Shows
Talking Texas HistoryThe Texas New Deal SymposiumIn this episode, we talk with George Cooper, who founded the Texas New Deal Symposium. George explains how a small historical gathering has evolved into a vital 12-year tradition examining one of America's most transformative periods bringing together diverse scholars exploring everything from banking reforms to infrastructure projects that still shape Texas communities today. The engine of modern American government was built during the 1930s, and Texans were holding the wrenches. This year's Texas New Deal Symposium will be held at Tarleton State University in Stephenville on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The Symposium will take place at the Joe W...2025-06-0534 minTalking Texas HistoryIn Conclave, Part 2: Texas Ties, Hollywood Takes, and Vatican StakesEver wondered what really happens when Catholic cardinals gather to elect a new pope? In this episode, we continue our conversation with canon lawyer Benedict Nguyen of the University of St. Thomas in Houston.The timing couldn't be more perfect—recorded during the recent papal conclave, our conversation explores the fascinating tension between Hollywood portrayals (like the trending film "Conclave") and the authentic spiritual process. Nguyen distinguishes between procedural accuracy and the deeper theological substance that drives papal succession, offering insights into what happens behind those famous locked doors.Of course, we tackle the burning quest...2025-05-2231 minTalking Texas HistoryIn Conclave: A Texas Canon Lawyer's Guide to Papal TransitionThe passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2023 set in motion ancient protocols refined over two millennia of Catholic Church history. For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—including approximately 40% of Texans—this moment represents a pivotal transition guided by traditions few outside the faith fully understand. Religion is an important part of culture and history for many Texans, yet often overlooked by historians.We're joined by Benedict Nguyen, a canon lawyer and Associate Vice President at St. Thomas University in Houston, who expertly guides us through the intricate process of papal succession. Whether you're Catholic, belong to anoth...2025-05-0829 minTalking Texas HistoryJews on the Texas FrontierFrom department stores to frontier towns, the Jewish experience in Texas reveals a fascinating but often overlooked dimension of the state's cultural landscape. In this conversation with Dr. Bryan E. Stone, professor at Del Mar College and author of The Chosen Folks: Jews on the Frontiers of Texas, we'll learn about Jewish Texans as an often overlooked story.Despite their small numbers, Jewish Texans wielded remarkable influence, Stone's explains that Jews are a "quintessential frontier people". His observations offers a fresh perspective on their experience as cultural navigators who defined themselves against majority cultures while building bridges...2025-04-1534 minTalking Texas HistoryEast Texas Literary Journeys, Pt. 2Part 2 of our conversation with Joe Lansdale, an award-winning author and screenwriter, as he unpacks the influences of East Texas history on his storytelling. Lansdale shares insights on writing for screen adaptations and reflects on the evolution of characters across various mediums, all while urging listeners to remember past lessons as they weave their personal narratives.2025-02-1131 minTalking Texas HistoryEast Texas Literary Journeys, Pt. 1Award-winning author and storyteller Joe Lansdale -- screenwriter (Bubba Ho-Tep) and novelist (Hap and Leonard series), discusses his East Texas roots and eclectic influences in our latest episode. Joe discuss growing up, and his life and literary influences. This episode offers a rich tapestry of narratives that are both personal and universal. Tune in to hear Joe reflect the art of storytelling, and how his Texas roots have helped shape Joe's distinctive voice in the literary world. 2024-12-3131 minTalking Texas HistoryTalking Podcasts 2We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! As we recover, we're continuing our discussion on podcasting. Our podcast platform AI suggested the topic for this episode be "Overcoming Perfectionism in Podcasting." That's not an inaccurate description! Join us as we share our own podcasting mishaps and triumphs and the lessons we learned that underscore the importance of progress over perfection.2024-12-1830 minTalking Texas HistoryTalking Podcasts 1What does it take to start your own podcast? We're pulling back the curtain in the third season of Talking Texas History to share our own rollercoaster ride of surprises and successes in the world of podcasting. Whether it's picking your unique niche or understanding the magic connection between podcasting and traditional radio, we're here to light the path for aspiring podcasters eager to leave their mark in the vast podcasting world.2024-11-0630 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Symbols of Texas with Bill O'NealIn this episode, Gene and Scott get ready to hear students interview the esteemed former State Historian of Texas, Bill O'Neal. A noted storyteller, Bill shares his lifelong passion for Texas history and talks about Texas symbols. Tune in for engaging anecdotes about Texas traditions and gain a renewed appreciation for the symbols that shape the Lone Star State.2024-10-1830 minTalking Texas HistoryTeaching's Shifting SandsCharles Waite, who teaches Texas History at UT-RGV, joins Gene and Scott to survey the fascinating landscape of teaching Texas history, academia, and personal anecdotes. Our conversation is steeped in nostalgia, as we reminisce about our shared experiences at Texas State University - San Marcos (Southwest Texas State) left an indelible mark on our academic journeys.Our conversation with Chuck demonstrates the trials and triumphs of pursuing an academic career. Together, we discuss the evolving challenges of the academic job market and the dedication required to thrive in such a competitive environment. As Chuck recounts his path...2024-10-0430 minTalking Texas HistoryTeaching Civil Rights in Modern ClassroomsJoin us on Talking Texas History as we sit down with Whitney Blankenship. Whitney takes us through her career in history education. We delve into the differences between teaching in public schools and universities, tackling important issues like the complexities of teaching civil rights history and the impact of technology on education.See her book, Teaching the Struggle for Civil Rights, 1948–1976, Peter Lang, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Struggle-19481976-Critical-American-ebook/dp/B07J6ST5HT?ref_=ast_author_dpAlso, visit the website for more information: https://www.civilrightsteaching.org/2024-09-1839 minTalking Texas HistoryHurricanes and Texas History, Part IIHow have hurricanes shaped the history, culture, and political landscape of Texas? Join us as we continue the discussion on the profound effects these powerful storms have had on the Lone Star State.2024-08-2637 minTalking Texas HistoryHurricanes and Texas HistoryHow have hurricanes shaped the history, culture, and political landscape of Texas? Join us on this episode of Talking Texas History as we unravel the profound effects these powerful storms had on the history of the Lone Star State. This a must-listen episode for anyone interested in starting to understanding the multifaceted impact of weather on Texas.2024-07-1632 minTalking Texas HistoryUncovering Slavery in TexasDiscover the untold stories and harsh realities of Texas history in our captivating conversation with John Lundberg, a history professor at Tarrant County College. From a Civil War reenactor to his book on Granbury’s Texas Brigade, John explains what he's learned about plantation life and slavery in Texas in his recent book, The Texas Low Country: Slavery and Freedom on the Gulf Coast 1822 to 1895, and sheds light on this critical yet underexplored aspects of Texas history. Join us for a thought-provoking episode that enriches our understanding of Texas's past.John R. Lundberg, The Texas Lowcountry: Slavery and...2024-07-0233 minTalking Texas HistoryTrails, Treasures, and Texas Tales Join us in this episode of Talking Texas History as we sit down with Gary Pinkerton. Discover the historical importance of Trammell's Trace, and get a sneak peek into Gary's upcoming projects. He also talks about the Alliance for Texas History, a new organization focused on preserving and promoting Texas history. Stay tuned for updates on Gary's latest book ventures!Learn more about Gary and his publications at his website: https://garylpinkerton.com/2024-06-1832 minTalking Texas HistoryHelen Cozart on Geography & Texas Oil HistoryCan geographic history reveal the secrets of Texas' booming oil industry? This episode of Talking Texas History welcomes Helen Cozart, assistant librarian at Ranger College, who shares her captivating journey from military service to academia. Helen enlightens us on the transformative Ranger oil boom of 1917, illustrating the massive impact it had on the region's landscape and infrastructure. Helen breaks down the process behind the Ranger College Library exhibit, "Black Gold, a History of Texas Boomtowns." Learn about the technological advancements and environmental challenges of the early oil industry and how the infamous Ranger oil boom set the stage f...2024-06-0533 minTalking Texas HistoryPreserving the Alamo's HistoryScott and Gene talk with Misty Lanham, a dedicated public historian at Texas's most iconic monument. Misty sheds light on tales often lost in the shadows of the Alamo's grand narrative. She takes us behind the scenes on the painstaking efforts to protect the Alamo and reveals the ambitious projects underway. This episode is a tribute to the unsung heroes of historical conservation, as Misty shares the complexities and triumphs of curating an authentic experience for visitors from all corners of the world.The Alamo's Website: https://www.thealamo.org/2024-04-1632 minTalking Texas HistoryGuns, Governance, and Texan IdentityIn this episode, we'll talk with Brennan Rivas, PhD, for a deep dive into the complex tapestry of Texas gun regulation. Our conversation navigates the shifting sands of the right to bear arms and delivers a fresh perspective on how Texans—from cowboys to lawmakers—have grappled with the balance of freedom and control when it comes to firearms in public life. She examines the historical context of Texas gun laws against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction, dismantling the myths that they served racial bias and instead, spotlighting their role in fostering a society of decorum. 2024-04-0230 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Texas ExperimentGene and Scott talk with Bill Flores, a political science professor who has put together a pioneering Texas government textbook that focuses on student involvement. As we dissect the evolving political landscape of Texas, Bill's insights into the burgeoning Latino vote shine a light on the potential for seismic shifts in state politics as a newly empowered generation gets ready to leave their indelible mark on history.The Texas Experiment: Politics, Power, and Social Transformation (Sage, 2023) https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-texas-experiment/book2762762024-03-1933 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Hunt MurdersChristena Stephens joins Scott and Gene to dissect the enduring mystery of the unsolved 1943 Littlefield murders with her book Bound in Silence: An Unsolved Murder in a Small Texas Town (Texas A&M Press, 2024). Join us as we discuss the dark narrative of Dr. Roy and Mae Hunt's brutal killing, a crime that shattered the peace of their small West Texas town. Bound in Silence: An Unsolved Murder in a Small Texas Town https://www.tamupress.com/book/9798987900208/bound-in-silence/2024-03-0532 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Murder in the Science BuildingIn this episode, we'll peel back the layers of a decades-old murder mystery with author Alan Burton, as he shares his journey penning Fatal Exam: Solving Lubbock's Greatest Murder Mystery with Lubbock criminal defense attorney Chuck Lanehart. It's a true crime saga that continues to haunt Texas Tech University. His narrative weaves through the tale's eerie connections to a university tradition, as well as the intricate process of chronicling a story that's as chilling today as it was in 1967.Alan Burton & Chuck Lanehart, Fatal Exam: Solving Lubbock's Greatest Murder Mystery (Lubbock, TX: Texas Tech University Press, 2023). TT...2024-02-2033 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Mallet Ranch StoryIn this episode, co-host Scott Sosebee gives us an intimate look at the Mallet Ranch, a beacon of the South Plains' history. His latest work, More Than Running Cattle: The Mallet Ranch of the South Plains (TTU Press 2023), weaves a narrative that's as vast as the Texas horizon, detailing the DeVitt family's trials and triumphs on their storied ranch. Scott's publication is a tapestry of ranching life, enriched by Wyman Meinzer's striking photographs. Find a copy of Scott's books he discusses on this episode at Amazon:More Than Running Cattle: The Mallet Ranch of the South P...2024-02-0631 minTalking Texas HistoryWartime Letters and LegacyJoin us as we sit down with the remarkable Fred Allison, a West Texas native and Marine Corps veteran. From his formative years on a cotton farm to his adventures as a radar intercept officer, Fred's tale intertwines the threads of academia, military service, and personal discovery. This episode is a treasure trove as we explore Fred's unwavering passion for history, his work as a historian for the Marine Corps and his commitment to honoring the valiant stories of those who served. We talk about his latest work, My Darling Boys: A Family at War, 1941-1947 (UNT Press, 2023), w...2024-01-1631 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Gift of Texas History Book Ideas, Part IIIt's the beginning of a New Year! In this episode, we continue our journey through the rich tapestry of Texas history, guided by our book recommendations. From the Texas Revolution to Modern Texas, we reveal diverse perspectives that shaped this state. Join us as share notable books that cover important figures like Sam Houston and explore the development of West Texas. Hop on this riveting ride as we talk about books that will expand your knowledge about the Lone Star State. You won't be disappointed!2024-01-0232 minTalking Texas HistoryThe Gift of Texas History Book Ideas, Part IIt's the holiday season, and nothing makes a better gift for the Texas History lover than a good book! In the spirit of holiday gift-giving, we share our favorite books, including our top picks. There are many great books, but this is a good place to start. This episode is your gateway to a treasure trove of Texas history, so buckle up and join our journey through books on Texas history!2023-12-1330 min