The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast

"What drives someone to turn rejection into a billion-dollar opportunity?"

In this riveting episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas, Kent sits down with Gary Peterson—a man whose journey from humble beginnings in Lubbock to the boardrooms of the Houston Texans and Astros is nothing short of legendary. Peterson, a self-proclaimed C student, shares how a fear of failure and relentless work ethic propelled him from a modest three-bedroom home to managing over $40 billion in oil and gas investments.

Listeners will be hooked as Gary recounts the heartbreak of missing out on his dream school, the lessons learned from Vietnam-era classmates, and the pivotal moment when a bank's rejection became the catalyst for founding NCAP Investments—the largest private equity firm for oil and gas in the country.

Key Moments & Themes:

• 🎺 Band President to Boardroom Boss: How early leadership in high school band shaped Gary's approach to business.
• 💼 Turning Setbacks into Success: "When God shuts the door, he opens a window." Gary's story of being rejected by First National Bank of Dallas and how it led to greater opportunities.
• 🏈 Sports, Strategy, and Serendipity: The inside scoop on owning stakes in the Houston Texans and Astros, and why betting on the Astros was one of his best moves.
• 🌎 Global Hustle: Flying across continents to secure investments from Asian sovereign funds, and the art of building trust worldwide.
• 💪 Work Ethic Over Grades: "We outworked everybody." Why grit and persistence matter more than a perfect GPA.
• 🙏 Giving Back: The importance of community, faith, and philanthropy in Gary's journey, including his leadership in healthcare and addiction recovery initiatives.

Memorable Quotes:

• "I attribute my success to fear of failure. I never wanted to fail. And I didn't have a big trust fund. We didn't have any money. So I just outworked everybody."
• "You don't go to the board at Dartmouth or Southern Cal and tell them one thing and be doing something else. You've got to be believable."

Guest Background: Gary Peterson is a Texas Tech graduate, founder of NCAP Investments, board member of the Houston Texans and Astros, and a respected leader in the oil and gas industry. His story is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of believing in yourself—even when the odds are stacked against you.

Don't miss this inspiring episode! 🎧 Subscribe to "Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas" for more unforgettable stories, leave a review to let us know your favorite moment, and share this episode with anyone who needs a reminder that hard work and heart can change everything. 💬✨

"Are you truly wealthy, or just playing the part until your banker believes it?" 💰 This episode of dives deep into the meaning of success, the quirks of money, and the wisdom that only Kent Hance can deliver. From childhood tales of lamb loans and stern bankers to reflections on history's turning points, Kent takes you on a journey through laughter, learning, and legacy.

✨ Key Moments & Themes:

• Pearl Harbor's Lasting Impact: Kent shares vivid memories and lessons from December 7th, "the day that will live in infamy," exploring how world events shape personal lives and national destiny.
• Money, Millionaires, and Mindset: Discover why "you're not rich until your banker thinks you're rich," and hear surprising stats about America's millionaires—plus Kent's take on what it really means to be wealthy.
• Stupid Criminals & Wild Stories: From influencers gifting machetes and alcohol to the homeless, to the world's most clueless thieves and criminals, Kent's storytelling brings Texas-sized humor and cautionary tales.
• Texas Tech Triumphs: Relive the excitement of the Big 12 Championship and hear about the camaraderie that makes Red Raider country unforgettable.
• Life Lessons & Memorable Quotes: "Don't wear stupid shirts to court or put up dumb doormats," and "You're not rich until your banker thinks you're rich"—just a taste of the wisdom and wit packed into this episode.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "You're not rich until your banker thinks you're rich."
• "If you think capitalism is not good, get a map at night of the Korean Peninsula—South Korea is lit up like Vegas."
• "Don't help wild animals. Just leave them alone."
• "How stupid and how sorry can you be?" (on the week's dumbest criminals)

Call-to-Action

👉 Don't miss out—subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who love great stories and Texas wisdom! Follow us on Instagram @beststorytellerpodcast for more laughs, lessons, and legendary tales. 🎧✨

What happens to college sports when the money runs out for everyone but football and basketball?"

In this powerful and timely episode of Kent Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas, Kent welcomes Cody Campbell, Chairman of the Texas Tech Board of Regents, former NFL player, and co-CEO of Double Eagle. Cody shares his front-line perspective on the seismic shifts in college athletics—from NIL deals and media rights to the controversial SCORE Act (HR 4312).

As an appointee to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Cody is helping shape national policy to protect Olympic and women's sports from being sidelined in the rush to monetize college athletics. He breaks down the real-world consequences of unchecked NIL spending, the flaws in NCAA governance, and the urgent need for reform.

🔥 Key Moments & Quotes:

• "College sports are a public trust. They belong to the American people—not just a few greedy institutions."
• "We've professionalized the expense side, but stayed amateur on the revenue side. That's not sustainable."
• "The SCORE Act, as written, will kill Olympic and women's sports. It must be changed."

Cody also shares personal stories—from playing football at Texas Tech to co-founding a successful energy company with his childhood friend—and why trust and partnership matter in business and sports.

🎧 Call to Action

If you care about the future of college athletics:

• Subscribe to Kent Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas.
• Leave a review to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with athletes, coaches, parents, and fans.
• Call your member of Congress and ask them to amend or oppose the SCORE Act (HR 4312) unless it includes all schools, all sports, and all athletes.

"Is time truly the greatest currency we possess?" That's the question Kent Hance opens with, setting the stage for an episode packed with wisdom, humor, and unforgettable stories. In this lively installment of "Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas," Kent dives deep into the value of time, sharing personal routines and life hacks that keep him sharp at 83 years old—including answering emails while on the treadmill and making calls while walking the halls. His philosophy: "People that organize their time and don't waste time are always successful."

Listeners are treated to a masterclass in negotiation, as Kent reveals how physical fitness can give you an edge at the bargaining table The episode then takes flight with Kent's insider perspective on Southwest Airlines, from its humble beginnings sketched on a bar napkin to its transformation under new leadership. Kent's close friendship with legendary founder Herb Kelleher brings rare insights, including the story of how a baggage handler's suggestion revolutionized turnaround times and how Herb's "customers always right" mantra shaped the airline's culture.

Kent doesn't shy away from the big changes facing Southwest, expressing concern over the loss of free baggage and the shift to assigned seating. His candid reflections are peppered with classic Kent Hance humor—like his trick for keeping the middle seat empty and his take on flying with pets: "If you need a dog to fly, then don't fly."

The episode rounds out with heartwarming tales of family reunions, Thanksgiving gatherings, and the enduring importance of connecting with loved ones. Kent's storytelling is as sharp as ever, leaving listeners with memorable quotes such as, "The greatest currency is time," and practical advice: "Be sure and get plenty of exercise, and take care of your time."

Whether you're a fan of Texas lore, business wisdom, or just great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Kent's blend of humor, insight, and authenticity will leave you inspired to make the most of every moment.

Host Background

Kent Hance is a celebrated Texas storyteller, former chancellor, and seasoned negotiator whose colorful career spans law, politics, and business. His close relationships with industry icons like Herb Kelleher and his firsthand experience with Southwest Airlines make him uniquely qualified to discuss the airline's evolution and the importance of leadership, culture, and customer service.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "People that organize their time and don't waste time are always successful."
• "If you need a dog to fly, then don't fly."
• "The greatest currency is time."
• The story of the baggage handler's suggestion that changed Southwest's turnaround times.
• Kent's humorous advice for keeping the middle seat empty: "Get that barf bag and open it and look at it."

Call-to-Action

Enjoyed Kent's stories and insights? Don't miss a single episode—subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who appreciate great storytelling and Texas wisdom. Connect with us on Instagram at @best storyteller podcast and join the conversation!

"How far would you go to pick up a loved one for the holidays—and what does that reveal about the way we value people in our lives and workplaces?"

In this episode of "Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas," Kent shares candid stories and hard-earned lessons about leadership, honesty, and the quirks of human nature. The conversation opens with Warren Buffett's provocative advice: "Hire slowly, fire quickly," sparking a series of real-life anecdotes about hiring missteps, resume exaggerations, and the importance of trusting your instincts—and your team—when making tough decisions.

Listeners are treated to tales from Kent's time in Congress, including the unforgettable story of a Phi Beta Kappa imposter and the political fallout of resume embellishments. Kent's reflections on district forgiveness, public scandals, and the unpredictable electorate offer sharp insights into the world of politics and personal integrity.

Throughout the episode, Kent's signature storytelling style brings to life memorable moments, such as the legendary "garage door opener" story—where losing the opener meant losing your job—and his "push, push, push" motto at Texas Tech, illustrating the relentless drive needed to turn good ideas into lasting change. Notable quotes like "A committee is nothing more than a cul-de-sac for a good idea to get in there and die," and "If you're good to employees, they'll be good to you," capture the episode's blend of humor and wisdom.

As the episode wraps, Kent reflects on Thanksgiving, family, and the true cost of busy work, leaving listeners with practical advice and plenty of laughs. Don't miss this episode if you want to hear real stories, real lessons, and the kind of Texas-sized wisdom that only Kent Hance can deliver.

If you enjoyed Kent's stories and insights, make sure to subscribe to "Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas" on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review, share the episode with friends, and follow on Instagram at @beststorytellerpodcast for exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes content. Your support helps keep the stories coming!