The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes

The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Dogs

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:46:49 +0000

Bob Carnes discusses his memoir The Least of These, sharing stories centered on dogs that entered his life despite his insistence he’s “not a dog person.” After buying a family farm in Northwest Wilson County and helping his brother Mike as Alzheimer’s set in, Bob begins feeding a shy pregnant stray, Blackie, rescues her six puppies using a hog trap, and later regrets not paying for Blackie’s heartworm treatment. He recounts Blondie’s arrival and how the pack’s dynamic shifts when the well-bred, independent Wolf appears, ranges widely, and is ultimately shot after killing two small dogs. Bob compares Wolf to ShakaZulu, a roaming boxer-Doberman from South Africa, and adds lighter anecdotes about a golf-course fetcher, his daughter’s clever blue heeler Freckles, and a border collie that rode an Austin bus to campus, before closing with memories of his grandmother’s biscuits and two career eagles at Lions Golf Club.

00:00 Memoir Setup
00:23 Wolf Arrives
01:47 Feeding Blackie
03:31 Puppies and Hog Trap
05:10 Heartworm Regret
06:17 Blondie Joins In
07:45 Wolf Leads Pack
09:18 Shaka Zulu Flashback
14:07 Wolf's Fate
15:03 Other Memorable Dogs
17:21 Bus Riding Collie
19:57 Not a Dog Person
22:00 Grandma's Cooking
23:15 Feral Hogs in Texas
24:09 Shaka Name Explained
25:50 Cats and Independence
28:33 Golf Shot of Life
30:08 Closing Banter

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes -Snubbing Hands - 114

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:46:06 +0000

Snubbing Hands Offshore: Brutal Work, High Pressure, and the Legend of Lynn Boyd

The script recounts the dangerous, high-paying world of offshore snubbing hands—tougher and riskier than wireline work—through Bob Carnes experiences on a Louisiana well job removing a stuck 10,000-foot kill string, breaking joints by synchronized sledgehammer blows while being drenched in burning calcium chloride. After days of labor, the well comes up to 4,000 PSI, and the narrator describes the terrifying force of venting pressure and the chemical and sun damage that caused circular skin lesions and a severe rash. He then profiles Lynn Boyd, a massive but surprisingly agile snubbing hand who becomes an empathetic mentor figure, including stories of bar culture, a notorious nightclub fight, and other rough-edged offshore camaraderie, ending with a reflective conversation about teamwork, unintended impacts, and storytelling.

00:00 Meet the Snubbing Hands
01:14 First Offshore Job Setup
02:08 Sledgehammering the Kill String
03:28 Pressure Shock and Chemical Burns
05:08 Lynn Boyd the Force of Nature
06:53 Hard Times and Getting Hired
08:01 Cheryl and Lynn’s Home Life
09:39 The Nightclub Brawl Legend
11:06 Watching Life in the Bars
12:34 Blowing a Fortune Fast
14:32 Jaw Wired Shut at the Fire
15:39 Why Lynn Made It Work
17:41 Interview Reflections on Teamwork
21:03 Bar Fighting and Navy Chaos
24:29 Food and Cajun Tall Tales
25:20 Gorilla in the Parking Lot

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - The Navy - 113

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:49:06 +0000

From College to the USS Walker: Bob Carnes on Growing Up in the Navy (1961–1965)

Bob Carnes recounts leaving college after poor grades and, after being told he was “too smart” for the Marines, enlisting in the Navy in 1961.

Though initially signed for electronics and nuclear training, he chose deck force work instead and found he loved the sun, physical labor, seamanship, and life at sea aboard the USS Walker out of Pearl Harbor, including typhoons and West Pacific ports like Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

He reflects on Honolulu’s sailor districts, friendships and racial dynamics aboard ship, memorable incidents involving shipmates, and respect for a few standout leaders. He explains why he didn’t make the Navy a career, notes near-miss involvement in early Vietnam-era operations, and says the Navy helped him mature, value teamwork, and appreciate hard work.

00:00 College Detour
01:09 Accidental Navy Enlistment
02:33 ET School Ultimatum
04:15 Pearl Harbor Arrival
04:56 Deck Force Life
06:34 Sea Wonders and Storms
08:18 Liberty in Honolulu
09:54 Cars Dating and Growing Up
11:04 Rank Tests and War Rumors
12:32 Officers Worth Respect
14:49 Tough Chiefs and Odd Bosses
18:02 Carl Cobb and Race
20:07 Purvis Stories and Close Call
24:27 Why Not a Navy Career
26:14 NYEP Offer Turned Down
27:11 Interview Reflections
32:31 Vietnam Near Misses
35:02 Service Thanks and Closing

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Jubilee

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:28:21 +0000

Jubilee: Bob Carnes Dark Dream of Aging, Regret, and a Final Reckoning

“Jubilee,” follows a 75-year-old engineer plagued by hyper-real nightmares of helplessness in a hospital-like setting, an obsessive need to urinate, and memories of childhood bullying, as he confronts aging, loneliness, guilt over his Alzheimer’s-stricken mother, and a life he deems meaningless despite wealth and technological success.

00:00 Nightmare Underwater
00:48 Waking in Surgery
02:28 Hospital Panic Button
03:39 Dreams vs Reality
04:20 Childhood Helplessness
06:46 Aging in the Mirror
08:11 The Empty Workroom
12:59 Scrooge and Regrets
16:12 Planning a Bear Death
18:25 Stranded on the Mountain
23:34 Collapse and Return Dream
25:44 Raven and Revelation
30:42 Prayer and Hatch Escape
32:46 Author Interview Begins
33:06 Meaning of Jubilee
35:48 Love Commitment and Family
39:55 Closing Reflections

Producer: Baron Wiley / Bofars Media Group

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Bob Carnes - The Least of These - Tough Times For Texans In A Town Like Alice

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:44:12 +0000

Tough Times for Texans: Alice, Texas and the 1980s Oil Bust

This episode centers on Bob Carnes’ Wall Street Journal piece dated April 9, 1986, “Tough Times for Texans,” about Alice, a South Texas town of about 30,000 whose economy depends on oil and gas drilling and service companies. Carnes describes arriving in 1981 as a drilling company area manager overseeing 21 rigs and more than 500 people, then watching rig activity collapse through 1982–83, briefly improve in early 1984, and deteriorate again through 1985 as uncertainty about oil prices, a gas bubble, and political signals rattled investors.

00:00 Meet Alice Texas
01:10 Oil Town Boom
02:15 Alice Personified03:13 Bust Hits Hard
04:32 Brief 1984 Rebound05:39 False Hope 1985
07:07 Oil Price Crash 198608:06 Will Alice Survive
08:59 Interview Looking Back
10:08 Losing Everything
11:22 How WSJ Published It
12:09 Austin Aftermath
12:58 Next Story Tease

Post Interview with Boerne Radio's Baron Wiley

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Uncle Bryan and Aunt Alice

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:54:35 +0000

Unprepossessing: A Summer on the Campbell Ranch (1959) | Bob Carnes Remembers Uncle Brian & Aunt Alice

Bob Carnes recounts arriving at age 16 in early June 1959 to spend the summer with his great-uncle William “Brian” Campbell (1897–1971) and Aunt Alice on the Campbell Ranch, about 10,000 acres between Falls City and Campbellton in South Texas. He describes their American Gothic-like appearance, Brian’s stooped, scarred, weathered cowboy presence, Alice’s plain dress and eventual nonstop talk, and the bleak heat and drought conditions during the ninth year of a ten-year drought. Bob details ranch life—his room and routines in the large but bare house, the outdoor privy, the ranch hands Margarito and the Castillo brothers, being assigned two horses (dangerous Big Stud and gentle Maria), learning to rope, treat screwworm wounds, and ride long days through the Borrego, northeast, southeast, and home pastures. He shares specific incidents, including advice to urinate on his unhealed foot, a roping mistake that led to a calf’s death, the purchase of a top-of-the-line TV that soon drew Brian and Alice in despite their claims of disinterest, and the brutal realities of feral range bulls. The summer ends abruptly when a cow with a wormy, blind eye gores Maria through the shoulder, devastating Bob and effectively ending his riding. He reflects on Brian and Alice’s frugality, their importance in holding the ranch operation together for the wider family, their discomfort and fear during social visits, and his later understanding of their unfulfilled lives and missed opportunities to enrich them.

In a closing conversation, Bob (now 82) discusses his vivid memory and storytelling, South Texas language and cultural details, childhood stories involving strike-anywhere matches and family pranks, the TV shows he watched in the 1950s, and a digression about radio vs. TV voices, Peter Graves and Joan Crawford, and his family connection to John Connally.

00:00 Meet Uncle Brian: The Unprepossessing Ranch Boss
01:45 Sizing Each Other Up: A 16-Year-Old Arrives Banged Up
02:54 Aunt Alice Enters the Frame (American Gothic Vibes)
03:38 First Look at the Ranch: Dogs, Outbuildings, and Bleak Heat
05:49 Life on the Home Place: Bedrooms, Breakfast, and Ranch Hands
07:27 Horses, Chaps, and Screwworm Medicine: Learning the Ropes
09:28 Mondays in the Borrego Pasture: Dawn Rides and Cowboy Rhythm
11:35 Noon Breaks, Foot Remedies, and Uncle Brian’s First Advice
12:43 Drought Country: Brush, Dust, and Praying for Clouds
14:45 Fresh Bread & Ranch Gossip: The Human Side of Hard Living
16:11 Inside the House: Rooms, Rituals, and a Museum-Like Stillness
20:21 Family Backstory: The Parents, the Ranch Origins, and Old Wounds
23:39 Tuesdays in the Northeast Pastures: Maria, Trust, and Confidence
25:20 A Hard Lesson: The Calf, the Dogs, and Uncle Brian’s Silence
26:45 Wednesdays Off-Ranch: Errands, Hay, and Buying Their First TV
29:06 Thursdays Southeast: Oaks, Tanks, and Chasing a Range Bull
32:38 Fridays Home Pasture: Big Stud’s Runaway and a Bad Spill
34:40 Weekend Routine: Supplies in Falls City and Sunday Church in Campbellton
35:24 Boots, Hats, and Ranch Rituals: Uncle Brian’s Only Indulgences
36:36 Pickup Talks & Family Traits: Who I Thought I’d Become
38:48 Aunt Alice on the Road: Visits, Silence, and Social Fear
40:23 The Campbell Siblings & Ranch Economics: Who Stayed, Who Benefited
42:43 Uncle Leo, Aunt Helen, and Hard Truths: Illness, Power, and Growing Up
45:21 The Summer Turns: Maria’s Goring and the End of the Ranch Days
47:11 Leaving the Ranch: Regret, Perspective, and a Thank-You to Brian & Alice
48:54 Back in the Present: Memory, Language, and the Stories That Stay
53:48 Old-Time Words & Family Fire Stories: Matches, Mischief, and First Whippings
57:25 TV, Radio, and a Surprise Connection: John Connelly Walks In (Finale)

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Vera Hammet

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:28:57 +0000

A Teenager's Encounter with Alluring Vera Hammett in 1950s New Mexico

In this poignant memoir, Bob Card recalls his teenage years in Hobbs, New Mexico, where he meets the enigmatic and alluring Vera Hammett. Through his father's connection, Bob becomes Vera's babysitter, leading to a unique and intense relationship. As he navigates his feelings for this captivating woman, Bob shares the profound impact Vera had on his youth, her struggles in a lonely desert town, and the events that led to her departure.

This reflective story delves into themes of unspoken love, adolescence, and the indelible marks left by formative experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Vera Hammett
02:05 Meeting Vera: A Life-Changing Encounter
06:43 Weekly Visits and Growing Affection
09:16 The Husband's Suspicion and the End of Visits
12:10 A Tragic Turn of Events
13:29 Reflections on Beauty and Youth

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Claudine Hurst

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:55:50 +0000

Claudine Hurst

Reflections of Adolescent Longing: A High School Crush

In this nostalgic episode, we delve into the poignant memories of Bob Carnes as he reflects on his high school crush, Claudine Hurst. Bob recounts his formative years marked by insecurity and youthful fascination with Claudine, a mature and confident girl out of his league. Their interactions in Mr. Scott's English class and social settings are vividly described, alongside Bob's own physical and emotional growth through high school and beyond. The narrative is intertwined with social commentary on gender roles and adolescence, ultimately revealing Bob's enduring admiration for Claudine and a poignant coming-of-age journey.

00:00 Introduction to Claudine Hurst
01:09 High School English Class Memories
03:42 Claudine's Background and Family
05:38 A Memorable Picnic at Carlsbad Lake
07:43 Summer Growth and New Realizations
09:46 Graduation and Claudine's Departure
10:21 Reflections on Youth and Maturity
11:57 Sex Education in the 1950s
14:19 Family Dynamics and Responsibilities
16:09 Writing and Publishing Aspirations

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - The Carpenter's Story - A Fable - 108

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:50:54 +0000

In this poignant episode, Bob Carnes shares a deeply personal and emotional story in the form of a fable that he considers a gift from God. During a particularly difficult time in his life, while dealing with depression, Bob experienced a vivid and powerful revelation in church. The narrative he recounts involves a symbolic journey of a boy who grows into a man and is given a monumental task by a mysterious figure—reflecting Bob's own path of struggles and realizations. Bob discusses the profound lessons he learned and his belief that understanding life's purpose comes through doing what’s set before you to the best of your ability.

This heartfelt story explores themes of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of fulfilling one's spiritual calling.

00:00 Introduction: A Gift from God: The Carpenter's Story Begins
03:07 The Boy's Journey: Choices and Regrets
05:20 The Struggle: Building the Foundation
09:53 Despair and Revelation: The Final Visit
13:19 Reflection: Understanding and Faith

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Offshore 2 - Part 2 - Snubbing Hands -107 - Final

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 04:01:51 +0000

In this episode, Bob Carnes delves into the gritty and dangerous life of snubbing hands working offshore in Louisiana. He recounts his experiences, the physical toll of the job, and the camaraderie among his colleagues. The narrative paints vivid pictures of tough working conditions, high-stakes operations, and the larger-than-life characters like Lynn Boyd who played pivotal roles in this demanding environment. Bob also shares personal anecdotes about the toll the job took on his body, the brotherhood formed in adversity, and the unique world of offshore oil fields.

00:00 Introduction to Snubbing Hands
01:16 A Day in the Life of a Snubbing Helper
02:18 Challenges and Dangers of the Job
03:13 Life Offshore and Onshore
05:10 Meeting Lynn Boyd
06:41 Lynn Boyd's Reputation and Stories
09:41 Bar Fights and Brotherhood
15:41 Final Reflections and Anecdotes

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Offshore 2 - Part 1 - Luke Metcalf -106 - Final

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:53:00 +0000

In this episode, Bob Carnes recounts his experiences working offshore in the 1960s, with a focus on the exceptional talents of Luke Metcalf, a wireline operator for an oilfield service company. Bob describes their challenging work environment, including dealing with paraffin-clogged wells and navigating dangerous conditions. Despite the hazards, Luke's remarkable skills and calm demeanor earned him widespread respect.

Bob also reflects on personal anecdotes and the nature of working in the oil fields, highlighting Luke's subsequent career achievements and the camaraderie among workers.

00:00 Introduction to Bob Carnes Memoir
01:13 Meeting Luke Metcalf
02:47 First Offshore Job with Luke
06:15 Challenges on the Platform
09:25 Luke's Exceptional Skills
10:47 Reflections and Personal Insights
11:35 The Oil Field Experience
14:34 The Satisfaction of Teamwork

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Offshore 1

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:48:42 +0000

Journeys of a Wireline Worker: From Newsman to Engineer -

Bob Carnes delves into his adventurous journey from a newsman to a wireline engineer. Encouraged by his wife Sylvia amid initial skepticism, Bob recounts his work with Otis Engineering, moving to Homer, Louisiana, and navigating life offshore. Meet vibrant characters like the veteran operator Walt Reach, the aggressive Quinn Dugger, the tough ex-marine Herman Trehan, the charming Sam, and more. Through intriguing anecdotes, Bob reflects on the unique challenges and camaraderie of offshore life, balancing work, study, and family, and ultimately achieving his engineering dreams.

00:00 Introduction: Bob Carnes Memoir
00:28 A New Challenge: Becoming an Engineer
02:05 Starting at Otis Engineering
02:47 Life Offshore: Wireline Operations
04:18 Memorable Characters: Walt Reetz
07:39 Memorable Characters: Quinn Duggars
10:20 Memorable Characters: Herman Trahan
14:46 Memorable Characters: Sam O'Baugh
17:08 Offshore Life: Challenges and Stories
23:57 Weathering the Storms: Offshore Dangers
28:05 Conclusion: Reflections

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Silvia

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:21:42 +0000

In this heartfelt session, Bob Carnes recounts the deep love story he shared and still shares with his wife, Sylvia Thorn Carnes. From their divine union sealed under a full moon in 1957 to the highs and lows of life, Bob details their journey together through decades of marriage, family, and personal growth.

A poignant tribute to a wife, mother, and dedicated educator, this episode captures the essence of unwavering love and support.

00:00 A Fateful Meeting Under the Moon
01:42 Sylvia's Early Life and Family
03:35 High School and College Adventures
06:18 Love and Marriage
09:46 Early Married Life and Career Struggles
12:36 Raising a Family and Career Changes
13:27 Challenges and Triumphs in Austin
14:49 A New Beginning in Oregon
15:56 Reflections on a Life Together

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - TV Times

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:12:52 +0000

In this episode, Bob Carnes delves into his memoirs, detailing his early career as a reporter/photographer for WBAP-TV in Fort Worth, Texas. Hired by Russ Thornton, Carnes recounts his initial interactions with the gruff newsroom leader Doyle Heon, his experiences covering breaking stories like a brush fire and a plane crash, and his adventures with colorful colleagues. From lacking typing skills to capturing dramatic footage, Carne's journey provides an insider's look at the world of television news in the 1960s, filled with memorable characters and significant events.

00:00 Introduction to Bob Car's Memoir
00:33 Joining WBAP-TV: A Rocky Start
01:40 Early Experiences and Challenges
02:59 Transition to WBAP: New Beginnings
04:23 Life at WBAP: Colleagues and Mentors
09:36 Memorable Stories and Scoops
18:33 Reflections on a Newsman's Life
20:58 The Importance of People in Our Lives

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The Least of These - A Memoir by Bob Carnes - Charles Whitmann - 102

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:02:44 +0000

A First-Hand Account of the Charles Whitman Sniping:

Bob Carnes recounts his unexpected role as a part-time newsman during the infamous Charles Whitman sniper attack at the University of Texas in 1966. Drawing from his vivid memoir 'The Least of These', Carnes details the harrowing events of that day, including filming the chaos with a Bell and Howell camera. He shares his internal conflict between documenting the tragedy and the urge to help victims, ultimately providing a raw and first-hand perspective on one of the earliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history. Learn about the bravery, the errors, and the heavy toll of witnessing such an event up close.

00:00 Introduction to Bob Carnes' Memoir
00:16 The Day of the Sniper Attack
00:44 On the Scene: Filming the Chaos
02:19 Moments of Heroism and Fear
06:33 The Aftermath and Reflection
07:46 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

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Bob Carnes - Mazah Margolin - The Least of These

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:17:24 +0000

In this first episode, Bob Carnes reflects on his journey as a mechanical engineer in the oil industry, describing his numerous projects, including an offshore semi-submersible rig and two land rigs for Wyoming. This is a story of professional triumphs, missed opportunities, and the relentless pursuit of a career in oil drilling.

00:00 Introduction to Bob Carnes and Mazah Margolin
00:28 Meeting at Midland Airport
01:55 The Texas Oil Field and Company Dynamics
02:32 Offshore Rig Project in Trinidad
04:14 Challenges and Innovations in Rig Building
12:13 Family Life and Travels
15:21 Visit to Israel
23:01 Career Reflections and Missed Opportunities
28:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts with Baron Wiley

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