Legends of the Old West – UPDATE | Schedule Changes in 2026
Host: Black Barrel Media
Date: December 31, 2025
Episode Overview
This special update episode focuses on important programming changes coming to the Legends of the Old West podcast in 2026. The host discusses adjustments in episode frequency, scheduling, and the rationale behind these decisions. The update also offers a preview of new projects in the works, aiming to balance content quality, production endurance, and innovation for long-time listeners.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Reduction in Episode Output
- Announcement of Fewer Episodes:
- The show will scale back on new episodes in 2026 compared to the previous year.
- In 2025, 72 episodes were released—a workload the host found overwhelming.
- Quote:
"This year we released 72 new episodes and it was a crushing amount of work. We need to scale back a little bit for the sake of our own sanity." – Host [01:25]
- Quote:
2. Change in Scheduling Structure
- Staggered Release Plan:
- Legends of the Old West and sister show Infamous America will no longer follow an identical release calendar.
- Release overlap will still exist, but each podcast will have its series start at slightly different times.
- Quote:
"When the new episodes start in 2026, Legends of the Old West and Infamous America will no longer be perfectly in sync." – Host [01:43]
- Quote:
- Production Batch Adjustment:
- Shifting away from producing 12 episodes in a single batch; this production method had become unsustainable.
- Quote:
"The task of producing 12 episodes in a batch was crazy. We've been doing that for several years now, and it’s time to ease up on the pressure..." – Host [02:00]
- Quote:
- Shifting away from producing 12 episodes in a single batch; this production method had become unsustainable.
3. Consistent Weekly Release Day
- Wednesdays Remain Release Day:
- Despite the changes, all episodes across the network will still release on Wednesdays.
- Quote:
"All episodes will still release on Wednesdays. That won’t change, but the timing will just be a little different." – Host [02:08]
- Quote:
- Despite the changes, all episodes across the network will still release on Wednesdays.
4. Updated Season Structure
- Transitional Schedule (Early 2026):
- After current series (Buffalo Soldiers and HH Holmes), each podcast will:
- Run an "encore" (rerun) series
- Release a three-episode miniseries of new content
- Resume a regular cycle of six episodes per series
- After current series (Buffalo Soldiers and HH Holmes), each podcast will:
- Longer Gaps Between Seasons:
- Due to fewer episodes overall, there will be one additional week of downtime between seasons.
- Quote:
"The gaps between seasons will be one week longer than normal." – Host [02:46]
- Quote:
- Due to fewer episodes overall, there will be one additional week of downtime between seasons.
5. Staying Informed
- Social Media Notifications:
- Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on Instagram for schedule updates and series announcements.
- Quote:
"We’ll make sure to keep you updated through our social media channels, primarily Instagram..." – Host [03:01]
- Quote:
- Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on Instagram for schedule updates and series announcements.
6. Making Room for New Projects
- Innovation and Expansion:
- Part of the motivation is to free up creative bandwidth for projects that have been "simmering on the back burner."
- Listeners can expect the introduction of new content offerings in the Legends and Infamous universe.
- Quote:
"We’ve had lots of new things simmering on the back burner... if we don’t move forward with them now, we never will." – Host [03:08]
"With some luck, we’ll replace some of the inventory of Legends and Infamous with some new stuff." – Host [03:15]
- Quote:
7. Appreciation and Closing
- Gratitude for Listener Support:
- The host closes with thanks for past support and patience during the upcoming transition.
- Quote:
"Thank you for your support over the years and thank you in advance for your patience with the changes next year... We have lots of fun stories in the lineups for both shows and we hope you enjoy them." – Host [03:24]
- Quote:
- The host closes with thanks for past support and patience during the upcoming transition.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Burnout:
"This year we released 72 new episodes and it was a crushing amount of work. We need to scale back a little bit for the sake of our own sanity." – Host [01:25]
- On the Need for Change:
"We’ve been doing that for several years now, and it’s time to ease up on the pressure..." – Host [02:02]
- On Upcoming Projects:
"If we don’t move forward with them now, we never will." – Host [03:10]
- On Listener Experience:
"If you could see it on paper, it would make sense. You’ll get the hang of it as we go along next year..." – Host [02:53]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:12: Host begins the update with a direct overview of upcoming changes.
- 01:25: Details on reduced number of new episodes and reason for the scale-back.
- 01:43: Explanation of staggered schedule between Legends of the Old West and Infamous America.
- 02:00: Discussion of production batch challenges.
- 02:08: Confirmation that episodes will still be released on Wednesdays.
- 02:46: Announcement of lengthened gaps between seasons.
- 03:01: Importance of following on Instagram for updates.
- 03:08 – 03:15: Insight into forthcoming new projects and rationale behind shift.
- 03:24: Host’s sign-off and thanks to listeners.
Tone and Language
The host is candid, personable, and appreciative, offering a transparent look at the realities of producing a high-volume, high-quality podcast. The message is honest but optimistic, focusing on the dual goals of sustainability for the creators and exciting new experiences for loyal listeners.