Episode 6 of Season 6 brought me to tears. There is so much I don’t know. So much that other cultures can bring to us. I loved the little girl calling “Welcome Home!” To the buffalo. We all need to hear this, it helps us understand.

Wyoming Public Media - and Melodie Edwards in particular - always offers insightful, challenging ways to explore Wyoming’s western corner of the world. This series adds new depth and current texture to a complicated and, candidly, not honorable history. Simply amazing. A must listen podcast.

I’m enjoying listening to this podcast. Very sad story of how we “ white men” do horrible things to people not like us. Thought provoking for sure.

Instead of taking on tough subjects and focusing on how to make things better. All they look at is negatives. Leaves you feeling down and not hopeful. Even the into music is depressing. They have an opportunity to create hope. All they do is leave you depressed.

Unfortunately the first episode I listened to obsessed about homosexuals and women that write a about them. Then I went to the first eoidsodes and see “drag queen” in the title. So if you’re a left wing woman you might like it. Otherwise..

This podcast takes a thoughtful and honest look at the actual cultures of the west, which doesn’t always match the stereotypes. Well done!

I have listened to several of these episodes and have learned a tremendous amount about North Park Colorado and Wyoming. Thank you!

I really like the stories. I just can’t take the propaganda thrown in. Why can’t anyone just tell a story without adding their political views. It is Public radio so I guess you have to do what you have to do to get ahead.

I enjoy most of these episodes. But where are the immediate and decisive anti-Biden episodes such as those from reactions to the 2016 election? Or are only conservatives and trump always contemptible? Stick to facts and interesting stories of the west, not your left-only views.

I am so glad that I randomly stumbled upon this podcast. So far a slow paced, thoughtful reflection on modernization, social responsibility, and revisionist American west through the lens of a local. Thank you!

As it says perspectives on the West as it is. Also try Colorado Matters

Stumbled into this while looking for podcasts about the American West. It's a very interesting show with a thoughtful examination of what it means to live outside the cities. The subject matter covers a lot of ground, and gins up curiosity around subjects you've never considered. I like that there's no agenda-chasing here; the host comes across as honest and personable. This is one I enjoy listening too while walking my dog through the open spaces near my home.

Found podcast after listening to Boomtown. Death and potential rebirth of small towns often with oil and gas histories is interesting. The acquisition of properties by ultra wealthy does raise numerous issues worthy of review. No easy answers but thought provoking. Some of the interview audio is difficult to hear clearly. Several unnecessary comments about “white men” thrown in to push “wokeness” and appeal to the social justice thought police. Would be 5 star rating except for digs of division that actually cause more harm than solution. Don’t try to turn every topic into a social justice platform

Melody, your stories, research and presentations are totally compelling and engaging to this Ocean State guy.... The values of diversity and innovation are hallmarks of the area we live in here and feel very similar and attractive to me in your field of podcasts. Bravo to the music, interviews and commentaries too! Keep on keepin’on!! Sundance

The storytelling style is deep and stunning, and the whole podcast is so immersive. An excellent and educational listen!

This Ghost Town(ing) season dives deep into the causes of rural despair, and I loved hearing all of these stories. Like the one about Melodie’s family friend Gabby, a veteran who had a mental breakdown that threatened the safety of the community. Hearing about food insecurity in small towns, learning stories that are hidden from the history books i.e. how some towns were wiped out intentionally to expel the minority groups who built them. Ultimately, we discover how valuable small towns are as templates of democracy: how it works, how it fails, and how it can be rebuilt.

Love this podcast so far!! Such an interesting look in to a world I am not really familiar with

Love

Love this podcast. So glad I found it. Great stories, they make me want to move back west.

Living on the East coast now and love hearing about the west. Love the voice of the amazing people and stories. And the reporter is so smart and intuitive. Great show for any one missing the rural life.

This podcast is an adventure with something important to say about ensuring a great future for our great country!

In 1974. Loved listening to this. Wow. So good.

This is a well produced show, that hits on the issues that surround the western states and those of us that live here.

This is a fabulous podcast, the story telling gives perspecitve, and will widen one's understanding of the American West, and the people who populate it.

Thank you for how well you co-narrate stories of lived experiences and broad patterns, including what we know about the intersection of race, class, and geography in regional towns and states the western U.S.

I originally stumbled on this to get a sense of small town living as I consider where do I want to retire in a few years. Originally from Denver, and now in Phx., big city living no longer appeals to me. But holy cow- neither do these rural dust up small towns in Colorado or Wyoming. The basic lack of services and just the “leave me alone” mentality is a death sentence. The story about Gabby and rural town addiction, guns, lack of mental health care is utter despair and sadness. But please know city life can be isolating as well with all of those same trappings.

I so appreciate the research and dedication that goes into this podcast. I learn so much about today’s American West.

WPR tends to focus on Laramie and Yellowstone with a bit on Coal Country. I am really enjoying this series (season 2) as it’s telling a deeper story that speaks to so many rural towns throughout the west. So far it has been in-depth and thought provoking. It is a very interesting topic. Glad you are doing it!

When I see a new episode has been released I get really excited as I know I am going to have a great day driving to work and listening to this program. Very in-depth, and personal too. This is true journalism at its best!!!

Thoughtful, well-produced stories of the small-town West. The Modern West is a true gem that you will be happy you subscribed to.

A curious and much-needed voice that illuminates the often hidden stories of change in the American West. Listen now!

I've really enjoyed diving into this podcast to hear stories about people, places, and experiences in the West that I'd normally not know about, or maybe even consider. It's really broadened my understanding of culture, perspective and identity here.

Finally, I podcast willing to tackle tough subjects about the American West. It's story telling at its best and challenges the romantic idea of the old west. Ranchers, farmers, coal and energy and cowboys are considered Western- but this podcast brings new perspectives too, ones that may not have been considered before. Storytelling and issues that also effect Native Americans, LGBTQ westerners, Black westerners, Asian westerners...Modern West could not be a more perfect name. Thank you WPR! Keep it up!

I used to enjoy the stories until this became a medium for the tribal reservation and LGBTG+/-#>~ whatever other flavor identity of the month. Why is Wyoming pushing this type of rhetoric and encouraging these types of stories to report on?

Thank you for this refreshingly modern look at the American West and your focus on rural and public land issues!

Can’t express enough love for this one! An excellent podcast with a western, yet modern feel. So excited to see what stories, interviews and tales come next! Great work from the Wyoming NPR team!

I am so proud that you gave the female student who was mocked in her classroom a voice on public radio. That’s justice!