Behind Gray Walls

Behind Gray Walls
  • 4.8 (58)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today. To support this podcast, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/

  1. EP 106 - Gilbert And Shupe

    FEB 3

    EP 106 - Gilbert And Shupe

    In this episode, Samuel takes us into the courtroom where Andrew Gilbert #811 (Murder in the 2nd Degree), is tried and found guilty of stabbing another man to death. Then, Skye leads us to Montpelier, where we explore the story of the daughter of prominent pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints whose reputation is challenged when a man makes promises he refuses to keep #1146 Caddie Shupe (Voluntary Manslaughter).

    1h 39m
  2. EP 105 - Miles And Norris

    JAN 13

    EP 105 - Miles And Norris

    In this episode, Anthony shares the story of lover’s lane prowler and escape artist Ed Miles #5128 (Robbery), whose repeated run-ins with the law are matched only by his talent for slipping away, and Skye tells the story of Leola Norris #4486 (Adultery), a young mother whose husband’s imprisonment leads her to take in a boarder, a decision that changes both of their lives forever. Oral Histories: Depression Era Gangsters, The Motion Picture Division of the U.S. National Archives. Idaho State Penitentiary Guard Frank Rigby, 7/13/1992, Idaho State Archives. Herbert Hoover, Address to the Puerto Rican Legislature, March 24, 1931.

    1h 47m
  3. EP 104 - Holiday Special Barney And Bruner

    12/16/2025

    EP 104 - Holiday Special Barney And Bruner

    In this first-ever holiday special, Skye enchants us with the Yuletide Yeggs exploits and heists of 1947, during which Margaret #7327 (Robbery) and James Barney #7322 were arrested for a string of burglaries, including stealing presents from underneath Christmas trees. Afterward, Samuel takes us on a journey through several holidays: Thanksgiving with Butch Cassidy; Christmas Eve with Bob Meeks #574; and finally, Samuel Bruner’s #723 (Grand Larceny) New Year’s Eve escape on the legendary horse Selam.

    1h 31m
  4. Stool Pigeon Saturday - The Old Selam Endurance Ride

    12/13/2025

    Stool Pigeon Saturday - The Old Selam Endurance Ride

    For this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel hits the trail and heads to the Selam Endurance Ride at Centerville, a 100-mile horse race held annually in tribute to the Idaho Penitentiary’s most famous horse. On August 30th, 2025, Samuel interviewed riders, veterinarians, and organizers of the event to get an in-depth look at the challenges and accomplishments behind one of the most demanding forms of horse riding—and how it all connects back to Selam, the horse used in not one but two escapes from the penitentiary. Saddle up and join us for this truly one-of-a-kind episode.

    46 min
  5. Stool Pigeon Saturday - Kathy Deinhardt Hill On Hanged: A History of Idaho's Executions

    12/06/2025

    Stool Pigeon Saturday - Kathy Deinhardt Hill On Hanged: A History of Idaho's Executions

    In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel and Anthony sit down with Kathy Deinhardt Hill, author of THE authoritative book on Idaho’s early capital punishment, Hanged: A History of Idaho’s Executions. Kathy discusses how she researched and wrote the definitive account of Idaho’s 26 legal hangings and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.

    45 min
  6. EP 103 - Jurko And Pappas And Hatfield And Chrisman

    12/02/2025

    EP 103 - Jurko And Pappas And Hatfield And Chrisman

    In this episode, Anthony shares the story of John Jurko #3416 (Murder in the 1st Degree), whose mysterious business partner spreads a rumor that leads to murder, and Skye takes us on a road trip with three women who may or may not have been part of a car-theft gang, Matilda Hatfield #2539, Ellen Pappas #2540, and Martha Chrisman #2541 (Grand Larceny).

    1h 28m
  7. Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jessica Lira on the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary

    11/15/2025

    Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jessica Lira on the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary

    On this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel interviews Jessica Lira, Superintendent of the Ames Monument and the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary. Jessica recounts some of the most fascinating stories from the prison’s history — including Fannie Marsh, who became warden at just nineteen years old; Butch Cassidy, who served his only prison sentence within these very walls; and the heartwarming story of Chaplain Dr. May Preston Slosson, whom the prisoners lovingly called “Little Mother.”

    1 hr
  8. Stool Pigeon Saturday - Nik Tizekker on Butch Cassidy's Forgotten Outlaw

    11/08/2025

    Stool Pigeon Saturday - Nik Tizekker on Butch Cassidy's Forgotten Outlaw

    In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chat with writer, director, and documentarian Nik Tizekker, creator of the film Butch Cassidy’s Forgotten Outlaw. The documentary explores the life of Nik’s ancestor, Henry “Bub” Meeks (#574), a lesser-known member of the Wild Bunch but well-known resident of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Nik discusses how he uncovered Meeks’ story and the process of interviewing family members and historians to bring it to life. To learn more or support the future feature film, visit tizasterproductions.com Watch the documentary here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2JLTj7rHw Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DQ9143ZR/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw-DVD-X4-Pictures-Documentary/15664668415?classType=REGULAR&from=%2Fsearch&sid=bf35163d-7ec2-4392-be80-669ff312355a Fandango: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Butch-Cassidy-s-Forgotten-Outlaw/3948794 Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100041556/butch-cassidy-s-forgotten-outlaw?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHskdBZvhsbohMdQ0mpPG6qm7nMScyWG_c_CVETvWBUq9Ohn9TWrsL-GvvvBE_aem_VsOjR72NBUaA-Rh3ARHMtg

    56 min
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4.8
out of 5
58 Ratings

About

“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today. To support this podcast, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/

Information

  • Creator
    Behind Gray Walls
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Behind Gray Walls

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