205: Cowboy Bob & the Backyard Ballistics Disaster

What do a legendary bank robber in disguise and a backyard “experiment” gone catastrophically wrong have in common? They both belong squarely in The Shallow End. In Episode 205, the boys dive into the unbelievable true story of Peggy Jo Tallas—better known as “Cowboy Bob”—a free-spirited Texas woman who reinvented herself as a bearded outlaw and pulled off a string of bank robberies so smooth they baffled even seasoned FBI investigators. But beneath the disguises and daring escapes lies a deeper story about restlessness, identity, and the dangers of a life that feels too small. Then, in a sharp turn toward the absurd (and painfully unforgettable), we head to Salina, Kansas, where one man’s curiosity leads to a question no one should ever ask: what happens if you shoot a live bullet… with a pellet gun? The answer is exactly as bad as you’re imagining—and somehow worse. Plus, a listener email that proves kids, treehouses, and plastic grocery bags should never mix—and why some life lessons only come after gravity gets involved. If you love true crime, bizarre history, dumb criminal behavior, and stories that make you laugh while instinctively crossing your legs, this episode is for you. In this episode: The shocking true identity of “Cowboy Bob” One of the strangest bank robbery careers in Texas history A DIY science experiment that went disastrously wrong Listener story: A childhood stunt that almost worked… until it didn’t Pour yourself something strong and remember: curiosity may fuel innovation—but sometimes it just lands you in the ER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices