Texan Edge
The Texan Edge is more than a podcast — it’s a Texas state of mind.
Hosted by Tweed Scott, author of Texas in Her Own Words, each weekday brings a short burst of inspiration, common sense, and straight talk from the Lone Star perspective. Some days we’ll visit a slice of Texas history; other days, we’ll share a story or reflection to help you face the day with grit, gratitude, and grace.
Whether you were born here, got here as fast as you could, or just wish you had — The Texan Edge reminds you why the Texas spirit still matters. It’s where optimism wears boots, humor has manners, and pride runs as deep as the oil wells.
Pull up a chair, friend. Take a listen.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, we focus on a Texas historical event to showcase our daily nugget. Ultimately, it's a Texas thing!
My why with The Texan Edge is to share the spirit of Texas—the humor, grit, wisdom, and warmth I’ve lived and loved here—with people everywhere. I want to remind folks each day that they carry the strength to face life with courage, perspective, and a smile. This podcast is my way of giving back the inspiration Texas has given me, one daily nugget at a time.
Because here at The Texan Edge, we don’t just talk Texas — we live it.
The Texan Edge is "Not just a podcast, but a Texas state of mind.”
Texan Edge
Texas Had Thanksgiving First
Description:
Hey y’all, it’s Tweed Scott from The Texan Edge. Sure, everybody knows about the Pilgrims and their fancy Thanksgiving back in Massachusetts—but did you know the first recorded Thanksgiving on American soil happened right here in Texas? Yep. In 1598, long before the Mayflower set sail, Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate led a desperate expedition through the Chihuahuan Desert. When his crew finally reached the Rio Grande near present-day El Paso, they gave thanks with a feast of game, water, and prayer—no cranberry sauce required.
This episode reminds us that real gratitude isn’t about the setting or the menu—it’s about survival, grace, and a thankful heart that’s still beating after a hard journey. Take a minute this Thanksgiving week to give thanks not for perfection, but for endurance. Because gratitude—like Texas history—runs deep.
Show Notes:
- The first Thanksgiving in America? It wasn’t in Plymouth—it was in Texas.
- Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate, 1598, and the Rio Grande near modern-day El Paso.
- “El Día de Acción de Gracias” was a feast born out of struggle and survival.
- Gratitude doesn’t need fine china—it starts when your heart’s ready.
- A reminder to be thankful for the simple fact that you made it this far.
Takeaway:
Thanksgiving isn’t about when the food’s ready—it’s about when your heart is.
This isn't just a podcast, it's a Texas state of mind.
Hi there, it's Tweed Scott from the Texan Edge. Look, I know you've heard of the pilgrims in their Thanksgiving back in Massachusetts, right? Just about everybody has. Well, here's something that they don't teach much outside of the Lone Star State. The first recorded Thanksgiving on American soil didn't happen in Plymouth. It happened right here in Texas. Yet back in 1598, long before the Bayflower set sail, Spanish explorer Juan de Uñate and his weary expedition crossed the Chihuahuan Desert. They nearly died of thirst before reaching the Rio Grande near what's now San Elizabeth, Texas, just outside of El Paso. When they finally hit water, Urñate ordered a day of rest, feasting in prayer to give thanks for survival. They roasted game, shared meals with local native people, and called it El Día de Ascion de Gracias. Pardon my Spanish. Now, you won't see that story on greeting cards, but it's pure Texas. Tough, humble, grateful, and full of grit. These folks didn't gather around a table with fine china. They gave thanks with sand still in their boots and sunburned necks. That's gratitude born out of hardship. Think about it. How many times in our own lives have we waited for the perfect moment to give thanks? These people didn't wait for perfect. They were alive and they had water, and that was reason enough. And maybe that's the reminder that we need this week. Thanksgiving just doesn't begin when the food's ready, it begins when your heart is. So while the world's rushing to get the gravy just right, maybe take a page from one on Yangte's playbook. Stop for a minute, look around, and be grateful for the simple fact that you made it this far. Because gratitude, like Texas history, runs deep. And it's been here a whole lot longer than pumpkin pie. We'll see you back tomorrow for part of your Thanksgiving. We'll see you then.