Come and Take It

In 1924, George Saunders, the president of the Cattle Drivers Association, published a two-volume book compiling first hand stories from experienced trail drivers and their life on the plains. For those familiar with the podcast, the names and places referenced may sound quite familiar. So in a different kind of episode, we’re presenting three tales of Texas Trail Drivers in their own words.

They were the 'Tallest Fraternity in Texas'. For three years in the 1980s, the University of Houston popularized collegiate basketball in the Lone Star State, and revolutionized the sport nationwide. Today we look back at Phi Slama Jama.

Though he's best known for his impressive 3rd party run for president in the 1990s, he was also a successful businessman both before and after. He's a man who refused to accept the status quo and tried his best to put a dent in the universe.

We’ve talked about Texas’ industrial, ecological, and man-made disasters before, but today we’re discussing the worst epidemic outbreak in the history of the Lone Star State, the Yellow Fever Outbreak of 1867.

For fifteen years, a former bowling hall was the greatest music venue in the Lone Star State. From Bob Wills to Johnny Cash to Tina Turner to Willie Nelson, some of the biggest music names in the world walked the famed stage of Fort Worth’s Panther Hall.

Today we examine Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson’s critically regarded concept album following the tale of a fugitive on the run, which shot him into superstardom.

This Halloween we step back into the realm of mystery, as we explore the strange and spooky world of Texas Ghost Towns.

What you are about to hear is a true horror story of Texas History. No names have been changed to protect the innocent, because this is a history podcast. If you have a history of heart trouble, you’ll still probably be fine because this is a podcast. And of course, Happy Halloween! So, let’s talk about the 1976 Slasher feature, The Town That Dreaded Sundown, which highlights the true story of the Moonlight Murders of Texarkana!

During the dark days after Pearl Harbor, as the Japanese advanced unchecked through the Pacific, the cruiser USS Houston fought bravely against that unstoppable tide. Though her fate was sealed, she fought to the very end, sinking with her guns still firing, and the sacrifice of her crew inspired the nation. This week we talk about the USS Houston, the Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast.

While its economic roots lie in the petrochemical industry, Texas City is home to one of the precious jewels of the Texas Gulf Coast. It serves as the hub of tourism in the city, drawing boaters, fishermen, and beachgoers to its man-made shores.