The Cowboy Up Podcast (Russell True & Steven Clauson)

Doris Daley is a renowned cowboy poet, emcee and humorist—or as she prefers, a “western poet.” Her 20-year performance career includes appearances with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Saskatchewan Opera Company. Doris joins Russell and Alan from Alberta, Canada to share her wordsmithing and love of the West. It’s a cowboy celebration of National Poetry Month.

Without a doubt, Micki Fuhrman is multi-talented. She performed at the Grand Ole Opry before age twenty. Since then, she’s written songs and stories and books. And now she has a new album of western songs that already has won awards. She joins the cowboys to talk about her sources of inspiration and her journey as an artist who is in love with the West.

A bunch, if you’re Anne Montgomerty. This Arizonan joins Russell and Alan to talk about her varied career as a sports TV host, referee, journalist, professor, high school teacher, novelist, wild horse lover, and more. There's tons here to inspire you to aim high and try new things!

On October 26, 1881, a gunfight between a group of lawmen and outlaw cowboys occurred at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, AZ. It lasted all of 30 seconds. The infamous shootout has been the basis for books, movies, and TV shows. And yet, controversy remains over what really happened. Bestselling author Tom Clavin, whose newest book is “Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Vendetta Ride From Hell,” joins Russell and Alan to shed light on this landmark event.

The Mescal Movie Set is an iconic "Old West" town that presents a unique and authentic filming experience.  The Western frontier town offers 28 buildings complete with props and is nestled in historic cattle country with mountain backdrops, scenic vistas, and spectacular views.

This Southern Arizona historical site has been the focal point of  is ideal for featured films, television series, commercials, music videos, reality shows, photo shoots, and other film productions. Mescal’s Director of Media and Marketing Mark Sankey joins Russell and Steven to share what’s going on at Mescal and How you can watch it first-hand. 

Mark Bedor returns to the ranch to talk all things western. Mark is the host and director of the TV show, “Today’s Wild West,” a half-hour magazine show that combines his experience as a television news anchor and reporter with his love of the West. Winner of a 2021 Western Heritage Award, “Today’s Wild West” airs on over 70 PBS channels.

For 25 years, The Bill Ganz Western Band regaled audiences with cowboy music. Local bars, rodeos, even Tucson’s symphony hall—the band played it all. Bill Ganz, the guitar-picking founder, joins Russell and Alan to talk about his career and the future of western music. And you betcha, Bill sings some tunes exclusively for our podcast listeners!

Larry Shamis, DVM, has spent a career practicing equine medicine and surgery. He talks with Russell and Alan about some of the horses he’s met, cases he's dealt with, and how these  days, fewer vets are specializing in equine health. What does that mean for ranchers, cowboys, and horse lovers? Give a listen as the vet and the cowboys weigh in on this important subject.

Tucsonan David Rychener spent a career in the health field, but a lifetime in music. A singer and songwriter, David performs in many venues around the Old Pueblo, including weekly at White Stallion Ranch. He saddles up to the ranch, guitar in hand, to chat with Russell and Alan about his love of western tunes, what influences his songwriting, and how he’s sharing music through his new podcast “Cowboy at Heart.”

Arnold Burruel knows horses and rodeos. He knows farming and selling feed. He has insights into water rights and the future of land use in Arizona. And, he has a great sense of humor. Add all this up and include Russell and Alan, and you have one heck of an interesting conversation about the past, present, and future of land and water use in Arizona and around the West.

Russell and Alan talk with horse whisperer and author of Lessons from Horses Randy Helm about the future of America's wild horses. Alan shares how he came to start the first government-sponsored wild horse sanctuary in South Dakota and the tragic request issued one day by the Bureau of Land Management. Learn more about Alan's experiences in his award-winning memoir The Horse Lover: A Cowboy's Quest to Save the Wild Mustangs.

In 1870, a talented young woman packed up her bags and bid adieu to a damp and chilled East Coast. Sara Plummer Lemmon would spend the remainder of her life in the West leaving a legacy still visible today. And yet, she remains in the shadows of history. Wynne Brown, author of the award-winning biography, “The Forgotten Botanist: Sara Plummer Lemmon’s Life of Science and Art” brings to light the many accomplishments of this remarkable woman.

Michael Delbar has been the CEO of the California Rangeland Trust for the last decade. The mission of the trust is to preserve working landscapes in the state of California along with protecting what matters by working with California ranching families to preserve our state’s rangeland, air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and local food supplies. What they have learned over the years is that once the land is converted to other uses, it doesn’t go back.

The resources the California Rangeland Trust protects are too precious to lose. The land is is vital for our future. Together, we can support ranchers in protecting these invaluable resources for generations to come.

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.

Are you one of the millions of C.J. Box fans? Then you’ll be thrilled to hear that he has a new book releasing. “Shadows Reel” is his 22nd novel featuring Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett and his wife Marybeth, and this one is filled with discoveries that put the Pickett family in a pair of killers’ crosshairs. C.J. chats with Russell and Alan about "Shadows Reel" and a writing life that includes over 30 published books with sales exceeding 10 million in the US alone.

In this delightful episode, Alan shares stories about Rastus, who arrived at the Lazy B as a nine-year-old orphan and where he worked as a cowboy for the remainder of his life. From the entire podcast crew, we wish you a delightful and very Merry Christmas.

In April 2022, Russell and Alan spoke with Scott O’Connor, Sandra Day O’Connor’s eldest son, about his mother, a woman who broke barriers, was a role model for many, and left giant footprints across our nation. Scott shared many stories about family life, including what he remembers when his mom stepped into the national spotlight. We wanted to share this wonderful conversation again as our country mourns and reveres one of its greatest leaders and influencers, The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor.

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.

How do the principles and practice of yoga affect riding and horsemanship? Long-time yoga instructor and retreat leader Cathy Woods speaks with Russell and Alan about just this topic. An equine enthusiast and avid rider who loves exploring the natural world from the back of a horse, Cathy combined her passions to create a program called “Body, Mind, Equine,” which focuses on the use of yoga principles and postures to improve horsemanship, from ground to saddle. Find out more about her retreats, workshops, and her book, "Yoga for Riders," at cathywoodsyoga.com.

Johnny Boggs may or may not own a six-shooter, but this western writer has won six Spur Awards for his novels and short stories. He joins the Cowboy Up team to talk about his illustrious career in journalism and fiction writing and how he adopted the West after a childhood spent in the South.

At age 14, Kathy Zuckerman discovered the surfer culture in Malibu, CA. Soon, this wave-catching teen had earned the nickname “Gidget.” The Hollywood versions of Gidget, played by such stars as Sandra Dee, Sally Field, and Karen Valentine, were loosely based on Zuckerman’s life. But how did that happen? And what brought her to the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona years later? The real Gidget chats with Russell about how it all went down.

Anna Twinney never expected to make a career out of horse whispering, animal communicating, and energy healing. After all, she was a police officer in England specializing in trauma. But then as a way to deal with burnout, she found herself in California working with Monty Roberts and learning the art of horse training and horse whispering. Anna went on to create the Reach Out to Horses® Program, a hands-on approach to understanding the mind of the horse and building  a trust-based partnership. She now conducts clinics and workshops worldwide, from New Zealand to Mongolia, Europe to Canada and throughout the United States. She shares some amazing stories with Russell and Alan about horses, domesticated and wild, but also dogs, and even two elephants at a zoo. (You can check out her event schedule here.)

Arnold Burruel returns to the ranch to talk with Russell and Alan about farming, rodeos, water conservation, and history. And he answers this question: what is the only river in the US that runs both north and south? Let us know if you guessed the answer. Email us at thecowboyuppodcast@gmail.com.

When author and historian Lynn Downey learned about Frederick Loring, she instantly became fascinated. Loring was an up-and-coming author from the East Coast when he ventured west in 1871 at the age of twenty-three. Downey joins Russell and Alan to share her adventures retracing parts of Loring’s journey around the West and what she learned about the man and the beauty and brutality he encountered.

Cowboy Jim Liles began his 20-year career as a bareback rider around the age of 13. More than fifty years later, he can still recount stories of the many times those broncs broke his bones, including some bones more than once. And yet, bareback riding has remained his life’s passion, and the broncs have remained the horses he loves most. The founder of the Bareback Riding Hall of Fame and Museum, Jim joins Russell and Alan to talk about his rodeo adventures and his efforts to preserve cowboy culture.

The West endures in the archives of museums and libraries. It also endures in novels and movies. Historian Stuart Rosebrook chats with Alan and Russell about some of the great writers and film makers, as well as the real characters and events, that inform us about the West then and now.

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."

Sometimes nothing lifts the heart and soul like a good western tune. Jim Jones has plenty of them—and plenty have won prestigious awards. He joins Russell and Alan to talk about his career as a solo musician and a member of the trio The Cowboy Way and as an author of western novels. He even has his guitar within reach. Give a listen!

As the oldest of 10 children on a farm in Northwest Ohio, David grew up playing and singing gospel, country, and bluegrass. David has a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University in Marriage and Family Therapy.

David recently retired from his 40 year career of providing 'Whole Health' education at various Universities and for the VHA. In addition to performing music at White Stallion Ranch and other venues, he consults in the area of Whole Health.

Also, he provides guest ranch services at his Ranch in Aravaipa Canyon.

Kathryn Wilder lived in many places around the West. Today, she makes her home on the Colorado Plateau in southwestern Colorado, near a herd of wild horses. This is where she got to know Chrome, a wild mustang that profoundly affected her life. She speaks with Russell and Alan about her experiences with the wild horses and the BLM, as well as her personal journey, all described in her award-winning memoir, Desert Chrome.

Southern Arizona is blessed to have Cowtown boots here to help cowboys and cowgirls look and feel the part. The traditionalist knows having the right hat, the right shirt, the exact belt and boots is where it all starts. The group at Cowtown Boots takes it all to the next level and gives White Stallion guests a very attractive discount!.

In this episode of the Cowboy Up podcast, Sherry and Kimberly explain how they match style with comfort and how they put it all together with the perfect pair of Durango Boots.

Durango Boots are what most of the wranglers at White Stallion wear because they just don’t let you down in the area of style, comfort or durability.

By day, Tom Heath is a mild-mannered Senior Loan Office with NOVA Home Loans. During his off-hours, he’s all about supporting downtown Tucson and sharing its diverse treasures with others. He does this through his radio show “Life Along the Streetcar,” which focuses on the social, cultural, & economic events impacting those who live, work and play in Tucson’s urban core. He chats with Russell and Alan about what’s happening in the Old Pueblo, as well as what footprints from the past remain visible and impactful.

Tucson native Loop Rawlins is one of the most versatile western performers in the world today. His act of trick roping, whip cracking and fancy gun spinning thrilled audiences in Vegas  and national sports stadiums, at corporate and private events, and even on America’s Got Talent. Meet this fascinating talent who is keeping the spirit of the West alive.

No cowboy is without a saddlebag or two of horse stories. And Russell and Alan are no exception. Joining in with his own share of tales about horses ridden and loved and wrecks survived is lifelong cowboy Mac Mackenny, who hails from Calgary in Alberta, Canada. If you want to hear some wild, western adventures that not even the best fiction writer could concoct, then give a listen, right here, right now.

The cowboy life. It’s at the heart of western culture. And it fascinates fans of the American West from west to east and around the world. Russell and Alan give an inside peek into what the cowboy life is like now and then. As Alan likes to say, “This one’s a bunch of fun.” 

Ute Vaughn has become almost a regular at White Stallion Ranch over the last two decades. We love her and the feeling is mutual!  In 2004, Ute moved to Tucson Arizona to follow her passion for the Southwest Art. She is the artist in residences at White Stallion Ranch and belongs to several local art organizations - Artists of the Southwest, SAACA, SAAG, APRA art division, etc.

She says it best “I have been an artist all my life. My passion for art, color and life is expressed in my vibrant paintings, which are inspired by animals, nature, symbols and the mystical. My favorite mediums are watercolor, for the flow and translucency, and acrylic for the versatility and texture. My main desire in all my paintings and art classes is to inspire creativity and touch the heart.”

Alex La Pierre first arrived in southern Arizona to work for the National Park Service. He wanted to focus on the historic preservation and interpretation at Tumacacori National Historic Park. His goal included creating and leveraging nonprofit cross-border work experience in project management and program development. It was then when Alex founded became the director of Borderlandia which has become a bi-national organization committed to building public understanding of the borderlands.

Alex works every day to build something positive that impacts this world by connecting people across borders – both real and imagined. If you believe in building public understanding of the borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico is important, Russell, Alex and Steven invite you to listen to this important podcast on Cowboy Up!

Over the past decade, Tucson has become a literary hub. The Old Pueblo is now home to the Tucson Festival of Books, the 3rd largest book festival in the country. Hundreds of talented writers, including National Book Award finalists and Pulitzer Prize winners, live in Tucson and the surrounding southern Arizona area. Lynn Wiese Sneyd, author, literary consultant to the Tucson book fest, and all-around book nerd, joins Alan and Russell to talk team penning, publishing, and, of course, books.

Tom Tatum, who divides his time between Telluride and Taos, wears many hats, among them author, movie producer, director, rancher, land conservationist, solar energy company CEO. Tatum talks with Russell and Alan about his new face-paced western novel “Adobe Daze” and how his personal experiences informed the story.

On this edition of the Cowboy Up podcast, we introduce TJ Jones, a real-life rodeo announcer with the Tejas rodeo near San Antonio, taxes. TJ’s mom was showing horses while he was growing up and his father was on the Sul Ross State Rodeo in Alpine, Texas so his rodeo roots run deep.

TJ NEVER starts a rodeo without speaking to our Creator who blessed us with the ability to do what we do. With Christ, all things are possible. According to TJ, whoever said a dog is a man’s best friend, never owned a horse. Good ol Buster has really turned into a great announcer’s horse and he’s the best coworker he’s ever had.

He hopes the Lord blesses him with many more years getting to announce rodeos from the back of ol Buster. TJ says there’s no better place to be on a Saturday night than a Tejas rodeo. Give TJ a healthy listen on the Cowboy Up podcast

Bill Markley is a long-time friend and guest at White Stallion Ranch and a long-time member of Western Writers of America and a current member for the Will Rogers Medallion Awards

One of Bill’s most recent books on the Legendary West Series is Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody: Plainsmen of the Legendary West was wildly successful. Bills love of history and travel were instilled in him as a young boy growing up on the family farm in Pennsylvania. Bill has been in the films Dances with Wolves, Son of the Morning Star, Far and Away, Gettysburg, and Crazy Horse.

Bill's soon to be released book on Jim Bridger promises to take you to the next level. After two years of research his respect for him has grown. He accepted all people no matter who they were and only when they turned on him would he treat them as enemies. He tried to stay out of fights, but if one was unavoidable, he was in the forefront. He was like many of us, in love with the West.

hen you hear the word “Levis,” you think of jeans. That’s because Levi Strauss invented them and made them world renown. Historian and author Lynn Downey, who was the archivist for the Levi Strauss company for 25 years, chats with Russell and Alan about the man who immigrated from Germany and left an enduring legacy in the USA.

When you think of film noir, you might think of “The Maltese Falcon,” starring Humphrey Bogart as the hard-boiled private detective Sam Spade. Or maybe “Sunset Boulevard,” starring Gloria Swanson as the aging, deranged silent-film star Norma Desmond. But there are also noir westerns. None is more celebrated than the 1948 "Blood on the Moon," starring Robert Mitchum. It’s a classic Western immersed in the film noir netherworld of double crosses, government corruption, shabby barrooms, gun-toting goons, and romantic betrayals. Documentarian, producer and film noir expert Alan K. Rode joins Russell and Alan to talk about the movie and his eponymous book, “Blood on the Moon.”

We love our animals, small and large. So do those professionals who help us care for them. Christine Staten, DVM is a large animal veterinarian and owner of Adobe Veterinary Center, specializing in small and large animals. She also mentors those new to the profession. During more than thirty years of practice, she has seen many changes both in the science side and business side. She chats with Russell and Alan about those changes and her concerns about the future of veterinary medicine.

Greg Hager is the reigning ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR with the Pro Cowboy Country Artist Association (PCCAA). Song-writer and accomplished musician, Greg Hager offers original songs with a fresh authentic Western flair, from heartwarming to toe-tapping.

Ballad-creator and tall-tale originator, Greg presents a musical program that will tickle the ears and inspire the heart. His music and message has a true “western styled” country and gospel focus, and is a delight for all members of the family.

... And a bit of a correction please write to us and give us your thoughts at  thecowboyuppodcast@gmail.com

All the best and have a thankful and grateful Thanksgiving time anytime

Believe it or not, polo was first played in Persia, perhaps as early as 6 B.C. or as late as 1 A.D. Originally a training game for the king’s calvary, polo morphed into a game with four riders per side rather than 100 riders per side! The first polo game in the U.S. took place in 1876 in New York. The following year the Westchester Polo Club was formed. Now, polo is played around the country, including the Southwest. Our guests today both play the game. Diego Florez, DVM, a large and small veterinarian located in Scottsdale, AZ, is founder and developer of the Arizona Polo Club, also located in Scottsdale with an outdoor field in Casa Grande. Steven True was on Cornell University’s polo team and now plays in Arizona. Diego and Steven speak with the cowboys about the equestrian game that is becoming increasingly popular and is played by men and women, boys and girls of all ages and riding ability.

Thank you, Greg Hager, for sharing your musical inspiration at the end of this podcast.

The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for almost 150 years. Its rich history includes successive ownership by two prominent ranching families, two corporations, and finally by the federal government on behalf of the general public.

Originally established in the 1860’s as a homestead ranch of 160 acres with a flat topped four-room adobe ranch house and adjoining adobe-walled corral and finally the BLM took over in 1988 with a commitment to preserve the historic Empire Ranch buildings and interpreting them for future generations.

Television series like Bonanza were filmed at empire and movie stars like John Wayne and Barbara Streisand filmed movies here. Sit back and enjoy the story of Empire Ranch as told by Empire volunteers Rick and Marti.

You may know bestselling author Michael Punke from his blockbuster novel “The Revenant,” also an Academy award-winning film starring Leo DiCaprio. Well, Punke has picked up pen again and this time turned out “Ridgeline,” a riveting story set in 1866 Wyoming. He joins Russell and Alan to talk about the true events and characters behind this new novel already optioned for the silver screen.

When journalist Mike Stark learned that giant short-faced bears stalked North America thousands of years ago, he decided to do a deep dive into this enigmatic creature. From the La Brea Tar Pits of Los Angeles to a cornfield in Iowa, the plains of Texas, and even to the far ends of the Artic, Stark retraced the tracks of this beast that on hind legs towered more than ten feet and eventually became extinct. When Stark learned that a ferry shipwrecked in Yellowstone Lake in the winter of 1906, he went into research mode and dug into another fascinating story. Now the Creative Director at the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Mike Stark joins Russell and Alan to talk about his explorations and his books “Chasing the Ghost Bear,” “Wrecked in Yellowstone,” and his new novel “The Derelict Light.”

A special thank you to western singer-songwriter Jim Jones for sharing his song, “The Queen is Dead," a story about a bear. 

Ever have a mentor who impacted your life, a person who you’ll remember forever? Russell and Alan reflect on their mentors and offer up some inspiration and lessons to help us get through these crazy times. They also talk about being mentors and paying it forward. If you have a mentoring story you’d like to share, email us at thecowboyuppodcast@gmail.com and we’ll get it posted on our social media.

As a kid, Phil Spangenberger became enamored with guns, courtesy of Davy Crockett and television. Now a renowned firearms expert, historian, writer and True West Magazine editor, Phil joins the podcast to share captivating stories and insights from his extensive research and experiences in Western history, firearms and cowboy culture. In addition to doing some of his own shooting, including mounted shooting, Phil also trained actors how to brandish firearms in films. What American guns helped settle the West? What are the differences between a single-action and double-actions guns? Was Charlton Heston or Mel Gibson a better gunslinger? Join this lively cowboy conversation to find out!

This year, we celebrate the 17th annual National Day of the Cowboy. Last year, we interviewed founder Bethany Braley, who is dedicated to preserving cowboy culture and heritage. Here's the special reprise of our interview with her. Hats off to you, Bethany!

 “Out with the old, in with the new.” Or so the saying goes. But sometimes “the old” is the best, especially when it comes to stories. Russell, Alan and Lynn reflect on the past year and the wonderful guests who we were honored to interview on the podcast. We also celebrate the life of Alan’s sister and one of our national treasures, Sandra Day O’Connor. And as you’ll hear, sometimes one reflection leads to another and then another and before you know it, cowboy storytelling is in full swing!

Water is in short supply these days, especially in the West. But conservationists, experts, and others are addressing the issue with innovative ideas for capturing and containing water. Jeff Hampton is one of those concerned and creative folks. He joins Russell and Alan to talk about ways to manage our life-sustaining resource—water.

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."

Jon Armour never expected to meet a cattle rustler. But as it turns out, he unwittingly became good friends with one. Jon was so shocked to learn the truth about his upstanding, popular buddy, that he had to write a book about him. Jon joins Russell and Alan to talk about his new book BRANDED, a fictionalized account of the most notorious cattle rustler of our time.

Few westerners know hats better then master hatter Jimmy Harrison, fondly known as Jimmy “the hat man.” He’s been shaping and cutting down hats since he was young and in rodeo with his buddies. Eventually, he became the owner of Double H Custom Hat Company in Darby, MT and Wickenburg, AZ, where he creates and manufacturers hats for customers worldwide. Jimmy joins Russell and Alan to share the secrets of cowboy hat making.  

Great Quote  Being a cowgirl goes beyond the hat and boots. It’s having the grit, determination & passion to achieve your dreams. It’s being fearless & confident in who you are. It’s having integrity and doing the right thing, no matter what. It’s being loyal, hard working, genuine, kind, gracious, tough, honest and classy- the core characteristics every woman should strive to have.

• Celebrating National Day of the Cowgirl - September 15 is National Day of the Cowgirl; celebrating the women who embody and live out the Western lifestyle.
• Durango boots officially claimed it a National Day in 2022 through the National Day Archives. The day was established, "to recognize the women who personify the Western lifestyle. National Day of the Cowgirl is a celebration and recognition of the spirit of the American cowgirl – a spirit embodied by women who are strong, confident, and resilient." 
• Erin Delong with Durango says, “Through farming and ranching, arts and culture or equine sports, the spirit of a cowgirl shines through women from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for the western way of life." 
• I am blessed to say that I grew up being inspired by cowgirls of all different walks of life. I have learned from the best of horsewomen. I have learned though, that a cowgirl is more than a woman on a horse, but someone of strength, grit, and determination. A cowgirl doesn't give up or quit easily and she knows how to hold her ground and stand firm in what she believes in. 
• Life at White Stallion Would be far more difficult without cowgirls and what they add to the mix.
• Why did Durango Boots get involved with this effort and what took so long?
• Durango Boots Scholarship? Tell us about it.
• Association with the Dude Ranch Association. Russell was inducted into the Dude Ranch Hall of Fame in January 2024.
• Talk about Durango Boots

What do you get when you mix a 35,000-acre South Dakota ranch with an excess of unadoptable wild horses imprisoned in feedlots and one heck of a brilliant idea? Alan Day’s answer: the first government-sponsored wild horse sanctuary. He knows because he started that sanctuary. Yep, 1500 wild mustangs came to live with him on his ranch and the whole bunch, including Alan and his cowboys, had more adventures than they could’ve ever imagined. Listen in to hear!

When he was sixteen years old, Mark Paul snuck into the Santa Ana racetrack and was smitten. Over decades, Paul traveled the world attending horse races and placing bets. But no bet was bigger and more dangerous than the one placed in Tijuana on the Derby. Paul joins Russell and Alan to share his Seabiscuit meets Narcos adventure.

Lisa Diersen, Founder and Executive Director of the EQUUS Film & Arts Festival, and associate Julianne Neal make a virtual tour stop at the ranch to speak with Alan and Russell. Every horse has a story, and it’s the mission at the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest to share those stories through film, art and literature. No matter what your interest is in horses—dressage, equine therapy, saving wild mustangs, trail riding, or simply loving a horse—the festival has something for you.

Back in the day, Bisbee was a hub of mining and shipping, a city of immigrants. Now a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, tourists, and ghosts (yes, – ghosts!), Bisbee is one of Arizona’s revered cities. Photographer Virgil Hancock captures the essence of Bisbee past and present in his new book, “Bisbee: The Alchemical City of the Borderlands.” He visits with Russell and Alan to talk about his experience photographing and researching this fraught and fascinating area.

Russell and Alan enjoy learning from one another and sharing stories. One question remains. Should Alan's blue-ribbon beef jerky be renamed?

Mark Bedor is the creator of Today’s Wild West, an award-winning documentary-style TV series on all-things-Western and a two-time winner of the National Cowboy Museum’s Western Heritage Award.

Mark is a long-time freelance magazine writer-photographer, author of two Western coffee table photography books, and spent a career in local TV news, before focusing on the Great American West.

Mark Bedor and Russell have been friends for years and in this edition of the Cowboy Up podcast, those years come alive and they share what they are up to now. This one is a lot of fun! Sit back and enjoy!

The Supreme Court Justice turns 92 this year. What a life, what a legacy! To help celebrate both, Sandra’s son, Scott O’Connor, joins Russell and Uncle Al to share stories about what life was like with a mom who shattered glass ceilings and made friends not just across America, but around the world.

Bacon and eggs. Bacon and beans. Bacon in a BLT. Bacon has long been a cowboy’s staple and is savored by millions. Today, Russell and Alan speak with Neil Dudley, cowboy, rancher, podcast host, and VP at Pederson's Farms, a producer of natural and organic bacon and meats. Fair warning—this episode will set your mouth to watering, so get your fry pan ready!

No, he didn’t! He sang it. Ginia Desmond knows the real story behind this beloved holiday song. She was there in sunny California when the idea hatched and the words were written. Ginia went on to write screenplays and produce movies and a whole lot more. Her award-winning indie film, “Lucky U Ranch,” is a charming coming-of-age story set in Arizona. (Available on Apple TV) And she has more films in the production chute. Ginia joins Russell and Alan for a fun, inspiring chat.

Who better to explore the culinary legacy of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody than Steve Friesen, the Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave for over 25 years? Friesen joins us to introduce his newest book, “Galloping Gourmet: Eating and Drinking with Buffalo Bill.” Buffalo Bill’s culinary roots began on the American Plains with simple foods such as cornbread, fried “yellow-legged” chicken, and hardtack. While leading buffalo-hunting expeditions and scouting, he discovered gourmet dining. As his fame increased, so did his desire and opportunities for fine dining; his early show business career allowed him to dine at some of the best restaurants in the country. He then took it upon himself to introduce his diverse cast of employees, which sometimes exceeded 1500 people, to the same fine dining. As one newspaper reporter observed, “Colonel Cody displays no more care about anything than the proper feeding of horse and man.” The “Galloping Gourmet” includes 250 artifacts and historic photos and over 30 annotated period recipes.

This week’s podcast song is “Stories That the Rocks Tell” by singer-songwriter Micki Fuhrman.

Anna Twinney communicates with horses on a daily basis. The founder and owner of the Reach Out to Horses® program, Twinney takes horsemanship to a new level using body language, energy work, animal communication and other healing modalities. She joins Russell and Alan to share her experiences and insights gleaned while working with horses and horse lovers from around the world.

‘Tis the season to celebrate, even in these crazy, strange times. But how have holiday celebrations evolved over the decades? Culinary and western historian Sherry Monahan chats with Alan and Russell about what Christmas and other holidays looked like on the Victorian western frontier. Differences? Yes. But traditions remain!

Two members of Western Writers of America, Bill Markley and Kellen Cutsforth, roll up their sleeves and dig into the truth behind some western legends. Co-authors of the upcoming book “Stand Off at High Noon: Another Battle over the Truth in the Mythic Wild West,” these two historians join Russell and Alan to dish about notorious figures and infamous events of the Old West.

Ranches can be dangerous places. Unpredictable livestock. Complex machinery. Extreme weather. None of that deterred David McCumber from dedicating a year of his life as a ranch hand up in Montana, even though he had never worked on a ranch. Those twelve months ended up being filled with adventures, lessons and more, enough to fill a book and get it published. Now the managing editor of the Arizona Daily Star newspaper, David joins Russell and Alan to talk about the year he spent in cowboy boots and hat, a journey he relates in his memoir  “The Cowboy Way: Seasons of a Montana Ranch.”

Not many women bandits have roamed the West. Probably the most notorious and the one who made headlines around the country is Pearl Hart. Author and historian John Boessenecker saddles up to the ranch to chat with Russell and Alan about WILDCAT, his new book about Pearl’s forays and adventures in the Arizona territory and beyond.

Russell and Alan chat with historian and author Chris Enss. Some of the most famous names in history, not to mention film and pop culture, populate her 40+ books. Her newest book is "No Place for a Woman: The Struggle for Suffrage in the Wild West." Learn more about Chris at www.chrisenss.com. 

Surveying rugged western landscapes can be a challenging undertaking. One of the most challenging occurred in 1938 when two botanists decided to be the first to survey the plant life of the Grand Canyon. As it happened, the two were women. When the media reported about their impending journey down the Colorado River, skeptics roared disapproval and doubt. Melissa Sevigny, author of the new book “Brave the Wild River,” joins Russell and Alan to share the pioneering adventures of these brave women and their lasting contributions to science and ecology.

The Roaming Hillbilly started down the path of hillbilly music a decade ago with high energy, San Francisco Peninsula-based Americana Bluegrass. After teaming up with the Edgewood Mountain Boys, 

Hillbilly (as his friends call him) quickly discovered his new passion that included roaming through the crowd playing music while the band performed on stage. 

The rest is history!  His current mission in life is as a solo musical entertainer to energize folks while sharing his boot stompin hillbilly music. Whether he's greeting folks with music as they first arrive at an event or keeping folks entertained as they stand in concession lines, there is always an opportunity to create smiles, do a little hillbilly dance or take a selfie. 

Kick back for a minute and enjoy The Roaming Hillbilly passing through our podcast.

Brian Wong is the owner of a third-generation family farm first established in 1939. Brian in the second youngest of 40 grand children and was willing to stay around to do the hard work and preserve the family legacy.

Today BKW Farms, in Marana, Arizona employs organic farming methods and they grow a Heritage variety of wheat. BKW Farms is a supplier of grains to Arizona breweries, different types of wheat to Arizona bakeries and locally grown mushrooms. In a state where water supply is a day-to-day issue, Brian has learned how to manage this precious resource with a goal of sustainability.

This was a compelling podcast due to the new focus on the quality of food and health. Enjoy!

Mark Sublette is the founder and owner of Medicine Man Gallery. A formal Naval physician, Mark is an expert in western art, specializing in the art of Maynard Dixon. He hosts the "The Art Dealer Diaries Podcast," which features over 200 interviews with unique individuals who curate, collect, create, write, sell, and deal in Western and Native art. Mark’s involvement in the arts is all-encompassing. He buys, sells, researches, educates, and has established a foundation for the arts. Mark also is the author of the Charles Bloom Murder Mystery series. The photography featured in his novels is his other love. He joins Russell and Alan for a fascinating chat.

Gallup, New Mexico, located in the northwest corner of the state, abuts the Navajo Nation. During his more than four decades of living in the area, Bob Rosebrough befriended many Navajos. While he was mayor of Gallup, he was introduced to a group of Navajo Code Talkers. These men, recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps., used their traditional language to transmit secret messages to Allies fighting in the Pacific during World War II. The men who Rosebrough met were awarded Congressional Silver Medals. Rosebrough writes about his experience in his award-winning book “A Place of Thin Veil: Life and Death in Gallup, New Mexico.”

If you start roping at age five, are you destined to rope in rodeos – and win? Brianna Markum-McClain would argue yes. This talented cowgirl chats with Russell and Alan about what it’s like to grow up on a ranch, own a rodeo company, and be headed to Vegas for team roping finals!

Should a dude ranch getaway be on your bucket list? With over 90 dude ranches in the United States, the dude ranch vacation is becoming more and more popular. What makes it so unique? Horses, of course. But there’s so much more. Today’s guest visits with Russell and Alan to talk about the magic he’s been finding for the past 10 years during his dude ranch getaways.

In honor of Women’s History Month, award-winning author and historian Jan Cleere joins Russell and Alan to discuss her new book Military Wives in Arizona Territory: A History of Women Who Shaped the Frontier. Most of these women journeyed from the East and knew little of the hardships and challenges waiting in the Arizona Territory. But these brave, bold women persevered and left a legacy that endures today.

Need a Fall nature fix? Whether you want a scenic drive or a hiking trail, travel writer Roger Naylor can get you going in the right direction in the stunning Grand Canyon State. Roger joins Russell and Alan to offer ideas and paint some tantalizing word pictures of what to expect. And the cowboys, well, they chime in with adventures had in the natural wilds of the West.

Many guests at White Stallion Ranch get to know Russell and some are successful at teasing stories out of him from time to time.

People frequently ask ... "Russell, is that a story or is it a True story?"  In true Russell style, he smiles and says, "Well that's for you to decide."

In today's episode, Steven sits down with Russell and teases new stories about the world of dude and guest ranching today and where Russell thinks its heading. Spending time at a dude ranch is all about someone having their own personal adventure and getting in touch with their inner cowboy.

Steven Hebrock is a Certified Master Hoof Care Professional and has been actively involved in the technical education of a wide range of subjects at several universities, including the University of Colorado Denver, the University of Akron, and, most recently at The Ohio State University.

At THE Ohio State University Steven taught hoof care and farriery, equine marketing and facilities management along with a number of other engineering and technical classes for nearly 20 years. During his tenure there, Steve also completed his Master of Science in Engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin.

Alan and Russell talk with guest Bill Markley, a western writer and history buff, whose experience with Hollywood’s silver screen began where Alan’s left off. And to think, it all happened in South Dakota. Can you guess the topic? Tune in to find out!

Japanese-American cowgirl Miko Moriuchi McFarland put herself through college trick riding six nights a week and going to classes during the day. A founder of the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders, she has performed on the rodeo circuit, ridden beside Budweiser Clydsdales and carried the the American flag during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. She chats with Russell and Alan about her career as a professional trick rider and her new hobby—mounted archery.

Benjamin Franklin has been the focus of many books and movies. Most recently, the esteemed man of many talents is the focus of the eponymous TV mini series, “Franklin.” Michael Douglas stars as the 70-year-old Franklin, who is sent over to France with his grandson, Temple Franklin. Franklin’s assignment? Enlist the help of the French government in defeating the British. The series is written by Kirk Ellis, who also penned the screenplay for the Emmy-winning TV mini series, “John Adams.” Kirk joins the podcast to talk about his experience researching and writing the story of Franklin’s biggest gamble of his career, as well as what it was like to be on set in France during the filming, where he even got to don wig and costume as an extra.

Debbe Dunning is a multi-talented actress, host, and lifestyle influencer. She rose to fame as Heidi Keppert the "Tool Time Girl" on the hit sitcom "Home Improvement," where she won over audiences. She recently hosted her own TV show "Debbe Dunning's Dude Ranch Round-Up" on RFDTV. In addition to her acting career, Debbe is also a DIY expert, exceptional golfer and a passionate advocate for healthy living and motherhood. She shares her love for home renovation, healthy cooking, and wellness tips with her fans on social media, inspiring others to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. In this episode, Debbe shares her story with Russell and Alan.

The history of the Buffalo Soldiers is not only fascinating but is firmly embedded in Arizona history. Charles Hancock, former president of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers, joins Russell and Alan to talk about the important role these soldiers played, share some of their heroic stories, and explore what’s being done to honor and preserve their legacy.

From college professor to award-winning singer and songwriter, that’s Carol Markstrom. Twice named Western Female Vocalist of the Year, Carol saddles up to the ranch, guitar in hand, to speak with Russell and Alan about her career path and many successes including her most recent album “Mile After Mile.”

Ranch life is not the easiest. One thing it does, however, is build character. Alan reflects on how being raised on a cattle ranch in the hard-scrabble, high desert of Arizona influenced his sister, Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman nominated and confirmed to the United States Supreme Court.

Those eager to preserve the western way of life and cowboy culture come from all walks of life. This week, Russell and Alan speak with two Arizonans who make change through government channels. Kevin and Joe DeMenna saddle up to the ranch to talk about how they use their public relations and political consulting talents to get things done on the range and even the racetrack.

Roger Naylor, an award-winning travel writer, avid hiker, and road trip junkie, joins Russell and Alan. Roger has been exploring and delighting in the Grand Canyon since he moved from Ohio to attend Northern Arizona University four decades ago. His scope of knowledge wows the two lifelong Arizonans. Check out Roger’s new book “Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes: Unforgetable Journeys in the Grand Canyon State.”

How cool would it be to build your perfect horse down to their DNA? Can it even be done? Christa Lafayette has an answer to that question. The founder and CEO of Etalon Equine Genetics, Christa knows that breeding horses is not only an art but a science -- one that lets breeders, as well as all horse lovers, see horses in a new way. Genetic testing can identify potential health risks and prevent disease. It can optimize coat color and performance abilities. Christa joins Russell and Alan to delve into the cutting-edge genetic technologies that go beyond the standard DNA panels required by breed associations, technologies that are revolutionizing the equine industry.

Thank you, Cynthia Keefe, for your musical inspiration at the end of this podcast with the song “Dreaming of Paris,” co-written with Walter Salas and Bonnie Hunt while rafting down the Green River in Utah.