Distinctly Montana Stories adapts the literary journalism of Distinctly Montana magazine into produced audio episodes. Each story is drawn from the magazine's twenty-year archive of Montana history, culture, and the people who shaped the state. The show is narrated by Joe Shelton, editor-in-chief of Distinctly Montana.
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Season One
Episode 1: Blood on the Wool
Written by Joe Shelton · 15 min
In 1900, there were nearly three million sheep in Montana — and men who wanted them dead. Armed riders circled camps at night, forced a herder to make coffee before the slaughter began, and left thousands of animals dead on the open range.
Episode 2: Who the Hell Was Montana Frank?
Written by Joe Shelton · 23 min
He claimed to be a Montana outlaw. The newspapers printed his story. The trail leads through court records, dead ends, and the gap between who we say we are and who we actually were.
Episode 3: The Petrified Man of Livingston Goes East
Written by Nick Mitchell · 11 min
A Montana man turned to stone — or so they said. When the Petrified Man left Livingston for an Eastern tour, the spectacle met an audience that wasn't buying it.
Episode 4: The Last Ride of Long George Francis
Written by Nick Mitchell · 12 min
On Christmas Eve, a blizzard closed the roads. Long George Francis made a choice that would end his life and begin his legend.
New episodes are released monthly during the season. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don't miss one.