A true story of family, fraud, land and power in the American West. Ghost Herd is a joint production of KUOW and Northwest Public Broadcasting, both members of the NPR Network. 

Episode List

Introducing: Let the Kids Dance!

Apr 29th, 2024 10:11 PM

You know that Kevin Bacon movie where a small town outlaws dancing and the teens fight back? What if I told you that happened in Seattle. In the 90s. Let the Kids Dance is a new podcast telling an untold story from a famous moment in music history – the rise and fall of Seattle’s teen dance ordinance. A story of moral panic, grassroots activism, and an unstoppable music community that fought for its freedom. Listen and subscribe here. Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 6: The Reckonin'

Feb 14th, 2023 8:03 AM

Native Americans once owned these lands, and they still treat the Columbia Basin as their sacred home. We’ve all benefited from that taken land, but now corporations are the West’s new settlers. Meanwhile, Cody faces a federal judge and his tight-knit rural community. His sons start taking over what remains of the family’s vast operation and beat-up reputation.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 5: The Bidding War

Feb 7th, 2023 8:02 AM

The Easterday empire is being broken apart. Some of the most valuable farmland in America is up for sale, and the billionaires are coming to town. The bidding war over water-rich lands shows the shift in how America farms.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 4: The Crash

Jan 31st, 2023 8:04 AM

Cody's swindle comes crashing down, and it’s all thanks to Covid. When a giant meat operation discovers the truth about his ghost herd, they take aim at Cody.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 3: The Gamble

Jan 24th, 2023 8:03 AM

Why would someone create a ghost herd? Behind Cody Easterday’s swindle was an even-bigger gambling habit on the futures market. That vice may have changed the price of American beef slapping down on your kitchen table. We also look at how all farmin’ is a gamble.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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