Wise About Texas

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.

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.

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.

The September term of the Bexar County District Court was a bad time to be set for trial. Find out why in this bonus episode of Wise About Texas.

Some people are just natural leaders. That was Matthew "Old Paint" Caldwell. He rallied men for several of the most important battles in Texas history. In between, he protected the young Republic of Texas from hostile Indians and hostile armies. Not even smallpox could bring him down! Hear about one of the early Texas Rangers and great Texas patriot Matthew Caldwell in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Texas Ranger.  Two words that strike fear in the heart of the lawbreaker and hope in the heart of the law abiding. Since before there was a Texas, there were Rangers.  How this elite force officially began is the subject of some controversy.  But 2023 marks the official bicentennial of this unique and important organization. There is no doubt that Stephen F. Austin realized the need to take the fight to the hostile Indians he encountered in his new colony.  In this episode, you hear Austin’s own words describe his ideas to defend his new colony and his personal funding of a group of rangers.  I also discuss the various ways the term "Ranger" was used in early Texas. Hear about the origins of the most famous law enforcement organization in history–the legendary Texas Rangers.

She grew up a poor Native American in rural Texas during the depression. But if you think she even noticed, you don't know Osjetea Briggs. She became a world-renowned photographer, portrait artist and newspaper publisher. Oh, and she was a columnist and politico too. Full of wisdom, she demonstrates the best of Texas grit and determination. Learn about an interesting Texan in this episode of Wise About Texas.

There has been one, and only one, assassination of a Texas state official and it happened in 1903. It occurred in the State Capitol building, the same one you can visit today. Hear about a disgruntled employee, a letter, and a gun in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Dr. John Brinkley had figured out how to beat the system and built the most powerful radio station in the world. The entire United States could now hear what he was selling. Music was a big part of that and Border Blaster XERA introduced Americans to gospel, the blues, Tejano...and provided the first nationwide exposure to a family band that would change American music forever. Hear what was on the "X" in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Dr. John Brinkley claimed to have the miracle operation for male "rejuvenation." Dr. John Brinkley was also a quack who bought his medical degree for $100. Nevertheless, he became one of the best-known doctors in the nation. Harnessing the new power of radio, Dr. Brinkley drew thousands to his small clinic in Kansas. But the American Medical Association caught up with him and he had to make a run for the border. So Brinkley came to Texas and, inadvertently, changed American music forever. Hear about Dr. John Brinkley and border radio in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

In the 1920s, U.S. military aviation was in its early stages. New uses for air power were discovered frequently. The new flying machines would allow military and civilian authorities to patrol dangerous, remote areas more effectively. Few areas in the U.S. were more remote, or more dangerous, than the Mexican border in far west Texas. Revolution, banditry and violence were commonplace. The military needed an airfield from which to operate, but where? Elmo and Ada Johnson had the the perfect spot, and one of the most unique and popular airfields in U.S. history, Johnson's Ranch, was born. Learn more about the time when airplanes came to the Big Bend in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Shortly after the civil war, Appalachia came to Austin.  Known as the cedar choppers, migrants from the mountains moved into the limestone hills of western Travis County.  They kept to themselves, didn't like outsiders, and loved a good fight.  But the city dwellers loved to hunt in the hills.  Hunting their game and shooting guns in their hills didn't sit well with the cedar choppers.  Finally, dogs started getting shot.  When one cedar chopper was brought to trial, we'd see who had the bigger claim to Travis County.  Learn about the Travis County dog wars in the latest episode of Wise About Texas. 

What is it about Texas mothers? They are tough, smart, and resourceful. Nothing phases a Texas mom, they can do it all! That was certainly true of Mary Christian Burleson. Mary was a mom to 7 and stepmom to 12. She was a pioneer, a farmer and a stock raiser. She faced hostile Indians and the tragedy of widowhood. She lost a child but raised, educated and inspired even more. She was a businesswoman and education advocate. In short, she saw it all. Oh, and she founded a town. Learn about a remarkable Texas mom in the latest episode of Wise About Texas. 

Every Easter Eve, the hill country around Fredericksburg comes alive with huge bonfires. Some say this tradition came from Germany, some say the Indians started it, and some say the Easter Bunny is doing some cooking. Hear about the Fredericksburg Easter fires in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

March 27, 1836 was Palm Sunday, a holy day. But the Mexican dictator Santa Anna didn't care, he was out for blood. He ordered hundreds of Texian prisoners executed in cold blood at the Presidio La Bahia at Goliad. The prisoners were split into groups and marched away from the fort. The soldiers proceeded to kill all the prisoners...or did they. Hear a harrowing tale of survival and freedom in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

Dr. Amos Pollard was a Massachusetts yankee seeking a new start and prosperity in Texas. He dared the Mexican army to "come and take it," and served as an army doctor during the siege of Bexar. He would die defending the Alamo. Dr. Pollard wanted freedom for Texas and a chance to make an impact for the good of the country. Learn about this Alamo hero in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The Alamo defenders were heroes, but not everyone gets top billing. Hear the stories of some of the defenders that you may not think of when you remember the Alamo. This episode is about Alamo hero Toribio Losoya.

She arrived from Germany with very little, not even speaking English. She braved indian attacks, frontier outlaws and a civil war to become a cattle queen and a bank president. Learn about a great Texas entrepreneur in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The Lea family were patriots.  Father Albert Lea was born in Tennessee and served in the Army after graduating West Point.  He went on to serve in various capacities by appointment of several different presidents.  His son attended the Naval academy and shot through the ranks as a Naval Officer.  But as the civil war approached, patriotism stood to pit father against son as each had to choose which country to fight for.  They would meet again, however, on the field of battle.  Learn the tragic tale of two good military men doing their best, and the tragic circumstances that war can bring, in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.

The trial of the century would be held in the old sandstone courthouse in Jacksboro. Finally, justice would be served...or would it? Fiery arguments, quick verdicts, legal wrangling, and back room negotiations would end the raiding, or so some thought. Ultimately, justice would be a moving target in this first-of-its kind case. Find out what happened in this final episode of the Indian Trial series.