15. The Pony Express with Jim DeFelice author of “West Like Lightning”

Jim DeFelice is an author, researcher, historian and master storyteller. He has covered a wide variety of topics and genres from military history, spy thrillers, futuristic techno-thrillers and memoir, including his #1 NYT best seller, American Sniper. His newest popular history, West Like Lighting, chronicles the rich history of the Pony Express. DeFelice drove the entire route of the Pony Express and also met with museum curators, local historians and reenactors to find as many primary sources as possible for his research. He tells the story of the Pony Express in the much broader context of this unique chapter of American history. http://www.jimdefelice.com/ Pony Express Oath: "I, _____, do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers, so help me God.” Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, MO: https://www.ponyexpress.org/ Timeline (from Pony Express Museum) https://www.ponyexpress.org/historical-timeline