Shows
Writing the WestBestselling Author Bryan Burrough Reveals How Texas Shaped the Gunfighter EraIn this episode of Writing the West podcast, we sit down with journalist and historian Bryan Burrough, author of the riveting new book The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild. Known for his bestsellers Barbarians at the Gate and Public Enemies, Burrough brings his sharp investigative lens to the gunfighter era, tracing its roots in Texas honor culture, post–Civil War violence, and the rise of Western mythology. From Wild Bill Hickok to Wyatt Earp and lesser-known legends like Pink Higgins and Luke Short, Burrough explores how these men became the American archetype of rugged individualism—and how thei...2025-07-1641 minWriting the WestLouis L’Amour's Son Beau Discusses His Father’s Legacy And Expanding The Western GenreWe sat down with Beau L’Amour — writer, producer, and the literary steward of his legendary father, Louis L’Amour. From audio dramas and graphic novels to film adaptations and hopes for future productions, Beau offers a candid look at the joys and challenges of carrying forward a legacy as vast as the American frontier. We talk about why his father’s stories are so difficult to adapt, how Taylor Sheridan has reinvigorated the western on screen, and why the genre’s future may lie in overlooked eras like the Mexican War or Cold War. Whether you’re a lifelong Lou...2025-07-021h 10Writing the WestJohnny D. Boggs Talks The Frontier Spirit And Why Everything’s A WesternIn this episode of Writing the West, we sit down with one of the most prolific voices in modern Western literature: Johnny D. Boggs. From his early days in South Carolina dreaming of wide-open spaces to becoming a full-time author in New Mexico, Boggs shares how TV Westerns, journalism, and real-life history shaped his storytelling. We talk about everything from cattle drives and morally complex characters to the future of the genre, writing strong female leads, and why every good Western starts with the land. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just saddle-breaking into the genre, this conversation of...2025-06-1842 minWriting the WestScholar George Matthews Discusses The Life & Legend Of Billy The KidBilly the Kid is quite possibly the most popular outlaw of the Old West. From his time as a regulator fighting against the corrupt Santa Fe Ring to his daring (and murderous) escape from the Lincoln County, NM, jail to his eventual death at the age of 21, Billy the Kid’s life and legend has remained a steadfast topic for academics and Hollywood alike. Years of research by scholar George Matthews culminated in the book, Billy the Kid: The Life Behind the Legend, which presents the first full-picture view of who Billy the Kid was before and during his li...2025-06-0549 minWriting the WestCraig Johnson Explains How Westerns Have Evolved And Dishes On His Latest Longmire NovelIn this episode of Writing the West, we sit down with bestselling author Craig Johnson, the mind behind the beloved Walt Longmire series, to discuss his upcoming novel Return to Sender. From his Wyoming ranch, Johnson reflects on the enduring relevance of the Western genre, the real-life stories that inspire his plots, and why voice, empathy, and lived experience matter in good storytelling. With warmth and wit, he opens up about his writing journey, the evolution of Walt Longmire, and what it takes to keep readers—and himself—hooked after 21 books.2025-05-2127 minWriting the WestLaurie L. Dove Discusses Crafting Authentic Indigenous Characters In Her Debut NovelSeasoned journalist and writing professor Laurie L. Dove's debut novel, Mask of the Deer Woman, is the culmination of a lifetime of craft and advocacy. Tackling the real-world issue of missing Indigenous women, Dove's novel also explores the ethereal bond between mothers and daughters, as well as the innate symbolism of Native American cultures. In this exclusive interview with Cowboys & Indians, Dove discusses how her journalism influenced her writing, what it was like to find a publisher, and how her network of editors and fans alike helped her cross the publishing finish line. 2025-05-0731 minWriting the WestAnne Hillerman Talks Finding Her Own Voice And The Dark Winds TV SeriesAuthor of the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito series of Native American crime fiction novels, Anne Hillerman inherited both her passion for writing, and her series' characters, from her late father, legendary writer Tony Hillerman. In this exclusive chat with Cowboys & Indians, Hillerman discusses how and why she took on the world of her father's invention, fans' reactions to her style and works, how she put together the 10th and latest book in her own section of the series, and her thoughts on the AMC television show "Dark Winds," which is based on the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito stories. 2025-04-2342 minWriting the WestC.J. Box Dishes On Writing, Wyoming, And His Latest Joe Pickett NovelC.J. Box, the bestselling author behind the Joe Pickett series, knows Wyoming like the back of his hand, and it shows in his writing. Drawing from years of firsthand experience in the Mountain West, Box brings an authentic perspective to his novels. In this exclusive interview with Cowboys & Indians, he shares how his love for the region influences his storytelling, the lessons he learned from his journalistic background, and his approach to crafting well-rounded, real characters — both male and female — who resonate with readers of all backgrounds. That, and he gives us the details on the latest installment of t...2025-04-0344 min