Way Out West
The Cowboy Accountant
Ride into the timeless tales of the American West, where cowboy wisdom meets grit and heart. Celebrate the cowboys and cowgirls whose hard work and spirit help feed a nation, one story at a time.
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Top 10 Way Out West Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Way Out West episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Way Out West for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Way Out West episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
04/22/25 • 13 min
Before barcodes and credit cards, the West ran on barter, grit, and a good reputation. In this episode of Way Out West, ride into the heart of frontier commerce—where cowboys traded cattle for coffee, trappers swapped beaver pelts for bullets, and saloon tabs were settled with a nod and a promise.
From humble trading posts and military forts to the rise of general stores and boomtown banks, explore how the economy of the Old West actually worked—and what it can still teach us today. Because out here, commerce wasn’t just about profit—it was about honor.
Transcript
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Sunup to Sundown: A Day in the Life of a Cowboy
Way Out West
05/13/25 • 10 min
What was it really like to live the cowboy life? In this episode of Way Out West, saddle up and ride through a typical day on the range, from the crack of dawn to the glow of the campfire.
Discover the grit, hard work, and camaraderie that defined the cowboys who shaped the American West. Along the way, you'll hear vivid stories, timeless traditions, and even a few surprises about life under the big sky.
Whether you’re a fan of Western history or just curious about the cowboy way, this episode will take you straight into the heart of the trail.
If you like this episode, I dive in deeper into the daily life of the cowboy in this companion blog article → The Daily Life of a Working Cowboy: From Dawn to Dusk
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"
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Talk Like a Cowboy: Sayings That Built the West
Way Out West
04/29/25 • 14 min
In the Old West, cowboys didn’t waste words—and they sure didn’t dress them up. In this punchy episode, dig into the colorful world of cowboy slang: where it came from, what it meant on the trail, and why plain speaking still matters today.
Learn the stories behind classic sayings like "All hat and no cattle" and "Ride for the brand," and find out how a few honest words can still cut through the noise of modern life.
Saddle up for a fast-talking, plain-shooting ride through the language of the West—and take on this week’s Talk Like a Cowboy Challenge!
Transcript
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11/12/24 • 11 min
From the gunslinging hero to the lone cowboy riding off into the sunset, the Old West is filled with larger-than-life legends that have captivated us for generations. But how much of it is real?
In this episode of Way Out West, dive deep into the heart of these myths to uncover the truth behind the Hollywood tales. Were shootouts really an everyday affair? Did cowboys always work alone? And were outlaws like Jesse James truly heroes?
Listen in to peel back the curtain on the Wild West, revealing the grit, teamwork, and hard truths that shaped life on the frontier. Get ready to rediscover cowboy culture as it was—and maybe even find out where the legends end and real history begins. Saddle up, because this is a ride you won’t want to miss.
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"
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12/03/24 • 8 min
Step back in time to the crackle of a campfire under a starlit sky as we explore the small but meaningful comforts that kept cowboys going on the trail. In this episode, dive into the rituals and traditions that made coffee more than just a drink, beans more than just a meal, and the campfire more than just a source of heat.
From the practical ingenuity of the chuck wagon cook to the moments of camaraderie shared around the fire, discover how these simple comforts created a sense of home and connection in a rugged and unpredictable world. Plus, reflect on how these timeless traditions inspire us today, whether it’s over a cup of coffee or a backyard barbecue.
Transcript
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03/23/21 • 10 min
Cowboys have a lot of tools at their disposal, but there is one that far exceeds the usefulness of all others. A well broke cowhorse.
But, like any tool, it's only as effective as the person using it. And, with this tool, ya better pay attention and listen! If you don't, unintended consequences can happen in working cattle and in life.
So, give it a listen to learn more. And, of course, we've got another Cowboy Glossary term of the week! I hope you'll ride along.
Transcript
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09/24/24 • 11 min
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the get down rope, a key tool in western horsemanship often overlooked by those outside the cowboy world. We discuss the history of this versatile piece of gear, how it has been used by cowboys and vaqueros over the years, and why it’s essential for managing a horse on the range.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just curious about cowboy culture, this episode will give you a better understanding of the get down rope’s role in the day-to-day life of a working cowboy.
As discussed in this episode → how to tie a bowline knot
Transcript
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09/10/24 • 14 min
In this episode of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant, we explore the rich history and lasting significance of cattle brands in the American West. Far more than just symbols of ownership, cattle brands tell stories of family, honor, and survival on the frontier.
We’ll dive into how these marks became vital tools for ranchers, shaping everything from cattle drives to cowboy reputation. You’ll hear about some of the most famous brands, the creative art of designing them, and the high stakes of protecting your herd.
Tune in for a captivating look at the unique language of cattle brands and why they remain a powerful emblem of the cowboy way of life.
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"
Your Turn!
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03/04/25 • 12 min
In this episode of Way Out West, pull back the curtain on one of the Wild West’s most iconic showdowns—the legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral. But this isn’t just another retelling of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday’s famous gunfight. Dive deep into the truth behind the legend, and explore the gritty reality of Tombstone in 1881 and the razor-thin line between lawmen and outlaws.
Explore why this thirty-second gunfight became a defining moment in Western history and what modern-day lessons we can draw from it. How do the events of that fateful afternoon still echo today? What can we learn about reputation, loyalty, and knowing when to stand your ground—whether you’re on the trail or in the boardroom?
So, saddle up and join us as we explore the lawmen, legends, and lasting legacy of the O.K. Corral—a story of justice, revenge, and the struggle for control in a town where reputations were made or lost in the blink of an eye.
If you liked this episode, check out my blog post The Reality of Guns in the Wild West. You'll find even more details, plus some great old photos.
O.K. Corral® is a registered trademark of Tombstone Historama Corporation
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"
Your Turn!
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Support the Show:
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10/29/24 • 10 min
Picture yourself out under a sky scattered with stars, a crackling fire keeping the darkness at bay, and a group of cowboys telling stories that twist the truth just enough to make you wonder.
Welcome to a fireside edition of Way Out West with the Cowboy Accountant! After diving deep into the grit and resilience of cowboy life these past few weeks, it’s time to loosen the reins and have a little fun. Set aside the serious tales and get swept up in the mystery and magic of cowboy folklore—those tall tales and campfire legends that have lit up the night for generations.
Join us as we relive these stories, savoring the humor, mystery, and pure imagination that kept cowboys entertained under the stars. Whether it’s a bit of laughter, a touch of awe, or a chill down your spine, there’s something for everyone by the campfire on this episode.
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"
Your Turn!
- How do you feel about this episode? Let's talk → [email protected]
Support the Show:
- Buy Me a Cup of Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thecowboycpa
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FAQ
How many episodes does Way Out West have?
Way Out West currently has 45 episodes available.
What topics does Way Out West cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, History, Old West and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on Way Out West?
The episode title 'Boss Of The Plains: The Story of John B. Stetson' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Way Out West?
The average episode length on Way Out West is 11 minutes.
How often are episodes of Way Out West released?
Episodes of Way Out West are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Way Out West?
The first episode of Way Out West was released on Feb 22, 2021.
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