

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

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.

12 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 35min
PINKERTONS Ep. 2 | “James McParland: The Celebrity Detective”
James McParland faces a moral dilemma as he infiltrates the violent Molly Maguires, grappling with the brutality of undercover work. His pivotal testimony against the group leads to their downfall and elevates his career in the Pinkerton Agency. As he gains a promotion, he shifts focus to exposing corruption within the agency while tackling new challenges like train robberies. McParland's journey reveals the complexities of justice and the evolving landscape of law enforcement in the Old West.

11 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 36min
PINKERTONS Ep. 1 | “James McParland: The Molly Maguires”
The podcast dives into the turbulent labor landscape in 1870s Pennsylvania, spotlighting the struggles of coal miners against exploitative owners. It examines the rise of the Molly Maguires, an Irish secret society resorting to violence. As tensions escalate, the Pinkerton Detective Agency sends undercover agent James McParland to infiltrate this dangerous group. The narrative explores McParland's perilous journey through coal country, revealing the risks and identity threats he faces while trying to uncover the truth behind the brutal conflict.

Jun 25, 2025 • 35min
HELL ON WHEELS Ep. 6 | “Golden Spike”
The race is finally over as both railroads make it to Promontory Summit. On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific meet in a massive celebration. But in the aftermath, Thomas Durant’s financial scheme is revealed and creates a major scandal. Meanwhile, with the nation now linked together, people begin to settle the west in record numbers, and alter the country forever.
Thanks to our sponsor, HelloFresh! To get started, check out our plan: HelloFresh.com/legends10fm
Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join
Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial.
For more details, visit our website www.blackbarrelmedia.com and check out our social media pages. We’re @OldWestPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
On YouTube, subscribe to LEGENDS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 34min
HELL ON WHEELS Ep. 5 | “Last Mountain, Last Battle”
After surviving the chaos of the Hell on Wheels towns of Wyoming, the Union Pacific pushes into Utah. Once there, they call upon Mormon workers to help build through treacherous canyons as they inch closer to the finish line at Promontory Summit.
Thanks to our sponsor, HelloFresh! To get started, check out our plan: HelloFresh.com/legends10fm
Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join
Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial.
For more details, visit our website www.blackbarrelmedia.com and check out our social media pages. We’re @OldWestPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
On YouTube, subscribe to LEGENDS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11, 2025 • 37min
HELL ON WHEELS Ep. 4 | “Across the Desert”
The Central Pacific moves out of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and into the Nevada desert. No longer blasting through granite walls, the workers are able to make up for lost time as they battle scorching hot temperatures and cracked soil. But with the race in the back of his head, Big Four member Charles Crocker formulates a plan to set a record and make headlines.
Thanks to our sponsor, HelloFresh! To get started, check out our plan: HelloFresh.com/legends10fm
Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join
Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial.
For more details, visit our website www.blackbarrelmedia.com and check out our social media pages. We’re @OldWestPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
On YouTube, subscribe to LEGENDS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4, 2025 • 37min
HELL ON WHEELS Ep. 3 | “Desperadoes of Every Grade”
After Thomas Durant lined his pockets for years, investors in the Union Pacific finally force a change in leadership. The pace of construction accelerates dramatically, but the Union Pacific now faces lawless and chaotic towns which pop up along its route. Robbery, murder, and vice of every kind plagues each town.
Thanks to our sponsor, HelloFresh! To get started, check out our plan: HelloFresh.com/legends10fm
Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join
Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial.
For more details, visit our website www.blackbarrelmedia.com and check out our social media pages. We’re @OldWestPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
On YouTube, subscribe to LEGENDS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices