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Artwork for The Modern West

The Modern West

Wyoming Public Media
Marshall Fire
Climate Change
Louisville
Housing Crisis
Women In Mountaineering
Grand Teton National Park
Wildfire Prevention
Eleanor Davis
Insurance
Marshal Fire
Home Rebuilding
Sustainability
Climbing
Wyoming
Wyoming Public Media
Green Building Codes
Green Building
Environment
Inclusivity In Sports
Community Resilience

Exploring the evolving identity of the American West. Produced by Wyoming Public Media and PRX, The Modern West takes you on a sound-rich journey into some of America's most iconic landscapes. Guided by host Melodie Edwards' personal connection to the region, it's an unflinching look at the American West--its problematic history, its modern-day struggles and resilience, and how its present and fut... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes204Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Modern West

Latest Episodes

In early August, a media company that owned dozens of newspapers across the region suddenly collapsed. It forced eight Wyoming papers to shut down their presses. The outcry statewide was immediate. But a week later the owners of the Buffalo Bulletin ... more

Reviving Rural America -- A Modern West Bonus

Five years ago, a Northern Arapaho judge was sent to prison. Now, she helps keep Wind River residents from going back into custody through a unique justice program. Her clients say, "She can relate to everything: the prison system, the probation syst... more

This time, an episode from another podcast we care a lot about. It’s called Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore, produced by Charles Fournier, the former sound designer of the Modern West. (To illustrate just what a back scratching industry podcasting is, ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

This American Life
This American LifeThis American Life
Open Spaces
Open SpacesWyoming Public Media
On the Media
On the MediaWNYC Studios

Recent Guests

Annie Eisenberg
Author and law professor at West Virginia University
West Virginia University
Episode: Reviving Rural America -- A Modern West Bonus
Terry Smith
Administrator of the Northern Arapaho Reentry Agency
Northern Arapaho Tribe
Episode: I Am What I Choose To Become
Tremaine Thunder
Client of the Northern Arapaho Reentry Agency
Northern Arapaho Tribe
Episode: I Am What I Choose To Become
BJ Hill
Outfitter and hunter in Jackson Hole for over 40 years
Swift Creek Outfitters and Teton Horseback Adventures
Episode: Wasting Away
Bruce Smith
Wildlife biologist with over two decades of experience at the National Elk Refuge
Episode: Wasting Away
Kelsey Yarzab
Works for the Sierra Club advocating for wildlife and environmental health
Sierra Club
Episode: Wasting Away
Hannah Merzbach
Reporter exploring housing solutions in Jackson, Wyoming
Wyoming Public Media
Episode: The Pretty Good House
Margie Lynch
Homeowner investing in a modular factory built home
Episode: The Pretty Good House
Danielle Johnson
Moving into a modular employee housing provided by Wyoming Game and Fish
Wyoming Game and Fish
Episode: The Pretty Good House

Host

Melodie Edwards
Host discussing cultural, historical, and social issues related to the American West, often weaving personal narratives into broader societal themes.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 329 ratings
  • Learning

    This podcast has been wonderful & I have learned a lot about the settling of the West!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Broadway 80
    United Statesa year ago
  • Speak up

    I really want to love this podcast, but the editing is horrible in my opinion. I can’t hear anything but the host. All other audio is poor quality and just too quiet. Also long gaps between segments, I keep thinking what did they say?? Oh wait, is it over??

    You guys asked for feedback, here’s it is…get better audio, perhaps a new mic in the field and cut out the dead air.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    nickname bunts
    United Statesa year ago
  • What We All Need to Hear

    Episode 6 of Season 6 brought me to tears. There is so much I don’t know. So much that other cultures can bring to us. I loved the little girl calling “Welcome Home!” To the buffalo. We all need to hear this, it helps us understand.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    B Lyttle
    United States2 years ago
  • Heart opening

    Wyoming Public Media - and Melodie Edwards in particular - always offers insightful, challenging ways to explore Wyoming’s western corner of the world. This series adds new depth and current texture to a complicated and, candidly, not honorable history. Simply amazing. A must listen podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RichardG
    United States2 years ago
  • Important history lesson

    I’m enjoying listening to this podcast. Very sad story of how we “ white men” do horrible things to people not like us. Thought provoking for sure.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    oops read
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The content often evokes strong emotional responses, highlighting its ability to connect listeners with the realities of rural and indigenous experiences.
Listeners appreciate the insightful storytelling and the exploration of diverse perspectives on life in the American West.
There are critiques regarding audio quality and editing, indicating a desire for improved production values.
Some feedback suggests a frustration with perceived political bias, reflecting diverse opinions on how issues are addressed in the narrative.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Pluralistic Mindset (with author Samuel Western)
Q: What do you think those central values might be and are they still something that can bring us together?
Central values include public education, public lands, and an emphasis on agriculture that reflects the unique roots and identity of the West, but they are at risk of being eroded.
A Pluralistic Mindset (with author Samuel Western)
Q: Can you talk a little bit about how we have veered away from those original values?
The change started with the Permanent Wyoming Trust Fund leading to a reliance on federal policies and gradual shifts in societal values that focus on individualism over community.
A Pluralistic Mindset (with author Samuel Western)
Q: What was surprising about the constitutions written in 1889?
The surprising aspect was their pragmatic approach, where states prioritized the necessary foundations for statehood over ideology, leading to inclusive and inventive governance.
A Pluralistic Mindset (with author Samuel Western)
Q: Can you just start by telling me why 1889 was just such an extraordinary year for Western states?
1889 was significant for Western states as it marked a pivotal moment for states to give up territorial claims and apply for statehood, demonstrating newfound pragmatism in their constitutions.
The Wide Open: Five Billboards Outside Livingston, Montana
Q: What challenges are ranchers facing due to grizzly recovery?
Ranchers like Malou and Mark struggle with increased grizzly populations affecting their livestock and livelihoods, forcing them to adapt.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Modern West

What is The Modern West about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content focuses on the shifting identity and contemporary challenges of the American West, particularly highlighting issues related to rural revitalization, community resilience, environmental conservation, and social justice. Through personal stories and in-depth discussions, episodes explore themes such as the stark realities of housing shortages, the impact of wildfires, and the struggles of local journalism in a rapidly changing landscape. Noteworthy is the podcast's commitment to presenting diverse voices from various communities, addressing both historical injustices and current socio-economic dynamics that define the West. It aims to provoke thoughtful reflections on the region's past and future while fostering a deeper understan... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Modern West?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Modern West:

1. Outside/In
2. This American Life
3. Open Spaces
4. On the Media
5. Throughline

How many episodes of The Modern West are there?

The Modern West launched 10 years ago and published 204 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Modern West?

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What guests have appeared on The Modern West?

Recent guests on The Modern West include:

1. Annie Eisenberg
2. Terry Smith
3. Tremaine Thunder
4. BJ Hill
5. Bruce Smith
6. Kelsey Yarzab
7. Hannah Merzbach
8. Margie Lynch

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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