Wise About Texas

Ken Wise

If you think you know Texas history, think again. This is the podcast that goes beyond the textbooks — rigorously researched, compellingly written, and delivered with a relaxed storytelling style that makes even the most serious history feel like sitting around a campfire. Your host is Justice Ken Wise: a scholar with a gift for narrative and a knack for finding the stories that surprise you. Texas history, Texas legends, Texas characters — all told the way they deserve to be told. Subscribe for new episodes and prepare to see the Lone Star State in a whole new light.

  1. Jun 1

    Ep 148: Governor Richard Coke, Texan: An interview with Rosser Coke Newton

    Governor Richard Coke was sworn in at the point of several guns. His supporters protected his impromptu ceremony on the second floor of the Capitol from his defeated opponent’s supporters on the first floor. But once in office, he changed Texas for the better. Balanced budgets and Texas A&M, among other things. Learn more about this influential Texan in this interview with his descendant, Rosser Coke Newton, author of the new book “Richard Coke: Texan.”

    31 min

  2. May 20

    EP. 147: Teeing Off With Texas Golf

    Here at Wise About Texas world headquarter we love our golf. Texas has made, and continues to make, an outsized impact in the world of golf. With over 100 yers of Texas golf history, I plan on doing some episodes on the subject and share the story of Texas golf. In this episode, you’ll hear about why this matters and what you can do to help the effort. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts at golf@wiseabouttexas.com.

    10 min

  3. May 11

    EP. 146: Getting to Know Governor Oran Roberts, the “Old Alcalde.” An Interview with Dr. John Adams. Part 2

    In part 2 of the interview with Dr. John Adams, we learn more about Governor Oran Roberts’ significant contribution to Texas public higher education.

    18 min

  4. Apr 27

    Ep. 145: Getting to Know Governor Oran Roberts, the "Old Alcalde." An Interview with Dr. John Adams. Part 1.

    Oran Roberts started his legal career in Texas. From lawyer to District Judge to the Supreme Court (twice), and even the Governor’s Mansion, Governor Oran Roberts seemed to be involved in every important aspect of Texas government and society. He can be called, fairly, the father of Texas public higher education. In this episode, we learn about the “Old Alcalde’s” background and service prior to the Civil War. Dr. John Adams has published a new book on Governor Roberts that, for the first time, provides wonderful insight into a dedicated public servant doing his best during a turbulent period in Texas history.

    33 min

  5. Mar 11

    EP. 144: The Runaway Scrape with Dr. Stephen Hardin

    In 1836, the Texians faced a huge refugee crisis. Mexican general Santa Anna intended to wage a terror campaign against the civilian population as he had done in other Mexican states. In a panic, the citizens of Texas grabbed only what they could carry and fled east. What ensued was a refugee crisis of epic proportions. In this episode, I interview Dr. Stephen Hardin, the author of a recent book Texian Exodus: The Runaway Scrape and its Enduring Legacy. Dr. Hardin discusses these events and their considerable impact on the formation of the Texan identity.

    41 min

  6. Feb 22

    Ep. 143: Letters From the Alamo (?)

    Most are familiar with William Barret Travis’ letters from the Alamo, espcially his February 24th letter promising “Victory or Death!” But could there hqave been others? Did the defenders write their families? Did those letters survive? We examine that possibility in this episode of Wise About Texas.

    14 min

  7. Jan 13

    Ep. 142: A Disturbing Set of Events (Anahuac, 1832)

    In 1832, things in Texas were chaotic to say the least. There was conflict between centralists and federalists on two fronts. The Texas settlers wanted their freedoms and opposed the chaos that was the Mexican government. Within the Mexican government, there was conflict between Mexico City and the state governments. Trouble was brewing. In Anahuac, Col. Juan Davis Bradburn added fuel to the fire by jailing first and asking questions later. He jailed a State Commissioner, then he arrested William B. Travis. Disturbances ensued…and revolution was near. Hear about the Anahuac Disturbances in this episode of Wise About Texas.

    25 min

  8. 12/06/2025

    Ep. 141: Come and Take It

    There is no more popular symbol of the Texas spirit and the Texas revolution than the famous “Come and Take It” flag. It’s reproduced on all sorts of merchandise and displayed prominently all over Texas. But was there really such a flag at the Battle of Gonzales in 1835? I examine this question in this latest episode of Wise About Texas.

    18 min
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About

If you think you know Texas history, think again. This is the podcast that goes beyond the textbooks — rigorously researched, compellingly written, and delivered with a relaxed storytelling style that makes even the most serious history feel like sitting around a campfire. Your host is Justice Ken Wise: a scholar with a gift for narrative and a knack for finding the stories that surprise you. Texas history, Texas legends, Texas characters — all told the way they deserve to be told. Subscribe for new episodes and prepare to see the Lone Star State in a whole new light.

Information

  • Creator
    Ken Wise
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content copyright Ken Wise
  • Show Website
    Wise About Texas

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