Episodes

  • Ep. 130: The Sisterdale Revolver

    Ep. 130: The Sisterdale Revolver
    Aug 20 2024
    In the early part of the Civil War, a group of German Freethinkers got together to design and manufacture a revolver for use by the Confederate forces. These Germans were intellectuals, engineers, farmers and...unionists! Nevertheless they designed a new revolver, making 6 total. The gun proved impractical, however, so they ceased production. Only one of these guns is known to survive. But this story is about much more than a gun. Get a feel for some of the German immigrants who came to Texas in the middle 19th century in this episode of Wise About Texas.
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    25 mins
  • EP. 129: Making Texas History: An Interview with Governor Rick Perry (Part 2)

    EP. 129: Making Texas History: An Interview with Governor Rick Perry (Part 2)
    Aug 4 2024
    Governor Rick Perry is the longest serving Governor in Texas history. From his humble beginnings in Paint Creek, to the cockpit of an Air Force C-130, to the Governor's Mansion and on to Washington D.C. Governor Perry has an unmatched career in public service. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss what Texas and Texas history means to a man who made a lot of it.
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    29 mins
  • Making Texas History: An Interview with Governor Rick Perry (Part 1)

    Making Texas History: An Interview with Governor Rick Perry (Part 1)
    Jul 7 2024
    Governor Rick Perry is the longest serving Governor in Texas history. From his humble beginnings in Paint Creek, to the cockpit of an Air Force C-130, to the Governor's Mansion and on to Washington D.C. Governor Perry has an unmatched career in public service. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss what Texas and Texas history means to a man who made a lot of it.
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    34 mins
  • EP. 127: Clash of the Titans

    EP. 127: Clash of the Titans
    Jun 2 2024
    The American Buffalo, or Bison, is an iconic image of America. At one point, millions of these huge animals roamed the continent. But settlement and commercial hunting rendered the bison all but extinct. Thanks to the forward thinking of a few cattlemen, the species was saved. But the early twentieth century was a sporting time, and certain questions needed answers. To a few folks from Texas, Mexico, and North Dakota, the burning question was which animal was tougher--a Mexican fighting bull or a buffalo? Well, now we know. Hear the story of an epic battle in this episode of Wise About Texas.
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    30 mins
  • 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