High Country and Handmade: Stories of the western craft and way of life

High Country and Handmade: Stories of the western craft and way of life

High Country and Handmade dives deep into the world of western craftsmanship, leatherwork, and the people who keep tradition alive. Hosted by Frank Sievers of Standing S Leather in Idaho, each episode brings raw conversations with makers, ranchers, musicians, and storytellers from the high country. Whether you’re into handmade gear, cowboy culture, or just real stories told straight, this podcast is where western grit meets honest craftsmanship. 🎧 New episodes every [week/other week]. Follow and rate the show on Spotify to help more folks discover it!

Episodes

November 20, 2025 39 mins

Bree joins a live conversation about life on and off the homestead — sharing her journey from Instagram’s Country Living Conservative to hands-on hunting, hound and trap experiences, deer and bear hunting, and managing chickens, goats, and other animals while preparing for winter.

The episode also covers bigger themes: staying connected to where food comes from, concerns about industrial food and pharmaceuticals, issues with aerial...

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Pat Cummings joins the podcast to share tales of hiking, hunting, fishing mishaps, moving to Arizona, mentoring young hunters, fitness goals, and upcoming African hunts. The episode mixes outdoor talk with personal reflections on family, a few laughs we have shared and making the most of our active years. Something we all need to focus on more often. Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy anything we do

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Bailey chats about growing up around livestock and leatherwork, learning crafts from family, and the time and care behind handmade leather goods.

We discuss pricing, patterns, the intricacies of the craft, storytelling and preserving cowboy traditions, plus the role of social media in sharing and sustaining the trade and navigating an ever changing lifestyle. 

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A long-form conversation with a Maine outfitter about guiding bear, moose and deer hunts, running and training hound dogs, and the rhythms of the hunting season.

We discuss dog breeds and kennels, baiting versus rigging, trapping, injuries and recovery, winter hog hunts in Florida, travel for hunting, and the realities of outfitting as a way of life.

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October 29, 2025 59 mins

Five-time national fiddle champion Jacie Sites joins High Country and Handmade to discuss her musical journey, moving back to Pendleton, and forming her new band, the Knit Pickers.

Jacie explains her teaching philosophy, practice tips, the difference between fiddle and violin, and how she helps students reach competition and performance success while exploring diverse fiddle styles and recording projects.

This episode blends inspir...

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October 24, 2025 67 mins

Andrew Levick of 360 Sportsman and Wildlife Creations walks through practical trapping techniques—from boiling and waxing traps to freeze-proofing sets, baiting cubbies, and using lures like Gusto. He explains trap placement, using multiple traps per location, and tips for bobcat and coyote lines.

The episode also shares real-season stories from North Idaho and Montana, working with hounds, taxidermy ties to land access, safety aro...

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Kevin Thomas shares his journey from Kentucky roots and a hand-me-down guitar to quitting a steady federal job and pursuing outlaw country full time. He talks about writing, co-writing, playing covers, the grind of social media and touring, and the financial and personal sacrifices required for a music career.

The episode also covers his upcoming UK tour and collaborations, his views on success and independence, and the balance of ...

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From rats to muskrats we learn all about the art of pest control with mink and dogs. The advantages and disadvantages of the different breeds and styles. I learned a bunch and look forward to experiencing it someday. The recording app decided we were done just after the hour and 55 min mark. We will continue the conversation another day. Thanks for joining us!!
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Chase Richburg, a Texas country singer-songwriter, joins the podcast to talk about his music career, last-minute bookings, and opening for bigger acts. He shares stories from life on the road and growing as an artist while releasing new music.

The conversation also dives into hunting adventures — bear hunting, hound seasons, Montana trips, and gear mishaps — plus reflections on regional differences, country music authenticity, and ...

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Nathan Putnam of Putnam Pack Coats talks about raising and training pack goats, designing lightweight aluminum saddles and panniers, and tailoring gear for backcountry hunters. He explains breed choices, horn care and heat management, and the custom approach behind his equipment.

The episode also shares vivid backcountry stories — hounds, bear encounters, GPS tracking and the risks of deep wilderness work — and offers practical res...

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October 3, 2025 78 mins

Anna Westcoat joins the podcast to talk about her musical upbringing, playing dozens of instruments, and honoring old-school country traditions while navigating modern platforms like TikTok and Spotify.

The conversation covers songwriting, performing, creative routines, balancing family and art, leatherwork and outdoors life, and the value of slowing down to appreciate community and craft.

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Today we had a very fun and educational interview with cattle rancher and author, Sunni Leavell. We discussed her upcoming books, the importance of predator management, how things may be changing for the better and the uphill obstacles we all face as lovers of everything related to the outdoors and nature. Thank you for joining us and let us know how we can improve. https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQhu6PGXQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr http...
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September 10, 2025 86 mins
Today was a somber beginning with the events of the day. We can never condone violence against anyone. The talk today was scattered and followed the squirrel with the tin foil hat but please, keep an open mind to others ideas. None of us are greater than the next. Pray for those afflicted and keep your eyes and minds open. God bless and love to all
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September 7, 2025 56 mins
Today we had a great conversation about the great American hound puppy giveaway and how the program is growing and impacting the next generation of hound hunters.
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A discussion with Casey and Sid Vantress about how they got in to hound hunting and the enjoyment of dog math, where 2 dogs turn into 10.
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Follow up to the last episode with OTHA president Manuel Clark. We discuss hunting in general, the field trial and more hound talk. Was extremely enjoyable and fun. Thanks for joining us!!
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Today we had a great conversation with Manuel about the OTHA field trials, a bit of his history with hounds and his dogs now. A very fun conversation and I’m looking forward to talking to him again. As always if you like what you hear, share, follow and like.
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The second attempt at this. The first one didn’t have both sides of the conversation. Oops. On today’s episode we are joined by my niece Jesica, aka the artist in the family. Hope you enjoy the show!!
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August 14, 2025 32 mins
Episode 1 introduces me to you. It’s a bit of a ramble. Hopefully someone enjoys it!!
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