From the grit of Jim Shoulders to the lightning-fast turns of Charmayne James, rodeo history is full of legends who defined the sport — and the cowboy way of life. In this episode of Way Out West, head into the arena with eight of the greatest: Jim Shoulders, Ty Murray, Larry Mahan, Lane Frost, Tuff Hedeman, Trevor Brazile, Bill Pickett, and Charmayne James. You’ll hear the stories that made them icons, the moments that cemented their legacies, and why their names still echo in the chutes today. Plus, our Cowboy Glossary term of the week and a little cowboy wisdom to take down the trail.

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When the sheriff was days away and the courtroom was a saloon, justice didn’t wait for a jury. In this episode of Way Out West, ride into the raw and riveting world of frontier justice. From vigilante hangings and cattle town shootouts to legendary lawmen like Wild Bill Hickok and Bass Reeves, uncover how the West was kept in line—one bullet, banishment, or bold decision at a time. Plus, the cowboy code behind it all, and what it still teaches us today.

If you liked this episode, you'll love:

Episode 44 - Bass Reeves: The Real Lone Ranger of the American West

Episode 33 - Gunsmoke and Justice: The Truth Behind the Shootout at the OK Corral

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Transcript

For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"

Your Turn!

• How do you feel about this episode? Let's talk → howdy@cowboyaccountant.com

Simple Ways You Can Support the Show:

• Buy Me a Cup of Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thecowboycpa
• Check out our merch: https://www.wayoutwestpod.com/store/

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What does it mean to be ranching royalty? In this week’s episode of Way Out West take a ride through the history of four legendary ranching families: the Kings, the Waggoners, the Burnetts, and the Kochs. Four families who helped shape the American West. From pioneering cattle breeds to building empires that spanned hundreds of thousands of acres, their legacies still echo across the plains today.

Plus, in a special bonus segment, hear how the great-great-great-great-grandson of the XIT Ranch’s founder is reinventing the brand for the modern age.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Disappointment and Triumph of Captain King: The Untold Story of the King Ranch
2. The History and Impact of the 6666 Ranch: A Legacy of Western Heritage
3. The XIT Ranch: Legends, Lore, and the Lasting Legacy of Texas’ Biggest Spread

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Transcript

For a full transcript of this episode, click on "Transcript"

Your Turn!

• How do you feel about this episode? Let's talk → howdy@cowboyaccountant.com

Simple Ways You Can Support the Show:

• Buy Me a Cup of Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thecowboycpa
• Check out our merch: https://www.wayoutwestpod.com/store/

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