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Stories from Texas are written for and recorded for the Texas Standard radio program. They're written by W.F Strong and edited for broadcast by Texas Standard producers. Texas Standard airs Monday through Friday on more than 25 public radio stations across Texas. Visit texasstandard.org/listen to…

W.F. Strong

Austin, Texas

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    • Apr 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 448 EPISODES

    4.8 from 189 ratings Listeners of Texas Standard » Stories from Texas that love the show mention: texas, stories, wonderful, love, like.


    Ivy Insights

    The Texas Standard - Stories from Texas is an incredibly engaging and informative podcast that delves deep into the rich history and culture of the Lone Star State. The gentleman who narrates the podcast demonstrates a genuine love for Texas, evident through his extensive knowledge and understanding of its history. Unlike other individuals who may choose to ignore or deny the importance of Mexico and Mexican culture in Texas, this narrator recognizes their significant impact on the state's heritage. This nuanced perspective sets the podcast apart from others and allows listeners to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Texas.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to captivate listeners with compelling stories that truly reflect the character of each region in Texas. Whether it's discussing the towering pine forests or the arid desert, each narrative is meticulously crafted to paint a vivid picture in the listener's mind. The stories are akin to a sage perfume, emanating depth and richness with every episode. Furthermore, episodes such as "Pink Cadillacs and Lucky 13" provide surprising insights into figures like Mary Kay, leaving listeners amazed by untold tales.

    The only drawback one may find with this podcast is that some episodes could benefit from more detailed historical context. While the narratives are undoubtedly fascinating, occasionally providing a deeper historical backdrop would enhance listeners' understanding further. However, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Texas Standard - Stories from Texas is an exceptional podcast that brings to life the diverse history and culture of Texas. With an engaging narrator who possesses an intimate knowledge of Mexican influence on Texan heritage, this podcast stands out among others in its genre. The stories shared are deeply captivating and leave listeners eager for more. Despite some minor opportunities for improvement regarding historical context, this podcast remains enjoyable and educational. Whether you're a Texan at heart or simply curious about this storied state, The Texas Standard - Stories from Texas is a must-listen.



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    Latest episodes from Texas Standard » Stories from Texas

    New York aids Texas Revolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 Transcription Available


    This bit of history really does seem too strange to be true. It involves the family of John Wilkes Booth, the son of Abraham Lincoln, and Sam Houston. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or […] The post New York aids Texas Revolution appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Whistling while you work

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 Transcription Available


    Growing up in Texas, WF Strong found that whistling played a important role in his life. But there are many ways to whistle. He explores a few of them. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles […] The post Whistling while you work appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    The 100th meridian

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 6:17


    If you examine any good map of Texas, you’ll notice a natural division of East and West Texas that runs from the eastern side of the Panhandle down to Abilene and San Angelo and on past Uvalde to Carrizo Springs and Laredo. To the west side of that line is arid and to the east […] The post The 100th meridian appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    John Steinbeck (and Charley) on Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 5:23 Transcription Available


    Steinbeck's comments about Texas and Texans go well beyond his “Texas is a state of mind” quote. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explores. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post John Steinbeck (and Charley) on Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Do you have a favorite W.F. Strong story? Here are our top 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 49:27 Transcription Available


    Texas Standard is celebrating its 10th birthday by looking back on 10 years of covering Texas. One way we're going to do that is with top 10 lists. We started by counting down our top 10 Stories from Texas from commentator W.F. Strong. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the […] The post Do you have a favorite W.F. Strong story? Here are our top 10 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Fronters and backers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 4:09 Transcription Available


    Some of the most frustrating hours of our lives might be spent in a vehicle. After some hard times on the road, nothing can feel better than the perfect parking spot at the place you need to be. But how will you pull in? Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has some thoughts. The full transcript […] The post Fronters and backers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    A tale of a stolen town

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 4:39


    On the western side of the Panhandle, right on the Texas/New Mexico border are two towns that were established just a few years apart in the late 1800s. They were separated by a line as thin as a goal line. They both still exist today — with populations of less than 1,500 each. But Texas […] The post A tale of a stolen town appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    How some donated land became a bounty for a small town's students

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 5:46 Transcription Available


    Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says the Gruver Farm Scholarship Foundation has already made a multi-generational impact. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post How some donated land became a bounty for a small town's students appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Could Napoleon have ruled over Texas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 4:58 Transcription Available


    A strongman politician is something we’ve heard a lot about recently. This Stories From Texas is about a strongman from history and a plan to set him up anew in Texas. Texas Standard Commentator W.F. Strong dug up this story — one that you probably didn’t hear about in Texas history, for one, because it […] The post Could Napoleon have ruled over Texas? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    A second siege of the Alamo

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 2:57 Transcription Available


    Even though the words “Remember the Alamo” are available on t-shirts, bumper-stickers, and kitchen kitsch, the Alamo wasn’t always remembered with the reverence it is today. For a long time, the Alamo was used mostly as a warehouse. Even the church, which people rather universally think of as the Alamo, was used as an army […] The post A second siege of the Alamo appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    My brush with fate or serendipity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 5:58 Transcription Available


    Sometimes things happen in the world that just seem too coincidental to be coincidental. We have lots of words to describe these moments — luck, serendipity, maybe fate or destiny, perhaps a miracle? Texas Standard Commentator WF Strong remembers one of these moments he just can’t explain. The full transcript of this episode of Stories […] The post My brush with fate or serendipity appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Some of the best Texans have been Californians – on film

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 6:15


    These five Californians, including John Wayne and Robert Duvall, have made great Texans in movies. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Some of the best Texans have been Californians – on film appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Frito pie is a Texas original

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 5:14


    The recipe is a mainstay under the Friday night lights and has morphed – and gotten more portable – since its debut in 1949. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast […] The post Frito pie is a Texas original appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    The craziest race you've never heard of happened on Padre Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 4:36 Transcription Available


    Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says that, starting in the 1950s, participants in the Padre Island Walkathon covered 110 miles – all walking, no running – over three days. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles […] The post The craziest race you've never heard of happened on Padre Island appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    An AI Experiment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 4:38 Transcription Available


    There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence — what it can do and what its limitations are. And if you’ve been keeping tabs on it at all, there’s no doubt that it seems to be getting better — and fast. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong wanted to find out for himself just […] The post An AI Experiment appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Counting Cattle With the Fathers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 5:01


    Longtime listeners may know — Texas Standard is fast approaching a milestone birthday. We’re turning 10 next March. With us almost from the beginning have been signature segments including the Typewriter Rodeo and Stories From Texas — these bi-weekly commentaries from WF Strong. He says he has a goal beyond entertainment. The post Counting Cattle With the Fathers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    The Other Hill Country

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 5:24


    Over the next couple of months, many will set off for the Texas Hill Country to enjoy the splendor of the wildflowers celebrating spring. Many of the tourists are flatlanders, who not only love the kaleidoscope of colors but also driving the hilly roads that snake through billions of blossoms. Texas Standard Commentator WF Strong […] The post The Other Hill Country appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    The mystery of the Texas box

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 4:02


    We’ve all heard the proverb about one man’s trash being another’s treasure. Well, for generations of a family now living in Texas, the treasure in question was an old box found discarded many years earlier. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has the story. The post The mystery of the Texas box appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Bonnie and Clyde: Star-synced lovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 5:33


    February the 14th may be one of the more divisive days on the calendar. Though Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate love — many find it cheesy, commercial, or downright depressing. Others, lean into the holiday. In the latter camp, it seems, were a pair infamous lovers from Texas. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has […] The post Bonnie and Clyde: Star-synced lovers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    New Year's Eve on Houston Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 5:55


    Champagne toasts, fireworks, making resolutions, fancy meals… those are just some of the many ways Texans chose to to ring in 2024. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong, however, decided to welcome the New Year by reflecting on the past. The post New Year's Eve on Houston Street appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    The Gift of the Tidelands

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 5:33


    Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong has a little holiday tradition. Every December he likes to count our collective blessings as Texans by highlighting a great gift to Texas. He says the tidelands were special because the giver didn’t realize how much goodness would continue to flow from them. The post The Gift of the Tidelands appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    La Pitada

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 6:03


    554 miles from AT&T Stadium you will find a Dallas Cowboys celebratory tradition that is unique in Texas. You might expect it in Dallas or Arlington, but to find this three decade tradition thriving in a Brownsville neighborhood, is both surprising and heart-warming. It is called La Pitada. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has more. The post La Pitada appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Found in Translation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 5:13


    For those with a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish, traveling Texas becomes more interesting because the Spanish names of places reveal, or hint at, their histories. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has some examples. The post Found in Translation appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    On Censorship

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 4:43


    A look at the headlines might sometimes give you a sense of déjà vu — haven’t you read or seen this before? Fights over government shutdowns… a looming presidential race that may pit the same candidates against one another. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has been thinking about this while watching another political debate. The post On Censorship appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    The Legend of La Llorona

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2023 4:53


    All through October, the Texas Standard team is tracking Texas cryptids. As we’ve dug into some of these legends, we’ve noticed a few patterns. First of all, many of the cryptids associated with Texas have roots in Mexico. And there are also some similarities in the back stories of these creatures or characters. Ayden Castellanos […] The post The Legend of La Llorona appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    ‘The Killers of the Flower Moon’ is an Oklahoma story with Texas ties

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 5:25


    There’s a much-anticipated film coming out next month. It’s the latest from Martin Scorsese and stars Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. Texan Jesse Plemons also has a big role — playing a Texan from history. Commentator WF Strong profiled the story when it was told in a bestselling book with the same name as […] The post ‘The Killers of the Flower Moon’ is an Oklahoma story with Texas ties appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Texas is God’s Country

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 4:15


    “Everything’s bigger in Texas” may be one of the most famous sayings about Texas. “Don’t mess with Texas” probably comes in a close second. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has been looking into another well-known saying about Texas. The post Texas is God’s Country appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    How the railroad saved Fort Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 4:46


    When we’re speaking of the North Texas metroplex — Dallas always gets first billing. It’s DFW… not FWD. But Texas Standard Commentator WF Strong says, at one point, the slightly smaller large city was at risk of disappearing altogether. The post How the railroad saved Fort Worth appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    The Historical Accuracy of Lonesome Dove

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 6:50


    “Lonesome Dove” is one of the most popular Texas novels of all time — with many millions of copies sold since it was first published in 1985. The miniseries that followed in 1989 was the second most popular mini-series of all time, behind “Roots.” But Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says author Larry McMurtry was […] The post The Historical Accuracy of Lonesome Dove appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Texas Spelling Bee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 4:28


    Are there words that just trip you up every time you try to spell them? For the producer writing this script it’s allegience — allegiance — so many vowels. You know it’s bad when Word or Google can’t even make a guess at what you’re going for. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong explores the most […] The post Texas Spelling Bee appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    The Second Sacking of San Antonio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 7:17


    Most Texans believe that the Battle of San Jacinto settled everything. Once Mexican President Santa Anna was decisively defeated, he famously signed a treaty guaranteeing Texas independence and he would never again set foot on Texas soil…Right? Well, commentator WF Strong reminds us that’s not what happened. The post The Second Sacking of San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    The 50th anniversary of ‘The Time It Never Rained'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 5:46


    It’s been 50 years since the publication of Elmer Kelton’s now classic Texas novel, “The Time it Never Rained.” Kelton wrote 50 books and said this was his favorite — he called it his signature work. It won him both the Spur Award and the Western Heritage Award. Many Texas literary critics consider “The Time […] The post The 50th anniversary of ‘The Time It Never Rained' appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Farmer Logic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 4:52


    If you’ve spent any time around farmers — you may have noticed a similar, pragmatic approach to life many share. Texas Standard Commentator WF Strong says it’s something he’s long observed. The post Farmer Logic appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Things Redneck Dave said to me on the drive across Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 5:30


    Technology has a role in helping us remember the past. Whether it’s a Facebook memory or a similar push from your photos app. But milestones have long played the same role — anniversaries, holidays, big changes in life. Maybe it’s a relationship or your last great vacation. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has been recalling […] The post Things Redneck Dave said to me on the drive across Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    What a Handshake is Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 6:09


    How much is a promise worth? How much is it worth if you guarantee the promise with a handshake? What is the value of one’s word? In Texas, once, all these taken together were worth over ten billion dollars in a court of law. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has the story.

    Sancho

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 5:43


    One of Texas folklorist J. Frank Dobie’s favorite stories was the story of Sancho, the tamale-loving Longhorn. He heard it from John Rigby of Beeville, Texas. Dobie said that he figured Rigby had dressed up the story a bit and also admitted that he himself had done some “constructive work” on it over the years. […]

    It’s My Turn

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 5:45


    A couple of weeks ago, Texas Standard commentator WF Strong shared some news with a few members of our staff. Now, he’s ready to share it with all of you.

    Quinta Mazatlan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 4:30


    Cicero said, “If you have a library and a garden, you have all that you need.” Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says you can begin to understand that wisdom when you enter the gates of Quinta Mazatlan. It’s an urban oasis in south McAllen.

    My Valentine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 5:58


    Love, of course, can come in many forms. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has found a lot of love in his life, including in his two teenage boys. He recalls a certain newer relationship that he says came as a bit of a surprise. This story first aired in 2018.

    Tom Hoskins and his Thousand Points of Light

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 6:16


    It could be said that Texas is a state of natural philosophers. Many people have maxims or aphorisms at the ready for every situation. Tom Hoskins was one such person. He made it his late-in-life mission to record all of the adages he came across in a collection he called “Hoskilonians: A Thousand Points of […]

    We Might Oughtta Praise Texas Grammar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 3:45


    Those who didn’t grow up in Texas can have a lot of trouble with the way many Texans pronounce many place names. Think Gruene or Refugio. But commentator WF Strong noticed sumpin’ else — some Texans use words you pert near won’t hear in other parts of the country.

    The Port Mansfield Cut and the treasure discovered there

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2023 7:01


    Running from Corpus Christi to near Brownsville, Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world. Up until the late 1950s, you could drive the entire 113 miles of the island if you had a vehicle with decent four-wheel drive. That option was blocked in 1957 when the Port Mansfield Cut was dredged. The […]

    Jesse H. Jones was a model philanthropist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 5:07


    Over 30% of annual nonprofit giving happens in the last month of the year. In Texas, philanthropists Jesse H. Jones and his wife, Mary Gibbs Jones, have been very generous. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has more on the gifts bestowed by the couple on the Lone Star State.

    ‘Three red marbles’ is a story fit for Thanksgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2022 4:38


    Many Texas Standard listeners are thankful for the “Stories from Texas” brought to us by our regular commentator WF Strong. Today’s story is a little different — he explains why.

    La Llorona

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 4:54


    A 500-year-old Mexican legend is still freshly scaring kids — especially in the border regions. The story about a crying woman called La Llorona no doubt arrived in what is now Texas with the earliest Mexican settlers. Ever since, this ghostly figure has haunted our rivers, lakes and streams. There are dozens of versions of […]

    Yonderings

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 4:32


    Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explores Texas for us — often through history and lore. But he also picks up new stories from Texas. And, occasionally, he recommends one.

    How Texas Saved the Buffalo

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 3:42


    The number of American bison has increased in recent years from a historic low of just a few hundred to half a million. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says the Lone Star State – and one of its most famous ranchers – made a very significant contribution to those efforts. This story originally aired in […]

    Wright Bacon: A Texas Original

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 4:40


    A lot of people love bacon. Maybe no one more-so than comedian Jim Gaffigan. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says Gaffigan’s bacon commitment might make him a good candidate for a honor this weekend in a Texas city you’ve likely never heard of.

    Remembering Queen Elizabeth's visit to Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 4:45


    Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decade-long reign makes it challenging to whittle down to just a few big moments. She witnessed some of the world’s most pivotal events. But from a Texas perspective, there are two days in 1991 that stick out. Commentator W.F. Strong tells us about when the Queen toured the Lone Star State. […]

    Flying to school on my Western Flyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 4:52


    With school back in session across most parts of the lone star state, Texas Standard commentator WF Strong is among those starting off the morning with drop offs at school. But while he was dripping off his daughter the other day — waiting in a line of cars stretching for blocks — he noticed no […]

    Falcon Lake

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 6:22


    There’s been a lot of concern focused on Lake Mead in Nevada. It’s the largest reservoir in the United States and is the water source for more than 25 million people. But it’s fallen to just 25% capacity and is dropping rather rapidly. In Texas, Falcon Lake is at just 12% capacity. Commentator W.F. Strong […]

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