Cowboy Up Podcast Episodes

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. [...]

As acclaimed authors Bob Boze Bell and Jana Bommersbach write, “We know all about the bandits and bad boys, the gunfighters and goons, but not the women who held it all together with grit and spit. The reality is plain: there never would have been a settled West without the women—Native and Mexican women here first; Black and White women who followed—all settling the vast, unknown and scary lands beyond the Mississippi River. But they’ve never gotten their due. If they’re mentioned at all, it’s as whores or tough-living Calamity Janes. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to dig [...]

Without a doubt, W. Bruce Cameron loves dogs. But unlike most dog lovers, he also writes about them. The New York Times bestselling author has over 30 books in print featuring four-legged friends. His book “A Dog’s Purpose” was adapted to the silver screen and became one of the longest running feature films about dogs. Bruce joins Russell and Alan to talk about his career and introduce his new book, “Love, Clancy: Diary of a Good Dog.” [...]

Did you guess Gene Autry? Many people do. But the famed singer only sang it, he didn’t write it. Ginia Desmond reveals the true story about how this well-loved holiday song came to be. A screenplay writer and movie producer, Ginia also talks with Russell and Alan about her award-winning feature film, “Lucky U Ranch,” as well as what’s in the moviemaking chute for next year. [...]

So says Eric Perner, cattle rancher, mechanical engineer, and co-founder of REP Provisions By working with nature (instead of against it), regenerative agriculture holds incredible promise for healing the planet while feeding our communities real food. Eric joins Russell and Alan to share the science, as well as his astounding personal experiences, behind this approach to maintaining healthy land and, as Alan Day likes to say, “happy grass.” [...]

Pardis Madhavi was born in US after her Iranian parents fled Iran in the 1980s. Overtime, Pardis developed a love of horses and learning. Both have played significant roles in her life, helping her help others and endure her own hardships. Now a provost at the University of Montana, Pardis speaks with Russell and Alan about the national and international paths she has traveled. [...]

Genealogy is all the rage. That’s because we seem to have an innate curiosity about our ancestors. David A. Bowles grew up knowing the story of his family, at least back to the early 1800s. A Texan who grew up on a ranch, David became a storyteller. He joins Russell and Alan to share some fascinating stories of his pioneering family.   [...]

Even if you don’t know about their lives, you probably recognize their names. Wild Bill Hickock and Buffalo Bill Cody were considered heroes and the greatest plainsmen of their time. Award-winning author Bill Markley chats with Russell and Alan about the truths and myths surrounding these two legendary westerners. [...]