The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast

The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast

Kent Hance

Overview
Episodes

Details

Host Kent Hance shares insightful, educational and often hilarious stories from his legendary life as a lawyer, a former U.S. Congressman, a university chancellor, and most notably, a native Texan. With themes ranging from leadership to politics and great friendships with some colorful characters, this podcast is an opportunity for Hance to share some of his rare, behind-the-scenes experiences and to solidify his unofficial title as The Best Storyteller in Texas.

Recent Episodes

"Oil, Power, and the Price of Leadership: Venezuela's Unbelievable Downfall"
JAN 5, 2026
"Oil, Power, and the Price of Leadership: Venezuela's Unbelievable Downfall"
"Would you hand the fate of your nation to someone who never finished high school?" This episode opens with a question that sets the stage for a gripping exploration of Venezuela's dramatic journey from prosperity to crisis. Kent Hance takes listeners on a vivid ride through the country's history, revealing how the world's richest oil reserves became a symbol of squandered potential and political missteps. Listeners will be hooked by Kent's storytelling as he draws powerful comparisons between Venezuela and Texas, highlighting how leadership choices can make or break a nation. The episode unpacks the rise of Hugo Chavez and the astonishing ascent of Nicolás Maduro, a former bus driver whose leadership led to widespread poverty and chaos. Kent's signature wit shines as he shares memorable moments, including the covert military operation that toppled Maduro and the celebration of Venezuelans eager for change. Key themes and moments include: The staggering gap between Venezuela's oil wealth and its economic reality The origins of OPEC and its Texas connection Personal stories of hope, loss, and resilience from Venezuelans forced to flee their homeland The secret mission "Absolute Resolve," which changed the course of history in a single weekend Kent's reflections on leadership, with unforgettable lines like, "Pick your battles wisely," and "You get what you pay for." This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights, historical context, and Kent's trademark humor. It's a must-listen for anyone curious about global politics, economics, and the lessons Texas—and the world—can learn from Venezuela's cautionary tale. 🔥 Don't miss out! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who love compelling stories and sharp lessons. Your support keeps the best stories in Texas alive!
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26 MIN
Bite the Bullet: Texas Legends, Political Showdowns, and Outrageous True Crime—Tune In Now!
DEC 29, 2025
Bite the Bullet: Texas Legends, Political Showdowns, and Outrageous True Crime—Tune In Now!
Episode Description 🤔 "Are you ready to make the hard decisions, or will you bite the bullet and face them head-on?" That's the challenge that kicks off this episode, where Kent Hance blends Texas history, wild adventures, and sharp political insights into a tapestry only the best storyteller in Texas can weave. From the annexation of Texas to the firebombing of London, Kent draws powerful parallels between moments of unity and division, asking listeners to reflect on what it means to stand together—or apart. His philosophy is clear: "If you're getting in a war, you should not have an exit strategy other than win and try to win as fast as possible." 🎩 The episode bursts with unforgettable stories, like the legendary "Fukawi Indians" joke from a lost hunting trip in Mexico, and a domino game where Kent and friends get hilariously hustled by two "novice" lawyers. The laughter continues with wild tales of rodeo-like elk hunts in Colorado, where horses with a history of fire turn a hunting trip into chaos and comedy. 💰 Kent dives deep into the debate between investing in a house versus stocks, sharing personal anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom: "Location, location, location… If things go rough, can I sell it?" He champions home ownership as the cornerstone of stability for young couples, while reminding listeners of the flexibility and liquidity of stock investments. 🏛️ The episode heats up with a breakdown of upcoming U.S. Senate races, revealing the drama, strategy, and personalities behind the headlines. Kent's candid commentary—"There's not a lot of fun in serving"—and his insider knowledge of candidates from Maine to Texas, Georgia to Ohio, make politics personal and compelling. 😲 And just when you think you've heard it all, Kent wraps up with a jaw-dropping true crime story: a Florida woman who murdered both her ex-husbands on the same day, prompting Kent's signature wit—"If you watch one episode of Forensic Files a week, you're not going to commit any crimes. They're going to catch you." This episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and moments that will stick with you long after you listen. Kent's storytelling is as sharp as ever, blending history, humor, and hard truths in a way that only he can. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments "Bite the bullet. You've got to make hard decisions sometimes." "If you're getting in a war, you should not have an exit strategy other than win." "Location, location, location." "If you watch one episode of Forensic Files a week, you're not going to commit any crimes." Call-to-Action 🔥 Don't miss out—subscribe now to "Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas"! If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, share it with friends, and help spread the stories that make Texas legendary. Your support keeps the tales coming! 🎧✨
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25 MIN
"From College Football Controversies to Christmas Camels: Kent Hance Unleashes Texas-Sized Tales!"
DEC 22, 2025
"From College Football Controversies to Christmas Camels: Kent Hance Unleashes Texas-Sized Tales!"
Title: "From College Football Controversies to Christmas Camels: Kent Hance Unleashes Texas-Sized Tales!" Episode Description: "Why do we worry so much about yesterday and tomorrow, when today is all we truly have?" 🌟 That's the thought-provoking question that kicks off this episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas—and the stories that follow are as unforgettable as the wisdom behind it. Join Kent Hance as he dives into the heart of Texas sports, sharing firsthand insights on the college football playoffs, the drama of teams left out, and the wild unpredictability of the games. Ever wondered why Notre Dame can't catch a break, or how bookmakers might do a better job than the NCAA? Kent's candid takes and sharp wit will have you nodding along—and laughing out loud. You'll hear about President Kennedy's moon speech, a Super Bowl at Rice Stadium, and the hilarious escalation of a football accolade: "If I live long enough, I'll win the Heisman." 🏆 The stories get wilder: Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, DEA busts in Texas, and the jaw-dropping tale of a raccoon crashing a five-star dinner. There's a camel at a Houston megachurch's nativity scene (and a lesson about live animals you won't forget), a woman arrested for putting razor blades in bread, and a British criminal who turned a staple gun into a real weapon. Each story is told with Kent's signature humor and wisdom, reminding us that truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction. Key themes include: The unpredictability and passion of college football The importance of living in the present Outrageous real-life news stories that could only happen in Texas (or to Texans) The value of saying "no" quickly—especially when asked to join the HOA! Memorable moments and quotes: "If I live long enough, I'll win the Heisman." "Customers are always right. They vote with their feet." "Nine billion dollars is a lot of money to steal—nine billion, not nine million!" "Don't walk behind a camel, and don't bring live animals to church." Ready for a ride through Texas-sized stories, sharp insights, and laugh-out-loud moments? Hit play now! 🎧 Call-to-Action: If you love a good story and a hearty laugh, don't miss out—subscribe to "Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas" today! Leave us a review, share your favorite episode with friends, and follow us on Instagram @beststorytellerpodcast. Your support keeps the stories coming!
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26 MIN
"A Penny Saved, a Cat's Lawsuit, and the Wildest Texas Tales: Holiday Hustle & Hilarity with Kent Hance" 🎙️✨
DEC 15, 2025
"A Penny Saved, a Cat's Lawsuit, and the Wildest Texas Tales: Holiday Hustle & Hilarity with Kent Hance" 🎙️✨
"Have you ever wondered why a penny saved is truly a penny earned—or how a cat could end up in a courtroom over a color TV?" 🐾💸 In this unforgettable episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas, Kent dives headfirst into the heart of the holiday season, unraveling the quirks of Texas life, the high stakes of small-town business, and the wild stories that only Kent can tell. From the make-or-break months for local shops to the hilarious tale of a dime-wrapped Christmas gift, every moment is packed with wit, wisdom, and a dash of nostalgia. Key highlights include: Holiday Hustle: Discover why November and December are do-or-die for small businesses, and how big-box stores changed the Texas landscape forever. Memorable Moments: Laugh along as Kent recalls the infamous "cat that won a color TV" lawsuit, a story that proves truth is stranger—and funnier—than fiction. Political Triumphs: Hear Kent reflect on his legendary victory over George Bush and the lessons learned from outsmarting seasoned politicians. Human Nature Exposed: From self-checkout confessions to the psychology of polls, Kent explores what makes people tick during the holidays and beyond. Texas Traffic & Tech: Get Kent's take on Austin's notorious traffic jams, the rise of driverless cars, and how technology is reshaping the Lone Star State. Stupid Criminals: Enjoy jaw-dropping stories of holiday mishaps, from a Grinch theft gone wrong to a bank deposit that included a bag of meth—reminding us all that "there are videos everywhere, and they're pretty good evidence!" Notable quotes: "A penny saved is a penny earned." "If you don't make it in November and December, you don't make it." "He sure looks like me. The reason he looked like him, it was him." With every story, Kent brings laughter, insight, and a genuine love for Texas tradition. Whether you're reminiscing about small-town Christmases or marveling at the absurdities of modern life, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Don't miss out—subscribe now, leave us a review, and share your favorite story with a friend! Your support keeps the tales (and the laughter) coming. 🎧🤠
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31 MIN
From C Student to Billion-Dollar Boardrooms: How Gary Peterson Hustled His Way to the Top 🚀
DEC 12, 2025
From C Student to Billion-Dollar Boardrooms: How Gary Peterson Hustled His Way to the Top 🚀
🌟 Episode Description "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. 🚨 Call-to-Action 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. 💬✨
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47 MIN