Wild N' Woolly Ozarks

Wild N' Woolly Ozarks

The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks is a podcast that explore the history of the Ozarks and how we came to be through literature, stories of the past and other interesting topics. Follow along with Champ Herren as he navigates through his first-time podcast shot at the banks of Dry Creek Missouri. Follow Us as we start this journey! TikTok @wildnwoolyozarks Insta @wildnwoollyozarks Facebook Cline Champion Herren

Episodes

July 17, 2026 93 mins

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, fest...

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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 Pi...

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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 accoun...

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Mark Kumming returns to answer your questions about the evolution of Silver Dollar City, and the theme park attractions and behind-the-scenes operations of the park. Mark shares insights on the origins of Silver Dollar City, the legend of the Yoakum Silver Dollar, the historical significance of the park, and details about specific attractions such as the flooded mine and the Silver Dollar City train. Additionally, Mark discusses hi...

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Today's guest is Danette House, and our conversation is about old Ozark colloquialisms, uncovering the language, settlement history, immigration influence, survival of old language, and regional dialects of the people of the Ozarks. We discuss the unique linguistic characteristics of the region, Ozark cuisine, old sayings, folklore, and expressions, providing insights into the unique culture and language of the region. We also ex...

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June 5, 2026 60 mins

This episode, Champ explores the Clarks Creek Gang and its leader, Henry Turner including his indictment and conviction. The investigation takes a few rabbit trails through some of the dark history of 19th century Webster and Wright county.

Be sure to check out our sponsor this week Tasty Acres Strawberries and More.

Let us know how we're doing at The Wild N' Woolly Ozarks Facebook page.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Indictment and Conviction of ...
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May 30, 2026 68 mins

In this episode Champ dives into the wild and woolly life of Colonel Thomas K. Paul, a controversial figure in the history of Webster County, Missouri. From his involvement in the Civil War to his legal and business endeavors, Colonel Paul's life is a tapestry of mystery and notoriety. The story of Colonel Paul's controversial life and legal troubles in the 1890s is explored, revealing his involvement in politics, jury fixing, esta...

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May 22, 2026 46 mins

Join Champ on this episode as he shares some excerpts from the book The Bodacious Ozarks a collection of stories and experiences from the Ozarks, available from Arcadia Publishing. There are times when the only dependable back hills crop seems to be the storytelling. The Bodacious Ozarks captures the essence of the region's history, culture, and characters, offering a glimpse into the unique and enduring spirit of the Ozarks.
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Our guest today is Vincent Anderson. We explore Ozark folklore and historical accounts of bigfoot, wild men, encounters with the 'Blue Man of Missouri' and feral people in the Ozarks. We delve into the research and investigation of Sasquatch encounters. We explore the concept of interdimensional beings and supernatural encounters and interdimensional Sasquatch. It also touches on the spiritual and theological implications of these ...

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In this episode, we delve into the rich folklore and folk beliefs of the Ozarks, exploring topics such as madstones and folk medicine. Champ shares intriguing stories and historical accounts related to these fascinating subjects, shedding light on the cultural significance and enduring legacy of folklore in the region.

Takeaways

  • The White Bucks of the Ozarks
  • Madstones and Folk Medicine

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Ozark F...
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Our Guest today is Michael Lear of the Show Me Murder podcast found on Spotify. Michael is a tour guide and the historical Missouri State Prision (MSP) in Jefferson City, MO. Our conversation delves into the historical significance of the Missouri State Penitentiary and the challenges in preserving its historic buildings. Michael shares insights into the Stanley Ketchel case, the investigation, and the aftermath, as well as the Ken...

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This conversation covers a range of topics, including the origins of The Toll podcast, Nancy Simpson's personal experiences, her career in news reporting, and her involvement in investigating the Gypsy and Dee Dee Blanchard case. The conversation delves into the discovery of Gypsy's condition, revelations and police reports, living with the knowledge, the Poison Control series, Nancy's creative process, an update on Kellyanne Workm...

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The podcast episode features guest James Matthew Owen, a conversation about his book, The Wicked Among Us. The episode delves into the intriguing and tragic story of Roland Comstock, his eccentricities, and the circumstances surrounding his murder.

Takeaways

  • The intriguing and tragic story of Roland Comstock
  • Writing process and craft
  • Importance of a clear ending
  • Value of reading more than writing
  • Upcoming book signings
  • Release of the ...
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The conversation delves into the rich history and folklore of the Ozarks, exploring the origins of Silver Dollar City and the evolution of the theme park. It also highlights the lost rides and attractions of Silver Dollar City, providing insights into their significance and impact on visitors. The conversation delves into the evolution of Silver Dollar City, its impact on the Ozarks, the history of the 'Fire in the Hole' ride, acci...

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January 17, 2026 92 mins

Explore the "Queen City" as it one was with chronicler of properties past, Richard Crabtree who joins us to unpack lost and forgotten Springfield.

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Follow Us as we Continue this journey!

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We visit with our friend and local author Lin Waterhouse as we explore one of Ozarks greatest catastrophes. This tragedy made national headlines and rocked a Missouri town.

We appreciate your support

Follow Us as we Continue this journey!

TikTok @wildnwoolyozarks

Insta @wildnwoollyozarks

Facebook The Wild and Woolly Ozarks

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November 11, 2025 93 mins

Welcome to the first ever Ghost Story Roundtable, where we gather those with tales to tell. Tonights Roundtable includes Tammy Morton, August Carlson, Curtis Copeland and Champ Herren. This is a joint venture between the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles and the Wild and Woolly Ozarks podcasts. Enjoy!

We appreciate your support!

Follow Us as we Continue this journey!

TikTok @wildnwoolyozarks

Insta @wildnwoollyozarks

Facebook The Wild and Woolly ...

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Joshua Heston regales us with tales from the hamlet of Hollister, Missouri. Hollister is a vibrant community in Taney County with an architecturally unique downtown that has a great vibe for tourist and native alike. Join us for a delightful conversation about the town and her residents –some of which have never left!

#hollistermo #ghosthunting #ghoststories #stateoftheozarks

Episode #13 The Ghosts of Hollister with Joshua Hest...

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Episode #11 Rock-Bottomed, Copper-Plated and Witch Proof!

Justin Minor rejoins the WWO for a second part to the origins of Ozark Witchcraft. Justin is a cultural anthropologist who has explored at depth the various cultural traditions that make up Ozark witchcraft and magic. In this episode, Justin and Champ discuss how to identify and protect yourself from witches, –Ozark style.

#ozarks #witchcraft #vancerandolph #justinmin...

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Episode #10 Tombs, Crypts and Buryin’ Grounds

Burial sites in the Ozarks are rife with legends of ghosts and wandering spirits with unfinished business. Taney County locals Tammy Morton and Angel Wolf, are experts on the matter, having explored these places and their history, they join us for a session of tales perfect for the season.

#taneycounty #gobblersknob #vancerandolph #ghosts #cemeterylights

Gather up the kids and the ...

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