Andrew Patrick Nelson delves into the remarkable career of Barbara Stanwyck, exploring her iconic roles, emotional authenticity, and the complexity of her characters. The discussion highlights her impact on film noir, her dynamic performances alongside Fred MacMurray, and the evolution of her filmography. Check out Andrew’s top-ten list at: freedrift.substack.com/p/0a0b9abf-ff6a-4b6d-807c-6076af91b365Andrew Patrick Nelson is a historian and film scholar who chaired the Department of Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah. He co-hosts “How the West was Cast, and is a regular on the History Channel, NPR, PBS, and Fox Nation. If you’re in Scottsdale, visit him at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, where he serves as Chief Curator. You can find him at andrewpnelson.com and on Instagram at AndrewPatrickNelson.

David Fraze has spent over 35 years mentoring students, athletes, and families, helping them navigate the challenges of identity, faith, and competition. In this deep dive, we explore his journey from student minister to university professor and special assistant to the president at Lubbock Christian University. Fraze shares powerful insights on how youth sports can shape character, why failure is a gift, and how faith and mindfulness intersect on and off the field. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this is a must-read on balancing performance with purpose.

Author Joe Pappalardo joins us to discuss his new book, "Four Against the West," which unravels the myth of Roy Bean—the so-called "Law West of the Pecos"—and dives into the untold stories of his brothers, Sam, James, and Joshua. While Roy is often remembered as a frontier judge, Pappalardo reveals a more complex truth: Roy was more showman than lawman, and his brothers left equally significant marks on the Wild West.

In this episode, we explore how Pappalardo blends meticulous research with cinematic storytelling, capturing the grit, chaos, and contradictions of the Old West. Hear about his discoveries in archives, his adventures retracing the Beans' steps, and how his work sheds light on the era's real history—where civilization and lawlessness collided.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation that tears down old myths to reveal the true stories of the men who lived, fought, and survived on the frontier.