Behind Gray Walls

In this episode, Anthony interviews the Site Coordinator for the Franklin Historic Site, Susan Bodrero Hawkes, in the Franklin City Center. Susan shares the history of Idaho's oldest settlement, from the arrival of early pioneers to Franklin's role in the establishment of the Idaho Territory and the annual celebration of Idaho Day. Along the way, Susan explores the stories behind some of Franklin'...

In this episode, Samuel takes listeners into the gang wars of the Prohibition era, exploring connections to Al Capone and a police shooting tied to Carl Ross #4237 (Robbery) while Skye transports listeners to Rupert, Idaho, where a domestic dispute ended in tragedy and led to the imprisonment of Lucille Haram #10184 (Involuntary Manslaughter).

In this episode, Skye tells the story of a domestic dispute gone awry, Ella Muguerza #3955 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and guest host and Education Specialist, Mariah Villafañe, joins to tell the tale of wannabe mobster, Tony Rasulo #4863 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary in the First Degree). For Behind Gray Walls merch and more, visit: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShop.aspx

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel sit down with HannaLore Hein and Michael Hart to explore the history of surveying in Idaho. From Surveyor General Lafayette Cartee and the establishment of the Initial Point to the challenges faced by early surveyors, they unpack how these foundational lines still shape land ownership today. Join us at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on May 2, 12–5 PM f...

In this episode, Skye covers the story of a once-popular and well-liked member of her community who slipped away with a remarkable sum of money that was never recovered, Edna Eckersley #5315 (Embezzlement) and Anthony dives into the story of a young man whose dream of becoming an aviator took a tragic turn and set his life on a new path behind bars, Arley Latham #3402 (Murder in the 2nd Degree). C...

In this Valentine’s Stool Pigeon special, Samuel tells the story of a great Western romance. We follow Diamond Tooth Lil, who found work as a dance hall girl, a singer, and eventually a madam. Through her travels, Lil earned fame for her beauty and charm—but she also stole the heart of gunslinger Diamondfield Jack (Jack Davis #820). Through their relationship, we gain a perspective on one of the p...

In this episode, Samuel takes us into the courtroom where Andrew Gilbert #811 (Murder in the 2nd Degree), is tried and found guilty of stabbing another man to death. Then, Skye leads us to Montpelier, where we explore the story of the daughter of prominent pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints whose reputation is challenged when a man makes promises he refuses to keep #1146...

In this episode, Anthony shares the story of lover’s lane prowler and escape artist Ed Miles #5128 (Robbery), whose repeated run-ins with the law are matched only by his talent for slipping away, and Skye tells the story of Leola Norris #4486 (Adultery), a young mother whose husband’s imprisonment leads her to take in a boarder, a decision that changes both of their lives forever. Oral Histories:...

In this first-ever holiday special, Skye enchants us with the Yuletide Yeggs exploits and heists of 1947, during which Margaret #7327 (Robbery) and James Barney #7322 were arrested for a string of burglaries, including stealing presents from underneath Christmas trees. Afterward, Samuel takes us on a journey through several holidays: Thanksgiving with Butch Cassidy; Christmas Eve with Bob Meeks #5...

For this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel hits the trail and heads to the Selam Endurance Ride at Centerville, a 100-mile horse race held annually in tribute to the Idaho Penitentiary’s most famous horse. On August 30th, 2025, Samuel interviewed riders, veterinarians, and organizers of the event to get an in-depth look at the challenges and accomplishments behind one of the most demanding forms of ho...

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel and Anthony sit down with Kathy Deinhardt Hill, author of THE authoritative book on Idaho’s early capital punishment, Hanged: A History of Idaho’s Executions. Kathy discusses how she researched and wrote the definitive account of Idaho’s 26 legal hangings and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.

In this episode, Anthony shares the story of John Jurko #3416 (Murder in the 1st Degree), whose mysterious business partner spreads a rumor that leads to murder, and Skye takes us on a road trip with three women who may or may not have been part of a car-theft gang, Matilda Hatfield #2539, Ellen Pappas #2540, and Martha Chrisman #2541 (Grand Larceny).

On this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel interviews Jessica Lira, Superintendent of the Ames Monument and the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary. Jessica recounts some of the most fascinating stories from the prison’s history — including Fannie Marsh, who became warden at just nineteen years old; Butch Cassidy, who served his only prison sentence within these very walls; and the heartwarming story of C...

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chat with writer, director, and documentarian Nik Tizekker, creator of the film Butch Cassidy’s Forgotten Outlaw. The documentary explores the life of Nik’s ancestor, Henry “Bub” Meeks (#574), a lesser-known member of the Wild Bunch but well-known resident of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Nik discusses how he uncovered Meeks’ story and the process of...

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday Halloween Special, Samuel tells the dark story of the terrible chain of events in Idaho in 1928, following Ben Hamilton’s escape from an insane asylum just before Halloween.

In this live episode, recorded on March 27, 2025, at the Podfort stage at Boise Contemporary Theater during Treefort Music Festival, Anthony shares the story of Walter Lei (#7062 & #8174), a scrappy barroom brawler with a tragic connection to the Women’s Ward. Samuel breaks new ground for the podcast by telling the story from the victims’ perspective for the first time, that of Sterling Tucker and...

In our first episode back after a rather extended break, we’re ready to hit the ground running! First, Skye tells Anthony and Samuel about a woman whose tumultuous relationship leads to some unfortunate outcomes #8568 Zona McCollum (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and then Samuel takes over to tell another classic Old West tale of a cowboy, stage robber, and escape artist #483 Charles Chambers (Rob...

In this episode, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye are joined by the voices of the men and women who lived and worked at the prison to guide visitors through the site. Drawing from oral histories of wardens, chaplains, matrons, guards, and prisoners, this immersive tour brings the past to life as we lead you through the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s four-acre grounds.

In this rock-solid Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chip away at history with Old Pen staff member Eric Overzet, who quarries the fascinating story of the Old Pen's iconic building material - Table Rock’s sandstone.

On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Steve North, Old Idaho Penitentiary Volunteer and Commander of the Boise Chapter of the Forty and Eight. Steve dives into the captivating history of the Merci Train Boxcar, a symbol of gratitude from France to the United States after World War II. He shares insights about the enduring friendship between the two nations and the incredible stories...

In our 99th episode (can you believe it?), Skye has an extra short story because Samuel has an extra long story! Starting with the shorter, Skye discusses a young woman whose early hard-knock life made it difficult to adjust to life as an adult #8451 Claire Reasoner (Forgery) and an Old West Yellowstone stagecoach robber whose exploits, he believed, made him the inspiration for the hero of the cla...

On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel interviews Kirsten Corbett, Exhibits & Communications Director at the Jackson Hole History Museum. Kirsten discusses the rich history of Jackson Hole and shares insights about the opening of the brand-new Jackson Hole Museum. She also provides fresh perspectives on subjects previously featured on the show, including Teton Jackson (#111) and Edwin Trafton (#...

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel and Skye interview author Jan Cerney about her 2016 book Calamity Jane and Her Siblings: The Saga of Lena and Elijah Canary, in which she uncovers the tumultuous Canary family relationships often overlooked in the Calamity canon. Pick up a copy in the Souvenir Confinement store at the Old Pen, or order online: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShopItem.aspx?...

In this episode, Anthony shares the story of James Pickett (Murder), an Irishman whose possibly accidental killing led to his imprisonment in Idaho's oldest standing Territorial jail and ignited a debate over jurisdiction for crimes committed on tribal land, while Skye tells the story of Billy Garland #5127, a woman whose prison experience truly reflected the phrase "do your own time, do your own...

On this episode, Samuel regales Anthony and Skye with the life story of a sheriff in Owyhee County whose refusal to use a gun in the old west town of Silver City ended with a stint in the prison - as the warden, that is.