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 question many Americans wonder: Could a cardinal with Texas ties like Kevin Farrell or Daniel DiNardo ever become pope? The answer proves more complex than you might expect, as we discuss the geopolitical considerations, historical precedents, and surprising unpredictability of conclaves throughout history.

Whether you're fascinated by religious history, political processes, or simply curious about one of the world's oldest continuing institutions, this episode offers intellectual stimulation and surprising insights. Subscribe now and join our exploration of where Texas connects to pivotal moments in world history.

https://www.youtube.com/live/xvKdoO867W0?si=RCvS_kwycUi--LhS

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 another faith tradition, or simply appreciate the historical significance of religious institutions, this episode offers valuable insights into the governance structures that have profoundly shaped Western civilization and continue to influence our cultural landscape today.

https://www.youtube.com/live/xvKdoO867W0?si=RCvS_kwycUi--LhS

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 between different worlds. 

This conversation fills a crucial gap in Texas historiography while reminding us that history isn't merely an academic subject but the living context that shapes our everyday lives. Listen now to discover this hidden dimension of Texas heritage that challenges conventional understandings of the Lone Star State.

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 to becoming a history professor, we explore the influences of mentors and teaching styles that shaped his approach to education, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity in teaching Texas history along the dynamic Texas-Mexico border.

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/