Shows
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestBishop Koyle’s Dream MineLet us know what you thinkIn this episode, Mason tells the story of John Hyrum Koyle. A prominent member of the church of latter-day Saints whose prophetic dreams caused him and his believers to build a mine based on Koyle’s visions. Dubbed the Dream Mine, Koyle promised it would not only yield treasures for the church to use in the end times, but also unearth lost relics that would unlock unknown dimensions of the Mormon faith. Eventually the Bishop’s is mine and visions would put him and his “Dream Miners” in opposition to the leadersh...2025-07-2048 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestStagecoach Mary FieldsLet us know what you thinkIn this episode Marcelo tells the impressive the Story of “Stagecoach” Mary Fields. When it came to stagecoach driving, Mary, a hard drinking, cigar smoking, shotgun welding badass was in a league of her own and who later became America’s first Black Woman postal worker on one of Americas toughest routes through the Montana territory in the late 1890s. #USHistory #MontanaHistory #WesternHistory #BlackHistory Thanks so much for listening!!!!! Like, subscribe, leave a review, wherever you can!!! Check us out with pictures...2025-07-0444 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe Impossible Railroad!!! The San Diego & Arizona Railway, Last Transcontinental Railway completed in the US!Let us know what you thinkMason takes the gang on a ride through the history of the planning, construction, and operation of the only transnational railroad in North America. Learn about how San Diego City founder John D Speckles secretly conspired with southern pacific railroad man Edward Harriman to build the long-awaited line from San Diego to Yuma. What started as a practical idea, turned into battle against nature as construction crews slowly carved the line through a desert mountain landscape facing both the elements and at times hostile revolutionaries to complete 146-mile line. F...2025-06-201h 02
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestUnder the Shadow of the Hood: When Denver fell to the KKKLet us know what you think🎙️ This episode, we delve into a dark and unsettling chapter of Colorado history — the era when the Ku Klux Klan created a shadow government that infiltrated Denver’s City Hall and eventually reached the State Capitol.We explore the societal and economic conditions that made it possible for a secret terrorist group of the 1870s to be born again in 1916 as a fraternity— and how, by the 1920s, they seized power with the aid of Freemasons, Woodsmen, and other fraternal organizations But the so-c...2025-05-231h 10
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestWeird Roadside Attractions of the West!! Vol ILet us know what you thinkIn this episode, we’re taking a break from murderous outlaws and lawmen to bring you along to three strange roadside attractions in the West! 🛣️✨📍 Marcelo gives us the spooky scoop on the Museum of the Weird in Austin, Texas 🦎🔮 📍 Mason explores the quirky Desert View Tower in Jacumba, California 🏜️🌬️ 📍 Jess ties it all together with the eerie tale of the infamous Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada 🤡🏨We hope you’ll join us and enjoy the strange ride! 🚗💨2025-04-2558 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestTom Horn Part II – The Last Wicked Years!Let us know what you thinkIn Part 2 of our two-part deep dive, we follow Tom Horn in the final violent years of his life—the killing of 14-year-old Willie Nickell and the subsequent trial that sealed Horn’s fate. Was he truly guilty, or the victim of a setup fueled by fear, politics, and the powerful cattle barons he once served? We examine facts, the confessions, and the myths that still spark debate over a century later. This episode dives into Horn’s final days, the public spectacle of his execution, and how his story became one of...2025-04-1852 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestTom Horn Part I: He Had Black Shifty EyesLet us know what you thinkIn Part 1 of this two-part deep dive, we explore the early years of Tom Horn—a man whose life straddled the fine line between legend and infamy. From his humble beginnings in Missouri to his roles as a scout, interpreter, cowboy, and Pinkerton detective, this episode lays the foundation for understanding how Tom Horn became both feared and respected across the American West.#TomHorn #TrueCrimeHistory #OldWest #AmericanHistory #WildWestLegends #OutlawStories #FrontierJustice #CowboysAndDetectives #HistoryPodcast #TrueWest #PodcastSeries #HistoricalFigures #WesternLore #Part1 #PodcastNotes🎯 Don’t forget to tune in for 2025-04-111h 05
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestSaint Patrick’s Battalion: Batallón de San PatricioLet us know what you thinkIn this episode, Marcelo and the gang uncover the remarkable story of Saint Patrick’s Battalion, a group of mostly Irish, catholic immigrants who fought for Mexico during the Mexican American War (1846–1848). Led by John Riley, these soldiers switched sides, driven by religious persecution, mistreatment, and solidarity with fellow Catholics. We explore their motivations, battles, and ultimate fate, shedding light on a little-known chapter of history. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at False summits!!!!🎧 Listen now! #SaintPatricksBattalion #MexicanAmericanWar #IrishHistory # MexicanHist...2025-03-181h 10
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestSamuel E. Chamberlain: The Man Who Lived Blood MeridenLet us know what you thinkIn this episode, Marcelo leads gang to explore the exploits of Samuel E. Chamberlain’s tell all book My Confession: Chamberlain’s vivid, violent, and horrific memoir of his time as a soldier and drifter on the Texas-Mexico border provided historical details and characters—most notably the enigmatic Judge Holden. Chamberlains accounts would have an influence author Cormac McCarthy’s brutal philosophical masterpiece Blood Meridian. Tune in for a deep dive into history, myth, and the shaping of one of American literature’s greatest novels.Contact Warning: graphic depictions of violenc...2025-03-141h 32
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestJoaquín Murrieta: The Robin Hood of El DoradoeLet us know what you think In this episode, Marcelo tells the tale of Joaquín Murrieta, a Mexican-born 49er who became a symbol of resistance during the California Gold Rush. Dive in with us as we try to separate fact and folklore by examining his early life, the injustices he faced, and his transformation into a legendary outlaw. Was he a ruthless bandit or a folk hero fighting for the oppressed? Did he ever exist? Take a listen and find out for yourself. Resources:Life And Adventures Of Joaquin Murrieta: The...2025-02-2149 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestRainmaker Charles Hatfield and the Flood of 1916Let us know what you thinkIn this episode, Mason tells the fascinating story of Charles Hatfield, a man who claimed to have the ability to make it rain. Known as the “moisture accelerator,” Hatfield’s alleged rain-making abilities had been sought after by a western communities desperate for water in the early 1900s. According to him, his secret chemical compounds and techniques could bring rain to drought-stricken areas. One of his contracts may have resulted in a disastrous flood in Southern California.Resources When San Diego Hir...2025-02-071h 02
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestMexican Repatriation Part II: The Devastating Inpact on Individuals and CommunitiesLet us know what you thinkMexican Repatriation Part IIIn this episode, Marcelo brings us the second part of his story on the US’s immigration policy of in early 20th Century and the effects it had on individuals, populations and the economy in both the US and Mexico then and now.Content warning: This podcast contains depictions of state-sanctioned violence. Sources Decade of Betrayal by Francisco E. Balderrama & Raymond Rodriguez Harvest of Empire by Juan Gonzalez They Should Stay There by Fernando Saul Alanis E...2025-01-2046 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestMexican Repatriation Part I: Scapegoating Turns Systematic Cruelty in Early 20th Century America.Let us know what you thinkIn this episode, Marcelo takes the lead and shares the heartbreaking story of the US's Mexican Repatriation policies . Amid the Great Depression, lawmakers desperate to assign blame enacted harsh, exclusionary policies. Between the 1929 and 1939, somewhere between 300,000 and 1 million people—up to 60% of whom were U.S. citizens or legal residents—were forcibly expelled, many of them children.Content warning: This podcast contains depictions of state-sanctioned violence. SourcesDecade of Betrayal by Francisco E. Balderrama & Raymond Rodriguez Harvest of Empire2025-01-061h 43
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestLeonard Knight and Salvation MountainLet us know what you thinkIn this episode, the gang follows up on one of the subjects of our first episode and explores the fascinating story of Leonard Knight and his creation of Salvation Mountain, a vibrant, handmade monument found in slab city California. Knight’s vision, born out of a deep religious conviction, turned an isolated patch of land into a colorful beacon of creativity. Join us as we dive into his journey, the meaning behind the mountain, and how his passion for spreading love through art continues to inspire people internationally to this day. 2024-12-2033 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestAlexander, The Man Who Knows!! : Early 20th Century Magician and SpiritualistLet us know what you think,In this episode, Jess takes the helm as the gang explores the life of Claude “Alexander” Conlin - Early 20th century magician, spiritualist, and “Master of Mentalism”. Cloaked as a mystic, Alexander dazzled audiences with his so-called psychic abilities, but behind the scenes, he led a turbulent life marked by failure fraud, and a scandalous love life. Tune in for the wild story of one of Vaudeville’s most successful act.SOURCES:https://forzonimagic.com/mindreaders-history-forzoni-magic/alexander-the-man-knows-old/https://geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Thomas_Nelson_Downshttps://www.funinc...2024-12-051h 14
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestTexas Revolutionary: Juan SeguínLet us know what you thinkTexas Revolutionary: Juan Seguín. Hey Y'all!! In this episode, Marcelo takes the lead and explores with the gang the life of Juan Seguín, a Tejano leader who played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution. From fighting at the Battle of San Jacinto to serving as the mayor of San Antonio, Seguín’s journey reflects the complex identity struggles of Mexican Texans. We discuss his contributions, exile, and legacy in shaping Texas history. Tune in as we uncover the story of this overlooked hero.So...2024-11-2158 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestBlucifer: Devil Horse of Denver International AirportLet us know what you thinkIn this episode, Mason takes the reins and explores the eerie and controversial Blue Mustang, the 32-foot-tall, red-eyed, blue horse sculpture at Denver International Airport. Nicknamed Blucifer, this statue has sparked urban legends and conspiracy theories, especially after its creator, Luis Jiménez, tragically died when a piece of it fell on him. We dive into the history, artistic significance, and the myths surrounding this infamous landmark.Sources: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Blucifer, The Demon Horse Of DIABy Stephanie Wo...2024-11-0724 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe Wail of La Llorona: Origins of the Worlds SCARIEST Bedtime Story.Let us know what you thinkIn part III of our Halloween Trilogy of Spooky History, Marcelo leads us in the moonlight to the riverbed as we dive into the chilling legend of La Llorona, Mexico’s infamous weeping woman. From its pre-Hispanic roots to colonial influences, we explore the cultural significance of this ghostly figure who roams the night searching for her lost children. Is she a warning, a spirit of vengeance, or a tragic soul trapped in sorrow? Maybe mom is right, and you need to stop crying and go to bed.2024-10-3121 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe LaFayette Vampire: High Plains Bloodsucker!!Let us know what you thinkIn part II of our Halloween Trilogy of Spooky History, Jess leads us as we cracked the lid on the legend of the Lafayette Vampire, a mysterious figure linked to an unmarked grave in a local cemetery. Is it just folklore, or does something sinister lurk beneath the Colorado soil? From strange sightings to unsettling accounts, we explore the history, myths, and possible truths behind this bloodsucking tale. https://astonishinglegends.com/astonishing-legends/2023/10/14/the-vampire-grave-of-lafayettehttps://www.atlasobscura.com/places/vampire-grave-of-lafayettehttps://www.a...2024-10-2417 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestAliens Zapped my Horse to Death!! : Snippy the HorseLet us know what you thinkIn part I of our Halloween Trilogy of Spooky History, Mason takes leads us on trial of smalltown cosmic horror to tell the gang about a horse from Alamosa, Colorado, that died under strange circumstances. Its flesh was reportedly stripped with surgical precision, with no blood or struggle. Some blamed UFOs, others suspected secret military experiments. The case drew paranormal investigators and skeptics alike. Was an ET, a predator, or something else? Sources:UFOs and a Horse Called Snippy- by Chris Roothttps://history.denverlibrary.o...2024-10-1716 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestProject Plowshare: The Time Nukes Were Used for Fracking in the Rocky Mountains!!Let us know what you thinkIn this episode, Mason takes the gang underground to talk about Project Plowshare, the U.S. government's program to explore peaceful uses of nuclear explosions. Focusing on the test taking place in Colorado including Rulison (1969) and Rio Blanco (1973), which aimed to release natural gas trapped in underground rock. While the blasts succeeded technically, radioactive contamination concerns led mass protest and eventually project's demise. Enjoy our lighthearted take on this cold war insanity!!https://st.llnl.gov/news/look-back/plowshare-programhttps://nnss.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/NNSS-PLOW-U-0028-Rev01-1...2024-10-0356 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe North Butte Mining Disaster of 1917 Part III: A Strike Broken with Murder?Let us know what you thinkIn part three, Mason wraps up our story of the 1917 Granite Mountain Mine disaster in Butte, Montana. In its wake, tensions between miners and the companies erupted. Workers demanded better safety and conditions however corporate and government forces swiftly crushed their strike, using intimidation, violence, murder and federal troops to regain control. The aftermath left deep scars on the labor movement, silencing dissent and reinforcing corporate power, not just in Montana but nationwide.Contact Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of state sponsored violence, listener discretion is advised 2024-09-281h 09
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe North Butte Mining Disaster of 1917 Part II: Fire, Brimstone, and CourageLet us know what you thinkIn part two of three, Mason continues the tragic story of the North Butte mining disaster of 1917, just after midnight on June 8th, a fire broke out after sparks from a misplaced carbide lamp ignited an oil-soaked cable, filling the tunnels with deadly smoke cussing 163 miners to lose their lives. Learn about the rescue effort organized by the miners and people of Butte to find survivors by fighting flames, smoke, and poison gas thousands of feet underground.Content warning: graphic descriptions of a mining disaster, listener discretion advised. 2024-08-3055 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe North Butte Mining Disaster of 1917 Part 1: The Copper KingsLet us know what you thinkIn part one of three, Mason takes the lead telling the story of the fonding of Butte MT, the rise of it's Copper King's who's companies made the city there Kingdom and the rivalry between the three that would force the city and it's industries in to a corporate amalgamated. This would create the setting for the North Butte Mining disaster of 1917 in which 163 men lost their lifes.Sources Fire and Brimstone: The North Butte Mining Disaster of 1917 by Michael PunkeThe Butte M...2024-08-161h 10
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe 1917 Bath Riots: A 17 Year Mexican Girl Leads a Workers Protest At the El Paso border CrossingLet us know what you thinkThe 1917 Bath RiotsIn this episode Marcelo takes the lead by telling Jess and Mason the story of Carmelita Torres, a 17 year old Mexican girl fed up with the dehumanizing processes she and her fellow migrant workers had to go through when they crossed the border in El Paso Texas legally to work, starting a protest that quickly escalated into a riot. Learn about the policies, events, and cruel practices that led up to this often underlooked chapter in Chicano and Western American HistorySources...2024-07-2645 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestOscar Wilde in Leadville Colorado: High Art in High PlacesLet us know what you thinkJoin us as Jess takes the helm and tells the story of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde's visit to the rowdy mining town of Leadville Colorado in 1882. Happy Pride Month!!! See the show slides on our Instagram!!! @false_summits_podhttps://leadville.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wildehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aestheticismhttps://www.oscarwildeinamerica.org/https://gazette.com/news/remembering-the-leadville-night-oscar-wilde-charmed-grimy-silver-miners-david-ramsey/article_e90207a0-bdff-11e9-ade4-6bfcb17aec3c.html2024-06-2946 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestThe Ballad of Big Nose George: Outlaw Turned High FashionLet us know what you thinkJoin Mason, Jess and Marcelo as they talk about notorious Wyoming outlaw George Parrott, better known as big Nose George. His violent crimes let to him to a gruesome death, however that wasn’t the end of Big Nose’s macabre story.*Yes-This was a reused script. No the original episode is no longer available. Crime Buff's Guide to the Outlaw RockiesRon Franscellhttps://ronfranscell.com/2015/10/06/the-crime-buffs-guide-to-outlaw-rockies/Big Nose George becomes a pair of Shoes Kathy Alexander https://w...2024-06-1331 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestSoapy Smith, The Con King Part II: the Undignified Fall of a Crime BossLet us know what you thinkIn part two of a two-part series, Marcelo, and Mason conclude their talk about the last days of 1880’s con-artist turned crime boss Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith.Sources: Soapy Smith: Con Man’s Empirehttps://www.historynet.com/soapy-smith-con-mans-empire/Outlaw tales of Colorado - Jan Murphy Eccentric Colorado - Kenneth JessenPhoto: Andy Thomas Thanks so much for listening!!!!! Like, subscribe, leave a review, wherever you can!!! Check us out with pictur...2024-05-1632 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestSoapy Smith, The Con King Part I: from Street Con to Denver's frist Crime BossLet us know what you thinkIn part one of a two-part series, Marcelo, and Mason talk about pioneering 1880’s con-artist Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith man who built hey series of criminal empires from Denver to Alaska!!!Sources: Soapy Smith: Con Man’s Empirehttps://www.historynet.com/soapy-smith-con-mans-empire/Outlaw tales of Colorado - Jan Murphy Eccentric Colorado - Kenneth JessenPhoto: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.ZYojzz8lbz3WKAjmsF93BQHaJ_%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=257...2024-05-1026 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestIntroducing the False Summits Podcast: what we're all about!Let us know what you thinkIntroducing the False Summits podcast!Thank you for your suport!We would love to hear from you!Feel free to send an email to falsesummitspod@gmail.com and or follow on Instagram @ false_summits_pod Thanks so much for listening!!!!! Like, subscribe, leave a review, wherever you can!!! Check us out with pictures on YouTube.com @ FalseSummitPodcast and like and subscribe !!! We would love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram and bluesky...2024-05-0701 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestNorton I, Emperor of the United States, Protector of Mexico: the reign of America's first and only emperorLet us know what you thinkDid you know that the United States of America had an emperor? Well kind of. In this episode Jess & Mason talk about the life and Times of a beloved & eccentric San Francisco citizen Joshua Norton our America’s only “emperor”.https://emperornortontrust.org/emperor/lifehttp://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/norton.htmlDrag Herstory: This Drag Queen Was The First Openly Gay American To Run For Office - Elyssa Goodmanhttps://www.them.us/story/jose-sarria-drag-queen-historyWeird California -Bishop, Oesterle, Marinacci2024-04-1942 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestVan Tassel and the Integratron: When a UFO guru built a time machine in the Southern California desert.Let us know what you thinkIn another episode about the strange things people get up to in the Southern California desert. Mason entertains pod newcomer Marcelo Aguilar with the story of early ufologist George Washington Van Tassel and his cosmic "Time Machine" that you can still visit today!!!!Check out our socials!https://www.instagram.com/false_summits_pod/https://bsky.app/profile/falsesummitspod.bsky.socialEpisode sourceshttps://mojaveproject.org/dispatches-item/giant-rock-space-people-and-the-integratron/https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/Story-of-alien-landmark-Landers-17204003.php2024-03-221h 04
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestDenver's Cheesman Park: Walk Amongst the DeadLet us know what you thinkIn this installment Mason and Jess are Joined by Vanessa Heart to talk about one of Denver Colorado’s most beloved parks, how it started life as a paupers' grave, and how some of the remines of thousands of cities’ forgotten still rest just beneath park-goers’ feet!!Guest: Vanessa Heart Instagram @ vanessaheart Photo Credits:history.denverlibrary.orgSources: Cheesman Park's Past Life...as a CemeteryKatie Rudolphdenverlibrary.orghttps://history.denverlibrary.org/news/cheesman-parks-past-lifeas-cemetery Unearthing...2024-02-0131 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestBig Nose George - Outlaw Turned ShoesIn our first tale of the Old West, Mason and Jess discuss the misfortunate journey of “Big Nose” George Pratte, Horse thief turned murder whose actions so enrage the people of Carbon County some took the law into their own hands. After which the town doctors studied his remains and then turned them into some truly gruesome fashion. Follow us on on Instagram @ false_summits_pod to see images related to today's episode.Big Nose George: A Grisly Frontier TaleBy Lori PeltWYOhistory.orghttps://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/big-nose-george-grisly-frontier-tale Th...2024-01-1129 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestNuclear Expositions in the Rockies Part 2In this instalment, Mason and Jess concluded their talk about Project Plowshare. Lean how Atomic Energy Commission tested a nuke almost 3 times the size of the bomb used in Hiroshima in a western Colorado community, the citizens who tried to stop it, and how the their work lead to the downfall of the Plowshare project. Sources Lawrence Livermore National Laboratoryhttps://st.llnl.gov/The Plowshare Program | Science and TechnologyEdward Teller, 1958–1960 Forty-Five Years Ago, the Government Used Subterranean Nukes to Dig for Natural Gas...2023-12-2445 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American WestNuclear Expositions in the Rockies Part 1Mason and Jess discuss Project Plowshare. A fever dream of Cold War era scientists and industrialists that tested whether or not nuclear expositions could be used for major mining and construction projects, and how it ultimately resulted in a small Colorado community being selected as ground Zero for a nuclear test blast!!Sources: https://st.llnl.gov/https://www.vice.com/en/article/4w7pgj/45-years-ago-colorado-fracked-with-subterranean-nuclear-bombs-1015https://www.westword.com/news/nuclear-blast-colorado-edward-teller-5058374coloradonuclearatlas.orghttps://people.com/archive/the-children-of-john-wayne-susan-hayward-and-dick-powell-fear-that-fallout-killed-their-parents-vol-14-no-19/PhotoUS Department of Energy Thank you for...2023-12-0837 min
False Summits: A History Podcast about the American West"Last Free Place on Earth” Slab City CALet us know what you thinkAbout 180 miles south east of Los Angeles in the harsh climate of the Sonoran desert lies Slab City, Coined the “Last Free Place on Earth” This off the gird community has been attracting people since the late 1960’s. In this “maiden episode” of False Summits Mason talks with Jess Leigh about the history of this small desert enclave made of retirees, artists, religious devotees, free thinkers, squatters, and other outliners came to be. Show Sources links https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/inside-slab-city-squatters-paradise-southern-california-180970218/https://www.thetravel.com/how-lawless-is...2023-11-031h 06