Saddle up for a wild ride into Montana’s untamed past with Thomas Leforge, a white man who became "Horse Rider" among the Crow. On The Big Fat Podcast, we trace his journey from a settler’s son to a Crow warrior, charging through militia mutinies, vision quests, and the thunderous Battle of Pryor Creek. Episode 9 Part 1 of 2 about Thomas Leforge, in our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, uncovers a frontier life woven with courage, kinship, and chaos, in partnership with the Museum of the Beartooths. Like, subscribe, and share to keep these epic tales galloping!

Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum of the Beartooths

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com

**Chapter Timestamps:**

00:00 Introduction: A White Crow Indian’s Tale

01:00 Thomas Leforge: From Ohio to Montana

07:00 Militia Days: Rough Riders of 1867

14:00 You Should Know: The Wild West’s Lawless Edge

17:00 Adoption by the Crow: Becoming Horse Rider

20:00 Mitch Boyer: A Frontier Friend

25:00 Mission Creek: First Crow Agency Under Siege

29:00 Dead Indian Drippings: A Gruesome Meal

34:00 Relocating the Agency: Stillwater Bound

39:00 Battle of Pryor Creek: Warriors Prepare

46:00 The Daring Line: Horse Rider’s Challenge

53:00 Victory March: Return to Absaroka

58:00 Second Crow Agency: A New Home Unveiled

Dive into the dusty streets of Park City, Montana, where a simmering feud over irrigation water turned deadly on a quiet July morning in 1953. On The Big Fat Podcast, we peel back the layers of a gritty tale—Walter Caine, a rancher with a .45 revolver, and Lester Lesher, his neighbor, clashed in a fatal showdown on a football field. Part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, this episode unearths journals, news clippings, and a community shaken by vengeance, in partnership with the Museum of the Beartooths and sponsored by Pinnacle Property of Montana. Like, subscribe, and share to keep Montana’s raw history alive!

Thank You to Our Sponsor: Pinnacle Property of Montana

Donna West, Owner/Broker

https://www.pinnacleproperty.com

Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum of the Beartooths

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com

**Chapter Timestamps:**

00:00 Introduction: A Quiet Morning Turns Deadly

01:00 Park City, 1953: The Journals of Finch Brown

06:00 Ranchers and Roots: Caine and Lesher’s Lives

10:00 Masonic Ties: Brotherhood Before Bloodshed

14:00 July 11, 1953: Shots at Dawn

19:00 You Should Know: Irrigation Wars of the West

21:00 The Scene: A Body by the Ditch

25:00 Coroner’s Inquest: Witnesses Speak

30:00 Guilty Plea: Second Degree Murder

35:00 Sentencing: 15 Years for Caine

42:00 Aftermath: A Farm Auctioned, A Man Unraveled

50:00 Jovene Vodka: A Distillery Detour

57:00 Reflections: Stillwater’s Hidden Histories

Step into the boots of Donald Ruhl, a Columbus, Montana native whose journey from Joliet’s quiet fields to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima forged a legacy of valor. On The Big Fat Podcast, we uncover the story of a high school dreamer turned Marine hero who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor with his ultimate sacrifice—diving on a Japanese explosive to save his squad. Part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, this episode brings you raw tales of bravery, heartbreak, and resilience, in partnership with the Museum of the Beartooths and sponsored by Pinnacle Property of Montana. Like, subscribe, and share to keep these stories alive!

**Thank You to Our Sponsor: Pinnacle Property of Montana**

Donna West, Owner/Broker

https://www.pinnacleproperty.com

**Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum of the Beartooths**

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com

**Chapter Timestamps:**

00:00 Introduction: A Montana Marine’s Legacy

01:00 Donald Ruhl: From Columbus to Combat

05:00 High School Dreams: Baseball and Boyhood

09:00 Enlisting in the Marines: A Call to Duty

14:00 Iwo Jima D-Day: Facing the Ninth Wave

20:00 You Should Know: Camp Rimini’s Tactical Sleds

23:00 D-Day Plus One: Dragging a Brother to Safety

28:00 February 21, 1945: The Ultimate Sacrifice

35:00 Medal of Honor: Honoring a Fallen Hero

42:00 Letters of Loss: Mothers Connected by Grief

50:00 The Flag on Suribachi: A Bittersweet Victory

57:00 Reflections: Montana’s Quiet Courage

Join us on The Big Fat Podcast as we salute the unbreakable spirit of Stillwater County’s service members who traded Montana’s quiet plains for the chaos of war. From John Matovich’s tactical dog sleds built for a secret WWII invasion to William Arnold’s harrowing survival in the Philippines, these local heroes carved legacies of grit and grace. Part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, this episode—packed with untold tales of courage—is brought to you in partnership with the Museum of the Beartooths and sponsored by Pinnacle Property of Montana. Like, subscribe, and share to honor their stories!

**Thank You to Our Sponsor: Pinnacle Property of Montana**

Donna West, Owner/Broker

https://www.pinnacleproperty.com

**Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum of the Beartooths**

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com

Chapter Timestamps:

- [00:00] Introduction: Honoring Stillwater’s Heroes

- [01:00] John Matovich: Crafting Tactical Dog Sleds

- [07:00] Camp Rimini: WWII’s Sled-Building Hub

- [15:00] Steam-Bending Secrets: Sled Craft Unveiled

- [19:00] You Should Know: Battle of Hailstone Basin

- [21:00] William Arnold: From Fishtail to the Philippines

- [26:00] December 8, 1941: Bombs Over Bataan

- [33:00] POW Survival: Escaping the Death March

- [40:00] Hell Ships and Coconut Cargo: A Prisoner’s Journey

- [50:00] Liberation: American Planes Drop Hope

- [56:00] Homecoming: Resilience After War

Step into the rugged history of Columbus, Montana, as The Big Fat Podcast explores the Columbus Quarry—a hidden gem where ancient seabeds became the building blocks of a town and beyond. From the Montana State Capitol to Main Street’s timeless facades, discover how hardworking hands and ancient stone shaped a legacy that stretches across the state. Packed with fascinating stories, geological wonders, and a unsolved murder, this episode from our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series is brought to you in partnership with the Museum of the Beartooths and sponsored by Pinnacle Property of Montana. Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with your history-loving friends to keep these tales alive!

**Thank You to Our Sponsor: Pinnacle Property of Montana**

Donna West, Owner/Broker

https://www.pinnacleproperty.com

**Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum of the Beartooths**

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com

**Chapter Timestamps:**

00:00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Columbus Quarry

00:01:00 The Origins: Ancient Seabeds to Sandstone

00:03:00 Building a Legacy: From Schools to the State Capitol

00:07:00 The Stone Masters: Mike Jacobs and His Crew

00:15:00 The Wimsett Monument: Artistry at the World’s Fair

00:29:00 You Should Know: Murder at the Quarry

00:33:00 Hidden Treasures: Unearthing the Monument Yard

00:39:00 Grinding Stones: Innovation from the Quarry

00:43:00 Water Woes: The Shane Ditch Solution

00:48:00 Beyond Columbus: Sandstone Across Montana

00:55:00 Closing Thoughts: 125 Years of History

Join us on The Big Fat Podcast as we uncover the remarkable journey of David Thatcher, a local hero from Stillwater County, Montana. From his humble beginnings in the rugged landscapes of Montana to becoming a key member of the historic Doolittle Raid during WWII, David's story is one of courage, survival, and a return to a quiet life of service. Discover how this unassuming man played a pivotal role in one of the most audacious missions of the war, and how his legacy continues to inspire. This episode, part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooth" series, is brought to you in collaboration with the Museum of the Beartooths and sponsored by Pinnacle Property of Montana. Like, subscribe, and share to keep history alive!

Thank You To Our Sponsor Pinnacle Property Of Montana

Donna West Owner/Broker

https://www.pinnacleproperty.com

Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum Of The BearTooths

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com

Also In Studio: Cole Waltner

https://www.youtube.com/@chasingthewildoutdoors

Chapter Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Introduction: David Thatcher's Life and Legacy

Overview of David's journey from Montana to the Doolittle Raid.

[00:01:00] - Early Life in Stillwater County

Discussion on David's childhood, education, and family connections in Stillwater.

[00:03:00] - Enlisting in the Army Air Corps

Details on how David joined the military and his initial training.

[00:06:00] - The Doolittle Raid: Preparation and Mission

Insights into the secretive training, the USS Hornet, and the mission objectives.

[00:10:00] - The Raid and Its Aftermath

The journey, the bombing, and the crash landing in China; survival stories.

[00:16:00] - Post-Raid Heroics

David's actions post-crash, receiving the Silver Star, and the trek to safety.

[00:23:00] - Life After the Raid

David's continued service during WWII, his return to civilian life, and marriage.

[00:30:00] - Personal Reflections and Artifacts

Personal anecdotes from interviews, and the significance of memorabilia.

[00:38:00] - Legacy and Memorials

How David's story is remembered locally and nationally, including the Thatcher Memorial Highway.

[00:45:00] - David Thatcher's Humility

Reflections on David's character, his modest nature, and contributions to history.

[00:52:00] - The Doolittle Raiders' Reunions

The camaraderie among the Raiders and their annual gatherings.

[00:56:00] - Educational Impact and Community Memory

How David's story educates and inspires, especially in local schools.

[01:02:00] - The Museum Exhibit

Description of the museum's exhibit dedicated to David Thatcher.

[01:08:00] - Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Join us on The Big Fat Podcast as we dive into the sizzling world of Josh Severs, the mastermind behind Hangry Hero. From his journey of transforming a food truck into a community staple to his philosophy on business, family, and success, Josh shares his story of grit, growth, and the power of local entrepreneurship. Discover how he balances the intense demands of running a food business with raising a family, all while keeping the spirit of competition friendly and fun. This episode is a testament to what dedication and a bit of humor can achieve.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode!

Check out The Hangry Hero right here! https://thehangryhero.square.site/?

You can find Cole here! https://www.youtube.com/@chasingthewildoutdoors

Chapter Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Josh Severs: The Hangry Hero

Meet Josh, the man behind the food truck turning into a local institution.

[00:10:00] - The Evolution of Hangry Hero

Insights into moving from a mobile food truck to a fixed location and the impact on business.

[00:20:00] - Life Behind the Grill: Family, Business, and Breakfast Burritos

Josh discusses the challenges and rewards of working with family and the early mornings of the food industry.

[00:35:00] - Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Impact

Discussing how entrepreneurship shapes community and personal life, including overcoming obstacles.

[00:50:00] - The Competitive Edge: Food Trucks and Friendships

Exploring the dynamics of competition versus collaboration in the food truck scene.

[01:00:00] - Online Ordering and Customer Engagement

How technology has changed the game for Hangry Hero, focusing on customer experience.

[01:15:00] - Looking Ahead: Plans and Dreams for Hangry Hero

Future visions for the business and Josh's philosophy on continuous improvement.

[01:30:00] - The Heart of the Hangry Hero

Josh's take on what it means to serve the community with love and a hint of humor.

[01:45:00] - Entrepreneurship and Life Lessons

Reflections on daily resolutions, the importance of a supportive community, and the mindset of success.

[01:55:00] - Conclusion: Celebrating Local Success

Wrapping up with thanks to Josh, a call to support local businesses, and a reminder to check out Hangry Hero's offerings.

Join 'The Big Fat Podcast' and our “They Gazed On The Beartooths Series” (TGOTB) #3 as we uncover the stories of some of the architects who built the community at the 2nd Crow Agency. Discover how individuals like William Norton, J.I. Allen, and William White were not just names but the very foundation of this historical site. We'll share insights into their roles, their interactions with the Crow Nation, and how they left a lasting mark on Montana's history. Like, comment your favorite story, and subscribe for more community history!

Penny Redli

Executive Director - Museum Of The Beartooths

https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com/

Donna West

Owner/Broker - Pinnacle Property Of Montana

https://www.PinnacleProperty.com

00:00 Introduction to the Untamed Lands of Montana

00:33 Welcome to the Big Fat Podcast

01:09 The Mystery of Colonel Norton

02:31 William Norton's Early Life and Journey

03:08 Photographs and Figures of the Crow Agency

18:24 Colonel Allen's Legacy and Adventures

33:14 The Exploding Cannon Incident

36:01 The Search for the Missing Cannon

52:38 Exploring Hoppe’s Place and the Old Cabin

53:25 Historical Names and Subdivisions

57:37 Horace Countryman and His Legacy

58:49 The Confusing Family Tree of Horace Countryman

01:01:25 Founding of Columbus and Its Early Days

01:08:04 William White: A Pioneer’s Story

01:12:33 Julia White: A Remarkable Woman

01:22:24 The Legacy of Early Settlers

01:26:27 Town Names and Their Origins

01:33:15 Museum Hours and Closing Remarks