PODCAST · society
How Big is Texas
by Diann Bayes
Sharing my Texas travels and talking with friends about their Texas road trip stories. I’ll also visit with the businesses who cater to visitors in the Lone Star State.
Episodes
-
Episode 30: Route 66 at 100: My 2,500‑Mile Journey Across America and Part of Texas
Diann Bayes, founder of How Big Is Texas, drives Route 66 on its 100th anniversary with her Aunt Ruth, covering nearly 2,500 miles from Wilmington, Illinois, to San Bernardino, California, and more miles to and from the start and finish line. The trip highlights changing landscapes and quirky...
-
Episode 29: Hat's Off to Garland - Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas
Join Diann Bayes, Founder and #1 Quester at How Big Is Texas, in Garland, Texas, to discover why the city is called the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas, featuring the biggest cowboy hat and an on-street interview with the cultural arts director. Hear the history from Mexican vaqueros to John B....
-
Episode 28 - My 2025 Road Trip Highlights in Texas
Join Diann Bayes, founder of How Big Is Texas, as she recaps her 2025 adventures across the Lone Star State. From completing a quest to visit all 254 Texas counties and exploring state parks to seaside getaways in Rockport, this episode highlights the best places, foods, and festivals she...
-
Episode 27 - A Texas Thanksgiving: Brown Food, Sweet Tea, and Family Memories
Host Diann Bayes of How Big is Texas shares warm memories of Texas Thanksgiving traditions, family recipes, and classic holiday dishes—from cornbread dressing and questionable salads to pecan pie and cranberry sauce. She reflects on the colors, flavors, and quirks of Texas holiday tables…
more -
Episode 26 - Visiting All 254 Texas Counties: My Lone Star Journey
Host Diann Bayes celebrates completing her quest to visit all 254 Texas counties after previously driving the 3,331-mile perimeter of the state. She recalls road trips, food trails, mispronounced towns, and Texas Heritage Trail explorations that shaped her journey. Now tracking state parks with a...
-
Episode 25 - The Magic of Fall in the Lone Star State
Join Diann Bayes as she shares her favorite Fall adventures, highlighting the best seasonal sights and activities across the state — from East Texas foliage and Bigfoot lore to Panhandle sunsets, Hill Country drives, Gulf Coast beaches, and the Big Bend’s wide-open solitude. Discover fall...
-
Episode 24 - Q&A with Diann: My Favorite Memories Growing Up in Texas and Memories Made Across the State
#1 Quester at How Big Is Texas, Diann Bayes shares her memories of growing up across East Texas and the Panhandle, family holiday traditions, and the flavors of small-town life. She recounts her 3,300-mile perimeter road trip, discovering the Texas mountains, winter birding in the Rio Grande...
-
Episode 23 - Unveiling the Charm of the Texas Panhandle
Join Diann Bayes as she takes you on a captivating journey through the Texas Panhandle, unraveling the untold stories and hidden gems of this often-overlooked region. From the awe-inspiring Palo Duro Canyon to the charm of Route 66, discover the rich history and unique attractions that make the...
-
Episode 22 - Experiencing Buc-ee's: The Texas Mega Convenience Store
Join Diann Bayes on an epic journey through Texas as she explores the massive and iconic Buc-ee's convenience stores. With a unique blend of big miles, big tastes, and big adventures, Diann invites listeners to experience the magic of Buc-ee's, from its humble beginnings in Lake Jackson to its...
-
Episode 21 - Devastating Floods: A Texan's Story of Loss and Hope
In this special episode of "How Big Is Texas," Diann Bayes focuses on the aftermath of the devastating floods that swept through Texas over the July 4th weekend. As homes and communities were ravaged by rising waters, Texans banded together in a spirit of resilience and support for those…
more -
Episode 20 - Exploring the Gulf Coast: Texas Summer Adventures
Join Diann Bayes, the adventurous founder of 'How Big is Texas,' as she takes you on a journey through the captivating Gulf Coast of Texas. In this episode, explore the scenic beauty of the coastline, from the sandy beaches of Rockport and Port Aransas to the historical charm of Galveston Island....
-
Episode 19 - Exploring the Epic Journey around Texas: More than 3,300 Miles of Adventure
Join Diann Bayes, the founder of 'How Big is Texas', as she takes you on a captivating journey through the vastness of the Lone Star State, celebrating the five-year anniversary of her first trip on her quest to answer the question, How Big Is Texas. In this episode, Diann shares the story of a...
-
Episode 18 - Cherished Texas Memories: A Tribute to Grandma Barney on Mother’s Day
In this special Mother's Day episode, Diann Bayes, founder of How Big is Texas, takes us on a heartfelt journey through the cherished memories of her Grandma Barney Althea Thompson Stone. Through tales of family recipes, homemade quilts, and timeless wisdom, Diann honors the legacy and warmth of...
-
Episode 17 - Exploring Brewster County: The Hidden Gem of Texas
Join Diann Bayes, the founder of 'How Big is Texas,' as she takes you on an exciting journey through Brewster County, the largest county in Texas. In this episode, Diann shares her love for Texas and highlights her experiences exploring this spectacular region. Discover the breathtaking…
more -
Episode 16 - Willie's Award at Walmart
Join Diann Bayes, founder of 'How Big is Texas,' as she takes you on an enchanting journey through the beautiful landscapes and vibrant stories of Texas. In this episode, Diann shares heartfelt anecdotes, including an unforgettable encounter with the legendary Willie Nelson. Delve into the story…
more -
Episode 15 - Exploring the Agricultural Abundance of Texas
Join Diann Bayes, founder and #1 Quester, at How Big is Texas, as she takes you on a journey through the vibrant landscapes and agricultural wonders of the Lone Star State. From the blossoming azaleas and wisteria in East Texas to the sprawling produce across various regions, discover the…
more -
Episode 14 - Eatin' and Drinkin' the Texas Way
Explore the rich culinary landscape of Texas as Diann Bayes, founder and #1 Quester at How Big is Texas, dives into a spirited debate about the state's most iconic foods. From kolaches to chicken fried steak, this episode examines the dishes that define Texas and the passionate opinions they...
-
Episode 13 - Reintroducing How Big Is Texas
It’s been a minute since I recorded a podcast so I’m reintroducing why I love the Lone Star State and my favorite road trips and stories along the way.
-
Episode 12 - It’s the Holiday Season. Stick with your Strengths.
In which I share some holiday life lessons involving gingerbread, icing, and a plethora of bad decisions.
-
Episode 11 - If Life’s A Beach, Texas Has You Covered.
I share my favorite beach towns and cities in Texas.
-
Episode 10 - My Birthday Weekend of Trials & Tribulations in Texas
Adventures and challenges on my 58th birthday weekend traveling the roads of Texas.
-
Episode 9 - Weekend at Buc-ee’s
On the 40th Anniversary of Buc-ee’s, I decided to take my BFF on a road trip, as we celebrated our 40th High School Graduation. Antics ensued when we drove to all 34 store locations in Texas in 3 1/2 days. Buc-ee’s or Bust
-
Episode 8 - Reflecting on My Texas Life and Sweet Iced Tea
I share my experience growing up in Texas and wonder if the answer to life’s simple questions could be answered with help from a southern staple.
-
Episode 7 - My Top 15 Quirky & Eccentric Places to See in Texas
Everybody knows about the Alamo, but what about the quirky and eccentric places in the Lone Star State. Sharing them here with you. Thanks for listening.
-
Episode 6 - We’ll Always Have Paris…Texas, That Is!
I share my 23rd Wedding Anniversary trip to Paris, Texas, with my husband and our two dogs.
-
Episode 5 - The Hamburger: A Texas Culinary Creation
According to numerous sources, the hamburger was introduced in Athens, Texas. Some from other states dispute this claim, stating the burger was invented somewhere else. I’m Team Athens all the way. In this episode, I explain why.
-
Episode 4 - Where I ask myself the question, “How Texan are you?”
I took a quiz a while back entitled How Texan are you. The results were abysmal and I share my reasons why and try to save face as a Native Texan.
-
Episode 3 - Celebrating Farmers, Farmer’s Markets, and Those Who Can Can
I share my time working on a farm, visiting farmer’s markets, and canning my own food.
-
Episode 2 - A Texas Perimeter Tour with Friends
In 2020, I decided to make a BIG statement and drive the perimeter of the great state of Texas. I took two work colleagues with me. We met friends and family along the way. I‘m on a quest to answer the question how big is Texas. This was the start of that quest. Come along with me for big miles,...
-
Episode 1 - Meet the Host of How Big Is Texas
As a 5th generation Texan, I’m proud to call Texas home. This whole “How Big is Texas” idea started with a trip around the state…literally, and a blog I wrote about it. I’m sharing a little about me so you’ll know what you’re getting into and, I hope, you’ll join me along my quest to answer the...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does How Big is Texas have?
How Big is Texas currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is How Big is Texas about?
Sharing my Texas travels and talking with friends about their Texas road trip stories. I’ll also visit with the businesses who cater to visitors in the Lone Star State.
How often does How Big is Texas release new episodes?
How Big is Texas has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to How Big is Texas?
You can listen to How Big is Texas 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 How Big is Texas?
How Big is Texas is created and hosted by Diann Bayes.
URL copied to clipboard!