Season four opens with a road trip through the strange side of Texas—equal parts folklore, architecture, and outsized personality. We start where rumor meets headline.

If you love Texas history with edge, folklore with purpose, and characters who complicate the line between rumor and record, this one’s for you. Tap play, subscribe for part two of our Texas weird tour, and share your favorite legend or oddity with us—what story does your corner of Texas refuse to let go?

During the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, 1988, thousands gathered for an outdoor Mass in Lubbock where many reported seeing miraculous signs when the clouds parted and sunlight broke through. The apparition of the Virgin Mary drew 15,000 people to this West Texas church, yet it's a largely forgotten moment in Texas religious history.

In this episode, we discuss  how the Catholic Church responds to claims of apparitions, establishing investigative commissions that examined the Lubbock event, and our conversation expands into why religious history matters for historians, "You can't understand American history if you don't understand Americans' religiosity." 

Whether you're fascinated by religious phenomena, Texas cultural history, or the methods historians use to understand seemingly supernatural events, this episode offers a window into how faith and skepticism coexist in both religious institutions and historical inquiry.

The Battle of San Jacinto might be the most consequential 18 minutes in Texas history that hardly anyone talks about. While the Alamo casts a long shadow over Texas history, it's San Jacinto that actually secured Texas independence and set in motion events that would reshape North America forever.

Join Gene and Scott as they examine why this pivotal battle deserves to take its rightful place in our understanding of how modern Texas emerged from the battle we call "the first armed action of Manifest Destiny."  The ripple effects of San Jacinto would ultimately help reshape the course of not just Texas, but American history itself.

In this episode, we talk with George Cooper, who founded the Texas New Deal Symposium. George explains how a small historical gathering has evolved into a vital 12-year tradition examining one of America's most transformative periods bringing together diverse scholars exploring everything from banking reforms to infrastructure projects that still shape Texas communities today. The engine of modern American government was built during the 1930s, and Texans were holding the wrenches. 

This year's  Texas New Deal Symposium will be held at Tarleton State University in Stephenville on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The Symposium will take place at the Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building in Room 113. 

This year's event at Tarleton State University features presentations on contemporary preservation efforts for New Deal infrastructure, healthcare for freedmen as documented in WPA slave narratives, and Nazi hunting during the later New Deal years—demonstrating the era's remarkable breadth of influence.  

The event is free of charge and lunch will be provided; however, registration is required.

For registration information, click on the East Texas Historical Association events page: https://etha.wildapricot.org/event-6164675

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.