I’m Diann, a proud fifth-generation Texan with a passion for exploring every corner of the Lone Star State. I’ve visited all 254 counties (yes, really!) and even drove the entire Texas perimeter in 2020. Join me as I share my favorite places, unforgettable adventures, and the fascinating people I meet along the way. This podcast is all about celebrating Texas heritage, big flavors, big stories, and the endless roads that make this state legendary. Buckle up—let’s hit the road, Texas style!
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Diann Bayes Podcasts
"Sharing the Truth in Love" is a video and audio podcast hosted by Fr. John Girotti, a Green Bay Diocese priest, exploring Church teachings on contemporary issues to inspire listeners to foster faith-filled, meaningful conversations that draw all closer to Christ, enriching the lives of all in the process.
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What is the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty? What does the “development of doctrine” really mean? This and more on the latest episode of Sharing the Truth in Love. Resource: The Death Penalty and the Church's Position | CAPP-USA All Sharing the Truth in Love audio podcasts are also available on YouTube in a video format at dioc.io/t…
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Episode 27 - A Texas Thanksgiving: Brown Food, Sweet Tea, and Family Memories
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11:08Host 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 Southern holiday tables, recounts nostalgic family anecdotes, and invites listener…
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Episode 26 - Visiting All 254 Texas Counties: My Lone Star Journey
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7:34Host 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 scratch-off map (75 of 89 visited), Diann reflects o…
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By Diocese of Green Bay
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Episode 25 - The Magic of Fall in the Lone Star State
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11:36Join 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 festivals, birding hotspots, chili cook-offs, harvest events…
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By Diocese of Green Bay
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Episode 24 - Q&A with Diann: My Favorite Memories Growing Up in Texas and Memories Made Across the State
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15:48#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 Valley, visits to the Alamo, and why Texas will always fe…
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By Diocese of Green Bay
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Episode 23 - Unveiling the Charm of the Texas Panhandle
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17:50Join 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 Panhandle a must-visit destination. Delight in detaile…
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Episode 22 - Experiencing Buc-ee's: The Texas Mega Convenience Store
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13:35Join 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 colossal 75,000 square-foot location in Luling. This ep…
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S1 E7 | Contraception with Special Guest Dianne Vadney
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52:26By Diocese of Green Bay
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Episode 21 - Devastating Floods: A Texan's Story of Loss and Hope
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9:21In 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 affected. Bayes shares personal accounts of past flooding eve…
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S1 E6 | Protecting the Environment with Special Guest Joe Meyer
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47:36By Diocese of Green Bay
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S1 E2 | Abortion & the Dignity of Human Life
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48:55By Diocese of Green Bay
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S1 E4 | Racism with Special Guest Fr. Alvan Amadi
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Episode 20 - Exploring the Gulf Coast: Texas Summer Adventures
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16:46Join 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. Discover the unique wildlife, including birdwatching…
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Episode 19 - Exploring the Epic Journey around Texas: More than 3,300 Miles of Adventure
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27:35Join 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 remarkable nine-day road trip where she and two friend…
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Episode 18 - Cherished Texas Memories: A Tribute to Grandma Barney on Mother’s Day
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14:23In 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 her grandma, a Texas native, whose influence is still…
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Episode 17 - Exploring Brewster County: The Hidden Gem of Texas
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14:49
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14:49Join 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 landscapes of Big Bend National Park, the charming towns of Al…
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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 of honoring Willie Nelson with the 'Hill County Hall …
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Episode 15 - Exploring the Agricultural Abundance of Texas
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13:05Join 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 diversity and richness of Texas farming. Diann shares person…
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Episode 14 - Eatin' and Drinkin' the Texas Way
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12:45Explore 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 inspire. Travel through the diverse regions of Texas, unc…
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Episode 13 - Reintroducing How Big Is Texas
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13:18It’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.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 12 - It’s the Holiday Season. Stick with your Strengths.
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14:05In which I share some holiday life lessons involving gingerbread, icing, and a plethora of bad decisions.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 11 - If Life’s A Beach, Texas Has You Covered.
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10:21I share my favorite beach towns and cities in Texas.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 10 - My Birthday Weekend of Trials & Tribulations in Texas
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18:07Adventures and challenges on my 58th birthday weekend traveling the roads of Texas.By Diann Bayes
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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 BustBy Diann Bayes
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Episode 8 - Reflecting on My Texas Life and Sweet Iced Tea
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9:05I 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.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 7 - My Top 15 Quirky & Eccentric Places to See in Texas
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13:07Everybody 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.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 6 - We’ll Always Have Paris…Texas, That Is!
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9:40I share my 23rd Wedding Anniversary trip to Paris, Texas, with my husband and our two dogs.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 5 - The Hamburger: A Texas Culinary Creation
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9:43According 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.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 4 - Where I ask myself the question, “How Texan are you?”
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17:28I 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.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 3 - Celebrating Farmers, Farmer’s Markets, and Those Who Can Can
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13:26I share my time working on a farm, visiting farmer’s markets, and canning my own food.By Diann Bayes
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Episode 2 - A Texas Perimeter Tour with Friends
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11:07In 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, big tastes, and big adventures…in Texas.…
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Episode 1 - Meet the Host of How Big Is Texas
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4:22As 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 question - How Big is Texas.…
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