This Week in the West

Broadcasting straight from The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, This Week in the West is hosted by Seth Spillman and delivers bite-sized western history in episodes that run just 4-7 minutes each. That short format is intentional and surprisingly effective -- each episode profiles a single person or event that shaped the American West, from Bass Reeves to Belle Starr to landscape painter Albert Bierstadt. The museum backing gives the show institutional credibility that most indie history podcasts can't match. They have access to collections, archives, and curatorial expertise that enriches even the shortest episodes. Launched in November 2024, the show has already stacked up 70 episodes and earned a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews. Listeners love the concise format but some have asked for longer episodes and more coverage of women in western history -- both fair points that could strengthen future seasons. The weekly release schedule makes it easy to stay current without a big time commitment. Think of it as a museum docent in your pocket, giving you a quick guided tour through a different chapter of the West each week. Perfect for commuters or anyone who wants their history in focused, well-produced segments.