Hellbent for Letterbox

There are surprisingly few podcasts about westerns. This is a pretty good one. It sounds like two friends discuss discussing a movie or television episode that they have just watched westerns. Since the Western, is my favorite genre of film, and one of my top two or three favorites in literature, it’s quite enjoyable for me to listen to people discussing and/or debriefing a western they’ve watched. These guys clearly love the genre, and by this time Have watched quite a number of hours of westerns. Sometimes it’s surprising to me what they haven’t seen. Especially when it comes to movies which are considered classics of the genre. On the other hand, listening to them, discovering these for the first time. Sometimes, I do find the need on any podcast discussions of especially old movies, to add in modern politically commentary. These guys do that, but fortunately not too much. It becomes more like what I call “and now a word from our sponsor: THE MESSAGE!”, rather than what the entire discussion is about. And it doesn’t happen that frequently. It would be very difficult to talk about Westerns , and do that, since in general, they are not very politically correct, especially the classics. I also like how they frame the episode as if they are Cowboys on a trail, with a fictional cook and everything. I also enjoy their format of starting with what they call “ Pony Express“. This is simply them reading any messages that people have sent into them about the show from social media or email. Also enjoy their starting out with sharing what each other has been “Westerning” lately, meaning any Western related novels, short stories, comic books, other movies or tv shows, games etc they have been into since the last episode. It’s not my favorite Westerns podcast, but it’s one I try to listen to many (not every) episodes. Recommended. I’d probably give it a three and half stars. And rounded up for the rating.

Michael and Pax have an obvious and diverse love of the Western genre.

Listened to parts of three episodes and was stunned by the numbers of mistakes and lack of preparation. They don’t even seem to review basic credit information re the films they are reviewing. If you think ‘Young Guns’ is a classic western this is for you.

They are both pleasant and do a good job. I’ve been trying to get a handle on this podcast though. Their lack of familiarity with the genre and some of the legendary movies, actors and directors is kind of weird sometimes (eg - listen to the once upon a time in the west episode). Not sure if it’s supposed to be two guys learning the genre together or two guys who view themselves as aficionados. I think it’s the former more than the latter. Regardless though, they’re not offensive and are occasionally insightful. Worth a listen.