In this episode, we pair writers who were born to be storytellers—poet Mara Panich and singer/songwriter Margi Cates, accompanied by guitarist Nick Barr.

This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, a struggling writer has a breakthrough when she accidentally steals her neighbor’s laundry. A short play written by Bozeman playwright Greg Owens, directed by Missoula’s own Reid Reimers and read by Missoula actors Hamilton Clement and Az Sacry.

This episode contains adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. 

In this episode, singer/songwriter Spencer Kellum performs some ‘modern spirituals’ as Separate Circles, with piano accompaniment by Cole Grant.

In this episode, Joan Melcher finds her perfect saloon, and chats with the bartender who has the same name as his bar—Moose.

A selection from her non-fiction books Watering Hole: A User’s Guide to Montana Bars and Montana Watering Holes: The Big Sky’s Best Bars.

This episode contains some adult language, themes, and references to alcohol consumption, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised

In this episode, we get up close and personal with Bobby Lee Springfield, a singer/songwriter who gives us the skinny on the ups and downs of show biz.

This episode contains some adult language and themes, with references to alcohol, tobacco and drugs, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, a butte native reflects on the twenty years she spent in almost every state prison in California—teaching and performing theatre.

This episode contains some adult language and themes, and depictions of sexual misconduct in a prison setting, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In Jay Kettering’s audio play, we find that Phil and Stacey were never great communicators, so when they recount how they met, fell in love, and ultimately broke up, let’s just say, it gets a bit noisy.

This episode contains some adult language and themes, and sexual references, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Cacophony is performed by Missoula actors Nathan Adkins and Jasmine Sherman with musical accompaniment by Missoula musicians Paul Marshall Allen on violin and Craig Menteer on drums.

In this excerpt from Caroline Patterson’s novel The Stone Sister, the year is 1953 and a young couple is struggling with their decision to institutionalize their baby Lizzie, who has Down Syndrome.

Chris La Tray doesn’t need many words to tell a damn fine story.

In this episode featuring Métis storyteller Chris La Tray, we celebrate words, and the way even very few words, in the right hands, can capture the wonder in every single day.

(From One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays From the World At Large and Descended from a Travel-Worn Satchel: Haiku & Haibun, as well as other poems.)

In this bonus episode, Words Out West’s own Jay Kettering writes about a kid who’s willing to blow up his world for love.

Jay Kettering: The Church of Pancakes: part 3 of his audio trilogy Notes From the Huntley Project (radio play)
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In this bonus episode, Words Out West’s own Jay Kettering looks back to a time when everything was a mystery—especially time.

Jay Kettering: How I Learned To Tell Time: part 2 of his audio trilogy Notes From the Huntley Project (radio play)

In this episode, our season finale, Words Out West’s own Jay Kettering writes about a mysterious relationship.

This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.