LRT Video Podcast
From the Front Lines: William Simpson on Wild Horses, Wildfires, and Saving the American West
Discover the untold story of how wild horses play a crucial role in protecting America’s landscapes from catastrophic wildfires. In this compelling episode, William Simpson II—founder and director of the Wild Horse Fire Brigade—joins Liberty RoundTable Live to share his journey from ranch life to wilderness advocate. Learn how wild horses naturally reduce wildfire fuels, reseed and fertilize the land, and support the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Through in-depth discussion, Simpson exposes the mismanagement of public lands by government agencies, the economic and ecological consequences of removing wild horses, and the mounting costs—both human and financial—of ignoring nature’s own solutions. Supported by scientific research and real-world experience, Simpson’s insights challenge conventional thinking and offer a practical, humane path forward.
Featuring stories of resilience, loss, and hope, this episode also highlights the award-winning documentary “Horse of Nature” and the original country song “Penalty for Truth,” both inspired by the fight to protect wild horses and the American West.
Call to Action:
Help make a difference! Support the Wild Horse Fire Brigade’s mission to preserve wild horses and restore balance to our lands. Visit wildhorsefirebrigade.org to learn more, donate, or find out how you can get involved. Share this episode to spread awareness and join the movement to let nature’s firefighters do their work—before it’s too late.
Key Topics & Time Markers
- Introduction & Guest Background
- 0:00 – Meet William Simpson II and the Wild Horse Fire Brigade
- How Wild Horses Help Prevent Wildfires
- 2:30 – The science behind wild horses as natural land managers
- 4:00 – Wild horses vs. other grazing animals: unique ecological benefits
- Government Mismanagement & Economic Issues
- 5:05 – BLM’s roundup and holding of wild horses
- 6:30 – The economics of public land grazing and “welfare ranching”
- Ecological Impact & Fire Prevention
- 10:45 – How wild horses reduce wildfire fuels and support healthy forests
- 14:50 – The collapse of herbivore populations and catastrophic wildfires
- Personal Stories & Real-World Evidence
- 22:00 – William’s experience on the fire line and the Klamathon Fire
- 24:00 – The cost of wildfires: health, environment, and economy
- Music & Documentary Features
- 22:30 – “Penalty for Truth” and “Wild Stallion” songs
- 33:30 – Introduction to the “Horse of Nature” documentary
- Proposed Solutions & Call to Action
- 27:30 – The Natural Wildfire Abatement and Forest Protection Plan
- 41:15 – How listeners can help: support, donations, and advocacy
- Closing Thoughts & Resources
- 44:30 – Where to learn more: wildhorsefirebrigade.org





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