Cowboy Up Podcast Episodes

On June 25, 1876, General George Custer and some 200 soldiers perished in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Their wives soon learned of the outcome. They were now widows. How these women coped and survived is the subject of the new book, “The Widowed Ones,” written by New Times bestselling author, actress and comedienne, Chris Enss. She chats with Russell and Alan about what she discovered about these brave and amazing women. [...]

For 25 years, The Bill Ganz Western Band regaled audiences with cowboy music. Local bars, rodeos, even Tucson’s symphony hall—the band played it all. Bill Ganz, the guitar-picking founder, joins Russell and Alan to talk about his career and the future of western music. And you betcha, Bill sings some tunes exclusively for our podcast listeners!   [...]

In 1870, a talented young woman packed up her bags and bid adieu to a damp and chilled East Coast. Sara Plummer Lemmon would spend the remainder of her life in the West leaving a legacy still visible today. And yet, she remains in the shadows of history. Wynne Brown, author of the award-winning biography, “The Forgotten Botanist: Sara Plummer Lemmon’s Life of Science and Art” brings to light the many accomplishments of this remarkable woman. [...]

Gallup, New Mexico is not known as a tourist destination. Yet, this community situated near the Four Corners is rich in diversity and history. Longtime resident and past mayor of Gallup, Bob Rosebrough, joins Russell and Alan to talk about his new memoir, “A Place of Thin Veil,” which brings to life the stories, mysteries, and evocative landscapes of this part of the Land of Enchantment. [...]

The Colorado River is at its lowest levels. Is climate change the culprit? Unexpected urban growth? Mismanagement over the decades? To sort through these questions, Russell and Alan chat with experts Eric Kuhn and John Fleck, co-authors of “Science Be Dammed,” a look at how this valuable resource has evolved over the past 100 years. [...]

She was a lover of music and determined to find her way into the limelight. And that she did. Dale Evans rose to fame as an actress, singer, and wife of Roy Rogers. Historian Theresa Kaminski, author of the new biography “Queen of the West: The Life and Times of Dale Evans,” shares some fascinating, behind-the-scenes stories with Russell and Alan about this Hollywood superstar. [...]

The Supreme Court Justice turns 92 this year. What a life, what a legacy! To help celebrate both, Sandra’s son, Scott O’Connor, joins Russell and Uncle Al to share stories about what life was like with a mom who shattered glass ceilings and made friends not just across America, but around the world. [...]

If you start roping at age five, are you destined to rope in rodeos – and win? Brianna Markum-McClain would argue yes. This talented cowgirl chats with Russell and Alan about what it’s like to grow up on a ranch, own a rodeo company, and be headed to Vegas for team roping finals! [...]

Saddle up and give a listen to Russell and Alan as they swap stories from the range. You’ll also hear from a few western writers coming live from the Tucson Festival of Books where they shared their stories. Storytelling – it’s the cowboy way then and now!   [...]

Bacon and eggs. Bacon and beans. Bacon in a BLT. Bacon has long been a cowboy’s staple and is savored by millions. Today, Russell and Alan speak with Neil Dudley, cowboy, rancher, podcast host, and VP at Pederson’s Farms, a producer of natural and organic bacon and meats. Fair warning—this episode will set your mouth to watering, so get your fry pan ready! [...]