PODCAST · true crime
Behind Gray Walls
by Behind Gray Walls
“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today.To support this podcast, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/
Episodes
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EP 113 - The Hunt for the Bill Mathews Gang
In this very special episode, Samuel tells a story of betrayal, love, and brotherhood. He guides listeners as they follow one of the last prominent gangs of train robbers of the Old West, an international manhunt involving the Pinkerton detectives and the FBI, which caused the leader of the gang,...
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EP 112 - LIVE! Poulsen And Copeland
In this live episode, recorded on March 28, 2026, at the Podfort stage at Boise Contemporary Theater during the Treefort Music Festival, Anthony shares the story of Hillis Poulsen #5828 (Grand Larceny) and explores how his artwork may have helped shape Boise as we know it today. Samuel dives into...
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EP 111 - A City Behind Walls
In this episode, Anthony and Samuel sit down with Idaho State Historical Society Executive Director Janet Gallimore and Development & Membership Administrator Seth Wheeler to talk about A City Behind Walls, the new immersive survey exhibition being developed at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Anthony...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Daniel Neal
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel interview Daniel H Neal, author of No Forgiveness - Family, Polygamy, Murder, and Justice Among Idaho's Pioneering Mormons. Daniel recounts his career as a journalist and his techniques to research the fascinating account of his family's history…
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EP 110 - Grant And Boan
In this episode, Skye covers the complicated life of Elizabeth Grant #11234 (Forgery), whose troubled childhood and struggle with alcohol addiction eventually landed her behind the walls of the Idaho State Penitentiary. Meanwhile, Anthony tells the brutal and tragic story of Earl Boan #9599…
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Mike Hanley
It's not often you get to sit down in person with a real stagecoach driver. In this episode of Behind Gray Walls, Samuel sits down with rancher, historian, and local legend Mike Hanley, who has been driving stagecoaches for more than 60 years. Mike, who is currently donating the historic vehicles...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Susan Brodrero Hawkes on Franklin Idaho
In this episode, Anthony interviews the Site Coordinator for the Franklin Historic Site, Susan Bodrero Hawkes, in the Franklin City Center. Susan shares the history of Idaho's oldest settlement, from the arrival of early pioneers to Franklin's role in the establishment of the Idaho Territory and...
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EP 109 - Ross and Haram
In this episode, Samuel takes listeners into the gang wars of the Prohibition era, exploring connections to Al Capone and a police shooting tied to Carl Ross #4237 (Robbery) while Skye transports listeners to Rupert, Idaho, where a domestic dispute ended in tragedy and led to the imprisonment of...
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EP 108 - Muguerza and Rasulo
In this episode, Skye tells the story of a domestic dispute gone awry, Ella Muguerza #3955 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and guest host and Education Specialist, Mariah Villafañe, joins to tell the tale of wannabe mobster, Tony Rasulo #4863 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary in the…
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - HannaLore Hein and Michael Hart on the Boise Meridian Initial Point
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel sit down with HannaLore Hein and Michael Hart to explore the history of surveying in Idaho. From Surveyor General Lafayette Cartee and the establishment of the Initial Point to the challenges faced by early surveyors, they unpack how these...
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EP 107 - Eckersley And Latham
In this episode, Skye covers the story of a once-popular and well-liked member of her community who slipped away with a remarkable sum of money that was never recovered, Edna Eckersley #5315 (Embezzlement) and Anthony dives into the story of a young man whose dream of becoming an aviator took a...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Samuel on Diamond Tooth Lil
In this Valentine’s Stool Pigeon special, Samuel tells the story of a great Western romance. We follow Diamond Tooth Lil, who found work as a dance hall girl, a singer, and eventually a madam. Through her travels, Lil earned fame for her beauty and charm—but she also stole the heart of gunslinger...
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EP 106 - Gilbert And Shupe
In this episode, Samuel takes us into the courtroom where Andrew Gilbert #811 (Murder in the 2nd Degree), is tried and found guilty of stabbing another man to death. Then, Skye leads us to Montpelier, where we explore the story of the daughter of prominent pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ...
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EP 105 - Miles And Norris
In this episode, Anthony shares the story of lover’s lane prowler and escape artist Ed Miles #5128 (Robbery), whose repeated run-ins with the law are matched only by his talent for slipping away, and Skye tells the story of Leola Norris #4486 (Adultery), a young mother whose husband’s…
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EP 104 - Holiday Special Barney And Bruner
In this first-ever holiday special, Skye enchants us with the Yuletide Yeggs exploits and heists of 1947, during which Margaret #7327 (Robbery) and James Barney #7322 were arrested for a string of burglaries, including stealing presents from underneath Christmas trees. Afterward, Samuel takes us…
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - The Old Selam Endurance Ride
For this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel hits the trail and heads to the Selam Endurance Ride at Centerville, a 100-mile horse race held annually in tribute to the Idaho Penitentiary’s most famous horse. On August 30th, 2025, Samuel interviewed riders, veterinarians, and organizers of the event to...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Kathy Deinhardt Hill On Hanged: A History of Idaho's Executions
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel and Anthony sit down with Kathy Deinhardt Hill, author of THE authoritative book on Idaho’s early capital punishment, Hanged: A History of Idaho’s Executions. Kathy discusses how she researched and wrote the definitive account of Idaho’s 26 legal hangings and...
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EP 103 - Jurko And Pappas And Hatfield And Chrisman
In this episode, Anthony shares the story of John Jurko #3416 (Murder in the 1st Degree), whose mysterious business partner spreads a rumor that leads to murder, and Skye takes us on a road trip with three women who may or may not have been part of a car-theft gang, Matilda Hatfield #2539, Ellen...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jessica Lira on the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary
On this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel interviews Jessica Lira, Superintendent of the Ames Monument and the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary. Jessica recounts some of the most fascinating stories from the prison’s history — including Fannie Marsh, who became warden at just nineteen years old…
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Nik Tizekker on Butch Cassidy's Forgotten Outlaw
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chat with writer, director, and documentarian Nik Tizekker, creator of the film Butch Cassidy’s Forgotten Outlaw. The documentary explores the life of Nik’s ancestor, Henry “Bub” Meeks (#574), a lesser-known member of the Wild Bunch but well-known...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday Halloween Special Ben Hamilton
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday Halloween Special, Samuel tells the dark story of the terrible chain of events in Idaho in 1928, following Ben Hamilton’s escape from an insane asylum just before Halloween.
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EP 102 - LIVE! Lei And Tucker
In this live episode, recorded on March 27, 2025, at the Podfort stage at Boise Contemporary Theater during Treefort Music Festival, Anthony shares the story of Walter Lei (#7062 & #8174), a scrappy barroom brawler with a tragic connection to the Women’s Ward. Samuel breaks new ground for the...
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EP 101 - Mccollum and Chambers
In our first episode back after a rather extended break, we’re ready to hit the ground running! First, Skye tells Anthony and Samuel about a woman whose tumultuous relationship leads to some unfortunate outcomes #8568 Zona McCollum (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and then Samuel takes over to…
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EP 100 - An Audio Tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary
In this episode, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye are joined by the voices of the men and women who lived and worked at the prison to guide visitors through the site. Drawing from oral histories of wardens, chaplains, matrons, guards, and prisoners, this immersive tour brings the past to life as we lead...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Eric Overzet on Boise Sandstone
In this rock-solid Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel chip away at history with Old Pen staff member Eric Overzet, who quarries the fascinating story of the Old Pen's iconic building material - Table Rock’s sandstone.
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Steve North On The 75th Anniversary of the Merci Train Boxcar
On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Steve North, Old Idaho Penitentiary Volunteer and Commander of the Boise Chapter of the Forty and Eight. Steve dives into the captivating history of the Merci Train Boxcar, a symbol of gratitude from France to the United States after World War...
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EP 99 - Reasoner And Trafton
In our 99th episode (can you believe it?), Skye has an extra short story because Samuel has an extra long story! Starting with the shorter, Skye discusses a young woman whose early hard-knock life made it difficult to adjust to life as an adult #8451 Claire Reasoner (Forgery) and an Old West...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Kirsten Corbett On Jackson Hole
On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel interviews Kirsten Corbett, Exhibits & Communications Director at the Jackson Hole History Museum. Kirsten discusses the rich history of Jackson Hole and shares insights about the opening of the brand-new Jackson Hole Museum. She also provides fresh...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jan Cerney on Calamity Jane and Her Siblings
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Samuel and Skye interview author Jan Cerney about her 2016 book Calamity Jane and Her Siblings: The Saga of Lena and Elijah Canary, in which she uncovers the tumultuous Canary family relationships often overlooked in the Calamity canon. Pick up a copy in the…
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EP 98 - Pickett And Garland
In this episode, Anthony shares the story of James Pickett (Murder), an Irishman whose possibly accidental killing led to his imprisonment in Idaho's oldest standing Territorial jail and ignited a debate over jurisdiction for crimes committed on tribal land, while Skye tells the story of Billy...
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EP 97 - John Springer
On this episode, Samuel regales Anthony and Skye with the life story of a sheriff in Owyhee County whose refusal to use a gun in the old west town of Silver City ended with a stint in the prison - as the warden, that is.
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EP 96 - Big River Paranormal
In this special spooky-season episode, Anthony and Samuel sit down with Marie, Madison, Sidney, and Tina from Big River Paranormal. They discuss their investigative philosophy, the tools they use, and share some of the chilling experiences they’ve encountered at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. EVPs...
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EP 95 - Grooms And Bitt
On this our last episode before a small break, Anthony regales Skye and Samuel with the complicated story of possibly-blind and heavily tattooed (like 2/3 of the podcasts' hosts) #11401 (Forgery) #12493 (Murder in the First Degree and Escape) Frank "Tony" Grooms, while Skye (recently laid up with…
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EP 94 - Harder And Brundridge
In this episode, Samuel guides Anthony and Skye through the intertwined stories of Willis Brundridge (#716, Grand Larceny) and Ira Harder (#679, Second-Degree Murder) as they explore the events that led to Brundridge being incarcerated alongside the man who killed his son. With invaluable help…
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EP 93 - Brooks And Sayer
In this episode, Skye covers Mrs. H. E. Brooks #4238 (Involuntary Manslaughter) who found support behind the walls of the Idaho State Penitentiary despite her record behind the wheel, and Anthony covers John Sayer #1912 (Abortion) who nearly avoided serving his sentence simply by failing to…
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EP 92 - LIVE! Rosso, Women's Ward Prose, And A Rock And Roll Redemption
In this live episode, recorded on March 21, 2024, at the Podfort stage during the Treefort Music Festival, Samuel discusses moonshiner Frank Rosso #3003 (Manufacture of Intoxicating Liquor), Skye shares poetry and art published in the prison magazine by the women of the Women's Ward, and Anthony...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Dr. Skye on the Sun Valley Ski Resort
On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, our guest might be familiar to some of you - it’s Dr. Skye! On a highly nepotistic episode, Dr. Skye joins us not just as an Idaho historian but as an American cultural historian too! She tells us a little bit about her dissertation, which she wrote alongside the...
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EP 91 - Wild And Valle
On the first episode of our TENTH season (we can’t believe it, either), Anthony, Skye, and Samuel open the season a little wild…William Wild, that is! Hear about Penitentiary barber #2368 Wild (Grand Larceny) whose skill in cutting men’s hair proved to be both helpful and deadly, and the…
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32 Cells: Artistic Reflections on the Old Idaho Penitentiary
In this off-season episode, the team celebrates the release of 32 Cells: Artistic Reflections on the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a new book featuring over 70 local and regional artists that chronicles the first five years of the iconic 32 Cells Art Show. Anthony, Samuel, and Skye are joined by Old…
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EP 90 - Peterson And Rice
In this very heavy episode, Skye and Anthony close the season with two stories of people whose states of mental health lead to some emotional moments and incredibly tragic stories, #7035 Ethelyn Irene Peterson (Murder in the 2nd Degree) and #788 Ed Rice (Murder in the 1st Degree). WARNING: This...
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Matthew Connelly On Alcatraz
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, the team interviews Matthew Connelly, lead park ranger at Alcatraz Island. Matthew provides an overview of the renowned prison's history, delves into the daily experiences of both the residents and staff on the island, and concludes the story surrounding William...
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EP 89 - Dainard And Farr
In a completely coincidental yet oddly-Rathdrum-history-heavy penultimate episode, the original duo are back in with Sam in the commenter's chair. Anthony starts, covering a man of many names whose felony in Idaho was one of the least interesting things about his story #3821 William Dainard...
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EP 88 - Peterson And Dr. Collister
On today’s episode, Skye tells the story of a young woman whose husband, in the 1950s, was a real door-to-door vacuum salesman(!) #10351 Donna Mae Peterson (Burglary). Meanwhile, first-time host, Charlee, tells the story of one of the most influential doctors in the city of Boise (who also served...
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Ep 87 - "Teton" Jackson And Canton
In this week's special episode, Skye comes to the episode empty-handed (school is hard) and Anthony-less (work is hard) and instead comments on Samuel's masterful telling of #111 William "Teton" Jackson (Grand Larceny) whose story intersects with a crucial event in Wyoming history and the...
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EP 86 - Ghosts Of The Territory
Join all three hosts around the campfire for a whole host of spooky Idaho stories from the 1880s through the 1940s - some of these stories may not be related to the Penitentiary directly, but they’ll still send some chills up your spine - and even make you laugh. And, if while you’re listening…
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EP 85 - King And Bearup
On today’s episode, Skye relates the story of a young woman whose training in beauty school got her a few extra perks #11513 LaLonda Lee King (Robbery) and Anthony tells the story of a young man who had a real knack for escaping until the very end #2062 Ulysses Bearup (Murder in the First…
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Gunfight At Grave Creek
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Skye hang up their spurs again to hear Samuel share the fascinating story of six-shooter-Jack and the Gunfight at Grave Creek. Listener discretion is advised.
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EP 84 - Herbert And Atkinson
Today, all three hosts are together, with Anthony working as our star commentator. Samuel shares the story of a young man who was, at worst, a murderer, and at his most intriguing, an assassin #286 Oscar “Tex” Selene Herbert (Murder in the Second Degree), while Skye recounts the story of an…
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Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jennifer Hills On The Stricker Homesite and Rock Creek Station
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Jennifer Hills, President of the Friends of Stricker, and discusses the fascinating history of Rock Creek Station and the Stricker Homesite which served as a stopping point along the Oregon Trail. It is a must see for anyone interested in Idaho…
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EP 83 - Dowdle And Smith
In this week’s episode, Anthony is back and ready to regale us with the tale of an old Mormon pioneer whose desire for revenge ended up being his downfall William Dowdle (Grand Larceny) and a young woman who was accused of being a “Moll” (slang for a gangster’s girlfriend) #5183 Delia Smith...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today.To support this podcast, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/
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Behind Gray Walls
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Behind Gray Walls have?
Behind Gray Walls currently has 183 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Behind Gray Walls about?
“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to...
How often does Behind Gray Walls release new episodes?
Behind Gray Walls publishes regularly with 183 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Behind Gray Walls?
You can listen to Behind Gray Walls on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Behind Gray Walls?
Behind Gray Walls is created and hosted by Behind Gray Walls.
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