Don MacKay on writing the Play based on The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand

Travis Bratten and the 2003 Deep Lake Fire

In this episode, Jerred Metz and Forest Fighter Travis Bratten discuss the 2003 Deep Lake Fire. Travis shares firsthand experiences battling the wildfire, the challenges of the rugged terrain, and the dramatic helicopter rescue of campers. The episode weaves together the story of Earl Durand, local history, wildfire response, and the enduring spirit of the region. "Extremely rugged, extremely tough to access. You have to be fit.” Order the book at https://highplainspress.com/durand.html [https://highplainspress.com/durand.html]

Don MacKay on writing the Play based on The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand

In this episode, Actor and playwright Don MacKay joins Jerred Metz to discuss adapting "The Last 11 Days of Earl Durand" for the stage. Don shares how the story resonated with his own life and the creative choices behind bringing this American legend to theater. "I feel like these kinds of stories…need to be told because people need to understand people on the other side. I always try to feel like I wanna play those characters, not as villains, but as to try to understand them and to have compassion." Order the book at https://highplainspress.com/durand.html [https://highplainspress.com/durand.html]

Dave Wetzel on the Extraordinary Letter Durand Wrote to Sheriff Frank Blackburn

In this episode, Jerred Metz and historian Dave Wetzel discuss the dramatic life and death of Earl Durand, an outlaw whose story blurs the line between legend and reality. Through analysis of Durand’s final letter and actions, they explore themes of rebellion, Western myth, and the making of an American antihero. "Earl Durand did have a legend that followed him…the story is important." Order the book at https://highplainspress.com/durand.html [https://highplainspress.com/durand.html]

Nancy Curtis and the publishing of The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand Book

In this episode, Jerred Metz talks with publisher Nancy Curtis about her decision to publish his book The Last Eleven Days of Earl Durand. They discuss why regional crime stories matter, how Durand’s tale reflects a changing West, and the impact of community and technology on the story’s outcome. "It seems to me that what we're seeing here is a transition time in the history of Wyoming in particular... All of a sudden we had radios and national attention showing up in Wyoming, telling a story that was spell binding.” Order the book at https://highplainspress.com/durand.html [https://highplainspress.com/durand.html]

The Awful “Legend of Earl Durand” Movie

In this episode, Jerred Metz explores the story behind the 1974 film "The Legend of Earl Durand."  With anecdotes about the cast, local legends, and the experience of teaching the story in a university course, this episode offers a candid look at the intersection of history, myth, and cinema in the tale of Earl Durand.  Order the book at https://highplainspress.com/durand.html [https://highplainspress.com/durand.html]