Podcast · Film & TV

How the West Was 'Cast

by Matthew Chernov & Andrew Patrick Nelson · English · Film & TV

Whether you grew up watching the movies of John Wayne, cut your teeth on Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” trilogy, or consider Kevin Costner to be the screen’s quintessential cowboy star, HOW THE WEST WAS ‘CAST is just the podcast you’ve been waiting for. Join screenwriter and journalist Matthew

New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 1 hr 9 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 29 min

Angel and the Badman (2026) - with Director Julio Quintana

Outlaw-turned-savior Quirt Evans rides again in Angel and the Badman, a brand-new remake of the 1947 John Wayne classic. And on this special episode, we’re joined by the film’s director, Julio Quintana, who discusses the challenges of updating a beloved Western for modern audiences. You’ll hear fascinating stories about working with Oscar-winning legend Tommy Lee Jones, how stubborn horses and freezing temperatures impacted the production, why Julio chose to rethink the frontier family’s spec...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E46 · 17 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
BONUS EPISODE! Vera Miles Goes West - with Biographer Christopher McKittrick
On this special bonus episode, writer Christopher McKittrick joins us to discuss the illustrious film career of Vera Miles, who starred in five feature Westerns — two of which are considered all-time classics. The author of the first full-length biography of Vera Miles, Christopher fills us in on her experiences working alongside Western icons like John Ford, John Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda and Sam Elliott. To purchase a copy of Christopher’s superb biography, Vera Miles: The Hitchcoc...
E45 · 4 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
Johnny Guitar (1954) - with Author Brooks E. Hefner
On this deep-dive episode, author and professor Brooks E. Hefner visits the studio to chat with Andrew Patrick Nelson about director Nicholas Ray's fever-dream Western, Johnny Guitar. Together, they discuss the film's unique production history, its intriguing gender politics, its enduring cult legacy and much more. So don't miss this fascinating look at one of the oddest Westerns ever made. Brooks's latest book is titled Johnny Guitar, published by the University of New Mexico Press as part ...
E44 · 31 Mar 2026 · 2 hr 24 min
Great Western Movie Posters - with Artist Tracy Stuckey
Since the birth of the genre, Hollywood has promoted Western movies with eye-catching posters promising adventure, romance and frontier justice at every turn. In this sprawling episode, we look back at 15 fascinating Western film posters that offer something for every fan. From a 1930s tricolor showcard to a '60s East German surrealist advertisement to a minimalist 2012 teaser image, the posters you'll discover here reveal a vision of the West that goes far beyond stereotypes. Click here for ...
E43 · 1 Sep 2025 · 42 min
BONUS EPISODE! The Lone Pine Film Festival
Here’s a question for you: What do the beloved Westerns The Ox-Bow Incident, 3 Godfathers, Ride Lonesome, The Gunfighter, Nevada Smith and How the West Was Won all have in common? The answer is they were all filmed in the breathtaking hills of Lone Pine, California! On this special bonus episode, we speak with Steve Latshaw, Director of the Museum of Western Film History, about the exciting 35th Annual Lone Pine Film Festival. Packed with rare screenings, celebrity guests, fascinating p...
E42 · 29 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
The Thicket (2024) - with Director Elliott Lester
Are you brave enough to venture into the harrowing world of The Thicket? Join us for an in-depth conversation with visionary director Elliott Lester, the man behind the mayhem! In this gripping episode, Andrew Patrick Nelson sits down with Lester to discuss the making of what many consider the best theatrical Western of 2024. Currently topping the movie rental charts on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV+, Tubi, and more, The Thicket is a bold and brutal winter Western t...
E41 · 1 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 59 min
The Westerns of Clint Eastwood - with 'Clint' Biographer Shawn Levy
A towering figure in the history of the Western, Clint Eastwood redefined the image of the lone hero with his portrayal of the flint-eyed, morally ambiguous gunslinger in Sergio Leone's influential “Dollars Trilogy.” Later, as a director, he fused the stylized detachment of the Italian subgenre with the classic structure of the Hollywood Western — and created a series of unforgettable films that deconstructed the myths of the Old West and earned critical acclaim, including the Academy Award f...
E40 · 14 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
The Searchers (1956) - with Author Glenn Frankel
You asked for it, so we’ve delivered! Since the launch of this podcast, John Ford’s masterpiece The Searchers has been our most frequently requested film by far. In this highly anticipated episode, we have a fascinating conversation about it that you won’t want to miss. Joining us to discuss Ford’s influential Western is author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Frankel, whose bestselling book The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend belongs on the shelf of every serious Weste...
E39 · 9 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Ride the High Country (1962) - with Author Robert Nott
On this trailblazing episode, reporter and historian Robert Nott drops by to discuss Sam Peckinpah's Ride the High Country. Robert is the author of several acclaimed books on Western film history, including The Films of Randolph Scott, Last of the Cowboy Heroes, The Films of Budd Boetticher, and Goin' Crazy with Sam Peckinpah and All Our Friends. His latest book is titled Ride the High Country, and it's the first book to focus exclusively on Peckinpah's poignant 1962 classic. Robert No...
E38 · 16 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 58 min
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024)
On this super-size episode, Matt and Andrew discuss the biggest Western movie event in recent memory. Is Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 a bold and breathtaking vision of the Old West or a television miniseries masquerading as a feature film? Our hosts debate the issue, covering everything from key scenes and performances to John Debney’s score to the critical and commercial reaction to the movie. And in a special bonus segment at the end of the episode, returning ...
E37 · 18 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 20 min
Western Movie Books – with Authors Henry C. Parke and Cory Everett
Read any good Western movie books lately? On this page-turning episode, we’re highlighting some of our favorite books about the Western genre. From biographies and coffee table books to scholarly studies and acclaimed film guides, you’ll find plenty of reading recommendations here that will deepen your love of Westerns. And joining us to talk about their own recent Western film books are two authors you’ll definitely enjoying meeting. First, Andrew interviews Henry C. Parke about his new book...
E36 · 28 Feb 2024 · 52 min
Horizon: An American Saga (2024) – Trailer Reaction
The official trailer for Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga was just released, and Matthew Chernov and Andrew Patrick Nelson are sharing their first reactions to it in this special episode! What clues to the film’s story and characters are hidden within this 3-minute trailer? What tone is Costner going for this time around, and how will his wildly ambitious cinematic epic fit into his already impressive Western filmography? There’s a lot here to chew on, so join Matt and Andrew as they...
E35 · 26 Dec 2023 · 6 min
A "Secret" Announcement from How the West Was 'Cast!
Want to hear a secret episode of How the West Was ‘Cast? We’ve recorded a new hourlong show that won’t be published online. But we’ll gladly send you the secret episode in exchange for reviewing our show on the Apple Podcast platform, or the Audible platform, or whatever platform you use. Simply review our podcast somewhere, take a screenshot of your review and email it to us, or just email us a message letting us know you reviewed the show, and we’ll send you an exclusive link to the secr...
E34 · 1 Nov 2023 · 50 min
Warner Brothers and Westerns - with Author Chris Yogerst
This year marks the centennial anniversary of Warner Brothers, the legendary Hollywood studio founded by Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner. To commemorate the occasion, we're joined by author Chris Yogerst, whose latest book - The Warner Brothers - was recently published by the University Press of Kentucky. On this fascinating episode, Chris and Andrew Patrick Nelson discuss the history of the Western film genre at Warner Brothers, and they look at several of the most memorable and importan...
E33 · 5 Oct 2023 · 1 hr 33 min
Revenge of the Horror Westerns
It’s the Halloween season, so we’re returning to the terrifying topic of horror Westerns! Join us as we discuss, dissect, and dismember six of the scariest, eeriest, and just plain weirdest Westerns ever made. From a moody 1959 vampire film to an occult oddity released in the '70s to a would-be Hollywood blockbuster from 2010, these macabre movies are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. And as a blood-curdling bonus, we’ve got a special interview with author and editor Patrick R. Mc...
E32 · 14 Aug 2023 · 39 min
BONUS EPISODE! Into the Wild Frontier - with Showrunner Paul Epstein
On this special bonus episode, we take a look at the factual Western drama series Into the Wild Frontier, which is entering its fourth season on the INSP network. Our very own Andrew Patrick Nelson has appeared numerous times on the series, providing info and commentary about the legendary figures and historic events covered on the show. Joining us on podcast to discuss the series is Emmy-nominated filmmaker Paul Epstein, the executive producer and showrunner on Into the Wild Frontier. Don’t ...
E31 · 10 Aug 2023 · 1 hr 18 min
Little Big Man (1970)
1970 was an important year for Indian-themed Westerns, with A Man Called Horse and Soldier Blue both released within months of each other. But by far the most popular Indian Western of that year was Arthur Penn’s Oscar-nominated Little Big Man. On this episode, Andrew Patrick Nelson discusses the film’s public reception, its Vietnam war symbolism, the acclaimed performance of supporting actor Chief Dan George, and many other issues surrounding the Dustin Hoffman classic. The episode also feat...
E30 · 1 Jun 2023 · 1 hr 5 min
Overlooked Westerns of the 1990s
Return with us now to the decade that gave the world Zima®, Beanie Babies, and the Macarena. That's right, we're traveling back to the 1990s for a discussion about six overlooked Westerns that deserve more attention! You won't find iconic '90s classics like Dances with Wolves, Unforgiven, orTombstone on this particular show. Instead, we're focusing on '90s Westerns that have been either ignored, forgotten, or underappreciated for far too long. So toss a burger on your George Foreman Grill®, l...
E29 · 10 Mar 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
Ride Lonesome (1959) - with Writer & Producer Kirk Ellis
Written by Burt Kennedy and directed by Budd Boetticher, the intense 1959 Western Ride Lonesome stars legendary actor Randolph Scott as a bounty hunter traveling across a desolate landscape on a secret quest for vengeance. Join us for a fascinating conversation with two-time Emmy-winning screenwriter and producer Kirk Ellis, whose new book - titled Ride Lonesome - offers uniquely personal insights about one of the most popular Westerns of the '50s. Kirk Ellis's book, Ride Lonesome, is publis...
E28 · 28 Feb 2023 · 55 min
Blood on the Moon (1948) - with Film Scholar Alan K. Rode
The gripping story of a down-and-out cowhand who becomes ensnared in a complex scheme to dupe a local rancher out of a fortune, the moody 1948 film Blood on the Moon combines the mythic milieu of the Hollywood Western with the dark psychological themes of a classic noir. On this engaging episode, Andrew Patrick Nelson chats with acclaimed author, biographer and film noir expert Alan K. Rode, whose latest book – titled Blood on the Moon – offers a fascinating analysis of this influential Weste...
E27 · 7 Dec 2022 · 1 hr 37 min
A Tribute to Western Movie Hats - with Actor & Hatmaker Travis Eller
Hold on to your hats, folks! On this episode, we're taking an in-depth look at some of the greatest Western movie hats of all time. You'll hear about iconic hats worn by John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Burt Lancaster, Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, Lee Marvin, and many more of your favorite stars. Joining us to talk about Western hats is actor Travis Eller, who owns and operates Ugly Outlaw Hats, a custom hat shop that specializes in creating authentic Western-style hats. Visit Ugly Outlaw Hats ...
E26 · 20 Oct 2022 · 1 hr 32 min
Western Film Scores - with Musician Mark Swan
Think about your favorite Western and chances are you can practically hear the rousing theme music playing in your head. On this melodious new episode, musician Mark Swan, from the band Natalie Pryce, joins us to discuss six Western film scores that we highly recommend. It’s an entertaining look at classic movie music from the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘90s. We also chat about Mark’s amazing new album, Frontera USA, which is the soundtrack to an imaginary Spaghetti Western! So get ready to hum al...
E25 · 25 Jul 2022 · 1 hr 30 min
Animated Westerns - with 'Fievel Goes West' Director Phil Nibbelink
On this supersized episode, we’re discussing animated Westerns! From the charming 1956 Disney short A Cowboy Needs a Horse to the dazzling 2011 Oscar-winner Rango, you'll hear about many of the most beloved animated Westerns of all time. And joining us to talk about his own amazing contribution to the genre is acclaimed animator and director Phil Nibbelink, whose 1991 classic An American Tail: Fievel Goes West remains one of the most popular movies of its kind. It’s an "animated" conversation...
E24 · 12 May 2022 · 41 min
BONUS EPISODE! The Pioneertown International Film Festival
Later this month, the Pioneertown International Film Festival makes its debut in California’s High Desert region, kicking off three days of classic Westerns, world premieres, documentaries, shorts, concerts and live workshops. On this special bonus episode, we chat with Julian Pinder, the co-founder of the festival, and Todd Luoto, the festival’s head programmer, to find out more about the exciting Western-themed events they’re planning! For tickets to the festival, or for info about the scre...
E23 · 6 May 2022 · 1 hr 15 min
High Noon (1952) – with Film Historian Austin Fisher
This year marks the 70th anniversary of High Noon. To celebrate that auspicious occasion, we’ve invited award-winning author, professor and cultural historian Austin Fisher on the show to talk about the film’s reputation as the quintessential Cold War-era Western. Is High Noon really an allegory for the Hollywood blacklist and the anti-communist investigations of the 1940s and ‘50s? Or has that popular reading been overstated to a large degree? We discuss that topic, and much more, on this pr...
E22 · 7 Apr 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
Heaven's Gate (1980) - with 'Cimino' Biographer Charles Elton
More than 40 years after its initial release, Michael Cimino's ambitious Western epic Heaven's Gate remains one of the most divisive films of all time. Some still see it as a colossal failure in every way, while others (like our very own Matthew Chernov) regard it as an astonishing work of art. On this special episode, we speak with author Charles Elton about his new book Cimino: The Deer Hunter, Heaven's Gate, and the Price of a Vision. Join us for a revealing interview about the controversi...
E21 · 12 Jan 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
Revenge Westerns - with Novelist Tony Healey
If it's true that revenge is a dish best served cold, then this episode of How the West Was Cast is damn near frozen! Join us as we welcome author Tony Healey for a look at some of our favorite revenge-themed Westerns. You'll hear about films like Valdez is Coming, Hannie Caulder, Open Range, and many more. We also discuss Tony's recent novels in the popular Ralph Compton Western series. So put on your headphones and prepare for retribution! For further study on the subject of this episode,...
E20 · 28 Oct 2021 · 53 min
Men of the West: Ford, Wayne, Leone, Eastwood
If there's a quaternity of artists whose work in the Western genre continues to attract legions of fans and inspire generations of filmmakers, it's most certainly John Ford, John Wayne, Sergio Leone, and Clint Eastwood. On this episode, co-host Andrew Patrick Nelson discusses the profound impact these four giants had on the genre, and reveals that many of the popular notions we have about them may not paint the full picture. It's a fascinating lecture that was originally delivered at th...
E19 · 25 Aug 2021 · 1 hr 4 min
The Hateful Eight (2015) - with Costume Designer Courtney Hoffman
Join us for a frank and funny conversation with filmmaker Courtney Hoffman, who discusses the dazzling costumes she designed for Jared Moshe's DEAD MAN'S BURDEN and Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT. We also talk about THE GOOD TIME GIRLS, an acclaimed short Western starring Laura Dern and Garret Dillahunt that Courtney both wrote and directed. It's a lively interview with one of the genre's brightest new stars. THE GOOD TIME GIRLS is currently available to watch on YouTube and at Courtn...
E18 · 16 Jul 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
Cowboys & Indians Magazine: The 100 Best Westerns Ever Made - with Film Critic Joe Leydon
Join us for a conversation with esteemed film critic Joe Leydon about the new "100 Greatest Western Movies" list he compiled for Cowboys & Indians Magazine. During the episode, Joe reveals why certain films ranked high, while others - like "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," for example - don't appear at all. It's a lively discussion with one of the foremost authorities on the Western film genre.

About How the West Was 'Cast

How the West Was 'Cast is a English film & tv podcast from Matthew Chernov & Andrew Patrick Nelson. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Matthew Chernov & Andrew Patrick Nelson
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 1 hr 9 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1511051745

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