Episodes

  • EP. 126: An Accidental Victory

    EP. 126: An Accidental Victory
    Mar 24 2024
    As the winter of 1835 approached, the Texian army lay siege to San Antonio de Bexar. When rumors started that a pack train was approaching the town carrying silver for the troops, the Texians saw opportunity. Riding out to meet the enemy, the Texians were successful...sort of. Learn about this skirmish in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.
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    15 mins
  • The Texas Rangers: Milton H. West- from Ranger to Congressman

    The Texas Rangers: Milton H. West- from Ranger to Congressman
    Jan 1 2024
    Milton H. West had a most interesting career. While investigating the assault of his brother on the Mexican border, he decided to sign up with the Texas Rangers. That got him interested in the law, which got him interested in politics. Every step of the way he was watching out for the people of South Texas. When his career was over, he had changed the face (and the economy) of the Rio Grande Valley. BONUS: An interview with his grandson at the end of the episode.
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    35 mins
  • EP. 124: Texans You Should Know- Sally Skull

    EP. 124: Texans You Should Know- Sally Skull
    Oct 30 2023
    Sarah Jane Newman grew up tough in a family that came with Austin's Old 300. She watched her mother fight off Indians and became an expert judge of horses. Known as Sally Skull, she could outride, outshoot and outtrade any man. But she also lived at the intersection of history and legend, in a time when most folks would prefer the legend. Hear about the fascinating life of a very interesting Texas woman in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.
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    26 mins
  • EP. 123: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 2)

    EP. 123: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 2)
    Aug 20 2023
    Antonio “Tony” Leal served as a Texas Ranger from 1994-2011, including several years as the Senior Captain. In part 2 of an interesting and wide-ranging interview, you will learn about the Ranger service, life as a Ranger and many other interesting and informative things about the modern Ranger service. Senior Captain Leal’s ranching roots go back to an 18th century Spanish land grant on the Rio Grande and he would become the first Hispanic Senior Captain. Enjoy this glimpse into the modern Texas Rangers from Senior Captain Tony Leal.
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    52 mins
  • EP. 122: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 1)

    EP. 122: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 1)
    Aug 7 2023
    Antonio "Tony" Leal served as a Texas Ranger from 1994-2011, including several years as the Senior Captain. In this interesting and wide-ranging interview, you will learn about the Ranger service, life as a Ranger and many other interesting and informative things about the modern Ranger service. Senior Captain Leal's ranching roots go back to an 18th century Spanish land grant on the Rio Grande and he would become the first Hispanic Senior Captain. Enjoy this glimpse into the modern Texas Rangers from Senior Captain Tony Leal.
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    51 mins
  • Bonus Episode: The 72 oz Steak Challenge with James Webb

    Bonus Episode: The 72 oz Steak Challenge with James Webb
    Jul 13 2023
    The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is world famous for its 72 oz. steak challenge. If you can eat a 72 oz steak (that's 4 1/2 pounds!), and all the sides, you get it for free and all the accolades that accompany such a tremendous accomplishment. Many have tried, but only a few have done it. However, Wise About Texas was lucky to be in attendance when an Australian competitive eater named James Webb completed the challenge in six minutes and twenty-eight seconds. That's the second fastest time in history! James went on to finish a strong third in the annual Nathan's Famous hot-dog eating contest on July 4, 2023. In this interview, James talks about his road to becoming the number one competitive eater in Australia and one of the top 10 in the world. He also gives some tips and tricks for winning your own eating challenges, and maybe at the Big Texan! So grab a snack and check out this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.
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    35 mins
  • Ep. 121: A Dead Man’s Horse: The Case of Issac Desha

    Ep. 121: A Dead Man’s Horse: The Case of Issac Desha
    Jul 3 2023
    Issac Desha had a checkered past. Though he was the son of a Governor, something just wasn't right. When he was spotted with a dead man's horse, things got "interesting." He ended up in San Felipe before the revolution but his prospects didn't improve much. Hear about a murder in early Texas in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.
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    24 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: Celebrating The Texas Ranger Bicentennial

    BONUS EPISODE: Celebrating The Texas Ranger Bicentennial
    May 18 2023
    2023 marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most famous law enforcement organizations in the world--The Texas Rangers. In this bonus episode, I talk with Russell Molina and Lacy Finley about all the celebrations scheduled for the Texas Ranger bicentennial. You can find a list of the events at TexasRanger2023.org.
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    26 mins