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From cattle trails to concert stages, the cowboy hat has always stood tall. In this episode of Way Out West, we uncover the history, meaning, and myths behind the most iconic headwear of the American frontier. Learn how cowboys shaped their hatsâand how those hats shaped their identity.
We also tip our brim to the unwritten rules of cowboy hat etiquette. Never touch another manâs hat. Take it off in church. And whatever you do, donât put it on a bed. These arenât just superstitionsâtheyâre signs of respect in the cowboy code.
Whether you're new to the West or born in the dust of it, this episode will have you lookinâ at that hat rack with fresh eyes.
As mentioned in this episode, check out my blog article, The Boss of the Plains, to learn more about the father of the cowboy hat, John B. Stetson.
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He was the Westâs most dangerous gentlemanâa Southern-born dentist turned gambler, gunfighter, and legend. In this episode of Way Out West, we dive into the life of Doc Holliday: the man who followed Wyatt Earp into history, faced down outlaws at the O.K. Corral, and lived every day like it might be his last.
Charming, deadly, and fiercely loyalâDoc's story is one of grit, illness, friendship, and fire.
Stick around and after this episode, check out Episode 33, GUNSMOKE AND JUSTICE: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE SHOOTOUT AT THE O.K. CORRAL
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What does it really mean to ride for the brand?
In the Old West, it was more than a jobâit was a way of life. Cowboys lived by loyalty, grit, and doing the right thing even when no one was watching.In this episode, explore the cowboy code behind the phrase and why that old-school loyalty still matters today. Whether you're leading a business, working a job, or building something of your ownâthis oneâs for anyone who believes your word oughta mean something. Saddle up. Letâs ride.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love the blog article What It Means to Ride for The Brand
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In this episode of Way Out West, we head into the wide, unforgiving country of the Great Basinâwhere the land is harsh, the cattle are scattered, and the cowboys ride a little different. These are the buckaroos: proud descendants of the vaquero tradition, known for their rawhide gear, bridle horses, and quiet confidence.
Chip shares his deep respect for these high desert hands and explores how their traditions differ from Texas cowboysâfrom slick horns to spade bits. Along the way, weâll cross paths with Basque sheepherders, hear about life in cow camps, and learn how cowboy poetry gives voice to the silence of the range.
This is a story about grit, solitude, and the timeless spirit of the American buckaroo.
As discussed in this episode, check out these two great blog articles:
Cowboy Gear: What Is a Wild Rag?
Cowboy Poetry: The Timeless Art of Storytelling on the Range
Cover art © 2012 Mary Williams Hyde
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Before the first light of dawn, before boots hit stirrups and the long day begins, thereâs one thing every cowboy counts onâa strong cup of coffee.
In this episode of Way Out West, weâre brewing up the history, legends, and secrets of cowboy coffeeâthe simple, no-frills drink that fueled cattle drives, warmed cold mornings, and became a staple of life on the frontier. From the chuckwagon cooks who perfected the boil to the tall tales about coffee so strong it could float a horseshoe, weâll dive into the rich traditions that made cowboy coffee more than just a drinkâit was a way of life.
Explore:
â How cowboys made their coffee on the trail
đ„ Why a good chuckwagon cook never let the pot run dry
đŽ The myths and legends behind the strongest coffee in the West
đ How you can brew your own cowboy coffee todaySo grab a tin cup, pour yourself a black, bold brew, and settle in by the fire. Itâs time to taste the past.
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The American frontier wasnât just shaped by the men who rode into battleâit was defined by the warhorses that carried them. In this episode, dive into the legendary bond between warrior and steed, from the fearless Comanche riders to the hard-charging U.S. Cavalry.
How did Native horsemen become the finest riders in the world? What breeds and bloodlines dominated the battlefield? And how did the epic clash at Little Bighorn prove the power of mounted warfare?
Saddle up as we gallop through history, strategy, and survival in the fight for the American Plains. This is one ride you wonât want to miss!
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In this episode of Way Out West, pull back the curtain on one of the Wild Westâs most iconic showdownsâthe legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral. But this isnât just another retelling of Wyatt Earp and Doc Hollidayâs famous gunfight. Dive deep into the truth behind the legend, and explore the gritty reality of Tombstone in 1881 and the razor-thin line between lawmen and outlaws.
Explore why this thirty-second gunfight became a defining moment in Western history and what modern-day lessons we can draw from it. How do the events of that fateful afternoon still echo today? What can we learn about reputation, loyalty, and knowing when to stand your groundâwhether youâre on the trail or in the boardroom?
So, saddle up and join us as we explore the lawmen, legends, and lasting legacy of the O.K. Corralâa story of justice, revenge, and the struggle for control in a town where reputations were made or lost in the blink of an eye.
If you liked this episode, check out my blog post The Reality of Guns in the Wild West. You'll find even more details, plus some great old photos.
O.K. CorralÂź is a registered trademark of Tombstone Historama Corporation
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Cowboys were tough, but they werenât 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 wonder why cowboys refused to whistle at night? Or why they never counted their cattle before a drive was done?
In this episode of Way Out West, we round up the strangest, spookiest, and most deep-rooted cowboy superstitionsâfrom eerie campfire legends to the kind of bad omens that could send a chill down a trail bossâs spine. So saddle up, and maybe keep your lucky horseshoe handyâweâre riding into the unknown.
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The Wild West wasnât just a land of outlaws and cattle drivesâit was a paradise for con men. From Soapy Smithâs rigged gambling dens to snake oil salesmen peddling miracle cures, the frontier was full of smooth talkers looking to make a quick buck.
In this episode of Way Out West, weâre diving into the most infamous scams, tricksters, and tall tales that fooled frontier folk. How did swindlers sell fake gold mines? Why did cowboys fall for rigged poker games? And what lessons can we take from these old-school hustles?
Saddle up and keep your wits about youâbecause the best con is the one you never see coming.
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The Old West wasnât just built by lone white cowboysâBlack 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. Weâll also explore the story of Bill Pickett, the Black cowboy who revolutionized rodeo with his invention of steer wrestling.
Join us as we ride through history and shine a light on the cowboys who helped define the Westâbut were too often left out of the story.
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Before Hollywood and dime novels shaped our vision of the American West, Charlie M. Russell was painting it exactly as he lived itâraw, untamed, and full of heart. Known as the "Cowboy Artist," Russell wasnât just an observer of frontier lifeâhe 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 time. Weâll explore the real stories behind his paintings, his deep respect for Native American cultures, and how his work influenced generations of artists, writers, and filmmakers.
So pull up a chair by the fire and settle inâbecause this is the story of the man who captured the soul of the Old WestâŠone brushstroke at a time.
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In this episode of Way Out West, saddle up to explore the legendary ranching dynasties that shaped the American frontier. From the sprawling King Ranch to the iconic Four Sixes and the massive XIT, these families built more than empires of cattle and landâthey created lasting legacies.
Discover the stories of resilience, innovation, and stewardship that defined these ranching pioneers and learn how their values of hard work, sustainability, and vision can inspire us in todayâs modern world. Whether youâre a history buff, a cowboy at heart, or someone seeking timeless wisdom, this episode has something for you.
Continue the discussion:
Disappointment and Triumph at the King RanchThe History and Impact of the 6666 Ranch: A Legacy of Western Heritage
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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 competitions into organized sport, and the lasting legacy of this thrilling spectacle. From the dusty ranches of the frontier to the bright lights of todayâs arenas, discover the heart, soul, and romance behind one of the Westâs most enduring symbols.
As discussed in the episode:
EP 15 - BUFFALO BILL CODY: THE SHOWMAN WHO SHAPED THE WILD WESTSupport the show
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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 to the timeless ballads of the trail, and the larger-than-life cowboy heroes of Hollywood, explore how art, music, and storytelling turned the cowboy into a symbol of the American spirit.
Cowboy Artists of AmericaWhy Charlie Russell is the Most Influential Western Artist of All Time
Join us to uncover the romantic and rugged inspiration behind these creations and discuss why the cowboyâs influence endures in culture today. Saddle up and listen in!
Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Support the show
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On a quiet winter night beneath the endless Western sky, a cowboy speaks to the heavensânot 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 Out West with the Cowboy Accountant, explore S. Omar Barkerâs timeless "A Cowboyâs Christmas Prayer."Celebrate the rugged beauty of Barkerâs poetry, the simple faith of the cowboy, and the magic of Christmas on the open range. Whether youâre a cowboy at heart or just longing for the warmth of a campfire tale, this episode will remind you of the quiet joys and profound grace that the season brings.
So pull up a seat by the fire, tip your hat back, and letâs ride into a Christmas prayer like no other.
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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 more than just a drink, beans more than just a meal, and the campfire more than just a source of heat.
From the practical ingenuity of the chuck wagon cook to the moments of camaraderie shared around the fire, discover how these simple comforts created a sense of home and connection in a rugged and unpredictable world. Plus, reflect on how these timeless traditions inspire us today, whether itâs over a cup of coffee or a backyard barbecue.
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In this episode of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant, saddle up for a journey into the past to uncover the lost arts of the cowboyâthe practical skills and crafts that shaped life on the frontier.
From the intricate braiding of leather to the delicate art of horsehair hitching, from flint knapping ancient tools to cooking hearty meals in Dutch ovens, these forgotten skills tell a story of resilience, ingenuity, and connection to the land.
Explore the rich history behind these arts, their modern revival, and the deeper lessons they offer for today.Support the show
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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, revealing the grit, teamwork, and hard truths that shaped life on the frontier. Get ready to rediscover cowboy culture as it wasâand maybe even find out where the legends end and real history begins. Saddle up, because this is a ride you wonât want to miss.
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Itâs Election Day in the U.S., and thereâs 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 wasnât about debates and ballotsâthis 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, alliances, and power plays that defined frontier lifeâand maybe even see a few echoes of todayâs political world. Settle in for a journey through the rugged history of Western politics, where the line between right and wrong wasnât always clear, and influence could be won with wordsâor a quick draw.Support the show
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Picture yourself out under a sky scattered with stars, a crackling fire keeping the darkness at bay, and a group of cowboys telling stories that twist the truth just enough to make you wonder.
Welcome to a fireside edition of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant! After diving deep into the grit and resilience of cowboy life these past few weeks, itâs time to loosen the reins and have a little fun. Set aside the serious tales and get swept up in the mystery and magic of cowboy folkloreâthose tall tales and campfire legends that have lit up the night for generations.Join us as we relive these stories, savoring the humor, mystery, and pure imagination that kept cowboys entertained under the stars. Whether itâs a bit of laughter, a touch of awe, or a chill down your spine, thereâs something for everyone by the campfire on this episode.
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