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 ..read more

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, T ..read more

 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 ..read more

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 ea ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 (Lubboc ..read more

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 Plains https ..read more