Fearless

A.J. Ramos has enjoyed tremendous athletic success, but he has never forgotten is hometown roots or what really matters in life. A former MLB All-Star who grew up in Lubbock and played baseball for Estacado and Texas Tech, Ramos also benefited from the influence and presence of family. They’ve been his anchor every step of the way. Taylor Peters sits down with Ramos in the latest episode of Fearless Unscripted. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Emma Rodriguez has become a celebrity at Texas Tech this year. The U.S. Army aviator and wife of Red Raider star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has garnered national attention as well. On a recent return to Lubbock, Emma took the time to sit down with Taylor Peters to talk about football, faith and what makes Texas Tech special.

In August 2025 Christie Loveless did something that was 40 years in the making. After leaving college in the mid-80s following a tragedy, she walked the stage as a Texas Tech University graduate in the same weekend as her son, Kolby. Texas Tech’s $10K Degree Completion Program allowed her to recognize that dream with an affordable, accelerated and flexible bachelor’s degree program. Now, she is a walking ambassador of Texas Tech Online. For more information about Texas Tech Online’s $10K Degree Completion Program: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/online/10K/ Learn more about Texas Tech Online: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/online/start/ Read more about Christie's story and others who have made their goals a reality through the $10K Degree Completion Program: https://www.ttu.edu/now/posts/2024/08/adult-learners-relish-path-to-completing-the-incomplete.php

Virginia Finster went from being a young single mother of two, wondering what her next step was to becoming an ambassador for online education and a true story of success. Her determination and grit represent all we strive to be as Red Raiders. Learn more about Texas Tech Online: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/online/programs/?subNav=Online%2B

Judith Johnson is wrecking the idea of retirement. The 65-year-old Texas Tech student is studying music after retiring from a career in nursing. In fact, she's now become the oldest member to ever play in the Goin' Band from Raiderland. This trailblazer is not fazed by marching alongside students who could be her grandchildren – she’s actually quite composed. “I’ve learned I can do anything,” Johnson says. “It’s my mind that tells me I can or can’t do something, not my age.” Watch Judith's story on our Texas Tech YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0bYP-UIOqWw

As Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire enters his fourth season at the helm of the Red Raider program, he sits down with Taylor Peters on the latest episode of Fearless Unscripted. The two talk about The Brand, supporting the players, what the Lubbock community means to him, the pressure of a new season and much more. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Introduction :32 Women Behind the Brand and using it to support One Voice, a non-profit founded by Josh and Taylor Abbott. 3:24 what Joey and his wife, Debbie love about Lubbock and the people that make it their home. 6:28 Navigating the changing world of college athletics and how he keeps his staff and players focused. 9:27 How coach encourages and supports the student-athletes in a world of growing pressure including NIL deals. 14:23 Getting to celebrate an appearance in the national championship with Texas Tech Softball in the spring. 16:54 What his wife, Debbie, offers the program and the support she provides to the student-athletes. 21:48 Success stories from student-athletes that stick with coach and still make him emotional. 27:41 What makes coach most excited heading into the season.

William Clark Green is a Texas Country music icon. Lubbock is the birthplace of his career that started while he was a student at Texas Tech. From touring across the world, to hosting one of the largest music festivals in West Texas, he doesn't plan to slow down anytime soon. Introduction Cotton Fest had its first sell out crowd with nearly 10,000 people in attendance. 2:53 High Cotton Relief Fund has helped hundreds over the years since it was created by Will. The foundation has become his life's work and he's using his platform to serve families in times of need. 8:06 Lubbock was the birthplace of his music career, why he decided to get his degree when he could have turned to music full time. 10:14 The people who inspired him and helped him start his career in Lubbock. 12:40 Advice to younger artists who are just getting their start. 15:19 What is motivating and inspiring to him about serving individuals through his foundation? Testing Will's knowledge of country music from artists who got their start at Texas Tech and Lubbock.

In May, the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine made history with its inaugural graduation — delivering on Texas Tech’s promise to bring critical veterinary care to rural and regional communities across the state. In this episode of Fearless, we meet the newly hooded doctors who will meet this purpose. Watch the Ceremony: https://youtu.be/JZdsb-KSgko See the Story: https://stories.ttu.edu/first-of-their-kind?source=share-texastechuniversity What's next for the graduates: https://www.ttu.edu/now/posts/2025/05/school-of-veterinary-medicine-grads-reflect-on-serving-rural-regional-communities.php

Emily Jones McCoy has seen quite a bit in her decade-plus as a sideline reporter for the Texas Rangers, but this Texas Tech grad is just a West Texas girl at heart. The wife and mom of two finds herself now in a season of transition, from the broadcast booth and television studio, to adventures beyond the baseball diamond. Listen to Fearless on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/fearlesstexastechpodcast Listen to Emily's podcast, The Mom Game here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1i3k7Spo21tLaLa1EGhCyO?si=9ce9b3e6d6fb49b0 :05 - Introduction 3:23 - Reliving the 2023 Rangers season that ended in a World Series victory 9:00 - Work-Life Balance & Motherhood: Emily Jones' Reality 14:20 - Amid a changing landscape of sports, Emily is looking to spend more time with her family and taking a step back from her reporting role. 18:20 - What led to Emily's decision to attend Texas Tech and the KCBD-TV experience that launched her broadcast career. 22:15 - Taylor shares an insightful phone call with Emily from yers ago. 25:49 - Emily's Best Piece of Advice: The Importance of Authenticity 31:00 - Conclusion

Brandon Weaver's adventures across the country are well documented in his podcast, The Tinstreamer, and is featured in immersive storytelling as a freelance writer for a variety of publications. In what he calls his writing career 2.0, Brandon has rediscovered his passion for the outdoors through his friendship with Texas Tech professor Jerod Foster as he finds himself along for the ride in some of Texas Tech's most unique student experiences. Listen to The Tinstreamer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hx2q4RTwx4xLt3vuvtO0D?si=17938c85b2b8409f Learn more about the College of Media & Communication here: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/comc/ Listen to Shifting Gears, featuring Adventure Media 2023 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5m0qfl8oZIqHYr0vo6HpuX?si=b4e0420118ba40c6 Introduction- What are we doing in Post, Texas? 5:40 Where did Brandon's love for the outdoors come from? 6:30 How a wildlife refuge in Muleshoe, Texas, became the birthplace of one of Brandon Weaver's most important friendships. 9:50 The Great Plains Project was a cross-country venture from the Mexico to Canada border. Where the idea came from and how it became a course for Texas Tech students. 16:40 What Brandon, Jerod and COMC students have learned through the years with experiential learning opportunities like the Great Plains Project and Adventure Media. 25:54 The unique challenges the Great Plains Project posed and how Brandon overcame them. 30:06 What role did yoga and squats play in keeping Brandon on the bike for the 3-week Great Plains Project trip. 38:21 Adventure Media was the spark that relaunched what Brandon calls his writing career 2.0 52:49 What makes Brandon hopeful about the future of higher education and Texas Tech.

Cleto Cordero is a founding member of the band Flatland Cavalry, a Midland native and a proud Red Raider. From performing on campus and at Lubbock's own Blue Light to some of the most iconic venues across the country, this group of humble people is soaring to new heights. Introduction 2:21 Cleto reflects on where it all started for him and his band and how far they've come to return and perform at the iconic Buddy Holly Hall. 3:15 His dad's advice about fame and remaining humble despite success. 4:10 The cost of our dreams and the what it requires of ourselves and our people. 5:55 Scott Faris joins Flatland Cavalry on stage for part of their performance. The importance of celebrating the people who have been part of your journey from the beginning. 7:24 The band returned to the birthplace of Flatland Cavalry and where the newly released single Three Car Garage was written. 13:11 The importance of sharing your gifts with others. 14:26 Cleto's dream to create a non-profit foundation and what he plans to do to give back. 16:01 More wisdom from Cleto's dad and why his influence and support is so important to the songwriter and musician. 19:29 Cleto's one-of-a-kind custom Texas Tech leather boots. The story of where they come from and how he came to own them. 21:15 Taylor surprises Cleto with a recovered photo of him as a student at Texas Tech. 23:23 Where does Flatland Cavalry want go when they return to Lubbock?

Texas Tech made history when it announced the opening of its School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Now, two years later, the first graduating class is in it's final year of clinical rotations. Join these students as they experience the joys and challenges of each rotation. Listen to Fearless on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/fearlesstexastechpodcast Follow us on social media and check out our YouTube playlist for special Fearless content! Instagram: @TexasTech Facebook: Texas Tech University X: @TexasTech Threads: @TexasTech Interested in learning more about the $10K degree plan? Learn more here: 10K Degree plan: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/online/DFW/programs/10K/ From Texas Tech University, we bring your Fearless. It’s a podcast that features the untold stories of the school we love so dearly. Fearless is produced by the Texas Tech Office of Marketing & Communications.

He's a dad, a husband, a lover of the outdoors and he leads our Red Raider Basketball program. Head Coach Grant McCasland and his wife Cece have long dreamed of returning to the her alma mater and the place that has been foundational in his basketball coaching career. Now, "Coach Mac" and his family are loving Lubbock and giving back to the place where it all started for them. Introduction 1:00 Building a culture around community and the importance of relationships within the program. 2:30 How relationships between coaches, families and players makes a difference in the locker room and on the court. 3:30 Grant's wife Cece is a former student-athlete for Red Raider soccer and what inspired his journey to start in Lubbock. 6:00 Grant and Cece's kids are responding well to their new life and home in Lubbock, enjoying the community that rallies for Red Raider basketball. 9:00 Who is more competitive in pickleball between Grant and Cece? 10:00 How Grant finds balance in his life to be more than a great basketball coach and the importance of family in that dynamic. 15:00 The men's basketball team attempted an on-field run on and pregame rehearsal. Why school spirit and appreciation for Texas Tech history matters to coach and the program. 19:00 When he's not coaching basketball, Grant loves to be outdoors with his kids. What does he do in his spare time?

Butch Martin has Allison Clayton, her law students and Texas Tech University to thank for his freedom. When Texas Tech's Innocence Clinic got involved in his case, Allison and third-year law students believed Butch would get the justice he deserved. In 2023, they saw that come to fruition. See photos and learn more about Butch and Allison here: https://www.ttu.edu/now/posts/2024/10/the-story-of-butch-martin-and-allison-clayton.php During his incarceration, Butch provided homemade gifts to Allison. See them here: https://youtu.be/UQKvZ_RRsqw The Texas Tech Innocence Clinic: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/law/clinics-and-externships/clinics/innocence/index.php Listen to Fearless on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/fearlesstexastechpodcast Follow us on social media and check out our YouTube playlist for special Fearless content! Instagram: @TexasTech Facebook: Texas Tech University X: @TexasTech Threads: @TexasTech Linktree: https://linktr.ee/texastechuniversity From Texas Tech University, we bring you Fearless. It’s a podcast that features the untold stories of the school we love so dearly. Fearless is produced by the Texas Tech Office of Marketing & Communications.

A house fire killed Butch Martin’s wife and two children in 1999. He was sentenced to life in prison. After serving 24 years of that sentence, he was exonerated through the work of faculty and students at Texas Tech’s School of Law. See photos and learn more about Butch and Allison here: https://www.ttu.edu/now/posts/2024/10/the-story-of-butch-martin-and-allison-clayton.php During his incarceration, Butch provided homemade gifts to Allison. See them here: https://youtu.be/UQKvZ_RRsqw The Texas Tech Innocence Clinic: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/law/clinics-and-externships/clinics/innocence/index.php Listen to Fearless on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/fearlesstexastechpodcast Follow us on social media and check out our YouTube playlist for special Fearless content! Instagram: @TexasTech Facebook: Texas Tech University X: @TexasTech Threads: @TexasTech From Texas Tech University, we bring your Fearless. It’s a podcast that features the untold stories of the school we love so dearly. Fearless is produced by the Texas Tech Office of Marketing & Communications.

Holly Young Sudduth met the love of her life at Texas Tech. Holly and Toby graduated and built the life they'd always dreamed about - 23 years later, it came crashing down. Today, Holly uses her podcast "Every Widow Thing" to encourage and help others through unimaginable loss. With candor, grace and a good dose of dark humor, Holly and her co-hosts welcome you to the widowhood. Every Widow Thing Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XO1NK5... Listen to Fearless on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/fearlesstexastechpo... Show Notes: Introduction 4:00 Holly's Texas Tech Story. 8:45 How Holly and Whitney met and what inspired the Every Widow Thing Podcast. 16:10 Grief motivated Holly to step out of her comfort zone and become the person she is today. 18:10 The community that comes with Every Widow Thing. 23:00 The ways that grief has helped Holly and Whitney connect with others in different stages of their own journey. 26:05 The irrational feelings that come with grief and how to process them. 29:10 Raising young men and what it means to be a Free Bird. 32:00 What would you want widows to know?

The Thoma family believes in the future of small towns, it's why they created a scholarship to fuel and fund the Red Raider dream for students from those areas. Follow the journey from the very beginning of finding the first cohort of the Thoma Scholars. Visit Fearless online: https://www.ttu.edu/fearless/seasons/season-four.php https://linktr.ee/texastechuniversity

Nothing comes easy in rural areas, including healthcare. In this episode featuring One Health, our experts dive into the health challenges being faced by humans, animals and the environment across rural America. This is what Texas Tech’s One Health initiative is doing to solve them. Show Notes 1:09 Introduction 1:51 - Challenges Facing Rural Communities 4:54 - Student Recruitment 9:04 - Access to Resources 16:49 - Life Expectancy 20:21 - Medical Care Access 22:13 - Transmission of Disease 25:54 - One Health Education and Careers 28:26 - Andrew Shin Final Thoughts 30:17 - Kelly Williams Final Thoughts 32:20 - Babafela Awosile Final Thoughts 33:43 - Steve Presley Final Thoughts 37:07 - Jayme Lozano Carver Final Thoughts 38:31 - Dr. Adrian Billings Final Thoughts Panel • Babafela Awosile - https://www.depts.ttu.edu/vetschool/a... • Kelly Williams - https://www.depts.ttu.edu/vetschool/a... • Dr. Adrian Billings - https://www.ttuhsc.edu/about/profile.... • Steve Presley - https://www.entx.ttu.edu/dr.-steven-p... • Jayme Lozano Carver - https://www.texastribune.org/about/st... • Andrew Shin - https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/ns/shin.php Texas Tech University Social Channels: https://linktr.ee/texastechuniversity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@texastech

Scott Robertson has a vision to serve people. It's what started his foundation all those years ago and what still fuels him today. Each year, he looks to Texas Tech students and faculty to help him keep his dream alive by providing medical and infrastructure needs to rural communities in Mexico. Fearless Website: https://www.ttu.edu/fearless/seasons/season-four.php

Texas Tech alumna Tiara Williams is living her best life. The former track and field athlete's Q&A-style social media show 'Real Talk with Tee' has taken off and catapulted her onto the biggest stage in the world: The Summer 2024 Olympics. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_realtalkwithtee/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtalkwithtee Show Notes: Introduction 3:50 Establishing Chemistry in Interviews. 5:27 Tee spent 3 weeks in Paris for the 2024 Olympics interviewing athletes, hosting the Puma House, attending events. 9:45 Olympic Trials coverage for NBC. Tee's experience doing interviews post race with athletes, meeting strong women in the industry, learning and growing as a strong woman in her industry. 12:00 Taylor and Tee talk about the early days of discovering Tee's passion of telling stories and interviewing during her time as a student-athlete. 14:52 Former female Red Raiders Tee has covered as professionals and Olympians including Ruth Usoro (Long Jump), Alaysha Johnson (Hurdles) and Monae Nichols (Long Jump). 16:40 "Ruth is the best teammate I've ever had." 18:00 What is the future of Real Talk with Tee and what is next?