The Modern West
Wyoming Public MediaExploring 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
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 217 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
A visit to a family living in a straw bale house on the Mesa outside Taos, New Mexico. They say they’re feeling less stressed about the chaos of the world because living off grid has given them survival skills. And they delve into the lurid history o... more
The story of one family who lived off grid in a yurt for years in the no man’s land of the Mesa outside Taos, New Mexico. Now that her kids are all grown, Janelle has come full circle. She bought some land and a new yurt and re-adopted this life in h... more
Celeste and Gary Havener seem to have a perfect homesteading story: the horses, the garden, the honeybees, an amazing mountain view from every window. But theirs is actually a cautionary tale of enduring cancer, COVID and multiple forest fires. At 70... more
We talk with Pulitzer finalist Ted Conover about his book Cheap Land, Colorado: Off Gridders On America’s Edge. Ted bought land in an area outside of Alamosa where he and his neighbors lived off grid with few social safety nets. His take away? It’s a... more
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Reviews
- More Cheap Dirt!
I've been listening to The Modern West for a while, but the Cheap Dirt season is may favorite (I am biased). Melody found people across the West quietly building lives outside the conventional system — not as a political statement, but because they had to or wanted to. My family was part of the series (we live off-grid in a strawbale house outside Taos and write about it at Our Uncertain Future), and I was struck by how well she captured something that's hard to explain to people who haven't li... more
Apple Podcasts5horntooter
United States5 days ago - I love it!
My wife and I love the west, in particular Wyoming, I leave in California for 14 years and are currently in Florida, but our goal is to move to Wyoming. This podcast left me with mixed feelings, I listened to all chapters and currently waiting for season 11 to begin. I have to say that listening to it left me feeling guilty at times, sad, happy, worried and hopeful. My wife and I are immigrants and have our share of hard times adapting to a different society and nowadays it is even more difficul... more
Apple Podcasts5Quique-CharruaUnited States5 months ago - Learning
This podcast has been wonderful & I have learned a lot about the settling of the West!
Apple Podcasts4Broadway 80United 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 Podcasts3nickname buntsUnited States2 years 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 Podcasts5B LyttleUnited States3 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #247 |  New Zealand/Society & Culture/Documentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Modern West
What is The Modern West about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This series provides an insightful exploration of the evolving identity and complexities of the American West. It combines rich storytelling with personal narratives, often focusing on the experiences of individuals and communities navigating contemporary challenges tied to housing, cultural identity, and resilience. The episodes tackle pressing issues such as off-grid living, affordable housing crises, and the struggles of local journalism, portraying the harsh realities and aspirational stories of life in rural America. The format leans heavily on personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and community voices, making it a thought-provoking reflection on the region's past, present, and future.
Uniquely, this series not only addresses the rom... more
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How many listeners does The Modern West get?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Modern West?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Modern West:
1. 99% Invisible
2. Radiolab
3. Outside/In
4. Radio Diaries
5. What's Your Problem?
How many episodes of The Modern West are there?
The Modern West launched 11 years ago and published 217 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. Janelle Cassidy
2. Ted Conover
3. Kevin Cox
4. Casey Bruder
5. Cali O'Hare
6. Melissa Cassutt
7. Rod Miller
8. Annie Eisenberg
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.