Wild N' Woolly Ozarks

Cline Champion Herren
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Documentary

Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks is a podcast about the history, folklore, people, and places that make the Ozarks unlike anywhere else. Join Champ Herren as he follows old stories, explores local literature and history, and visits the wild, woolly corners of the region—beginning along the banks of Dry Creek, Missouri. Follow along as the journey unfolds. Follow Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks: TikTok: @wildnwoollyozarksInstagram: @wildnwoollyozarksFacebookListen to past episodes at wildnwoollyozarks.com. Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcast@wildnwoollyozarks.com. We’re always looking for good stories from the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks.

  1. 2d ago

    Of Ghosties and Ghoulies and Long Legged Beasties - Todd Wilkinson - Ep 32

    A lantern in the dark, a bargain with the devil, and something howling beyond the trees—Halloween has deep storytelling roots in the Ozarks. Join Champ as he welcomes returning guest Todd Wilkinson for a lively ramble through Scottish and Irish traditions, church observances, and the tales that traveled with settlers. From their Ozark-flavored telling of Stingy Jack to Robert Burns’s “Halloween” and “Tam o’ Shanter,” they explore courting customs, mischief nights, spectral black dogs, and headless ghosts. Along the way, Vance Randolph, Washington Irving, and The Devil and Daniel Webster help connect familiar Halloween stories with the region’s folklore, before a memory of Mitch Jayne brings the conversation home. References mentioned in this episode Vance Randolph’s Ozark Magic and Folklore — a recurring source for Ozark beliefs and ghost stories.Robert Burns — the poet behind “Halloween” and other works discussed.“Tam o’ Shanter” — Burns’s tale of a haunted kirk and a desperate ride.Cutty Sark and Nannie — the ship’s connection to Burns’s witch.Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — a literary companion to the episode’s headless-ghost stories.Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site — the Ash Grove-area historic site recommended in the conversation.The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941) — the film adaptation of Stephen Vincent Benét’s story, featuring Walter Huston and Edward Arnold.Dan Flores — author of Coyote America, Wild New World, and American Serengeti, discussed during the Ozark Howler conversation.Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres Farm — follow the farm for current activities. Champ mentions soup on Saturdays, Farm Fun Saturdays, and a possible Halloween appearance; confirm dates before promoting an event.Penny Pincher Discount Grocery — 537 East Jackson, Marshfield, Missouri. Follow the store on Facebook for daily deals and offers.Seymour Community Library — thanked as “Seymour Public Library” for providing recording space and Wi-Fi, with special thanks to Judy.Got an idea for a future show? Drop us a line at podcast@wildnwoollyozarks.com. We’re always looking for good stories from the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks. And be sure to give Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks a like and a follow.

    Of Ghosties and Ghoulies and Long Legged Beasties - Todd Wilkinson - Ep 32

  2. Oct 25

    The Cost of Running Your Mouth - Beating The Rope, Vol. 3

    What happens when a family feud meets wartime secrets—and nobody can keep quiet? Join Champ as he follows the 1873 murder of George W. Davis near Billings and the case against Davis’s brother-in-law, Colonel Roswell K. Hart. Drawing on scattered newspaper accounts and research shared by Wayne Glenn, Champ traces allegations of hired killers, the curious trail of a black gin bottle, a fugitive’s return from Texas, and the eighteen-day trial that packed Marshfield. Hart’s acquittal on the murder charge, later proceedings on separate charges, and Champ’s own doubts about the outcome reveal how much distance can lie between a courtroom verdict and a community’s suspicions. References mentioned in this episode Webster County Historical Society – the courthouse-history question that started Champ’s research.Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield – the Civil War battle discussed in Hart’s military background.The Neosho Times, September 23, 1875 – contemporary allegations about the feud’s possible wartime origins; allegations are not established findings.St. Louis Republic, April 15, 1876 – the trial account and Joe Wisby interview identified by Champ. Newspaper name and date follow the transcript; links for both dated sources come from the existing vault research packet and await image rechecking.Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres Farm – follow on Facebook for farm offerings, seasonal activities, and event details.Penny Pinchers Discount Grocery – 537 East Jackson Street, Marshfield, Missouri; follow on Facebook for deals and offers.Got an idea for a future show? Drop us a line at podcast@wildnwoollyozarks.com. We’re always looking for good stories from the Wild N' Woolly Ozarks. And be sure to give Wild N' Woolly Ozarks a like and a follow.

    The Cost of Running Your Mouth - Beating The Rope, Vol. 3

  3. Oct 2

    How Droughts Forever Change the Ozarks - Ep 30

    What does a drought leave behind after the rain finally returns? Join Champ as he traces how dry years have reshaped the Ozarks, from struggling apple orchards and tomato canneries to the farms his family has worked for generations. Drawing on Robert Flanders’s historical writing, newspaper accounts, and Vance Randolph’s collection of weather lore, Champ explores the hardship, humor, and ingenuity of people waiting for rain. Along the way come animal weather signs, a paid rainmaker, memories of the droughts of the 1950s and 1980, and his own plans for native grasses, a more diversified farm, and another hopeful year. References mentioned in this episode Robert Flanders, “When The Big Change Came In Here” OzarksWatch, Vol. VII, No. 3, Spring 1994; the historical essay Champ reads and paraphrases. https://sgcld.thelibrary.org/lochist/periodicals/ozarkswatch/ow703b.htm Vance Randolph The Ozarks folklorist whose collected weather beliefs anchor the episode’s folklore discussion. https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/vance-randolph/ Ozark Magic and Folklore Randolph’s book, formerly titled Ozark Superstitions; Champ discusses its “Weather Signs” chapter. https://iucat.iu.edu/iusb/1947258 Historical newspaper references discussed, located by Champ through Newspapers.com: Springfield Press, October 26, 1929 — “Ozarks Aided by Canneries.” Daily American Republic, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, May 1931 — “Fifty thousand acre tomato crop to be planted in the Ozarks this year,” with the subheading “Five million cases packed last year.” Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres Farm Formerly Tasty Acres, Strawberries and More. Follow them for local food, farm activities, and upcoming events. https://www.facebook.com/AAtastyacres/ Penny Pinchers Shop locally and visit the store at 537 East Jackson in Marshfield, Missouri, for daily deals. Got an idea for a future show? Drop us a line at podcast@wildnwoollyozarks.com. We’re always looking for good stories from the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks. And be sure to give Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks a like and a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552942747153

    How Droughts Forever Change the Ozarks - Ep 30

  4. Trailer

    Ozarks Drought Episode - Coming Soon

    Champ is in the tomato patch at the old Rabinaugh Stone House stock farm, gathering the last tomatoes before a hoped-for rain. After a hard stretch of drought, he offers a preview of an upcoming Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks episode on the droughts of the 1930s and 1950s, the dry summer of 1980, today’s conditions—and the folklore and a little magic that come with them. Pick your tomatoes before it rains, then follow Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

  5. Jul 29

    Murder in the Courthouse - Beating the Rope, Vol. 2 - Ep 29

    On the eve of the 1898 election, the old Webster County Courthouse was crowded with officials collecting ballots and preparing for the next day’s vote. Beneath its dome, a simmering feud between two Caddo neighbors erupted in gunfire. David H. Shelby was a respected farmer, family man, and community leader. Richard D. Kazee was a once-successful stockman worn down by bereavement, financial troubles, political conflict, and rumors of theft from a church collection plate. When Kazee confronted Shelby in the courthouse hall, dozens witnessed what followed. Champ traces the grievances that led to Shelby’s murder, Kazee’s swift conviction, and the extraordinary circumstances that allowed a condemned man to beat the rope. It’s a story of politics, personal ruin, frontier-era justice, and just how loosely the jailhouse doors could swing in nineteenth-century Missouri. Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres FarmPenny Pinchers Grocery And don't forget to give us a like and a follow on the Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook Page. Listen to past episodes at WildNWoollyOzarks.com

  6. Jul 17

    Germans In Missouri - Todd Wilkinson - Ep 28

    Join Champ as he welcomes historian and longtime friend Todd Wilkinson back to the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks for a wide-ranging discussion of German immigration to Missouri. They explore the religious, political, and economic forces that brought German settlers west, their role in the Civil War, the backlash they faced during World War I, and the lasting influence of German culture on Missouri’s towns, churches, farms, festivals, food, beer, wine, education, and holiday traditions. Be sure to visit our sponsors: Tasty Acres Strawberries and MorePenny Pinchers Discount Grocery And be sure to give the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks a like and a follow.

    Germans In Missouri - Todd Wilkinson - Ep 28

  7. Jul 10

    Crazy Jim Crisp - Beating the Rope, Vol. 1 - Ep 27

    In the first installment of “Beating the Rope,” Champ tells the wild true story of James “Crazy Jim” Crisp, an accused murderer whose 1891 crime set off years of escapes, delays, appeals, insanity claims, and political wrangling across southwest Missouri. It is a sprawling Ozarks tale of murder, justice, and one man’s remarkable effort to avoid the gallows. Be sure to check out today's sponsors Penny Pinchers and Tasty Acres Strawberries and More. Also, don't forget to give us a like and a follow, and tell your friends about The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:22 The Tale of Jim Crisp05:27 The Murder of John Pruitt09:35 The Pursuit and Capture of Crisp17:59 Crisp's Escapes and Recaptures31:52 Crisp's Change of Venue32:16 The Trial Begins36:06 The Insanity Plea37:55 Verdict and Sentencing38:55 Appeal and Commutation49:22 Sheriff's Trial58:24 Remand to Lunatic Asylum01:00:14 Aftermath and Legacy

  8. Jul 3

    Don't Wear That Watch! Wild Bill Hickok & Davis Tutt - Michael Price & Brandon Broughton - Ep 26

    Join us today as we discuss the Wild Bill Hickok & Davis Tutt shootout and what really happened on the square in Springfield, MO on that day in 1865 that launched a thousand legends in the history of the American Old West. Champ is on location at the Springfield Library Center with Michael Price and Brandon Broughton, both with the Library Center. Together they separate fact from fiction, focusing on documents and actual accounts from the time. They reconstruct the crime scene, and explore the characters of Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok, as well as Springfield's wartime experience and the political upheaval in the city. The conversation also covers the trial and legal proceedings, and the life of a facinating character in Springfield history, Davis' half brother, Lewis Tutt. Check out our sponsors: Tasty Acres Strawberries and MorePenny Pinchers Discount Grocery Also, be sure to check out The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook page, and give a like and a follow and share it with your friends and family. We sure do appreciate it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wild Woolly Ozarks06:12 The Legend of Wild Bill Hickok12:08 The Characters: Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok30:24 Springfield's Wartime Experience37:11 The Political Upheaval in Springfield51:51 The Trial and Legal Proceedings01:27:24 The Legacy of the Hickok Tut Shooting

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Trailer

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks is a podcast about the history, folklore, people, and places that make the Ozarks unlike anywhere else. Join Champ Herren as he follows old stories, explores local literature and history, and visits the wild, woolly corners of the region—beginning along the banks of Dry Creek, Missouri. Follow along as the journey unfolds. Follow Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks: TikTok: @wildnwoollyozarksInstagram: @wildnwoollyozarksFacebookListen to past episodes at wildnwoollyozarks.com. Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcast@wildnwoollyozarks.com. We’re always looking for good stories from the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks.

Information

  • Creator
    Cline Champion Herren
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cline Champion Herren
  • Show Website
    Wild N' Woolly Ozarks

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