Talking Texas History
Talking Texas History explores Texas history before and beyond the Alamo. Hosted by Scott Sosebee and Gene Preuss, we talk with folks with a passion for Texas history, teach it, write it, support it, and with some who’ve made it. Our guests will include people who make Texas history accessible to the public (including academic historians, public historians, archivists, living history practitioners, and history enthusiasts) and will discuss new work, research, and our passion for local history.
Episodes
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 T...
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...
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 th...
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&a...
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 rem...
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 helpe...
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 vas...
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 t...
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.
How have hurricanes shaped the history, culture, and political landscape of Texas? Join us as we continue the discussion on the profound effects these powerful storms have had on the Lone Star State.
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.
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 cri...
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 publicatio...
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 p...
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 tr...
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 bac...
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.
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