Texas Monthly Presents - Season 1

Physical spaces tell stories of where we come from and where we're going. Featured stories highlight ninepin bowling alleys across the Hill Country, a San Antonio taco truck, and one woman's mission to save what's left of the Dabney Hill Freedom Colony.

Family connects us to our purpose—to the narrative of who we are. Featured stories highlight a father's quest to connect his daughter with their roots along the Rio Grande, a restaurant owner's fulfillment of a late friend's dream, and the daring world of equestrian drill that is the backdrop for a mother-daughter connection.

A journalist's job is to go beyond the surface—into a cave, inside an artesian spring, or behind the counter of a barbecue joint. This episode explores the different ways important stories are waiting to be told, if we only take the time to look.

Death is a certainty in life, and we must all learn to walk with grief. Featured stories involve a traveling hospice nurse in one of the state's most remote counties and a father who grapples with his son's death the only way he knows how: through music.

This episode explores people who make a difference, whether through This episode explores people who make a difference, whether through years of hard-work or a strange turn of events. Featured stories years of hard-work or a strange turn of events.

Legacy exists in all of our lives, but for some, it is an integral part of their livelihood and identity. In these three stories, we see a cultural tradition continued across borders and generations, the preservation of black cowboy culture, and a pitmaster who maintains the legacy of the family members she's lost.

It's an iconically Texan quality to be independent, self-sufficient, and do what needs doing. This episode explores three distinct Texans who have taken matters into their own hands — a hunter helping his fellow ranchers, an Egyptian-born pitmaster who journeyed to Texas to make his mark in barbecue, and a pair of brothers trying to accurately document the fallen of The Forgotten War.

A change in perspective can change everything. This episode features stories highlighting a species of fish that has gone from ‘toss' to trophy, visionaries of a small town cinema revival, and a scientist who uses beach treasures to shed new light on our precious Gulf.

In a quickly evolving state, a look at one's roots can sometimes bring clarity and reinvention. In this episode, we explore an indigenous cultural site reinventing itself in the wake of natural disaster, a pair of chefs reintroducing traditional Mexican tortillas to the state, and a punk band with a turbulent history reuniting and reentering the spotlight.

What's more Texan than a spirit of ingenuity? This episode explores What's more Texan than a spirit of ingenuity? This episode explores how innovation can change the course of history.

Texans have always had high regard for the land and what it can provide. But what happens when that land is threatened? We look at two stories of how Texans face changes to the land beneath their feet - from the transformation of generational farming, to fires threatening the future of cattle ranching.

It's not always easy to take a chance, but when you're down on your luck, sometimes it's exactly what is needed. From a failed cattle rancher to an aspiring birder, we see how an unexpected choice can change your life forever.

After four years, Texas Monthly gears up to publish a new Top 50 BBQ list. Led by Daniel Vaughn, the Texas Monthly team sets out to taste and rank Texas BBQ, racing towards their deadline of releasing a list that can change the lives of BBQ businesses across the state. We take a look at a few of these joints, the inspiring stories behind them, and the future of Texas BBQ.