New Tech in the Old West

Podcast creator speaks at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West on the revival of Old West for new audiences
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — “Legends of the Old West” podcast creator, Chris Wimmer, will speak at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (SMoW) during Western Week in a program called “Old West/New Tech.” The event will highlight the importance of embracing new technology to keep alive the culture and heritage of the American West. In addition, he will perform a live recording and answer questions from the audience.

The podcast movement is soaring as today’s on-the-go society grows more accustomed to having entertainment in the palm of its hand. “Legends of the Old West” uses thorough research, cinematic storytelling and engaging sound design to tell classic stories of the Old West. Like a TV show, audiences tune in each week for a new episode.

“As the only genuinely mobile form of entertainment, it’s perfect for today’s audiences who are addicted to smartphones,” Wimmer said. “I created ‘Legends of the Old West’ as both a show I wanted to hear and as a new type of vehicle to share these classic stories.”

Studies show podcasts are on the rise with all ages, particularly younger generations who have grown up with smartphones. In its first nine months, Legends has listeners in all 50 states and over 70 countries. It is the most popular Old West podcast in world, earning a 5-out-of-5 star rating on Apple Podcasts with 310 Ratings and Reviews in nine months. Its closest competitor with a 5-Star rating has 87 ratings and reviews in 30 months.

Listeners around the world download episodes of each new season to hear tales of icons like Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok and Jesse James. They hear the stories of events and adventures, from the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral to the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Comanche Wars with the Texas Rangers.

A guest on an early episode of the show, veteran Hollywood actor Barry Corbin, discussed the need to maintain these stories and traditions.

“It’s important to us as Americans just as Greek mythology is to the Greeks, Norse mythology is to the Danish, Roman mythology is to the Italians,” Corbin said. “It’s that important to keep it alive. If we don’t keep it alive, we lose our national identity; we lose our self-identification as Americans. If we lose our history, we’ve lost everything.”

Event details: Chris Wimmer will be giving an audience a sneak peek into the creation of Legends of the Old West Podcast at SMoW during Scottsdale’s Annual Western Week celebration on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Program is included with $15 Museum admission. https://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/visit/museum-hours/

Interview with Craig Johnson

Legends of the Old West Podcast 2019 Preview

For more information, please contact:
Mandi Wimmer, Co-Owner of Black Barrel Media, LLC | Producer of Legends of the Old West Podcast
M: 480-251-8585 | mandi@blackbarrelmedia.com | www.blackbarrelmedia.com

 
 
 

Last Updated on 03/12/2025 by Patrick OD O’Donnell

About the Author:

Patrick OD O'Donnell

Biography:

The moment a bull's gate swings open—that's when Patrick "OD" O'Donnell feels most alive. From his early days riding bareback through Arizona pastures to revolutionizing the bull riding industry as President of Bull Riders Only, OD has lived the Western lifestyle he now champions as Founder of Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Growing up in Casa Grande's sunbaked agricultural heartland, he didn't just learn about horses and ranching, he lived it daily, developing the instincts and grit that would later attract 4 million followers to CLN's authentic voice.

After his baseball days at the University of Arizona, OD saw something others missed: bull riding wasn't just a sport, but was compelling entertainment waiting for the right vision. Between 1990-1997, his leadership transformed local rodeo competitions into sold-out arena events that changed Western sports forever. Today, that same pioneering spirit drives CLN's coverage of everything from championship rodeos to the quiet heroism of ranch life. When he's not building the digital home for cowboy culture, you'll find OD supporting Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, leading CLN’s 25-year Christmas Toy Drive for Arizona kids, or sharing his love of horsemanship with special needs riders through Arizona's own Horses Help. Living proof that authentic Western values still have the power to transform lives.

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