Texas Tales

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A fun, lively, mostly accurate discovery of obvious and obscure Texas history. This is a re-discovery of the people, places and events that shaped our great state. Join us in sitting around doing what we like to do most.. unwrapping and unraveling the tales of Texas. These easily consumable sessions are good for your daily commute, while out on a walk, sitting around the house or to binge on a road trip. However you like to listen, please do!

Fun, lively, mostly accurate history of Texas


    • Nov 26, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 66 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Texas Tales podcast has truly honed their storytelling chops over the last season, captivating listeners with their intriguing and rich tales about the Lone Star State. As a native born Houstonian and proud Texan, I thoroughly enjoy learning more about the history and traditions of our great state through this podcast. The topics covered are sure to pique the interest of any true Texan, and perhaps even intrigue outside observers as well. What sets this podcast apart is the perfect balance between entertainment and researched facts. The hosts give themselves the liberty to entertain with their storytelling, while also presenting well-researched information, creating a delightful cocktail of entertainment.

    One of the best aspects of The Texas Tales podcast is the captivating storytelling that keeps listeners hooked from beginning to end. The hosts have an incredible ability to engage listeners with their tales, making each episode both informative and entertaining. Whether it's exploring the rich history of Round Top Texas or delving into fascinating aspects of Texan culture, every story shared on this podcast is engrossing and enjoyable to listen to. Additionally, the brotherly banter between the hosts adds a warm and friendly dynamic that makes you feel like you're sitting down with old friends.

    However, it must be noted that there are some downsides to this podcast. One aspect that could use improvement is the sound quality, which can sometimes come across as amateurish. While this doesn't detract significantly from the overall listening experience, it would enhance the production value if they were able to improve upon this aspect. Despite this minor drawback, the quality of the stories and chemistry between hosts more than make up for any technical shortcomings.

    In conclusion, if you're looking for some great stories about Texas that will entertain and educate you in equal measure, The Texas Tales podcast is definitely worth a listen. You don't have to be a Texan to enjoy these stories; they have universal appeal for anyone interested in history and culture. The hosts' sense of humor adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making every episode a delight to listen to. So grab a seat, relax, and let The Texas Tales podcast transport you on a journey through the captivating stories of the Lone Star State. Cheers to the great work they're doing!



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    Latest episodes from Texas Tales

    Cannibal Myths and Coastal Warriors: The Real Story of the Karankawa

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 38:51


    Who were the Karankawa? Feared warriors, misunderstood coastal nomads, or victims of slanderous folklore? In this episode, inspired by Texas Monthly's powerful article “We No Longer Have to Live in Secret” by Stephen Harrigan, we dive into the rich and turbulent history of the Karankawa people. From their seasonal migrations along the Texas Gulf Coast to violent encounters with Spanish colonists and Anglo settlers, their story is one of resilience, betrayal, and survival.We'll explore the truth behind the cannibal myths, the devastating Skull Creek Massacre, and the tribe's ultimate displacement. But their story doesn't end there. Today, descendants are reclaiming their heritage and ensuring the Karankawa's legacy is remembered in the 21st century. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and uncover the extraordinary tale of a people who refuse to be forgotten.

    Popular Texas Superstitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 26:53


    Want to keep away ghosts or witches? Ever wonder about gravesite etiquette or ensure you have a bountiful crop? Well...we did. In this episode, we cover a wide range of popular Texas superstitions just in time for Halloween. Grab yourself a drink, get  dressed up in your Halloween costume and get ready for a very informative and fairly funny episode of your state's most spooky superstitions.

    The Killing Field

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 30:51


    In this episode we discuss the area of I-45 just south of Houston, heading towards Galveston. Over the years, many women and girls have gone missing along this thoroughfare and many have been found murdered. So many in fact, that this stretch of highway has been referred to by the police, FBI and locals as "The Killing Fields". This Texas Tale highlights four of the victims that presumably have nothing in common, except their final resting place. 

    The Spooky Emily Morgan Hotel

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 19:55


    Its the season! Spoooky season. Are you ready to scare yourself silly? Go check out the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio. An early 1900's hospital, psych ward and morgue turned into a fancy hotel. If you can't find a ghost there, not sure where you will. In this episode, learn about the history, the namesake and the current day hauntings. Hope you enjoy!

    The Opelousas Trail - Meat, Money and Mayhem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 29:13


    Long before there was the Chisolm or Goodnight Loving Trails, there was the Opelousas trail. Used by Native Americans, the Spanish, Mexicans, Texans and yes...cattle. Driving herds to New Orleans was not for the faint of heart, but for those that did it well, it seriously paid off. We hope you enjoy listening the our tale about the original Texas cattle drive.

    Texas Saves the European Wine Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 31:04


    When European wines are under attack by a harmful little pest, who do they turn to save their butts? That's right....TV Munson from Dennison, Texas. What an interesting tale about how the Texas vines were the perfect solution for a European problem. We hope you grab your favorite glass of wine, sit back and enjoy listening to how the European wine industry has us to thank for their great wines.

    Texas Treasure Hunter's Delight

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 26:01


    Five opportunities to strike it rich! We are trying to ensure that listening to our episode pays off for someone. In this episode we countdown the five most famous buried treasures in Texas. We hope that at the end of this episode you grab your shovel and start digging for treasure...and when you strike it rich, maybe you'll find it in your heart to share just a little.

    Camel Corps - Beasts of Burden

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 36:48


    What if instead of horses and donkeys, camels were the animals that helped settle the west? This very well could have been our reality. On this episode we explore why horses rather than camels, but determine... maybe we chose wrong?!? Grab yourself and drink, sit back and enjoy this episode. Who knows...maybe you will learn something new. 

    The Second Battle at Adobe Walls

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later May 25, 2022 45:09


    Battle so nice, they decided to have it twice. 29 buffalo hunters and traders against 700 plains Indians. This battle has incredible significance for both sides. It is the beginning of the end for the Comanches and other tribes and opens up Texas and the west to settlers once and for all. Hope you enjoy this one!

    The First Battle at Adobe Walls

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022 51:50


    What would you do if you were out numbered ten to one by the fiercest fighting Native American tribes. We don't know either, but it probably would not be pretty. In this episode we discuss the largest battle in plains history. We hope you enjoy this episode. Its a doozie.

    The Hoodoo War of Mason County

    Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later May 11, 2022 38:40


    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.

    The Massive Explosion at Lackland AFB in San Antonio

    Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later May 4, 2022 27:29


    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!

    Boardwalk Empire - Texas Edition

    Play Episode Play 32 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 34:55


    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.

    Judge Roy Bean Jr. - Dishing Out Justice

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 20, 2022 28:00


    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.

    The Porvenir Massacre - The Darkest Days in Texas Rangers History

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 42:57


    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. 

    The Murder of Diamond Bessie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 35:08


    In this episode you have it all. A rich gentlemen, his prostitute companion, jewels, swindling, lawyers and 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!

    Gail Borden - A Man's Story Worth Telling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 40:55


    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.

    H-E-B : A True Texas Staple

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 29:03


    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.

    Hell's Half Acre - Ft. Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2021 47:26


    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. 

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 48:47


    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.

    The Royal Highway of Texas - Time Travelin'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 41:12


    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!

    The Vaquero Story - Rodeo through the Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 50:57


    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.

    Tragedy Over Texas - The Columbia Explosion and Response

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 57:05


    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!

    The Lost Battalion and the Honorary Texans that Saved Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 27:05


    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.

    Texas' Underground Railroad - The Path to Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 50:05


    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!

    Unlucky 13 - The 13 Most Haunted Places to Visit in Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 40:00


    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 walk down spooky lane with us. Make sure your parents check your candy before your eat it.

    Ghosts at The Grove - The Haunting in Jefferson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 32:24


    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 hope you really enjoy this one as much as we did. Be safe out there...it's spooky season.

    The Texarkana Phantom Slayer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 32:33


    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.

    The Haunting History of Devil's Backbone

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 27:53


    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 of the most haunted places in Texas. Beautiful by day. Scary as hell by night. 

    Mass Murder on the Opelousas Trail

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2021 33:32


    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 hope you enjoy this little known Texas history....and take care of yourselves out there. 

    Hood's Texas Brigade - Rough, Tough and Remembered

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 39:13


    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. 

    The Incredible Ancestral Texas Longhorn

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 41:11


    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.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 46:06


    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. 

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 36:46


    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!

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 43:09


    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.

    The Archive War - The Struggle Between Austin and Houston

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 29:51


    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?

    The New London School Explosion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 32:58


    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.

    The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) at Avenger Field

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 37:40


    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.

    The 15 Worst Lonestar Serial Killers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 39:56


    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. 

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 51:41


    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.

    Those Freakin' Comancheros

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 40:41


    In this episode we attempt to understand how the Comancheros and their dealings with the New Mexico government and the U.S. government led to years of war between the Texicans and those fierce fighters, raiders and thieves known as the Comanche.

    What a Burger! The Story of the Texas Institution

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 40:40


    This episode is as tasty as they come. Go grab a bag full of taquitos and listen to us discuss everything Whataburger.

    The Legend of Sally Skull - Sun Bonnets and Six Shooters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 39:32


    Why don't they teach us about this person in Texas history? She was an amazing lady. Love her or hate her...you will appreciate the story. Cheers friends!

    Texas' Borders and How They Came to Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 33:04


    Texas is the most recognizable state in the nation...err the World. In this episode we discuss why they are where they are.

    The University of Texas' Oil Boom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 28:42


    In this episode we discuss why and how The University of Texas is so crazy wealthy. We'll give you a hint....oil!

    All the Texas Inventions - Breast Implants, Microchips and Fritos Just to Name a Few

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 34:10


    In this episode we chat about how Texas is friendly to inventors. A lot of great things have come from Texas and we have left our mark on this world. Come join us for a really fun topic and conversation!

    Be a Pepper...Drink Dr. Waco?!?! - The Real Story of the Native Texas Drink

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 43:20


    We drink our way through this episode with Dr. Pepper and rum drinks. Had a great time uncovering the native Texas carbonated beverage from it's origins all the way through present day. Hope you enjoy this one half as much as we enjoyed doing it.

    The Strangest Texas Laws That Still Exist - The More You Know!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 34:45


    In this episode, we drink our way through many of the states laws that are down right funny. Why were these ever laws? Why don't we still enforce some of these and what actually happens if you get caught milking another man's cow?

    The Largest Act of Mob Violence in Texas and U.S. History - Gainesville, Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 43:32


    In this episode we dive deep into a dark period in Texas history. What happens when a mob takes actions into their own hands? An event most call the Gainesville Hangings. We will refer to them as lynchings.

    Texas BBQ Experience and Origins - Bring Betsy Up Here. We'll Eat Her!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 33:14


    All across this great state, barbecue is celebrated. In this episode we highlight many of the best bbq experiences and how it came to be. We hope this episode makes you crave some of your own tasty experiences.

    The Cotton Club - A Special Place for Socialites, Rednecks, Bikers and Hippies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 26:08


    Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Fats Domino, Stevie Ray Vaughn and many many others played at the Cotton Club in Lubbock over the years. What an amazing place this must have been during its hay day!

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