Texas Standard » Stories from Texas

Latest Episodes:

How a man named Connie forged a global chain that started in Texas Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Texas has been the starting point for a lot of iconic brands. Whataburger, H-E-B and Buc-ee’s are a few modern behemoths that come to mind. But Texas as a place to start a business goes back way further than that. W.F. Strong has the story of a man named Connie who forged a global chain from humble beginnings. Stories from Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT &

Source

The Angel of Goliad Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Collective historical memory is not always based in fact. Take the example that Napoleon was short. Apparently, he was about 5’7′ — which was very average for the time. You might call these historical myths. Other bits of history appear in historical records but are similarly hard to nail down. Texas Standard Commentator W.F. Strong explores one. Stories from Texas is a listener…

Source

How the Texas Hill Country inspired NYC’s Central Park Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

It’s not hard to find a Texas connection to a news story. The same is true for history. One example that may surprise you is the fact that the Texas Hill Country inspired the design of New York Central Park. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong explores. Stories from Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen…

Source

Wealth on Your Shelf Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Larry McMurtry once claimed that he was mostly a book hunter who used his side hustle as a writer to finance his love of books and reading. He proved that point well with his 8,500 square foot bookstore in Archer City. Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong professes he knows a good deal about Texas literature, but has far less knowledge as to what classic and historical Texas books…

Source

‘He didn’t take on an iconic role, he made the role iconic’: W.F. Strong on Robert Duvall Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Texas Standard’s commentator remembers the Academy Award-winning actor who was not born a Texan, but played a heck of one on TV and film. Stories From Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT &

Source

Sandra Cisneros, a Texas literary rock star Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Texas Standard commentator W.F. Strong examines how one of the state’s most celebrated writers found a home in San Antonio. Stories From Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of Stories from Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website.

Source

LBJ’s Humor (re-run) Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

January 22 marks the anniversary of the death of President Lyndon B. Johnson. He died in 1972 at his Texas ranch of a heart attack. It was the day after he’d heard a report that peace close at hand in Vietnam. LBJ’s presidency was marked by turbulent change. And while the longtime Texas-born politician is often remembered for his role in the war and in civil rights…

Source

Traces of Texas – A priceless gift for all Texans Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

It’s been a bit of a tradition over the years for commentator WF Strong to offer up a story of thanks each holiday season — for what he calls a great gift to Texas. Often, the honor has gone to someone long gone. But this year, he’s thanking someone still very much with us — and hopefully with many decades still ahead. Check out Traces of Texas Stories From Texas is a listener-supported…

Source

How Three Gifts To UT Gave All Texans A Fourth: The Gift Of The Stars (re-run) Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

In December, members of the Texas Standard team had the joy of trekking out to far West Texas for a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory. As we drove up into the mountains beyond Fort Davis, we recalled this story commentator WF Strong told us years ago about how the McDonald Observatory came to be. Stories From Texas is a listener-supported production of KUT &

Source

Mix up your holiday entertainment with a history of Texas’ lawless influence on Old West Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

For almost the full ten years of Texas Standard, commentator WF Strong has been bringing us stories about Texas. One of his first was a list of his favorite nonfiction books about the state. On it was “The Big Rich” by Bryan Burrough. Now, WF Strong tells us that the author has a new book he’d recommend for those who might need an antidote for Hallmark holiday movies.

Source

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Texas Standard » Stories from Texas

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected