Talking Texas History

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 t...

 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 abo...

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 infrastruc...

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 M...

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 contex...

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...

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 M...

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 uni...

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 t...

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 histo...

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...

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 St...

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 incr...

Critical Race Theory has been the topic of debates and political tirades among Texas - and national -  politicians and school boards, but what exactly is CRT? Join Gene and Scott as we learn about CRT from Dr. Vida Robertson, Director of the Center for Critical Race Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown, as he helps strip away common misconceptions and provides us with an explanation of CR...

Join us for a captivating journey into the heart of Texas history with none other than Ken Kesselus, local historian, former mayor, and minister. With his wealth of knowledge, he takes us back in time, revealing the intriguing origins of Bastrop. Ken's engaging storytelling keeps us hooked as we traverse the intriguing paths of the past. We'll focus on the 75th anniversary of the Delgado...

Hear the captivating journey of Ray Valdez as he talks with us about the era of Mexican-American activism and the Chicano Movement.  Ray discusses efforts to preserve the LULAC Council 60 Clubhouse in Houston. He explains the challenges and highlights of historic preservation, and celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month with an exhibit at Houston's Heritage Society Museum marking the...

We're kicking off a new season of Talking Texas History with a bang! Our first guest is the impressive Rachel Gunter.  In this digital age, the use of social media platforms is almost inevitable, and Rachel has made a significant contribution to history and teaching using social media to explore history and debunk myths. Her work is a testament to the potential of these platforms as education...

Join us as we journey to Stephen F. Austin's colonial headquarters with Texas Historical Commission site manager for the San Felipe de Austin Historic Site, Bryan MCauley. Bryan takes us on a personal journey through his experiences and shares insights from his unique and informative perspective on the rich history of Texas and the importance of preserving our past. So, tune in to our latest...

Imagine growing up with the rich history of West Texas as your playground. Stories of pioneers, cowboys, and oilmen shaping not only the land but also your own destiny. That’s exactly what happened with our guest for today, Mary Nicholson-Pruice, a medical historian and sixth-generation Texan. We laugh as she shares a hilarious anecdote about a student getting lost in the trees during her teaching...

Hey there, movie buffs! Stick with us as we dissect what we think might be the worst movies about the Lone Star State! See if you agree with our take on Texas cinema offenders.  Prepare for some good, old critique of Hollywood's botched attempt to capture the essence of Texas. So, grab your popcorn and join our quest for better portrayal of the Lone Star State in cinema.

What do A Trip to Bountiful , No Country for Old Men, and The Last Picture Show all have in common? They're just a few of the iconic Texas films we're discussing in this episode. Join us as we explore our favorite movies that capture the essence of Texas life and the unforgettable characters and landscapes that make these films so memorable. From the captivating West Texas depictions in...

Can films truly capture the essence of history and spark meaningful conversations? Join us as we talk with Gordon Williams, a talented filmmaker who recently received a congressional commendation for his work in telling Black history in Beaumont, Texas. We discuss how documentaries can artfully blend education and entertainment, while also fostering deep, emotional connections with audiences. Watc...

Scott and Gene visit with Galveston local historian Joe Pellerin about hurricanes, the Emancipation Proclamation, cemeteries, and the Houston Astros!

Gene and Scott talk with Texas Tech University Archivist Lynn Whitfield about selecting and writing 100 Years, 100 Voices (Texas Tech University Press, 2022), commemorating the 100th anniversary of Texas Tech University. Cisco College Professor John Caraway - host of the Cisco Compass podcast-- and Midwestern State University Professor Leland Turner sit in on the conversation. 100 Years, 100 Voice...