West Texas Roots
New Episodes each Wednesday
West Texas Roots is KACU’s oral history project which collects the stories of individuals and families of West Texas. These are stories that help paint a picture of the building/founding of West Texas as well as recalling other moments of the region’s unique history.
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Got a family tale to tell? A love story made for a country song? Family roots in Business, education, agriculture, and religion? Did your great-grandfather's farm survive severe weather hardships or wild hogs?
Or do you have anything you want us to know? Help us uncover West Texas Roots by telling your story.
Email us!
westtexasroots@kacu.org
Latest Episodes
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A continuation of our conversation with Guy Narcomey about the history of famous Texas landmarks and the legends that connect them. -
We hear again from Guy Narcomey. Guy explains the history and legend behind the Paint Rock Archaeological site. And the Giants that once walked these trails.
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We hear from Guy Narcomey, a Native American whose deep connection to the land is rooted in generations of tradition and respect. Drawing on his personal history and cultural heritage, Guy reflects on what it means to be a true caretaker of the earth — and why it’s a responsibility we all share, no matter where we come from.
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This week on West Texas Roots, Arlene Leddy shares the story of her father-in-law, the man behind Leddy Boots. She reflects on his craftsmanship, his legacy, and just how much of a name he made for himself—and for West Texas.
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We hear from Jessica Chinn, who shares the story of her great-aunt, a trailblazing woman who took to the skies during World War II as part of the WASP program, a group of civilian female pilots who tested aircraft, ferried planes, and broke barriers for women in aviation. Through Jessica’s memories and family history, we honor one woman’s quiet courage and the legacy she left behind.
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This week, we hear from Timoteo Ikoshy Montoya —a Lipan Apache artist, educator, and cultural practitioner who shares how he followed the quiet pull of ancestral memory. From growing up in Corpus Christi surrounded by stories of Native identity, to learning traditions through ceremony and family revelations, Montoya takes us through the journey of reclaiming who he is and where he comes from.Here’s Timoteo, in his own words.
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We hear from a native herbalist, Anita Dottie, who grew up gathering food from the land, especially one plant that many Texans know well: the prickly pear cactus. From family memories by the river to the practical know-how of safely cleaning and preparing the plant, this story is a glimpse into a way of life shaped by tradition, resilience, and deep respect for the land.
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We hear from artist and cultural educator Matilda Torres, who shares a powerful interpretation of Mesoamerican mythology through the story of Cihuateteo — the divine women who die in childbirth and return as hummingbirds. Here’s Torres, reflecting on the sacred feminine, the setting sun, and the enduring wisdom passed down through generations.
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It’s time for West Texas Roots, where we uncover the stories etched into the land, language, and lives of the people who’ve called this region home for generations.We join educator and cultural interpreter Jeremy Elliott at a sacred rock art site in the Concho Valley. As he walks us through one panel in particular—marked with symbols and solar alignments—he uncovers more than just ancient art. He explores the ways Plains people recorded language, marked time, and passed down their understanding of life, death, and ceremony.
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We hear a story that stretches from the streets of San Angelo to the shores of World War II and the icy roads of Alaska. One West Texan shares memories of his father’s service overseas, gas wars on Sherwood Way, and growing up in a time when adventure and hardship were part of everyday life. It’s a window into how one family’s journey through war, military life, and small-town Texas helped shape their sense of home and identity. Here’s their story.