Lady Bird

Introducing a new series from The Drag: "Forsaken."

"Forsaken" is a series that explores the systems that both enhance and oppress the lives of the more than 29 million people living in Texas. Each episode will address issues that Texans face each day – the good and the bad. We’ll explore the criminal justice system, Texas politics, civil rights, social issues and even a little bit of history. Texas is the second-most diverse state in the nation and has equally diverse stories to tell. As the legendary late Texas singer Billy Joe Shaver sings: “You fathers and you mothers / Be good to one another / Please try to raise your children right / Don’t let the darkness take ‘em / Don’t make ‘em feel forsaken / Just lead ‘em safely to the light.”

The first two episodes of "Forsaken" drop Thursday, March 7.

Follow "Forsaken" on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Or your favorite podcasting app!

In a sit-down interview, Luci Baines Johnson tells this story from her point of view. She shares a lifetime of lessons and memories from her mother’s exceptional journey. 

Lady Bird spends the final chapter of her life surrounded by friends, family and her beloved wildflowers. Then, the nation finds a way to say goodbye. As Lady Bird travels to the ranch one last time, thousands line the streets, holding signs and handfuls of wildflowers, waiting to say one last thank you to their lady. 

The Johnson Presidency marked a lot of firsts, including the first White House rescue dog. Luci Baines Johnson tells us the story about how a pup she found in the Texas Hill Country made his way to the national stage — and into the hearts of her family. 

Lady Bird returns home to Texas. She finds purpose in advocating for women's rights and beautifying Austin, the city that holds her heart. She spends time with family and friends and works to leave an even greater legacy in her wake. 

LBJ Presidential Library President Mark Lawrence and LBJ Foundation President and CEO Mark Updegrove sit down with Jade Emerson to discuss Lady Bird’s time as first lady. As renowned historians, they give their take on Lady Bird’s influence on her husband’s policies, her own agenda and how she evolved the role of first lady. 

In one of the most traumatic years in American history, Lady Bird tries to hold her family together. The Vietnam War has turned into a bloody quagmire, racial tensions reach a boiling point, and the nation grapples with the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. Lady Bird attempts to help her husband reach a huge decision — should he go for another four years in the oval office? 

The staffers at the LBJ Ranch had a front-row seat to history, as well as the personal lives of Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird. Executive producer Katey Psencik Outka sits down with David Vela, the former superintendent of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, as he shares stories from his two years working closely with Lady Bird.

No one planned on a first lady quite like Lady Bird. With her new power and her disarming charm, she sets her sights on doing something lasting. She becomes the first person in her position to launch her own agenda, she lobbies Congress and inspires a nationwide effort centered around beautification. What’s “beautification?” It’s another name for environmentalism, and she’s a pioneer in the movement. But not everyone is sold on the First Lady or her brand of activism. 

LBJ spent a quarter of his presidency at his ranch in Texas. The house at the ranch became known as the Texas White House. But to Lady Bird, it would always be her “heart’s home.” In this bonus episode, producer Carly Rose takes us on her first visit to the LBJ Ranch. Along the way, she meets a park ranger and a baby calf, explores LBJ’s childhood stomping grounds, and sees lots and lots of wildflowers.