Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2023. While the airtimes are out of date, we hope you still enjoy learning about our show. For more information, visit our “Texas A&M Today” show page.
Season 2 of KAMU’s original production, “Texas A&M Today,” debuts Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. on KAMU-TV and streaming online, with new episodes airing every two weeks. This season, meet nurses, honey bee researchers, ship conservationists, race car builders, floral designers, musicians and more. Hear from some of the best and brightest in Aggieland — and learn new Aggie facts.
Ahead of the premiere, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes preview of a few stories you’ll see this season.
Conserving Nautical Artifacts
On Episode 1 – Premiering Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
You don’t see something from the Revolutionary War every day. The crew marveled at the cannons Texas A&M’s Conservation Research Lab is restoring.
Eventually, the cannons will return to Savannah, Georgia, where they will be displayed at the Coastal Heritage Society’s Savannah History Museum.
Part of the crew traveled to Savannah to interview the museum curator and enjoyed their time in Georgia, although they took the Texas heat with them — Savannah saw record temperatures the week the crew was there.
Honey Bee Research
On Episode 1 – Premiering Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
Putting on a protective beekeeping suit is an interesting experience. It’s equal parts comforting and nerve-wracking. But it allowed our crew to hang out with thousands of bees.
The team at the Janice and John G. Thomas Honey Bee Facility was wonderful to work with. The crew learned a lot about bees and will bring the most interesting facts to your screen.
Aggie Facts: A&M’s Mummy
On Episode 1 – Premiering Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
The story of A&M’s mummy is a fascinating tale that quickly became a crew favorite. You won’t want to miss this story told featuring historical records and photos.
Mobile Air Pollution Research
On Episode 2 – Premiering Oct. 9 at 9 p.m.
The crew got to have a little fun with this one and ended up turning a van decked out for air quality monitoring into the perfect spot for a carpool karaoke-esque interview — albeit without the singing.
Maj. Gen. Tim Green Q&A
On Episode 2 – Premiering Oct. 9 at 9 p.m.
The crew visited the Texas A&M RELLIS campus several times this year. One visit was to interview Director of the Bush Combat Development Complex, Tim Green.
With cutting-edge vehicles and equipment surrounding the crew, host Chelsea Reber talked with Maj. Gen. Green about his 30+ year military career and why the work done at the BCDC is important.
History and Future of Aggieland’s Music Scene
On Episode 3 – Premiering Oct. 23 at 9 p.m.
This story placed the crew in two cool situations that don’t happen every day. First, they interviewed Colin Padalecki ’20. Now known as half of the 3x platinum recording duo Surfaces, Padalecki got his start in the music industry while still a student at A&M.
Padalecki shared his time, music expertise and cute pup with the crew, and they even got to hear some songs he’s been working on.
Later, the crew took to the stage of Rudder Auditorium for an interview with author Rob Clark ’95 about the history of music in Aggieland. It features one of the coolest interview backgrounds of the season.
Automated Greenhouse
On Episode 3 – Premiering Oct. 23 at 9 p.m.
Did you know there’s a robot arm on campus taking pictures of plants? You do now!
Corn breeder Dr. Seth Murray walked the crew through his experiment. The greenhouse is extremely high-tech but also hot — the staff tries to replicate an average summer day in their indoor environment.
Learning About Aquaculture
On Episode 3 – Premiering Oct. 23 at 9 p.m.
Host Chelsea Reber fed some fish when the crew visited the Aquaculture Research and Teaching Facility.
Dr. Delbert Gatlin gave Chelsea a tour of the facility as he explained how their research impacts the fish on your dinner plate and your fishing rod.
Pet Mythbusters Q&A with Dr. Lori Teller
On Episode 3 – Premiering Oct. 23 at 9 p.m.
Debunking myths and old wives’ tales was the name of the game when host Chelsea Reber sat down with veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller ’90.
From the true ages of cats and dogs to what human foods your pets can actually eat, Teller set the record straight for proper pet care.
Safety Preparations on Aggie Game Day
On Episode 4 – Premiering Nov. 6 at 9 p.m.
Keeping the players, coaches and 100,000+ fans safe during an Aggie Game Day comes down to a dedicated team. Before the first football game of the season, the crew spoke to representatives from Emergency Management, the University Police Department and Texas A&M Athletics.
On game day, the crew filmed everything they could, getting a true behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the busiest days on campus.
Testing Taste Buds
On Episode 4 – Premiering Nov. 6 at 9 p.m.
Tucked away in the top corner of the Kleberg Center is a lab dedicated to taste. Dr. Rhonda Miller gave host Chelsea Reber a crash course in sensory evaluation.
Miller also had the help of several animal science students and faculty members, who showed the proper way to cook meat for an expert panel of taste-testers.
Building Race Cars
On Episode 5 – Premiering Nov. 20 at 9 p.m.
Texas A&M’s chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers builds competition-grade race cars from the ground up each year. The entirely student-led organization invited the crew to the track for a test day.
Later, team leaders shared just how difficult it is to build a car that starts, handles well, has enough horsepower and won’t break down.
Floral Design
On Episode 5 – Premiering Nov. 20 at 9 p.m.
Making floral arrangements isn’t as simple as it looks. Host Chelsea Reber learned that firsthand as Texas A&M’s resident floral expert, Bill McKinley ’83, taught her how to make a Kubari design.
Chelsea’s designing days might not be over — she told McKinley she’ll send him pictures of whatever she makes next.
Learn more about “Texas A&M Today” on our show webpage. Plus, stream Season 1 any time.
The “Texas A&M Today” team would like to thank all university partners for their assistance and support for Season 2. Gig ’em!
