The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand

In this episode, Jerred Metz and Forest Fighter Travis Bratten discuss the 2003 Deep Lake Fire. Travis shares firsthand experiences battling the wildfire, the challenges of the rugged terrain, and the dramatic helicopter rescue of campers. The episode weaves together the story of Earl Durand, local history, wildfire response, and the enduring spirit of the region. "Extremely rugged, extremely...

In this episode, Actor and playwright Don MacKay joins Jerred Metz to discuss adapting "The Last 11 Days of Earl Durand" for the stage. Don shares how the story resonated with his own life and the creative choices behind bringing this American legend to theater. "I feel like these kinds of stories…need to be told because people need to understand people on the other side. I always t...

In this episode, Jerred Metz and historian Dave Wetzel discuss the dramatic life and death of Earl Durand, an outlaw whose story blurs the line between legend and reality. Through analysis of Durand’s final letter and actions, they explore themes of rebellion, Western myth, and the making of an American antihero. "Earl Durand did have a legend that followed him…the story is important." O...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with publisher Nancy Curtis about her decision to publish his book The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand . They discuss why regional crime stories matter, how Durand’s tale reflects a changing West, and the impact of community and technology on the story’s outcome. "It seems to me that what we're seeing here is a transition time in the history of Wyoming...

In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the story behind the 1974 film "The Legend of Earl Durand."  With anecdotes about the cast, local legends, and the experience of teaching the story in a university course, this episode offers a candid look at the intersection of history, myth, and cinema in the tale of Earl Durand.  Order the book at https://highplainspress.com/durand.html

In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the aftermath of Earl Durand’s dramatic end, focusing on the unusual public response to his death. The story covers the creation of a death mask, the community’s involvement in his burial, and the almost carnival-like atmosphere that surrounded his funeral.  Listeners hear firsthand accounts from the undertaker and learn about the crowds that gathered to view...

In this episode, Jerred Metz interviews Brandi Wright, director of the Homesteader Museum in Powell, Wyoming, about artifacts related to Earl Durand. They discuss the significance of items like a bullet-grazed hat, a jail cell, and a rifle, as well as the museum’s role in preserving local history and community memory. Brandi highlights how the museum presents facts and lets visitors interpret the...

In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the final days of Earl Durand, a man who knew his fate was sealed. Through five chilling moments, hear how Earl repeatedly predicted his own death as he evaded law enforcement, took hostages, and made his last stand.  Discover the dramatic true story of an outlaw's final journey, told through firsthand accounts and historical detail.  Order the book at ht...

In this episode, Jerred Metz highlights two honorable Park County citizens, Virginia Turner and Bill Garlow. Together, their stories reveal the enduring spirit of courage and compassion that defines Wyoming’s history. Virginia Turner showed extraordinary courage during Earl Durand’s escape and hostage standoff, staying calm, aiding the wounded, and supporting the Durand family through chaos and lo...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Cathy Blake and explores the making of a graphic novel about Earl Durand, blending history and art. The discussion includes how visual storytelling brings new life and emotion to Durand’s story, highlighting the creative process and unique artistic choices that make the graphic novel stand out. "The great thing about graphic novels is they enhance the s...

In this episode, Jerred Metz interviews Elizabeth Suddeth, Associate Dean for Special Collections at the University of South Carolina. They discuss the library’s rare comic book acquisitions, the legacy of comic artist Vic Carrabotta , and the creation of a graphic novel about Earl Durand. The episode highlights the importance of preserving comic history and the unique stories behind the collectio...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Michael Weisenberg about curating an exhibit on comic artist Vic Carrabotta at the University of South Carolina. Discover Vic’s journey from Marvel comics to graphic novels, and learn why preserving comic book history matters. "I'd like to think that rare comic books are among the rare books of the future, and if we don't preserve them now, wh...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Lynnie Fass about her journey into folk music and activism, inspired by her husband, late-night radio host Bob Fass. Through stories about the song "The Ballad of Earl Durand," Lynnie discusses how music and radio shaped their views on protest, community, and standing up to injustice. The episode also highlights Bob Fass’s legacy as a pioneering br...

In this episode, Jerred Metz interviews Rick Stonehouse, son of Mel Stonehouse, about the legendary figure Earl Durand and the culture of storytelling in Wyoming. Rick shares memories of his father’s colorful tales, the realities behind the myths of the American West, and the ethical code of hunters and outfitters. The conversation explores how local history, personal experience, and community val...

In this episode, Jerred Metz discusses the true story behind Earl Durand and the mysterious journey of a deputy sheriff’s badge. Through a series of uncanny coincidences, the badge weaves its way through lawmen, outlaws, and pivotal moments in a dramatic manhunt. Join us as we explore how fact can be stranger than fiction, and how a simple symbol of authority became central to a tale of pursuit, i...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Dr. Rob Thomas, a geology professor at the University of Montana. They discuss the massive Deep Lake landslide in Wyoming. Dr. Thomas explains its geological significance, comparing its scale to other major North American slides, and describes how the landscape was shaped by glacial activity and catastrophic rock movement. Dr. Thomas also shares insights int...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Artist Brian Timmer about the creation of his mural depicting Earl Durand. The conversation covers Brian’s artistic journey, the inspiration and challenges behind the mural, and the impact of Durand’s story on the community. The episode also touches on the collaborative process behind a graphic novel about Durand and the importance of art in preserving local...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Dave Reetz about the dramatic last eleven days of Earl Durand, and how local and national media (newspapers, radio, newsreels, and even Hollywood) shaped public perception of Durand’s story, often sensationalizing events for headlines. They reflect on the impact of these events on the local community, the role of technology like telephones and radio in sprea...

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with Milward Simpson about his grandfather, Milward Simpson and his family’s role in the dramatic events surrounding Earl Durand’s last days in Wyoming.  Through stories and reflections, the conversation highlights the Simpson family’s leadership, community values, and lasting impact on Wyoming’s history and culture. "It was part of the mysterious, magical l...

In this episode, Jerred Metz discusses the personality of Earl Durand. He was a mountain man. Earl was a sharpshooter. And he was a prankster. His legendary sense of humor comes as a surprise. In this episode, we hear firsthand stories from friends and locals about Durand’s memorable pranks, his uncanny marksmanship, and the lighter side of the man who spent his last days as an outlaw. Order the b...

In this episode, Author and Podcast Host Jerred Metz introduces the podcast and explores the incredible true story of Earl Durand, a well-respected member of his Wyoming community whose life took a dramatic and tragic turn in 1939. Through firsthand accounts, historical research, and rare recordings, Jerred unravels the events that led to Durand’s infamous last 11 days, including jailbreaks, a man...

In this episode, Jerred Metz interviews Dean Johnson about his life in Wyoming’s rugged wilderness and that connection to Earl Durand. Dean shares stories of Durand’s outlaw reputation, his acts of generosity, and the dramatic events at Deep Lake. The episode offers a glimpse into the challenges and traditions of the American West. "Earl Durand was a legend. I think the reason it's impor...