The Best Storyteller In Texas Podcast

Senator Phil Gramm, How to Eliminate Two-Thirds of The National Deficit in One Year

  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, Medicaid, housing subsidies, and refundable tax credits—totaling up to $76,908 per recipient—are not counted as income by the Census Bureau. Discover how this accounting "blind spot" fuels runaway spending, distorts poverty statistics, and creates perverse incentives that make it harder for hardworking families to get ahead.  Key Moments & Themes 💡 The Biggest Fraud in Welfare: Senator Gramm exposes how the real scandal isn't just isolated fraud in places like Minnesota, but a nationwide system that fails to count government benefits as income, keeping millions "officially" poor while spending $1.4 trillion annually.   📚 The Myth of American Inequality: Insights from Gramm's acclaimed book reveal how flawed measurements mask upward mobility and the true impact of welfare spending.   🔥 Memorable Quotes: "If we simply gave the amount of money to poor people that it would take to raise their income level, we could reduce the deficit by two-thirds in one year." "When we started the war on poverty in 1965, 68% of able-bodied, prime work-age persons in the bottom 20% worked. Today it's 36%. Why do you think that is?" "The greatest fraud in welfare is in the federal government in Washington, D.C., when they give people benefits and don't count them as income."   🏆 The American Dream: Hear inspiring stories of upward mobility, including how 62% of children from the lowest income families rise to higher brackets in a single generation.   ⚡ Urgency for Reform: Gramm calls for immediate action—urging Congress and the public to demand transparency, accountability, and real change in how welfare is measured and delivered. Guest Insights Senator Phil Gramm brings decades of experience, academic rigor, and personal stories to the table, making complex economics both accessible and riveting. His challenge to policymakers and citizens alike: "If we made welfare reform the number one issue in the country, it would be a huge political issue."  Call to Action 🎧 Ready to rethink what you know about poverty and welfare in America? Hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who care about the future of our country. Your voice matters—join the conversation and help drive real change!    

"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!

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! 🎧✨    

"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!

"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. 🎧🤠