Facing West

  • Luke Anderson

We explore the ever-changing face of the Mountain West, sometimes in a car, sometimes on a bicycle, maybe on a horse but always with an open ear. Produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a consortium of NPR member stations covering the region.

Season One: Across The Great Divide: One journalist. One bicycle. Hundreds of miles riding along the continental divide, listening to rural Westerners ahead of one of the most contentious elections in modern history. But what we hear goes way beyond politics and into our nation's future. First season hosted by Nate Hegyi. 

Ways to Connect

Across The Great Divide: Fact Vs. Fiction

By • Nov 3, 2020
Luke Anderson

Reporter Nate Hegyi listened to a lot of people in the rural West during his nearly 800-mile bicycle ride along the continental divide. And he heard a few things… over and over again… that gave him pause. Facts… that weren't facts.

In this bonus episode he checks in with the Mountain West News Bureau's Managing Editor Kate Concannon to review these recurring "factoids".

Across The Great Divide: Whose Way Of Life?

By • Nov 2, 2020
Luke Anderson

There's a dominant culture in the rural Mountain West. Reporter Nate Hegyi explores who fits in... and who doesn't.

Across The Great Divide: Boomtowns And Ghost Towns

By • Oct 27, 2020
Luke Anderson

Growth and change are two constants in the American West. At least they have been for the past two centuries. Ever since White settlers and the U.S. government grabbed this land from Indigenous tribes. And today, as our region undergoes yet another transformation, some are digging in their heels. Others see opportunity.

Across The Great Divide: Polarized!

By • Oct 20, 2020
Luke Anderson

In this first episode, the word "divide" is front and center. Journalist Nate Hegyi meets rural Westerners worried that America is headed towards a second Civil War.

Facing West: Season 1 Trailer

By • Oct 20, 2020
Luke Anderson

A new podcast about the ever-changing face of the Mountain West. In our first season we're looking at America's Great Divide. I'm reporter Nate Hegyi with the Mountain West News Bureau.

A couple months ago, I decided to slow the news cycle down and really listen to people grappling with this division. And I did that by riding a bicycle hundreds of miles along America’s continental divide. So grab your helmet, saddle up and come along for the ride.