Texas Tales - podcast cover

Texas Tales

Fun, lively, partially accurate history of Texastexastales.buzzsprout.com

Get ready for a fun, lively, and sometimes slightly offbeat dive into the history of the Lone Star State! From well-known legends to hidden gems, we’re here to rediscover the people, places, and events that shaped Texas into the fascinating tapestry it is today. Whether we’re unraveling tall tales, debunking myths, or spotlighting forgotten heroes, each episode is packed with humor, curiosity, and a love for all things Texas.

Perfect for your commute, a walk in the park, or a long road trip, these bite-sized episodes are your gateway to exploring Texas history like never before. So, pull up a chair, hit play, and join us as we unbox the untold stories of the state we’re proud to call home!

Episodes

The Hoodoo War of Mason County

We love hearing from our fans! The Hoodoo war, also referred to as the Mason County war, lasted decades. It was the longest running feud in Texas history. It is a prime example of how one or two conflicts left unresolved can spiral into a divided community. Many people were injured and many lost their lives in this 30 year feud. Hope you enjoy this episode. Support the show...

May 11, 202239 minEp 4Transcript available on Metacast

The Massive Explosion at Lackland AFB in San Antonio

We love hearing from our fans! Every have a bad day at work? Probably does not compare to the day these three gentlemen had. Just a normal days activities turn into the largest explosion in Texas history. Was it the beginning of World War III? Will there be nuclear fallout? You will have to listen to understand just how this event happened. Hope ya'll enjoy! Support the show...

May 04, 202227 minEp 3Transcript available on Metacast

Boardwalk Empire - Texas Edition

We love hearing from our fans! Do the classic mafia stories intrigue you? Did you know that right here in our great state we had an organized crime syndicate that could rival those more famous ones. In this episode we discuss the Maceo Crime Syndicate. These brothers started as barbers and rose to be the undisputed dons of Galveston, along with the still well known Fertitta family. We learned quite a bit in this episode and had fun doing it. Hope you find it as enjoying. Support the show...

Apr 27, 202235 minEp 2Transcript available on Metacast

Judge Roy Bean Jr. - Dishing Out Justice

We love hearing from our fans! The honorable Judge Roy Bean Jr. Well... honorable might be a stretch. How does a murdering thief make a career out of dishing out justice? You'll have to listen to this episode to learn more. This really is good ol' Texas justice. Support the show

Apr 20, 202228 minEp 1Transcript available on Metacast

The Porvenir Massacre - The Darkest Days in Texas Rangers History

We love hearing from our fans! In this latest episode, we cover a very dark episode in the Rangers history. It was a time when Texans living along the Mexican border had to deal not only with Comanches, but Pancho Villa and his raiding bandits. The Rangers of the time were left up to their own methods of dealing with the violence they faced and sometimes the outcomes are not so pleasant. Support the show...

Feb 02, 202243 minEp 21Transcript available on Metacast

The Murder of Diamond Bessie

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode you have it all. A rich gentlemen, his prostitute companion, jewels, swindling, lawyers, politicians...and murder! This is story that is cut right out of the headlines in 1877 and is one of the most famous murders in Texas history. Hope ya'll enjoy! Support the show...

Jan 19, 202235 minEp 20Transcript available on Metacast

Gail Borden - A Man's Story Worth Telling

We love hearing from our fans! Gail Borden...yes the milk man, but so much more. He was not born in Texas, but what he did for Texas is simply unbelievable. He was a farmer, surveyor, revolutionist, publisher, collector, agent, inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. And yet, this does not even come close to scratching the surface. This was a request from one of our listeners and we are so happy that he turned us on to this great Texan. Support the show...

Jan 12, 202241 minEp 19Transcript available on Metacast

H-E-B : A True Texas Staple

We love hearing from our fans! Howard Edward Butt transforms a successful small family business into a true Texas staple. This is the story of the meteoric rise of a local company, but also one that prides itself in doing good in the local community. They can't all be H-E-B, but we'd all be better if they were. Support the show...

Jan 05, 202229 minEp 18Transcript available on Metacast

Hell's Half Acre - Ft. Worth

We love hearing from our fans! For all of you watching the Yellowstone prequel, 1883, we believe you will find this episode timely and interesting. This one jumped up in our list of ones we wanted to do, because we wanted to learn more about it since we are watching the show. This is a crazy, rowdy, fun, dangerous and tragic topic to cover. There is alot hear, so we hope you find it entertaining and maybe learn a thing a two. Support the show...

Dec 29, 202147 minEp 17Transcript available on Metacast

A Miracle In Texas - The Blue Nun, the Jumanos and Blue Bonnets

We love hearing from our fans! We have it all in this episode. As we approach Christmas, we discuss a true Texas miracle. Imagine natives that have never known Christianity until they meet a nun dressed in blue that comes to them out of know where. Imagine 2000 of them asking to be baptized and now imagine that when she leaves, blue bonnets appear for the first time in Texas. Come on!!! You gotta be intrigued by this story. Support the show...

Dec 22, 202149 minEp 16Transcript available on Metacast

The Royal Highway of Texas - Time Travelin'

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode, we discuss the history of the Camino Real de los Tejas. As you learn about this thoroughfare, you realize it's undeniable importance to the people that have always lived in Texas. Its a very large subject to cover, but we keep it high-level and fun. Hope you enjoy! Support the show...

Dec 15, 202141 minEp 15Transcript available on Metacast

The Vaquero Story - Rodeo through the Years

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode, we discuss the origins of the rodeo in Tejas. It is a story rooted deep in our history. It is tough to separate this story from our lineage. It seems all intertwined. We sincerely hope that you enjoy this Texas Tale as much as we enjoyed discovering and telling it. Support the show...

Dec 01, 202151 minEp 14Transcript available on Metacast

Tragedy Over Texas - The Columbia Explosion and Response

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we break down the Columbia space shuttle explosion over Texas and the incredible response by our fellow Texans. This was truly a tragic event, but really brought the best out in everyone. Hats off to NASA and hats off to all ya’ll! Support the show

Nov 23, 202157 minEp 13Transcript available on Metacast

The Lost Battalion and the Honorary Texans that Saved Them

We love hearing from our fans! Leave it up to Texans to beat the hell out of their opponent only to find themselves behind enemy lines. It takes the most unlikely of people to come to their aid. In this episode we tell a tall tale about honorary Texans that saved our Texas boys. Support the show

Nov 17, 202127 minEp 12Transcript available on Metacast

Texas' Underground Railroad - The Path to Freedom

We love hearing from our fans! Who knew the path to freedom was south rather than north? In this episode we uncover how slaves in Texas participated in the Underground Railroad. This was a very eye opening subject for us and one that we believe is worth a listen. Hope you enjoy! Support the show

Nov 10, 202150 minEp 11Transcript available on Metacast

The 13 Most Haunted Places to Visit in Texas

We love hearing from our fans! Fall is in the air and the undeniable truth that Halloween is just around the corner. As we enter into the spooky and scary season, we thought we would do podcasts that frankly give us the heebee jeebees. In this episode, we take you on a tour of Texas....to visit all the places that could potentially scare the hell out of you. You have ghosts, demons, shape shifters and even satyrs. This is our last episode before Halloween and we hope that you have enjoyed the wa...

Oct 27, 202140 minEp 10Transcript available on Metacast

Ghosts at The Grove - The Haunting in Jefferson

We love hearing from our fans! Fall is in the air and the undeniable truth that Halloween is just around the corner. As we enter into the spooky and scary season, we thought we would do podcasts that frankly give us the heebee jeebees. The Grove is consistently ranked one of the most haunted places in Texas and the U.S. Not to mention, Jefferson is considered one of the most haunted towns. In this episode we cover the ghostly beings that haunt the place and the history of their mortal selves. We...

Oct 20, 202132 minEp 9Transcript available on Metacast

The Texarkana Phantom Slayer

We love hearing from our fans! Fall is in the air and the undeniable truth that Halloween is just around the corner. As we enter into the spooky and scary season, we thought we would do podcasts that frankly give us the heebee jeebees. In the 1940's the town of Texarkana was scared out of their minds. A serial killer was on the loose preying on their youth. This sicko was never caught and the memory still lingers in the minds of the town's citizens today. Support the show...

Oct 13, 202133 minEp 8Transcript available on Metacast

The Haunting History of Devil's Backbone

We love hearing from our fans! Fall is in the air and the undeniable truth that Halloween is just around the corner. As we enter into the spooky and scary season, we thought we would do podcasts that frankly just give us the heebee jeebees. As you drive through one of the most beautiful landscapes in Texas, it is hard recon with the fact that so many horrific events have taken place there. It seems at times, that the spirits of the dead have never left. Explore with us Devil's Backbone. One...

Oct 06, 202128 minEp 7Transcript available on Metacast

Mass Murder on the Opelousas Trail

We love hearing from our fans! Fall is in the air and the undeniable truth that Halloween is just around the corner. As we enter into the spooky and scary season, we thought we would do podcasts that frankly just give us the heebee jeebees. So why not kick off with a bit of mass murder? This story is about a real bad guy that preys on travelers between New Orleans and San Antonio in the early 1800's. I can't imagine what could be worse than the story that unfolds in this episode. We ho...

Sep 29, 202134 minEp 6Transcript available on Metacast

Hood's Texas Brigade - Rough, Tough and Remembered

We love hearing from our fans! These guys were unbelievable. Left Texas and fought under General Robert E Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. They participated in an unbelievable amount of the battles that decided the fate of America. They found themselves at the center of the successes the Confederate States of America had early and were present at their ultimate defeat. No matter how we judge their cause today, they truly are legendary. Support the show...

Sep 22, 202139 minEp 5Transcript available on Metacast

The Incredible Ancestral Texas Longhorn

We love hearing from our fans! In our latest episode, we discuss the history of the Texas Longhorn. Not just Texas history, but global lineage. This is a really interesting subject that highlights how this incredible animal evolved to the Texas icon the world knows today. Support the show

Sep 15, 202141 minEp 4Transcript available on Metacast

The History of the Blue Bell Creamery and the Kruse Family Saga

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we discuss the history of the creamery that is known to have "the best ice cream in the country" and the family behind it. We will cover their ups and downs and why in 2015 they almost shut down the company. Listen to learn a bit and laugh alot. Support the show...

Sep 08, 202146 minEp 3Transcript available on Metacast

The Origins of Cinco de Mayo and the Texan...errr Mexican General at the Heart of it All.

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we discuss the origins of Cinco de Mayo and the impact (beyond a day to drink) on Texas and the U.S.A. An ordinary boy born in Goliad, from a family steep in Texas lore rises to general of the Mexican army and defeats not only Santa Ana, but Napoleon III. You can't make this stuff up. Grab a drink and have fun with this one! Support the show...

Sep 01, 202137 minEp 2Transcript available on Metacast

Season One Look Back and Our Favorite Texas Tales - Raw and Uncut

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we review our favorite episodes from the first season and why we loved them so much. We hope that this is a great way to kick off season 2. Hope you enjoy this quick look back, before we venture forward. Support the show

Aug 25, 202143 minEp 1Transcript available on Metacast

The Archive War - The Struggle Between Austin and Houston

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we discuss the little know Archive War. This was the battle that decided ultimately if Houston or Austin would be the state capital. We discuss the two main power players (Sam Houston / Houston and Mirabeau Lamar / Austin) that are working relentlessly to secure the most important Texas documents and where they would ultimately reside. Guess who wins? Support the show...

Aug 18, 202130 minEp 31Transcript available on Metacast

The New London School Explosion

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we discuss a tragic event in Texas history. The New London school explosion was the third most deadly event in our history. An entire town was faced to respond, mourn and cope with this horrific accident that killed hundred of students and teachers in a very tight knit community. Support the show...

Aug 11, 202133 minEp 30Transcript available on Metacast

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) at Avenger Field

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we uncover the story of the flying WASPs and their unbelievable story of bravery, service to our country and the lack of recognition they received by our government. Support the show

Aug 04, 202138 minEp 29Transcript available on Metacast

The 15 Worst Lonestar Serial Killers

We love hearing from our fans! In this episode we walk the list of the most notorious serial killers to ever step foot in Texas. If you are into this type of stuff, you will probably love it. Support the show

Jul 28, 202140 minEp 28Transcript available on Metacast

The Texas Navy - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

We love hearing from our fans! Not sure what you know about not only the Texas Navy. Well... we surprised ourselves with how little we actually knew. It wasn't always great times for our guys offshore, but they definitely played a major part in our celebrated history. Hope you learn as much as we did. Support the show...

Jul 21, 202152 minEp 27Transcript available on Metacast