Boots, Barrels, and Bad Decisions: A New Audio Drama That Blends History, Storytelling, and Community

Boots, Barrels & Bad Decisions Audio Drama

Some stories belong to more than just the past. They echo in the present, carrying lessons, laughter, and the untamed spirit of the people who lived them. That’s why AudioMazes is proud to introduce our latest immersive audio drama: Boots, Barrels, and Bad Decisions, a true Oklahoma story of grit, survival, and legacy.

But this project is more than just a story you’ll listen to. It’s a series of connections: between history and community, between storytellers and listeners, and between local businesses, foundations, and students building their futures. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing a series of blog articles that dive deeper into the people, partnerships, and passion behind this audio experience.

The Story Behind the Story in this New Audio Drama

Boots, Barrels, and Bad Decisions transports listeners back to the early days of Oklahoma, a time when law and livelihood often collided. It’s a story filled with characters who lived in the grey spaces of the frontier: lawmen like Frank Eaton, who dedicated his life to justice, and community figures like Johnson McDaniel, who navigated the challenges of survival during an era when even whiskey-making was outlawed.

Rolla Goodnight & Frank, "Pistol Pete," Eaton

Told through AudioMazes’ signature immersive sound design and narration, the drama doesn’t just recount history—it brings you into it. With every creak of a saloon door and every beat of silence before a showdown, listeners are placed right inside the choices and voices that shaped Oklahoma’s identity.

A Series That Goes Beyond Listening

To celebrate this launch, we’ll be releasing a blog series that uncovers the stories behind the story. Here’s what’s coming:

• Frank Eaton: The Man Behind the Legend – Meet the real-life “Pistol Pete” and why his legacy still matters.

• Johnson McDaniel: Navigating the Frontier’s Grey Areas – A look at the life and legacy of a man whose story connects directly to the culture of distilling and community resilience.

• Belle Starr: The Bandit Queen of the Frontier – Known as the “Bandit Queen,” Friends with Frank Eaton, Belle Starr lived a life of defiance and survival. She was close with Frank Eaton, and her story reveals the often-overlooked role of women in outlaw history.

• The Legends: Charles Petite, Rolla Goodnight, Pat Garrett, and Big Jim – All connected with Frank Eaton and friends throughout his lifetime, we will explore a combined feature on four larger-than-life men whose stories shaped the frontier’s complicated relationship with law, loyalty, and survival.

• Behind the Mic: Creating an Audio Drama Unlike Any Other – Go behind the scenes of how we wrote, voiced, and produced this project.

• The Foundation of Boots, Barrels, and Bad Decisions – Why this story matters and how it connects to the broader mission of preserving Oklahoma’s history.

• Hochatown Distilling Company & Johnson McDaniel – Where whiskey and storytelling meet.

• The Boots & Barrels Scholarship – How storytelling is turning into an opportunity for students.

• Corporate Partnerships in the Maze – A closer look at how local businesses like Café 33, City of Perkins, Hochatown Distilling, and more are stepping into storytelling.

Each blog will be paired with future YouTube interviews and behind-the-scenes conversations to give our community even more ways to engage.

Partnerships That Make the Story Stronger

This project could not exist without the support and passion of our partners. Together, we are building not just an audio drama, but a cultural legacy.

• The Frank Eaton Legacy Foundation – Dedicated to keeping the memory of “Pistol Pete” alive through education, storytelling, and community initiatives.

• Hochatown Distilling Company (HDC) – Tying the McDaniel family’s history to today’s thriving Oklahoma whiskey culture.

• Café 33 – A local favorite that represents the strength of community and tradition.

• City of Perkins – Honoring the history of Frank Eaton and supporting the preservation of his story.

• City of Stillwater – Helping connect Oklahoma’s history with its present and future.

• OSU - Providing outstanding education and opportunity to empower the next generation of legends.

These partnerships remind us that storytelling is never a solo act, it’s a chorus of voices coming together.

Supporting the Next Generation: The Boots & Barrels Scholarship

One of the most exciting parts of this project is its direct impact on students at Oklahoma State University. Through the Boots & Barrels Scholarship, students have the chance to apply for support that will fuel their education and creativity.

This scholarship is ongoing and awarded directly through OSU. Every donation goes toward helping a new generation of voices rise up, voices that may become the historians, writers, and storytellers of tomorrow.

If you’d like to be part of this legacy, you can donate today:👉 Donate to the Boots & Barrels Scholarship

Every contribution, big or small, helps carry these stories forward.

More Than Entertainment—It’s a Legacy

At AudioMazes, we believe in more than just telling stories. We believe in building connections through storytelling: between past and present, between listeners and creators, and between businesses and communities.

With the new audio drama Boots, Barrels, and Bad Decisions, you’re not just listening to an audio drama. You’re joining a movement to keep history alive, empower students, and celebrate the voices that shaped Oklahoma’s past and future.

So, stay tuned as we launch this blog series. Follow along as we dive deeper into the lives of Frank Eaton and Johnson McDaniel, share behind-the-scenes looks at our creative process, and spotlight the partners and communities who made this possible.

And of course—don’t forget to listen. The Maze is waiting.

👉 Experience Boots, Barrels, and Bad Decisions now on AudioMazes.com