

Legends of the Old West
Black Barrel Media
Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, and Butch and Sundance. Lakota, Comanche and Apache. Wars, gunfights and robberies. This show covers the toughest lawmen, the wildest outlaws, and the deadliest towns — all the people and events that shaped the American West.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2025 • 36min
FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 6 | Davy Crockett: “The Alamo”
David Crockett volunteers for the Texian army and is assigned to help protect an old Spanish mission called Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo. He arrives two weeks before the Mexican army led by President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, which has been marching to Texas to retake the city of San Antonio. For 13 days at the end of February and the beginning of March, 1836, Crockett and the other defenders of the Alamo withstand a siege until the Mexican army launches the final assault.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 35min
FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 5 | Davy Crockett: “Go To Hell or Go To Texas”
The journey of Davy Crockett unfolds as he shifts from a rising political star to seeking a new life in Texas. His epic clash with President Andrew Jackson marks a pivotal moment in his career. The allure of a rebellious Texas beckons, showcasing Crockett's transformation from politician to warrior. The podcast highlights his principled stand against the Indian Removal Act and his legendary rise as a folk hero. As tensions mount, Crockett heads toward the Alamo, preparing for an iconic chapter in history.

Oct 15, 2025 • 32min
FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 4 | Davy Crockett: “The Creek War”
Discover the early life of Davy Crockett, from his hunting skills in Tennessee to his reluctant involvement in the Creek War. Explore the dramatic Battle of Tallushatchee, where Crockett faces the grim realities of war. His disdain for violence propels him into a political career after the conflict. The narrative also touches on his personal struggles, including grief and remarriage, as he transitions from frontiersman to politician, hinting at his future journey to Texas and legendary status.

Oct 8, 2025 • 37min
FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 3 | Daniel Boone: “Folk Hero”
Explore the adventurous life of Daniel Boone as he faces relentless Shawnee attacks while defending Boonesboro. Discover his harrowing capture and the betrayal from his friends, leading to a dramatic escape. Boone's legendary run through the gauntlet becomes a symbol of resilience. His service during the Revolutionary War and the ambush at Blue Licks add to his heroic tale. Learn how the writings of John Filson catapulted Boone to folk hero status and why he eventually ventured westward into Missouri, leaving a lasting legacy.

Oct 1, 2025 • 37min
FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 2 | Daniel Boone: “Battle For Boonesborough”
Explore the adventurous life of Daniel Boone during the Revolutionary War. Hear about his daring trailblazing of the Wilderness Road and how he established Boonesborough under threat of Shawnee attacks. Discover his heroics in a dangerous rescue mission to save three kidnapped girls, showcasing his tactical prowess. The unfolding frontier warfare reveals both community resilience and escalating tensions, painting a vivid picture of survival in uncharted territories.

Sep 24, 2025 • 36min
FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 1 | Daniel Boone: “Blood Feud”
Discover how Daniel Boone evolves into a legendary frontiersman against the backdrop of a fierce blood feud with the Shawnee. Journey through his childhood in Pennsylvania, the family's conflicts that led them to North Carolina, and the intriguing allure of Kentucky. Explore Boone's daring expeditions, encounters with Cherokee raids, and the devastating impact of a massacre that claimed his son. Unravel the complexities of Boone's life as he navigates the rugged frontier filled with danger, adventure, and heartache.

9 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 33min
PINKERTONS Ep. 6 | “Charlie Siringo: The Wild Bunch”
Dive into the thrilling world of Charlie Siringo, a Pinkerton agent on a relentless chase for the notorious Wild Bunch, led by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Discover the intense challenges he faced during train robberies and the dark escapades of outlaw Harvey Logan. Uncover the chaos of local feuds and desperate kidnappings in the Appalachian Mountains, as Siringo navigates loyalty and conflict in his pursuit of justice. Get ready for high-stakes adventure and rich tales from the Old West!

13 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 36min
PINKERTONS Ep. 5 | “Charlie Siringo: Into the Mines”
Dive into the thrilling world of Charlie Siringo, a Pinkerton detective navigating the chaotic landscape of 1880s labor unions. Experience his risky infiltration of a miners' union in Idaho, where tensions escalate into life-threatening situations. Witness the clash between miners and mine owners during a violent strike, as Siringo races to prevent disaster. The gripping tale culminates in a showdown at the Frisco mill, revealing the raw struggles for justice and order in the lawless Old West.

7 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 35min
PINKERTONS Ep. 4 | “Charlie Siringo: Cowboy Detective”
Dive into the adventurous life of Charlie Siringo, a cowboy turned Pinkerton detective. Discover how the Haymarket Affair inspired him to combat political corruption in Colorado. Follow his thrilling infiltration of an outlaw gang in Wyoming, where he balances deception with danger. Experience the emotional challenges he faces while embedded in the criminal world, highlighting the moral dilemmas of undercover work. It's a captivating journey through the wild West's law enforcement and labor struggles!

13 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 33min
PINKERTONS Ep. 3 | “James McParland: A Murder in Idaho”
Dive into a gripping murder case from 1906, where detective James McParland battles political tension and ethical dilemmas while investigating the assassination of former governor Frank Steunenberg. Experience a high-stakes confrontation with a death row inmate, revealing psychological manipulation at its finest. The courtroom drama unfolds with intense legal maneuvers and internal betrayals, as McParland's legacy becomes a complex tale of fame versus true achievement. This captivating narrative blends intrigue, justice, and historical context.


