As we turn the page on 2024 and look toward the adventures of 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the incredible projects I’ve had the privilege of working on this past year—and to highlight the exceptional work of others who continue to bring the rich tapestry of the Old West to life.
Legends of the Old West Podcast: A Masterclass in Storytelling
One of the most rewarding collaborations of 2024 was contributing to Legends of the Old West, produced by the brilliant team at Black Barrel Media and narrated by the incomparable Chris Wimmer.
If you’re not already a devoted listener, do yourself a favor and dive into their phenomenal catalog of episodes. Chris Wimmer’s skillful narration and deep reverence for history make him one of the finest podcasters in the genre. His ability to weave complex narratives into captivating stories is unmatched, bringing history to life with authenticity and heart.
This year, I was fortunate to research and write several series this year:
Buffalo Bill Cody (Playlist): A deep dive into the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures of the American West.
Orrin Porter Rockwell (Playlist): Exploring the fascinating and controversial life of this gunslinging bodyguard and folk hero.
The Legendary Mountain Men (Playlist): Tales of Jedediah Smith, Hugh Glass, and John “Jeremiah” Johnston—three larger-than-life figures who helped shape the mythology of the frontier.
A fourth series, submitted just after Thanksgiving, will be released in 2025. Stay tuned—it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Chris and the team at Black Barrel Media continue to set the gold standard for historical podcasts, and I’m honored to have played a small role in their outstanding work. I was privileged to be asked to write a blurb for Robert Aquinas McNally's book Cast Out of Eden: The Untold Story of John Muir, Indigenous Peoples, and the American Wilderness (https://amzn.to/3C4T1Sp), which I called “A thought-provoking masterpiece. Following the life and achievements of John Muir, ‘Father of the National Parks,’ McNally masterfully shows how one of America’s greatest achievements—the preservation of our wildest places—is indelibly tied to one of our most abject failures—the treatment of the Native Americans who lived there.”
Unearthing New Discoveries
This year also saw some exciting breakthroughs in my own research. I was thrilled to help confirm Texas Jack Omohundro’s ownership of two historic weapons: a Smith & Wesson revolver and a Remington-Keene bolt-action rifle, which may have been one of the last firearms he ever acquired. Uncovering these connections feels like stepping directly into the past, holding the threads of history in your hands.
Adventures in Blogging
Over on my blog, Dime Library, I delved into a wide range of topics this year, including:
The use of AI in imagery, video, podcasts, and music to reimagine Wild West figures.
Examining the portrayal of Old West legends in modern advertising.
Sharing newly digitized interviews, articles, and photographs of Texas Jack Jr.
Eulogizing my sweet grandmother, Si, whose legacy continues to inspire me.
Questioning the authenticity of auction items claiming ties to figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody.
Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones at the Western Heritage Awards at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Celebrating a cowboy hat once owned by legendary actor Richard Roundtree, commemorating his iconic role as Shaft.
Unveiling new-to-the-internet images of Giuseppina Morlacchi, a trailblazing performer of the 19th century.
Reflecting on the bittersweet closing of Wild West Magazine, where my Spur and Western Heritage Award-winning article was published in 2022.
Visiting Texas Jack’s final resting place in Leadville, Colorado, and engaging with locals at Two Dog Books.
Exploring the complex friendship between Buffalo Bill Cody and Oglala Lakota chief Iron Tail (Siŋte Máza).
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, I’m excited to uncover even more untold stories of the Old West and share them with all of you. This journey wouldn’t be the same without the incredible community of readers, listeners, and history enthusiasts who share my passion for preserving this remarkable chapter of history. Thank you for your support, your curiosity, and your love of the stories that make the West—and its legends—eternal.
Here’s to another year of discovery, storytelling, and bringing the past to life!