Ghost Herd podcast: all you need to know in 2024

The world of podcasting has seen explosive growth in recent years, with offerings ranging from true crime stories to deep dives into political analysis....

The world of podcasting has seen explosive growth in recent years, with offerings ranging from true crime stories to deep dives into political analysis. But one podcast that has captured the hearts of listeners, particularly those interested in the American West, is the "Ghost Herd podcast." A fascinating blend of society & culture, history, and investigative journalism, the podcast takes us through the dark waters of ranching, swindles, and life in rural America.

What is the Ghost Herd podcast?

Created by Washington-based public radio station KUOW, a member of the NPR network, the Ghost Herd podcast is the brainchild of Anna King, a seasoned reporter. The podcast explores the complex story of family, specifically the Easterday family, and how their ranching empire in southeast Washington State took a dive into notoriety with Cody Easterday's multi-million dollar cattle swindle.

A taste of the American West

The American West has always been a landscape filled with mystery and romance, conjuring images of cowboys, Native Americans, and empire builders who ventured into the uncharted territories. The Ghost Herd podcast pierces through the façade, taking its listeners into the present-day issues plaguing this iconic part of America. With each episode, it becomes clear that the story is not just about the Easterday family or ranching but also about the transformation of the American West in contemporary society.

The powerhouses behind the podcast

The podcast is produced by Northwest Public Broadcasting in collaboration with KUOW News. It can be found on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, and comes with an RSS feed for those who prefer a more traditional way of consuming podcasts.

Episodes to look forward to

In 2023, the Ghost Herd podcast is all set to enthrall its audience with a series of meticulously researched and expertly crafted episodes. Here are some of the episodes that are either already out or are highly anticipated:

The Reckonin

In the first episode, titled "The Reckonin," Anna King sets the stage for the Easterday saga. The episode introduces listeners to the Columbia Basin, a fertile area in Eastern Washington which was the base for the Easterday family's ranching business. But, all is not well in paradise, and the episode dives into the swindle that shook this rural community.

The bidding war

This episode focuses on how Cody Easterday was caught in a high-stakes bidding war with Tyson Fresh Meats, leading to devastating financial consequences for the Easterday family. It also sheds light on the intricate relationships between large corporations and individual ranchers in the American West.

Native Americans and the land

An episode dedicated to Native Americans shows how their life and history intertwine with the broader story of ranching and the American West. It aims to provide a nuanced view of how indigenous communities have been affected by the developments in modern-day ranching.

The empire builders

Here, the podcast shifts its focus to the so-called empire builders who have dramatically transformed the rural landscapes of the American West, sometimes at great ecological cost. The episode serves as a critical look at the ethical considerations in contemporary ranching and farmin.

Why you should listen

The Ghost Herd podcast is not just another new podcast on the block. It offers a layered narrative that addresses pressing questions related to family, society, and ethics, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the American West.

Where can you listen?

As of 2023, the Ghost Herd podcast is available on various platforms. The most popular among these is Apple Podcasts, but you can also catch episodes through the Northwest Public Broadcasting website and KUOW's own online portal. Just search for "Ghost Herd podcast" and get ready to dive into this enthralling world.

Public reception

The podcast has been very well received, not just in Washington but across America. It has triggered thoughtful discussions both online and offline, capturing the interest of a broad audience. In a way, it reflects the rapidly changing cultural landscape not just of the American West but of America as a whole.

So, whether you're a seasoned podcast listener or new to this fascinating medium, the Ghost Herd podcast offers something for everyone. Through Anna King's masterful storytelling, backed by rigorous investigative journalism and public radio credentials, this podcast takes you on a journey through the complex web of the Easterday family, Tyson Fresh Meats, and the ever-changing landscape of ranching in the American West.

In a world where truth often becomes the first casualty, the Ghost Herd Podcast serves as a reckoning — a space where stories from the southeastern Washington State to the greater American society come to light. And in the process, it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our own roles in shaping the world we live in.

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FAQs

What is the story of the Ghost Herd?

The Ghost Herd podcast explores the intricate and tumultuous story of the Easterday family and their ranching empire in southeast Washington State. It discusses the multi-million dollar cattle swindle perpetrated by Cody Easterday and how it impacted not just his family but an entire rural community. The podcast also broadens the scope to discuss the larger implications for ranching and society in the American West.

Who is the host of the Ghost Herd podcast?

The host of the Ghost Herd podcast is Anna King, a seasoned reporter based in Washington. She brings her investigative journalism skills to shed light on the complex issues presented in the podcast.

Where is the Ghost Herd?

The “Ghost Herd” refers metaphorically to the lost cattle involved in Cody Easterday's swindle. Geographically, the story is centered in the Columbia Basin, specifically in southeast Washington State where the Easterday family’s ranching operations were based.