starring the great Randolph Scott, the movie was filmed in 17 days. In his new book, award-winning screenplay writer Kirk Ellis takes a deep dive into what made this film so iconic. He saddles up to the ranch to talk with Russell and Alan about the movie, how it influenced future western flicks, and what it took to write his book “Ride Lonesome.” [...]

E28S3   Long Distance Trail Riding with Gillian Larson What does it take to ride 2600 miles on horseback? How do you prepare meals? Haul water? Care for your horse? Best ask someone who has logged thousands of miles long distance riding. Gillian Larson is that person. She’s accumulated over 10,000 miles riding the backcountry and what’s more, with the same two horses. Gillian chats with Russell and Alan about her many adventures and how she is now teaching others how to “thru-ride” trails around the West. [...]