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What does a drought leave behind after the rain finally returns? Join Champ as he traces how dry years have reshaped the Ozarks, from struggling apple orchards and tomato canneries to the farms his family has worked for generations. Drawing on Robert Flanders’s historical writing, newspaper accounts, and Vance Randolph’s collection of weather lore, Champ explores the hardship, humor, and ingenuity of people waiting for rain. Along the way come animal weather signs, a paid rainmaker, memories of the droughts of the 1950s and 1980, and his own plans for native grasses, a more diversified farm, and another hopeful year. References mentioned in this episode Robert Flanders, “When The Big Change Came In Here” OzarksWatch, Vol. VII, No. 3, Spring 1994; the historical essay Champ reads and paraphrases. https://sgcld.thelibrary.org/lochist/periodicals/ozarkswatch/ow703b.htm Vance Randolph The Ozarks folklorist whose collected weather beliefs anchor the episode’s folklore discussion. https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/vance-randolph/ Ozark Magic and Folklore Randolph’s book, formerly titled Ozark Superstitions; Champ discusses its “Weather Signs” chapter. https://iucat.iu.edu/iusb/1947258 Historical newspaper references discussed, located by Champ through Newspapers.com: Springfield Press, October 26, 1929 — “Ozarks Aided by Canneries.” Daily American Republic, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, May 1931 — “Fifty thousand acre tomato crop to be planted in the Ozarks this year,” with the subheading “Five million cases packed last year.” Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres Farm Formerly Tasty Acres, Strawberries and More. Follow them for local food, farm activities, and upcoming events. https://www.facebook.com/AAtastyacres/ Penny Pinchers Shop locally and visit the store at 537 East Jackson in Marshfield, Missouri, for daily deals. Got an idea for a future show? Drop us a line at [email protected]. We’re always looking for good stories from the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks. And be sure to give Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks a like and a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552942747153

Champ is in the tomato patch at the old Rabinaugh Stone House stock farm, gathering the last tomatoes before a hoped-for rain. After a hard stretch of drought, he offers a preview of an upcoming Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks episode on the droughts of the 1930s and 1950s, the dry summer of 1980, today’s conditions—and the folklore and a little magic that come with them. Pick your tomatoes before it rains, then follow Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

On the eve of the 1898 election, the old Webster County Courthouse was crowded with officials collecting ballots and preparing for the next day’s vote. Beneath its dome, a simmering feud between two Caddo neighbors erupted in gunfire. David H. Shelby was a respected farmer, family man, and community leader. Richard D. Kazee was a once-successful stockman worn down by bereavement, financial troubles, political conflict, and rumors of theft from a church collection plate. When Kazee confronted Shelby in the courthouse hall, dozens witnessed what followed. Champ traces the grievances that led to Shelby’s murder, Kazee’s swift conviction, and the extraordinary circumstances that allowed a condemned man to beat the rope. It’s a story of politics, personal ruin, frontier-era justice, and just how loosely the jailhouse doors could swing in nineteenth-century Missouri. Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres FarmPenny Pinchers Grocery And don't forget to give us a like and a follow on the Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook Page. Listen to past episodes at WildNWoollyOzarks.com

Join Champ as he welcomes historian and longtime friend Todd Wilkinson back to the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks for a wide-ranging discussion of German immigration to Missouri. They explore the religious, political, and economic forces that brought German settlers west, their role in the Civil War, the backlash they faced during World War I, and the lasting influence of German culture on Missouri’s towns, churches, farms, festivals, food, beer, wine, education, and holiday traditions. Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres Strawberries and MorePenny Pinchers Discount Grocery And be sure to give the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks a like and a follow.

In the first installment of “Beating the Rope,” Champ tells the wild true story of James “Crazy Jim” Crisp, an accused murderer whose 1891 crime set off years of escapes, delays, appeals, insanity claims, and political wrangling across southwest Missouri. It is a sprawling Ozarks tale of murder, justice, and one man’s remarkable effort to avoid the gallows. Be sure to check out today's sponsors Penny Pinchers and Tasty Acres Strawberries and More. Also, don't forget to give us a like and a follow, and tell your friends about The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:22 The Tale of Jim Crisp05:27 The Murder of John Pruitt09:35 The Pursuit and Capture of Crisp17:59 Crisp's Escapes and Recaptures31:52 Crisp's Change of Venue32:16 The Trial Begins36:06 The Insanity Plea37:55 Verdict and Sentencing38:55 Appeal and Commutation49:22 Sheriff's Trial58:24 Remand to Lunatic Asylum01:00:14 Aftermath and Legacy

Join us today as we discuss the Wild Bill Hickok & Davis Tutt shootout and what really happened on the square in Springfield, MO on that day in 1865 that launched a thousand legends in the history of the American Old West. Champ is on location at the Springfield Library Center with Michael Price and Brandon Broughton, both with the Library Center. Together they separate fact from fiction, focusing on documents and actual accounts from the time. They reconstruct the crime scene, and explore the characters of Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok, as well as Springfield's wartime experience and the political upheaval in the city. The conversation also covers the trial and legal proceedings, and the life of a facinating character in Springfield history, Davis' half brother, Lewis Tutt. Check out our sponsors: Tasty Acres Strawberries and MorePenny Pinchers Discount Grocery Also, be sure to check out The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook page, and give a like and a follow and share it with your friends and family. We sure do appreciate it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wild Woolly Ozarks06:12 The Legend of Wild Bill Hickok12:08 The Characters: Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok30:24 Springfield's Wartime Experience37:11 The Political Upheaval in Springfield51:51 The Trial and Legal Proceedings01:27:24 The Legacy of the Hickok Tut Shooting

Mark Kumming returns to answer your questions about the evolution of Silver Dollar City, and the theme park attractions and behind-the-scenes operations of the park. Mark shares insights on the origins of Silver Dollar City, the legend of the Yoakum Silver Dollar, the historical significance of the park, and details about specific attractions such as the flooded mine and the Silver Dollar City train. Additionally, Mark discusses his books and publications, offering a deeper dive into the Ozark's history and legends. Find Mark's books on Amazon. Check out the SDC Fans Facebook Group. Give us a like and follow on the Wild N' Wooly Ozarks Facebook page.

Today's guest is Danette House, and our conversation is about old Ozark colloquialisms, uncovering the language, settlement history, immigration influence, survival of old language, and regional dialects of the people of the Ozarks. We discuss the unique linguistic characteristics of the region, Ozark cuisine, old sayings, folklore, and expressions, providing insights into the unique culture and language of the region. We also explore the historical significance of certain phrases and the impact of the Civil War on local communities. This episode's sponsor is Penny Pinchers Discount Grocery in Marshfield, MO. Be sure to visit our page, like and follow on The Wild N' Wooly Ozarks Facebook page. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Wild and Woolly Ozarks10:58 The Great Wagon Road and Ozark Settlement19:24 Immigration and Language Influence28:26 Survival of Old Language and Cultural References44:11 Ozark Language and Regional Dialects50:12 Ozark Cuisine and Old Sayings56:16 Drunk Sayings and Expressions01:03:36 Upcoming Topics and Sponsorship02:00:00 Reflections on Society and Culture

This episode, Champ explores the Clark's Creek Gang and its leader, Henry Turner including his indictment and conviction. The investigation takes a few rabbit trails through some of the dark history of 19th century Webster and Wright county. Be sure to check out our sponsor this week Tasty Acres Strawberries and More. Let us know how we're doing at The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook page. Chapters 00:00 Indictment and Conviction of Henry Turner36:29 The Murder of Henry Turner41:40 The Mitchell Brothers and Jack Kaufman48:11 The Trial and Sentencing of Green Barnes53:11 Green Barnes' Life After Prison

In this episode Champ dives into the wild and woolly life of Colonel Thomas K. Paul, a controversial figure in the history of Webster County, Missouri. From his involvement in the Civil War to his legal and business endeavors, Colonel Paul's life is a tapestry of mystery and notoriety. The story of Colonel Paul's controversial life and legal troubles in the 1890s is explored, revealing his involvement in politics, jury fixing, estate management, and even buried treasure. His colorful character and impact on the community are highlighted, shedding light on forgotten history. Takeaways Colonel Thomas K. Paul's life is a fascinating blend of military service, legal practice, business ventures, and political involvement.The story of Colonel Paul offers a glimpse into the complex and often controversial history of post-Civil War Missouri. Colonel Paul's life was marked by controversy, legal troubles, and a colorful character.The story of Colonel Paul provides insight into forgotten history and the impact of individuals on their communities. Be sure to check out our sponosors: Tasty Acres Strawberries and More Arcadia Publishing Promo code: WWOZARKS Be sure to leave us feed back on our Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook Page Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Colonel Paul12:19 Legal and Business Ventures18:51 Controversies and Scandals33:49 Colonel Paul's Political Ambitions46:18 Colonel Paul's Whiskey Cases53:54 Colonel Paul's Buried Treasure

Join Champ on this episode as he shares some excerpts from the book The Bodacious Ozarks a collection of stories and experiences from the Ozarks, available from Arcadia Publishing. There are times when the only dependable back hills crop seems to be the storytelling. The Bodacious Ozarks captures the essence of the region's history, culture, and characters, offering a glimpse into the unique and enduring spirit of the Ozarks. This episode is sponsored by Arcadia Publishing. Please check out their catalog of materials at their website: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/. Use promo code WWOZARKS for a discount on your purchase.

Our guest today is Vincent Anderson. We explore Ozark folklore and historical accounts of bigfoot, wild men, encounters with the 'Blue Man of Missouri' and feral people in the Ozarks. We delve into the research and investigation of Sasquatch encounters. We explore the concept of interdimensional beings and supernatural encounters and interdimensional Sasquatch. It also touches on the spiritual and theological implications of these encounters. Takeaways Ozark bigfoot legendsEncounters with wild menHistorical accounts of wild men Interdimensional beingsSupernatural encounters Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wild and Woolly Ozarks09:47 The Blue Man of Missouri19:00 Feral People in the Ozarks27:00 Researching Sasquatch Encounters36:17 Guardians of the Earth57:56 Supernatural Encounters

In this episode, we delve into the rich folklore and folk beliefs of the Ozarks, exploring topics such as madstones and folk medicine. Champ shares intriguing stories and historical accounts related to these fascinating subjects, shedding light on the cultural significance and enduring legacy of folklore in the region. Takeaways The White Bucks of the OzarksMadstones and Folk Medicine Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ozark Folklore and Folk Beliefs

Our Guest today is Michael Lear of the Show Me Murder podcast found on Spotify. Michael is a tour guide and the historical Missouri State Prision (MSP) in Jefferson City, MO. Our conversation delves into the historical significance of the Missouri State Penitentiary and the challenges in preserving its historic buildings. Michael shares insights into the Stanley Ketchel case, the investigation, and the aftermath, as well as the Kenneth Rex McElroy case. The discussion also explores the Michael's work at the Missouri State Penitentiary and the efforts to preserve its historical buildings. The conversation delves into the history and preservation of historic prisons, comparing them to other historic sites, and sharing intriguing stories of inmates and the creepy side of historic prisons. It also explores unusual events and characters in historic prisons, providing a fascinating insight into the world of historic prison tours and preservation. Takeaways Fascinating true crime storytellingHistorical significance of Missouri State PenitentiaryChallenges in preserving historic buildings Historic prison tours and preservationIntriguing stories of inmates and the prison's history Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wild and Wooly Ozarks05:04 The Story of Stanley Ketchel32:36 Kenneth Rex McElroy Case43:43 The History and Preservation of Historic Prisons01:06:13 The Creepy Side of Historic Prisons01:18:08 Unusual Events and Characters in Historic Prisons

This conversation covers a range of topics, including the origins of The Toll podcast, Nancy Simpson's personal experiences, her career in news reporting, and her involvement in investigating the Gypsy and Dee Dee Blanchard case. The conversation delves into the discovery of Gypsy's condition, revelations and police reports, living with the knowledge, the Poison Control series, Nancy's creative process, an update on Kellyanne Workman's case, and upcoming episodes and projects. Takeaways The Toll podcast is inspired by Nancy Simpson's passion for storytelling and her dedication to uncovering compelling stories.Nancy Simpson's personal experiences have influenced her career as a journalist and reporter, shaping her approach to storytelling and investigative reporting. Gypsy's medical condition was discovered years after her symptoms appeared.Nancy's podcast 'Poison Control' is a result of a five-year investigation into a woman investigated by the FBI for poison. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Fireside07:43 Unpacking Shirley Jane Rose14:08 Career in News Reporting22:14 Investigating Gypsy and Dee Dee Blanchard31:25 The Discovery of Gypsy's Condition37:11 Living with the Knowledge47:30 Nancy's Creative Process54:16 Update on Kellyanne Workman's Case Nancy Simpson's The Toll Podcast Nancy Simpson on Into the Weeds Podcast