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.

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.”

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!

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.

Some stories you just can’t forget. They’re too unique, too big, too awesome. Alan Day’s story about creating the first government-sponsored wild horse sanctuary and caring for and training 1500 wild mustangs is one of those stories. In honor of his book “The Horse Lover” being released in a new format, Alan shares some of the wild and crazy adventures he had on Mustang Meadows Ranch.

You place your bet. Take your seat. And pretty soon, they’re off! Sleek, strong, beautiful horses racing around a track. But for all that to happen, a lot of people have to lend a hand. Mike Weiss knows this. He has spent his career in horse racing wearing more hats over the years than most. He joins Russell and Alan to talk about what it takes to keep a track operating and the horses running.

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.

Thomas D. Clagett’s newest historical novel “Line of Glory” follows the imagined hopes, fears and destinies of four people involved in the infamous 1936 Battle of the Alamo. Clagett, who had a long and successful career in film and freelance writing, chats with the cowboys about what might have happened all those decades ago in what is now San Antonio, TX.

Howard Post grew up on a ranch and fully intended to become a cowboy. Then he won an art contest at an early age. His paintings have been exhibited at the Autry Museum of the West, the Smithsonian, numerous galleries and can be found in private collections of the rich and famous. A cowboy at heart, Howard saddles up to the ranch to talk with Russell and Alan about his illustrious career.

It’s a process that requires time, patience, the right materials, a lot of know-how, and even more talent. Karen Lamontagne has been crafting saddles for over 15 years and knows exactly what it takes. She chats with Russell and Alan about her Wickenburg business, Riata Saddles, and how she became one of a handful of women saddle makers in the country. 

"Life was better when the TV shows were about cowboys rather than lawyers"   Emil Franzi

Welcome to a bonus episode of The Cowboy Up Podcast … Russell and Alan and our cowboy guest had other cowboy work come up and they had to tend to those chores and duties. So we called on our good friend Harry Alexander to tell about his program and podcast called Voices of the West.  Voices of the West emerged from a Tucson Arizona legendary character. 

Emil Franzi was known as the political talk show host throughout southern Arizona.  But he also got tired of the politics and began a great addition to his program in which he shared all kinds of stories and legends and the history of the western way of life. 

Emil has now hung up his spurs but his good friend Harry Alexander carries on the tradition in a wonderful and facciful podcast that has that very unique subtitle.  So our producer Stan Hustad took some time to talk to Harry about the program that shares the western and cowboy code way of life.

Horse whisperer, leadership expert, and author Grant Golliher has spent a lifetime around horses. He knows how they think. What’s more, he knows how that thinking can help humans. Grant joins Russell and Alan to talk about what leaders—from business CEOs and execs, to politicians, celebrities, and others—learn from horses at the Diamond Cross Ranch in Wyoming.

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.” 

Vacations, travels, bucket lists. Sometimes you just have to get away and explore, whether it’s within your state, across the country or on the other side of an ocean. Who better to offer travel tips and suggestions than someone who has visited over 65 countries. Kim Wilkins joins us to talk about what life is like when the travel bug bites you at age six and you end up living in Europe after graduating from college, then eventually become a travel consultant and guide. First stops in a foreign city? How best to explore the Croatian islands? What to pack for that classic Old West adventure at a dude ranch? We gotcha covered in this conversation between Kim the Abundant Traveler and our co-hosts Russell True and Alan Day.

There are silversmiths, and then there are the Patanias. As third-generation Sam Patania likes to say, beginning with his Sicilian-born grandfather, the artists in his family use jewelry as their canvas. Sam speaks with Russell and Alan about his family’s exceptional silversmithing and design talents and how Patania creations became part of the Smithsonian’s permanent collection.

To start off Season 3, we bring you equine bodywork expert Jim Masterson. Humans aren’t the only creatures who experience physical stress and tension. Horses do too. Masterson has developed a unique, highly effective method for relieving horses of aches and pains, a process that also builds trust between human and horse. What’s more, anyone can learn the Masterson Method!

Ciarra Arzaga doesn’t even recall the first time she rode a horse. She was too young. But she does remember learning how to rope. Now sixteen, Ciarra regularly competes in roping and other rodeo events—and regularly wins. She talks about her technique, favorite horses, and future plans with Russell and Alan.

Larry Martin knows writing. An award-winning author, he’s penned over 60 novels, mostly westerns, plus more than a handful of screenplays. But making a movie? Martin had never tried his hand at something so out of his artistic wheelhouse. He joins Russell and Alan to share his story of how he brought his new feature film “Eye for Eye” to the silver screen.

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.

There’s no doubt about it. Shoeing horses is hard work, but it’s work that needs to be done. And who usually gets to do it? In this, case two veteran cowboys. You betcha, Russell and Alan have shod more horses than they can count. And here they are, shoeing another one at White Stallion Ranch.

In honor of Memorial Day, Russell and Alan recall their families’ involvement with war. Those who fought, almost fought, as well as others. In true cowboy fashion, one story leads to another and to another. Be prepared to chuckle, laugh, and shed a tear or two. A hats off and a cowboy salute to all the brave souls who served the United States of America.

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!

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.

Twenty years ago, two individuals started a company focused on sustainable agricultural and the humane treatment of animals. Over two decades later, that company now employees upward of 100 people, has expanded its products from its original no-sugar-added bacon, and more than ever adheres to its original philosophy. When we learned about Pederson’s Natural Farms, we were so impressed that we invited vice president Neil Dudley to join us. Neil talks about how innovative sustainable agricultural practices can lead to healthier ecosystems, more ethical food production, and a balanced relationship with nature. Whether you’re a farmer, a food enthusiastic, or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. It may even tweak your appetite! Here’s to good eats and good health—naturally.   

Gallup, New Mexico is not known as a tourist destination. Yet, this community situated near the Four Corners is rich in diversity and history. Longtime resident and past mayor of Gallup, Bob Rosebrough, joins Russell and Alan to talk about his new memoir, "A Place of Thin Veil," which brings to life the stories, mysteries, and evocative landscapes of this part of the Land of Enchantment.

She was a lover of music and determined to find her way into the limelight. And that she did. Dale Evans rose to fame as an actress, singer, and wife of Roy Rogers. Historian Theresa Kaminski, author of the new biography “Queen of the West: The Life and Times of Dale Evans,” shares some fascinating, behind-the-scenes stories with Russell and Alan about this Hollywood superstar.

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.

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!

Saddle up and give a listen to Russell and Alan as they swap stories from the range. You’ll also hear from a few western writers coming live from the Tucson Festival of Books where they shared their stories. Storytelling – it’s the cowboy way then and now!

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!

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.

When the opportunity to purchase a western railroad company dropped in Al Harper's lap, he was a real estate executive living in Florida. But the opportunity intrigued him, and sooner than later, he became the CEO of American Heritage Railways. As a result of Harper's passion to preserve and celebrate America's railroading history, company operations now reach nearly 1,500,000 rail passengers annually on three directly owned railroads and license special events on over 50 additional railroads. No surprise Harper was awarded the True Westerner Award by True West Magazine this past March. Give a listen to this inspiring conversation about heritage, innovation, and love of the rails.

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!

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.

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.

Ring in the New Year with this enlightening episode featuring Steve Hebrock, one of five master hoof care specialists in the world. Your horse's feet will appreciate it! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe 2022.

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.

We may not hear much about the Jicarilla Apache, but they were fierce warriors who raided wagon trains and fought the calvary. In fact, they soundly defeated the U.S. Army in the Battle of Cieneguilla. Award-winning author and historian, Doug Hocking, shares details from his new book "Terror on the Santa Fe Trail" with Russell and Alan and the role Kit Carson played during that tumultuous time.

A cowboy’s gear is not complete without a rope. But ropes can break. Dick Schorr, a retired rancher and veterinarian, is an expert on riatas. New ones, old ones, and ones in need of repair. He chats with Russell and Alan about the art of rope making and the workshops he has given around the country.

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.

Back in the late 1870s, the owner of the Santa Fe Railroad, William Barstow Strong, and the owner of the Rio Grande Railroad, General William Jackson Palmer, found themselves at war. Historian John Sedgwick, author of the new book “From the River to the Sea: The Untold Story of the Railroad War that Made the West,” joins Russell and Alan to talk about what took place as these two powerhouses fought over land and money.

Most of us will never rob a train on horseback or purposefully fall from the saddle of a horse. As movie stunt men, Bobby Stevens and Rob Jensen have done both multiple times. They chat with Russell and Alan about the thrills that come with the work, as well as the occasional broken bone and bruised body.

The Southwest is filled with iconic images, from saguaro cacti to adobe homes to brilliant sunsets. Thousands of artists have captured these images. Mark Sublette, owner of Medicine Man Gallery and host of the "Art Dealer Diaries Podcast," joins Russell and Alan to talk about southwestern art including paintings by the acclaimed Maynard Dixon, one of the most revered artists of the West.