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Words Out West Hear voices from the literary landscape of Big Sky Country and beyond.We spotlight both established and emerging writers of the contemporary West.A rapping cowboy, a river guiding novelist and a bus-riding Poet Laureate are just a few of the folks we'll hear from on Words Out West
Words Out West

Podcast Directory
Words Out West

Words Out West

From Montana Public Radio

Hear voices from the literary landscape of Big Sky Country and beyond.We spotlight both established and emerging writers of the contemporary West.A rapping cowboy, a river guiding novelist and a bus-riding Poet Laureate are just a few of the folks we'll hear from on Words Out West

Most Recent Episodes

The Nuclear Baby Boom

In this episode, we'll hear a dramatic reading about two boys growing up in the Atomic Age, and how they changed their small town forever Writer: Jay Kettering. Dramatic reading by Teresa Waldorf of Jay Kettering's short story The Nuclear Baby Boom: A Children's Story for Adults.

Words and Music

In this episode, we'll hear songs from the duo Toy Box, comprised of Beth Melody and LaBarre Bankshot, and learn of Beth's collaboration with lyricist Gwen McKenna. Songs: Big Guy In the Sky, Cold April, Leave Me Alone (On the Sofa), Somebody Ought to Slap Your Face, Edge of the River, and Too Bad. Episode sponsor: The Bell Pipe & Tobacco Shop at 216 West Broadway in downtown Missoula. When you need the Otis—tobacconist—problem solver.

Big Sky, Deep Thoughts and Mr. Bubble

In this episode, writer Ednor Therriault takes us on a mental road trip through Montana with his stories and songs and even shares some marital advice from Mr. Bubble. Non-fiction excerpts from Big Sky, Big Parks: An Exploration of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and All That Montana in Between: A Forgotten Hero in Glacier and Playlists for the Road, and original songs from his various albums: A Cut Above, Mr. Bubble, and Go Butte!

It's Kind Of About Coffee

In this episode, we'll hear from a singer/songwriter/musician who says he's wholly unfit to pursue a conventional lifestyle, but musters a peculiar existence relying largely on music, art, luck, and the love of his community.

Lunatic Masterpieces

In this episode, the writer talks about the politics of fishing in Montana, reads about his life and friends, and sings just to make us laugh. Greg Keeler with Greg Owens Greg Keeler: Memoir excerpts: Trash Fish: A Life; Waltzing With the Captain; poetry: variety of poems/sonnets; and songs The Ballad of Billy Montana, Indian In-Law, Little Bitch Creek, MCH, A Song To Go, and Neon Dream. Greg Owens: songs: The Greek Drama Song and Umbrella Song This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Songwriters Showcase

In this episode, live performances from the March 26, 2023 Words Out West Songwriters Showcase featuring four singer/songwriters who lent their time and talent for our Season 3 fundraiser. Featuring: Rebecca Kelley, Read Barbee, Maria Zepeda and Gabrielle Tusberg with Bethany Joyce This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This episode was sponsored by Gallery 709 (at Montana Art & Framing), The Bell Pipe & Tobacco Shop, Rockin' Rudy's

Voices from the Oval

In this episode, we celebrate the fruits of a teacher's labor. You'll hear from Professor Robert Stubblefield, along with three of his University of Montana students. A selection of poems and non-fiction, with Robert Stubblefield, Jade Taylor, Donna Arganbright, and Cass Sissel. This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

A Place in the Sun for Butte

In this episode, writer, geologist and professor Rob Thomas explains how the amazing history of rocks is related to the mining town of Butte finding its place in the sun. Selections from Roadside Geology of Montana. This episode is sponsored by Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula's independent publisher for over seventy years. Mountain Press publishes nontechnical books for adults and children on geology, natural history, western US history, and more. For more information go to mountain-press.com or call toll-free at 800-234-5308.

Why the Village Appears on No Map

In this episode, novelist Claude Alick introduces us to a place of mystery in the island country of Grenada—a village that appears on no map—a place that resides only in wilting memories.

How to Write about Sex and Death and Dreams

In this episode, we pair writers who were born to be storytellers—poet Mara Panich, and singer/songwriter Margi Cates, accompanied by guitarist Nick Barr. This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Words Out West

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