PODCAST · history
Before the Howdy
by Narratique
Before he said “Howdy,” he was Santa Claus. In 1949, Kerens, Texas, built a giant Santa to bring Christmas shoppers back to town. That unlikely attraction became Big Tex. This six-part documentary follows the builders, setbacks, $750 sale, transformation, fire, and enduring legacy of a Texas icon. With historical accounts, dramatic readings, music, and sound effects. Production note: AI-generated voices and music; recreated effects. Historical readings and newly written questions are dramatizations, not archival recordings or new interviews.
Episodes
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6. The Town Inside the Cowboy
The 2012 fire destroys the familiar cowboy, but the character returns through a new undertaking. The finale follows the rebuilding, the memories attached to Big Tex, and the Kerens work that remains essential to his story. Season 1, episode 6 of 6. A Narratique production. This documentary uses...
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5. Making Big Tex
Artist Jack Bridges transforms the Kerens Santa into a cowboy. Big Tex debuts in 1952, gains a voice the following year, and becomes an annual presence. How design, performance, and repeated visits turn an attraction into a tradition. Season 1, episode 5 of 6. A Narratique production. This...
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4. Santa for Sale
Two Christmas seasons later, the novelty is fading. Santa is offered for sale: a thousand dollars with the chimney, seven hundred fifty without. Brister’s sales effort leads to a photograph, a meeting in Dallas, and the transaction that changes the giant’s future. Season 1, episode 4 of 6. A...
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3. The Giant Falls
Publicity brings attention to Kerens. Then a storm brings Santa down. The town repairs its giant, photographs travel, and Brister remembers trains stopping to give passengers a look. A story of spectacle, setback, and persistence. Season 1, episode 3 of 6. A Narratique production. This…
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2. Everybody Builds Santa
Pipe, chicken wire, red oilcloth, a papier-mâché face, and a beard unraveled by hand: the giant Santa takes shape. Students, factory workers, artists, and utility crews turn a promoter’s idea into a public surprise. Season 1, episode 2 of 6. A Narratique production. This documentary uses...
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1. A Town Needs a Miracle
In 1949, Kerens, Texas needed a reason for Christmas shoppers to stay in town. Howell Brister proposed an enormous Santa Claus—and asked his neighbors to help make it real. The opening chapter of the story behind Big Tex. Season 1, episode 1 of 6. A Narratique production. This documentary uses...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Before he said “Howdy,” he was Santa Claus. In 1949, Kerens, Texas, built a giant Santa to bring Christmas shoppers back to town. That unlikely attraction became Big Tex. This six-part documentary follows the builders, setbacks, $750 sale, transformation, fire, and enduring legacy of a Texas icon. With historical accounts, dramatic readings, music, and sound effects. Production note: AI-generated voices and music; recreated effects. Historical readings and newly written questions are dramatizations, not archival recordings or new interviews.
HOSTED BY
Narratique
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Before the Howdy have?
Before the Howdy currently has 6 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Before the Howdy about?
Before he said “Howdy,” he was Santa Claus. In 1949, Kerens, Texas, built a giant Santa to bring Christmas shoppers back to town. That unlikely attraction became Big Tex. This six-part documentary follows the builders, setbacks, $750 sale, transformation, fire, and enduring legacy of a Texas icon....
How often does Before the Howdy release new episodes?
Before the Howdy has 6 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Before the Howdy?
You can listen to Before the Howdy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Before the Howdy?
Before the Howdy is created and hosted by Narratique.
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