Talking Texas History

People love to argue about “Mexican food” in Texas, but the real story is that Texans are usually talking about Tex-Mex, a distinct cuisine with its own ingredients, history, and logic. We dig into what separates Tex-Mex from regional Mexican cooking and why those differences are more than just taste. Along the way, we swap stories about trying “Tex-Mex” far from home, where nachos can look familiar and still miss the point.

From San Antonio’s Market Square and the chili queens to the Texas Mexican Railway and the rise of chili powder through William Gebhardt, we trace how...

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US, July 4th gets marketed as a party, but the history underneath it is sharper, stranger, and more relevant than the fireworks. What are we celebrating on Independence Day, and why is it the Fourth that gets the spotlight? 

Gene and Scott reflect on the meaning of the US in this episode. Our nation's anniversary should be about more than food and fireworks, but what it means to be an American.

In this episode, we trace the Texas origins of Juneteenth from Galveston to a holiday now recognized across the United States and beyond. Juneteenth didn’t become powerful because the paperwork was poetic. It became powerful because people made it a public declaration that freedom had to mean something real. 

We walk through the moment General Gordon Granger issues General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865 and we read it the way historians do, line by line. We look at how history opens the door to the bigger story: the uncertain early days of Reconstruction, the delayed enforcement of fre...

If you listened to our six-part series on turning-point documents in Texas history, Gene and Scott now lay out a listener-friendly reading list with suggestions on what to pick up when you’re ready for deeper analysis and debate.
If you're looking to build your Texas history bookshelf, this episode is for you. We have a list of the books we discuss in the links below, but this is just the starting place. Other books by these authors are also worth reading, and exploring.

Subscribe, share the show with a friend who loves history, and leave a...

We complete our series on documents that made Texas history by looking a  president who was full of contradictions and still could tell the truth at exactly the right moment. Lyndon B. Johnson’s March 15, 1965 address to Congress, “The American Promise,” delivered in the shadow of Selma and months before the Voting Rights Act of 1965 becomes law.

If you’ve never read “The American Promise,” click the link below to read the text and watch the video. If you enjoy deep dives into Texas history, civil rights history, and the craft of historical interpretation, subscribe, share the show with...

In this episode Scott and Gene wrap up their conversation on the Farmer's Demands.  Farmers wanted company workers to get paid in real money instead of company scrip, stop railroad rebates that favored the rich and powerful of their day, end convict leasing, and force the country to look honestly at wages and living conditions. That sounds like a modern platform, but it’s Texas history and it’s rooted in the 1886 Cleburne meeting of the Farmers Alliances. We pick up the last demands from the Cleburne platform and unpack what they were really aiming at: making American politics answe...

In this episode, we look at an 1886 newspaper article that captures a moment when Texas farmers stop grumbling and start drafting demands. From the small town of Cleburne, the Farmers Alliance lays out an early blueprint for American populism, and we use that document to follow rural life in the late nineteenth century. 
If you like primary sources, Texas political history, or the roots of the People’s Party and the Populist movement, hit play, share the episode with a history friend, and leave a review. What part of the Cleburne platform feels most familiar today?

As we continue our look at important documents in Texas' past, John H. Reagan's letter of 1865: the Civil War was lost, secession was finished, slavery was over, and survival meant embracing a new order. We unpack John H. Reagan’s prison letter—its stark realism, its calls for legal protections for freedpeople, and its blueprint for rebuilding Texas through reconciliation, immigration, and industry—and place it against the charged backdrop of early Reconstruction.

If you value history grounded in documents rather than myths, this conversation opens a sharper lens on Reconstruction, Texas history, and the choices made—and refu...

Continuing with our series on important documents in Texas history, we take listeners inside the Travis letter and explore how a brief plea from a besieged commander helped turn the Alamo into a powerful legend that still shapes Texas identity and American memory. 

If you care about Texas history, public memory, or how documents shape nations, this conversation delivers depth without the dust. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the Alamo—or loves to argue about it—and leave a review telling us what the letter means to you.

A shipwreck on a hostile shore. A handful of survivors. And a narrative that forced an empire to look again. We kick off a new series through the eyes of Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, the first European to leave a detailed account of life among indigenous peoples along the Texas Gulf Coast.

This conversation isn’t about polishing heroes or condemning villains; it’s about evidence. We trace how a survivor’s testimony pushed some Spaniards toward empathy and accommodation without erasing conquest, and how contact changed both sides in subtle, enduring ways. If your last Tex...

Season four opens with a road trip through the strange side of Texas—equal parts folklore, architecture, and outsized personality. We start where rumor meets headline.

If you love Texas history with edge, folklore with purpose, and characters who complicate the line between rumor and record, this one’s for you. Tap play, subscribe for part two of our Texas weird tour, and share your favorite legend or oddity with us—what story does your corner of Texas refuse to let go?

During the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, 1988, thousands gathered for an outdoor Mass in Lubbock where many reported seeing miraculous signs when the clouds parted and sunlight broke through. The apparition of the Virgin Mary drew 15,000 people to this West Texas church, yet it's a largely forgotten moment in Texas religious history.

In this episode, we discuss  how the Catholic Church responds to claims of apparitions, establishing investigative commissions that examined the Lubbock event, and our conversation expands into why religious history matters for historians, "You can't understand American history if you don't understand Americans' religiosity." 

The Battle of San Jacinto might be the most consequential 18 minutes in Texas history that hardly anyone talks about. While the Alamo casts a long shadow over Texas history, it's San Jacinto that actually secured Texas independence and set in motion events that would reshape North America forever.

Join Gene and Scott as they examine why this pivotal battle deserves to take its rightful place in our understanding of how modern Texas emerged from the battle we call "the first armed action of Manifest Destiny."  The ripple effects of San Jacinto would ultimately help reshape the course o...

In 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...

Ever 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...

The 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...

From 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...

Part 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.

Award-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. 

We 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.

What 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.

In 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.

Charles 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...

Join 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_dp

Also, visit the website for more information: https://www.civilrightsteaching.org/

How 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.

How 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.

Discover 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...

 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/

Can 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...

Scott 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/

In 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. 

Gene 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/book276276

Christena 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/

In 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...

In 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...

Join 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...

It'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!

It'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!

Gene and Scott continue their discussion about planning their university/college level Texas history courses. They break down their unique methodologies for teaching Texas history, comparing and contrasting their approaches.  We don't promise all the answers (. . . or any, for that matter!), but we do guarantee a deep dive exploration of what goes into teaching the history of the Lone Star State. Don't miss out!

If you missed part 1, here's a link, you can link to it direct at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2030352/episodes/13882637

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on teaching a college-level Texas history course. Texas history is more than what happened between the Red and Rio Grade rivers. So, join us as we unearth overlooked aspects of Texas history and reveal how the state's narrative is part of a broader regional, national, and even global story. We're keen to create a past that resonates with our increasingly diverse student body, including overlooked aspects of the 20th century  so we can craft a story that truly represents us all.