Episode Details

I first met Montana songwriter, storyteller, and cowboy poet Ben Larson in Elko at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, where he appeared in one of our short episodes (Episode 402). It was immediately clear that Ben had far more stories to share, so I reached out and invited him to join us for a full conversation. In this episode, Ben calls in from his home in Philipsburg, Montana, and we explore the winding path that led him from the backwoods of Vermont to a life of music, writing, and storytelling in the rural West.

Ben walks his own trail between western folk music and cowboy poetry, sharing honest stories about family, travel, community, and the people who shape life in small towns. From building a homestead from recycled materials during COVID to performing more than a hundred shows a year across Montana, Ben’s creative life is fueled by curiosity, hard work, and a deep respect for the people and places of the rural West.

It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the importance of giving voice to communities that are often overlooked.

You can find out more about Ben at: https://www.oldmanben.com/