In this episode of pplpod, we ride into the American frontier to explore the raucous and tragic life of Martha Jane Canary, known to the world as Calamity Jane. Born in 1852, Jane became one of the most celebrated figures of the Wild West, famous for wearing men’s attire, her skills as a sharpshooter, and her captivating storytelling.

We separate the woman from the myth, examining the conflicting stories of how she acquired her famous nickname—was it bestowed upon her after saving a captain during an ambush, or was it a warning to those who dared to offend her?. We also dive into her time in Deadwood and her infamous connection to Wild Bill Hickok. While Jane claimed they were married and even produced a daughter, we discuss why many historians—and Hickok’s own friends—view ...