Part 1 “Ed Whitacre’s Journey from Texas Railroads to Rebuilding AT&T: Big Bets & Bold Moves 🚀”
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
Release Date: 11/13/2025
Texas Upsets and Everyday Legends
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
Episode Description “Can you trust the numbers, or are they just another tool for a clever storyteller?” 🎙️ This episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas, opens with a classic Texas saying: “Figures never lie and liars figure.” Kent dives into the drama of a shocking Senate race upset in Tarrant County, where overconfidence and low turnout flipped a safe seat—reminding listeners that “Republicans need to remember, you got to get out your vote.” The national media may spin the story, but Kent’s insight cuts through the noise. From the chaos of deadly winter...
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“The Cowboy Hat on a Snow Drift”
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
“Is the loudest person in the room ever the smartest—or just hard of hearing?” 🧐 In this riveting episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas, Chancellor Kent Hance takes listeners on a journey through the wild extremes of Texas weather, unforgettable characters, and the kind of stories only a true Texan can tell. From blizzards that bury cowboys and their horses, to the infamous “Snowmageddon” of 2021 that changed the state’s energy grid forever, Kent’s tales blend humor, history, and hard-earned wisdom. Key moments include: Legendary Texas Weather: Hear about the...
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The Communications Crisis
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
In this episode, Kent discusses the pitfalls of using acronyms in professional and governmental communication, drawing from his experiences as a state senator and congressman. He shares anecdotes illustrating how acronyms can create confusion and alienate newcomers. Emphasizing the importance of clear and concise communication, Kent advocates for using full terms to ensure understanding among all audiences. Through personal stories and practical advice, he underscores the need for inclusivity and clarity to foster effective and collaborative environments.
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“Power, Purpose, and the Price of a Good Story”
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
Episode Description “Does power truly change people—or does it simply reveal who they are?” 🤔 In this riveting episode Kent dives deep into the nature of influence, sharing unforgettable stories from his time in Texas politics, the halls of Washington, and the global stage at Davos. From the quirks of federal judges to the high-stakes drama of world leaders, Kent’s tales are as insightful as they are entertaining. Listeners are treated to a front-row seat at the World Economic Forum, where Kent’s panel on energy competed with Playboy Magazine for attention—“Find out who your...
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Oil, Opportunity & Outrage
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas Jan 12, 2026 “Oil, Opportunity & Outrage” 🎧 Episode Description Have you ever asked yourself, “What happens when you focus more on losing than winning?” 🤔 This episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas, is packed with gripping stories, sharp wisdom, and laugh-out-loud moments you won’t want to miss! Kent kicks things off with the saying of the day: “If you think about what you’re going to do in case you lose, you have lost.” 🏆 From the streets of Minneapolis to the halls of Congress, Kent explores...
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Senator Phil Gramm, How to Eliminate Two-Thirds of The National Deficit in One Year
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
Episode Description "How can someone receive nearly $77,000 in government benefits and still be officially counted as poor?" That’s the provocative question at the heart of this eye-opening episode of Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas. Kent welcomes legendary former Senator Phil Gramm, author of The Myth of American Inequality, for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about welfare, poverty, and the American Dream. Dive into the shocking realities behind federal welfare programs, where benefits like food stamps,...
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“Oil, Power, and the Price of Leadership: Venezuela’s Unbelievable Downfall”
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
“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...
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Bite the Bullet: Texas Legends, Political Showdowns, and Outrageous True Crime—Tune In Now!
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
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...
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"From College Football Controversies to Christmas Camels: Kent Hance Unleashes Texas-Sized Tales!"
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
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...
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“A Penny Saved, a Cat’s Lawsuit, and the Wildest Texas Tales: Holiday Hustle & Hilarity with Kent Hance” 🎙️✨
The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast
“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...
info_outline“What does it take to turn a small-town lineman into the mastermind behind America’s telecom revolution?” 🤔
Get ready for an unforgettable ride as Kent Hance sits down with his longtime friend and legendary business leader, Ed Whitacre! 🌟 From his humble beginnings in Ennis, Texas, to the boardrooms of global giants, Ed’s story is packed with grit, humor, and jaw-dropping moments. Hear how he hustled through odd jobs, climbed the ranks at Southwestern Bell, and ultimately transformed it into the AT&T we know today. 📞🏢
This episode is bursting with high-stakes drama—like the daring acquisition of the Mexican telephone company with Carlos Slim, the nail-biting bid for AT&T Wireless, and the game-changing partnership with Steve Jobs that brought the iPhone to the world. 📱💡 Ed’s philosophy? “If you’re not willing to take a risk, you’re not going to make it.” 💥
You’ll laugh at Ed’s legendary “Get in line” response to legal threats, and soak up wisdom on leadership, adaptability, and the power of people. Kent and Ed’s banter is full of Texas charm and business brilliance, making this a must-listen for anyone chasing big dreams or loving a great story. 🤠✨
👤 Guest Background
Ed Whitacre is a Texas Tech grad and the former CEO who rebuilt AT&T from the ground up. Known for his bold vision and fearless leadership, Ed orchestrated some of the biggest deals in telecom history and helped launch the iPhone era. His journey is a masterclass in resilience, relationships, and Texas-sized ambition! 🏆
🔥 Notable Quotes & Moments
- “Get in line.” (Ed’s iconic legal advice)
- “If you’re not willing to take a risk, you’re not going to make it.”
- “The name of the game is people. If you don’t do that, forget it.”
- The wild story of outbidding Vodafone for AT&T Wireless
- The five-year exclusive deal with Steve Jobs for the iPhone
- Meeting Nelson Mandela and acquiring the South African telephone company
🚨 Call-to-Action
Don’t miss this episode packed with business wisdom, Texas storytelling, and unforgettable moments!
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