'Texas Ranch House'

"Texas Ranch House" explores the myth and reality of cowboys and ranching life circa 1867, and features cowboys Anders from Missouri (left), Ian from Ohio (center) and Johnny from England, preparing to brand the herd. (Christopher Ragazzo/Thirteen/WNET New York)

Participants Maura Finkelstein and Ian Roberts of the PBS series "Texas Ranch House" were online Tuesday, May 2, at 2 p.m. ET with Series Producer Luis Barreto to field questions and comments about the program. It airs Monday-Thursday, May 1-4, at 8 p.m. ET. (Check Local Listings.)

This four-part series from the producers of "Colonial House" and "Frontier House" challenges a group of intrepid time-travelers to experience the exhilaration and exhaustion of life in the Old West. Participants ranch, rope, ride and pass nights under the stars and in their haciendas as they experience life in the real West of the American cowboy.

As it follows the daily challenges of the time-travelers, the series illuminates the story of merging cultures and changing social dynamics in post-Civil War Texas, and explores the country's diverse ancestry, including the cultures of European immigrants, Hispanics, African Americans and Native Americans.

Series Producer Luis Barreto is a director and Emmy-nominated producer. Prior to working on Texas Ranch House, Mr. Barreto was co-executive producer of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, for which he received his Emmy nomination; executive producer of MTV's Spring Break Special and Kickin' It Old School; co-executive producer for several seasons of ABC's The Mole; and segment producer and casting director for MTV's Road Rules. In addition, he directed NBC's Sports Illustrated Fresh Face, UPN's America's Next Top Model, and Fear and Real World specials for MTV.

The transcript follows.

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Ian Roberts: Howdy everyone, this is Ian I am here- ask away!!!!

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Luis Barreto: Hey guys what's going on?

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Lyford, Tex.: I attended school in West Texas and was wondering what is the location of the Ranch House, because the scenery looks very familiar?

Luis Barreto: We shot south of Alpine and north of Big Bend National Park.

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Joliet, Ill.: I wanted to know when will you be casting for next show? People of color as well and what role do they play in this Texas Ranch House.

Luis Barreto: I'm not sure when the next casting call will take place however, the majority of applicants were Anglo, roughly 75% with the balance being Asian, Latinos, Black or African American. And least of the last three would be the Black or African Americans. I would encourage you to represent! With TRH we have Black and Latino participants and we feature the rich history of their ancestors

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Nashua, N.H.: How much about the past that they are going to 'imitate' do these participants really know before they enter into these projects? I am always amazed at how hard it seems to be for some of these participants to keep their 21st century values, etc. out of their 'imitation lives.'

Maura Finkelstein: We aren't actors, and we were never asked to act. We brought our 21st century selves "back in time" to the 19th century, but how does one leave behind their politics, morals, opinions, etc? I couldn't figure that one out. We weren't imitating life, we were living it. And in living it, I could never leave behind the life I had led up until leaving for Texas. I think that is what makes this show so interesting: what do people hold onto, and what do they give away.

Ian Roberts: Before the show- we had "classroom time" to learn about the cultures and ways of life in the old days for us to try and model ourselves after. Like Maura said it is hard to leave behind your "true" selves and fall into a role none of us were familiar with- it was hard. It was very hard to keep roles and live other roles especially in an environment were attitudes feed off of one another.

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Tampa, Fla.: What it is like to be back in the real world now? Are there days you wish you could go back?

Maura Finkelstein: I am very happy to be back in the 21st century, where conveniences like electricity and running water make life so much easier. Where I can do what I want when I want, where I make my own decisions. I felt very stifled this summer. But I miss the landscape: I miss the sunsets and the night skies and the vastness of the desert.

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Seattle, Wash.: I'm interested in whether your training period allowed you to get acclimated to the heat? Unlike earlier series, we're not shown anything about your preparation process.

Luis Barreto: All of us, participants and crew and staff spent plenty of time acclimating to the intense climate. The participants had 14 days @ "cowboy-boot-camp" to get adjusted. They had the toughest, most physical work, and the least amount of time getting used to the heat.

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Boston, Mass.: Hi Ian, just wanted to know how you held up with so much time in the saddle? Wow, 8, 10 12 hours in a saddle every day!

Ian Roberts: Hey how are you, you know sitting in the saddle for up to 12 hours at a time was rough. However, we had been on horses for a couple of weeks prior to the ranch and most of us for a couple of months so our saddle sores were to a minimum. The worst part about sitting out all the time was the sun boiling you nonstop and I am sure the horses hated it also. The saddles were real hard, nothing like today's saddles so it was rough trying to soften them up with oil- it took a few weeks but we got it done.

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Tampa, Fla.: What did you expect going into this experiment? How did it differ from what you really experienced?

Ian Roberts: I was not real sure what to expect coming in- something like Bonanza I would imagine. The show was a great experience; however, the drama aspect of it drained me more than the actual ranch work.

Maura Finkelstein: Unlike the other participants, I was unsure as to my role going into this project. Finding myself as the maid was a huge surprise: I had hoped to be out with the guys, riding the range, fixing fences, and branding cattle. I had not seen myself as the domestic type, and the life of a woman, tied to hearth and home, was daunting and uncomfortable.

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Anonymous: Luis,

Where is my hat?

Colonel

Luis Barreto: I'll call you when I get back home. Good to hear from you!

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Austin, Tex.: It seems that the Cooke family felt they were "above" everyone else...is that the way they really were or is that just the editing?

Maura Finkelstein: I don't think the Cooke family felt they were "above" anyone, but they did see themselves as the owners and employers. The way they managed these roles differed from the expectations of the cowboys. Communication between houses broke down quite quickly: I was surprised how seriously we all took the show. While being immersed in our new lives, I found it hard to tear myself away. Had we all sat down and really talked to each other, perhaps things would have been different. But hindsight is always 20/20........

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Bethlehem, Pa.: Ian - Why was making the fence so difficult? How long did it take?

Ian Roberts: HA- the fences!! It was difficult because it was like trying to pound through cement. The ground at some points was so hard we had to make new holes and abandon the old ones. The only tools we had to dig were a shovel and a huge heavy metal bar that quickly tore through our hands and gloves leaving us all blistered and bloody. The fences and corral took us like 2 weeks of everyday hard labor. Again, the sun was no help so that is why when you have a chance to fool around you should so you are not annoyed all day with the fence, some guys took it way to seriously.

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Fort Stockton, Tex.: What made you pick the Alpine-Davis Mountains area when most of the Texas post-Civil War ranching was down in South Texas, south of the Nueces River???

Luis Barreto: Good question. We wanted an area that was vast, and in our complete control. The ranch we contracted had over 300 CONTIGUOUS sq miles which afforded us that luxury. The topography in the area we shot is perfect for filmmaking giving us a John Ford-esque palette. Finally, there is a rich history of longhorn ranching in the region.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Maura and Ian, I'm really enjoying Texas Ranch House. In retrospect how do you feel about your experience in 1867 Texas? And what was the worst aspect of this? The heat? Food? Bugs? Dust? Anything else? Thanks.

Maura Finkelstein: The hardest thing for me was the isolation: being lonely and feeling trapped. I'm not used to having my movement monitored and controlled. I struggled with the lack of power over my own actions. And it was hard to feel so alienated from the cowboys. As a woman, I felt very conflicted: I had no problem doing the work, but through the labor I performed I was treated differently. I balked when I found an organic sexism growing out from the division of labor.

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Lexington, Mass.: On all of the (whatever) House series in the past, the people seemed surprised at how hard they had to work, or how hard it was to conform to the requirements of the time. What preparation did the participants receive so that they'd understand what the experience would entail?

Luis Barreto: We set up a two week "Cowboy-Boot-Camp" We brought in historians and historical lifestyle consultants who helped us staff a kick butt-hands on history work shop. The cowboys were trained by Cowboy Expert and Key Wrangler Craig Carter. The guys rode every day and learned very very quickly. The women toiled in learning how to cook and run a house in the "dark ages". I'm always amazed at how far people can rise and surpass expectations when they are part of a prediction, either in front or behind the camera.

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Lexington, Ky.: Hi, Ian, What was going on with the food there at the bunkhouse? Looks like things weren't too clean. It's a wonder everyone wasn't sick all the time.

Ian Roberts: I don't know what was going on with the food, we did not ration well at all and eating goat all the time was horrible. Nothing was clean and we lacked sugar and sweets which we all craved. Contrary to the show, everyone was sick all the time. We all were dehydrated in addition to lack of sleep and horrible food which kept us throwing up and smelling up the bathrooms for all hours of the day.

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Bayonne, N.J.: Hi guys -- and gal! Can each of you participants talk a little about the man/woman tension that happened on the ranch? Even hearing the ads on the radio for the series, it seems like "sexist" issues were prominent.

And Luis, did these issues surprise you?

Maura Finkelstein: From my perspective, the women were asked to sacrifice much more of themselves through this experience. While I was not thrilled with the role I was assigned, I would have embraced it far more readily if I had found even hint of sympathy from the men of the bunkhouse. Instead, they all seemed quite pleased with their good fortune, and wanted nothing more from us women than the cookies we baked for them during the earlier days of the show. This disregard was impossible for me to take, and therefore I felt I HAD to fight back. I never felt like I was part of their team. I felt like part of the scenery, and I couldn't sit still and take that. We were all still 21st century folks.

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Joliet, Ill.: Is this Texas Ranch House still open to other people to be late date program?

Luis Barreto: Not sure I understand your question.

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Newark, N.J.: I see the Colonial asked a question. How is he? Any hard feelings? Do you keep in touch with all of the participants?

Luis Barreto: I consider all the participants very brave and dear friends. We mainly communicate via ye olde 21st century e-mail and occasionally on the phone.

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Alexandria, Va.: Maura, why would you have expected to have been "out with the guys"? You know these shows are about living history, and women didn't do that back then, except for some of the eccentric characters, from what I just read on the Ranch House Web site.

Maura Finkelstein: I didn't expect to be out with the guys until we were short handed (as far as ranch hands were concerned). In 1867, I think all capable hands would have pitched in when times were tough, and that is what I wanted to do. Plus, I am an eccentric figure: there is no shame in that. By the 1880's, the history books show women working alongside men (although not in high numbers). If it was recorded in the 1880's, it was happening in the 1860's. There's more than one grand history.

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Rural Arizona: Hi folks from the wilds of Arizona. I saw that Maura had riding skills prior to the program. How much riding did Ian and Luis have before hand?

Ian Roberts: Hi, actually I had a lot of experience riding (maybe not correctly) but I lived in Flagstaff near the Navajo Reservation so I was out riding and chading cattle all of the time. I also owned horses when I was younger and worked for many years in an equestrian center. I was very comfortable on a horse.

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Pennsylvania: I was surprised to hear Mrs Cook claim that felt marginalized when she appeared to make many of the major decisions in last night's episode. Her stance on not wanting to share fresh produce or eggs with the cowboys was also surprising - was there not enough to share or did she want to rigidly maintain class distinction of "us" and "them" even down to diet?

Maura Finkelstein: The show is only a selection of what happened on the ranch, and it is strategically edited. Mrs. Cooke DID share produce, although she did not share eggs. Because of the heat and the stress, the chickens didn't produce eggs for the first month we were on the ranch. However, there were things, like preserves, that the Cookes felt were not plentiful enough to share. For the most part, though, the supplies were fairly evenly distributed. What the individual cooks did with the supplies is another matter....

Ian Roberts: Well, your in for some good episodes tonight! Since I was down at the bunkhouse I cannot say what the Cooke's choose to share and not share. There was a lot of tension with the food situation, I agree that it was our cooks fault most of the time, but there were also 5 girls helping make a meal for the ranch family. I believe she did want to maintain a class distinction as it is evidenced in the first episode. It is true the chickens did not produce eggs for the first month- however, it is the cowboys that make the ranch successful not the ranch owners wife- they failed to realized that by allowing this drama to happen they were driving a wedge with the only people that could help them become successful.

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Corrales, N.M.: I enjoyed the show. It was fair and well done. Did want the saddle too! Maura, you showing yourself to be a strong woman and as stated in a news article last week, you were one of my favorites. You belonged in the saddle doing the "cowboy" thing and I am sure the future episodes will bear that out. How was it on the cattle drive?

Colonel

Maura Finkelstein: Thanks Colonel!

The cattle drive was long and lonely, but in the end I think we all walked away with a positive experience. In my case, I feel lucky to have had such a diverse experience on the show. And you couldn't beat the view.

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Bayonne, N.J.: Hi guys -- and gal! Can each of you participants talk a little about the man/woman tension that happened on the ranch? Even hearing the ads on the radio for the series, it seems like "sexist" issues were prominent.

And Luis, did these issues surprise you?

Luis Barreto: I was very surprised at the intensity level of some of the interpersonal issues beyond sexism. No one realizes how stressful it is to be removed from your life and stranded somewhere, without being able to leave, unless you decide to quit of course. It's very stressful. This stress amplifies everyone's emotional level and certain things that may not rub you the wrong way "back in the world" all of the sudden carry the weight of the world and your honor. Not sure if this answers your question. I was surprised.

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Holbrook, Ariz.: We've just started watching, but I want to know if the gals ever got to go to the swimming hole! That looked like a great spot.

Maura Finkelstein: We went twice, and it was fabulous. Unfortunately, it was an hour ride on horseback, so those outings were infrequent. My first dip in the swimming hole was one of the more visceral moment I had all summer. And one of the cleanest!

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Rockville, Md.: Did you chop down any sage-brush? Did you totally ignore protestors camped right outside the ranch?

Ian Roberts: We used whatever we could find out there to function on the ranch. We were so far from civilization that there is no way we could have ever known if there were protestors or not.

Luis Barreto: Protesters? Maybe it was another show on another ranch?

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Roanoke, Va.: For Maura, how frustrating was it to see these guys out there trying to ride, when you know that you can outride them?

Maura Finkelstein: For me, it was never about outriding anyone. It was about having the experience, or in my case, not having it. Every morning, as I stood in the kitchen and watched the guys ride out onto the range, I felt a little part of me crumble. It was excruciating.

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Hartford, Conn.: Luis: How is this show different than the other reality shows you've worked on? Does being on PBS make it different?

Luis Barreto: Huge difference! It was a great experience working with PBS. Great staff and great support from the network on many levels. The main difference with this show and all the others is; these guys did it for the experience not in the quest for a large sum of many or other compensation. They did it just for the experience and not money. Believe me not for the money.

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Irvine, Calif.: Hi there-Enjoyed the show. Really made me want to go camping (but not for 3 months!) Ian, wondering if you guys felt the bond with your horses that we always see in movies?

Ian Roberts: Hi, we definitely bonded with our horses- they were our "babies" we became very protective of them and shunned whoever wanted to ride them or use our saddles. They were our best friends out there- it is true like in the movies that you tell everything to your horse as you are riding around for hours in the middle of nowhere. They listen to you.

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Fort Worth, Tex.: How did you grow lettuce in Texas in July?

There were no signs of laundry. How did you do it?

What I remember about rural Texas before electricity, paved roads, bathrooms etc was that the entire summer was spent putting up food for winter. I saw none of that. I realize you only did your project for a couple of months, but weren't you trying for authenticity?

Ian Roberts: Believe it or not the garden grew quite well in the heat with lots of shade and water. We did in fact make an attempt to do our laundry with scrub boards but it was mostly soaking our clothes, rubbing them and letting them out to dry. As far as stocking food for the winter, there was none. I could honestly say that I did not even think about food for the winter and I am not sure that anyone else did either.

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Ripon, Wis.: Why does the ranch owner not participate in important ranch work. aka cattle roundup!! If I were owner that would be the priority.

Ian Roberts: Well some people have different priorities and in my opinion, the ranch owner had different priorities than the cowboys. He failed to realize that the cowboys were the only ones who could make or break the ranch- he should have been riding with us.

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Austin, Tex.: In regards to all of the illnesses that were going around in the bunkhouse (especially the highly contagious pink-eye!)---was there ever any modern medicine intervention?

Luis Barreto: We had a stand-by medic to deal with severe emergencies, broken bones, major cuts, emergency evac situations.

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Phoenix, Ariz.: Maura, how much of the attitudes of the men on the show do you attribute to the environment you all were thrown in versus the personalities brought into the situation in the first place? Do you think it was just a product of being on the show?

Maura Finkelstein: There is a part of me that greatly resents them, and a part of me that almost can't blame them (almost!). I wanted to be out there, so how would I have treated the other women if I had been riding from the start? I would like to think I would have felt a deep sympathy. I don't think anyone on the show is a bad person: we were in an impossible situation. But I find the men's disregard for the women distressing: I HOPE it was merely the environment, division of labor, clothing, and frat house atmosphere that brought out their machismo. I hope it's not something inherent to them.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Hi! Ian, you seemed really angry all the time, at the Colonel, at Jared, and you were really mean to the girls about doing the cow work. What gives??? Great show though, can't wait to see the next episodes.

Ian Roberts: Editing my friend. TV can make you out to be whoever they want that is the dangers of reality TV. I wasn't angry all of the time, in fact hardly ever. But lets face it what makes good TV- everyone happy and getting along or DRAMA we all love to see it. I did like Jared a lot we had our scuffles but always remained good friends. The colonel on the other hand I had no respect for, as he showed none to the cowboys. When the horse ripped the post out of the ground it is true that it should not have been tied but he made the horse jump. Also the show fails to inform viewers that the reason we did not have horses for so long is because colonel broke the ranch rules and as a punishment the horses were taken away. With the scene with the ladies, it was like three weeks into the show and we were told not to help them as they needed to do it by themselves while we were out riding. Editing will get you every time. Thanks

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Burbank, Calif.: I saw the show last night. Enjoyed it. A lot of what I saw reminded me of my grandmother's time as they lived on the Indian reservation and lived the traditional life ie. getting up at 3:00 in the morning, hauling the water, wood and other work like my family members would get the sheep ready for dipping. It wasn't easy but you didn't whine about it esp. building the corral and fences. I did see the "Indians" in a future episode--were they real Indians if so, who were they--were they actors?How long did it take for your crew to set up ie. cameras, et al. Thanks.

Luis Barreto: I was born in Bogota, Colombia but grew up in Burbank, Go Indians! as in the John Burroughs Indians. Very un pc name but great school. Anyway the indians in our series-I'm proud to say-are from the Comanche Nation and are not actors. They came to the project out of a desire to give their version of history. We had two camera units that shot independent of each other 80% of the time.

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Chicago, Ill.: So, Maura, you weren't really interested in experiencing the 19th century, but were more interested in imposing your own sensibilities on the project.

Maura Finkelstein: I'm glad you were able to totally reduce my entire experience based on two hours of edited footage. I see myself as a much more nuanced person, who struggled with just as many complications as anyone else. But I appreciate your clarification.

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Brooklyn Heights, N.Y.: Hi guys! I LOVED the series -- Luis, how is this different from some of the MTV stuff you've done -- more drama and back biting, or just the same? Is that just what happens on all reality shows?

Luis Barreto: Check out my earlier response regarding stress. It is what it is.

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Seattle, Wash.: Hi this question is for Ian. I was surprised that the cowboys weren't more interested in the girls. Did you have a relationship or a friendship with any of them?

Ian Roberts: Hi, you know there was some discussion about the "ranch girls" and what they would look like. However, after a few days on the ranch we quickly realized that we were too tired to do anything and the girls became a distant memory as far as being interested in them. Shaun and Jared were the only two trying to flirt with them. No relationships happened (that I know of) and I was friends with all of them- I still talk to the Cooke girls all the time. They were nice but the ranch was not the place to be "flirty" especially when the drama happened. Also, the owner told us to stay away from all of them or he would hurt us- ouch!

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Rural Arizona: Hi Ian, Flagstaff is the "Big City" for us. Did you like living it the area? It is surprisingly diverse. Some of the scenery in the show reminds me a bit of this region, but as you know, we have alpine to desert here.

Ian Roberts: I love Flagstaff, it is so beautiful. Very diverse city and that is why I love it. The scenery was great but the alpine to desert is ideal. Thanks

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Tempe: Hey Maura and Ian, how did you get involved in the project? Had you watched the previous house series on PBS?

Maura Finkelstein: I went in completely blind: I had never seen a house show. I found out about the open call from a friend who worked for channel thirteen, and thought the audition sounded like a fun thing to experience. When I first applied, I had no intention or aspiration to actually participate. It just sort of...happened.

Ian Roberts: Like Maura I never saw a house show. I came across a western Web site as I was doing research for a college paper. It asked if I wanted to be a cowboy and I said yes. I still have not seen the previous house shows but will get around to it one day.

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Basking Ridge, N.J.: For both the participants and the producer: Any favorite moments you can share that may not be part of the series?

Ian Roberts: Well I am from the U.S. and Johnny is from the U.K. so we formed USUK productions which was literally hours of us screwing around and making short films and griping about people and interviewing animals. It is well worth watching but I am pretty sure no one will see it. There were also some memorable moments with rattlesnakes and javelina.

Maura Finkelstein: I spent a lot of fun evenings with the Cooke's, playing games, talking, sewing, and reading. They really welcomed me into their family and treated me like a daughter and a sister. Hopefully some of that joy will come out. It wasn't all tension and conflict.

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Tampa, Fla.: Would you ever consider going back? Or participate in another experiment?

Ian Roberts: In a heart beat, I would go back without thinking twice. I would love to be in another experiment as it is actually truly amazing what we were doing. I wish that I could have stayed out there in the range longer, but all things must come to an end.

Maura Finkelstein: Uhhhh.....I'm really grateful for the opportunity, and I'm glad I did it. But I wouldn't do it again. I think I'm pretty pleased with the 21st century!

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N.Y., N.Y.: Hi Luis - What's the main difference between filming/working on a living-history reality show versus the other reality shows you've worked on?

Luis Barreto: There are so many sub genres of reality shows that it's a very complicated question to answer but I would say-in broad strokes-producing this series allowed me a greater period of time to shoot each episode. We were able to do that by using less crews per day but shooting more days per crew for each hour episode. Then there's the people doing it for money as opposed to the experience. This is huge!

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Detroit, Mich.: Speaking of the Colonel - How do you think your experience would have been different had he not left the show and remained as foreman?

Ian Roberts: I think that there would have been a huge rebellion that would have been cool. He failed to realize that even though he was in the military, yelling at people and using "scare tactics" to motivate really just turned everyone against him.

Maura Finkelstein: I'm not sure I agree with Ian: in a lot of ways, I feel the Colonel was the only one who could have fostered a working relationship between the bunkhouse and the ranch house. After he left, he was no longer the enemy and the Cookes (as well as myself) filled that roll. In many ways, the unity in the bunkhouse developed out of a common enemy.

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Washington, D.C.: Luis, were there things you learned on previous "House" programs that you brought to this one,particularly maybe on "Colonial House," that informed the way you approached this one.

Luis Barreto: Yes. Set up the ranch as remote as we can possibly be so there is no intervention from uninvited 21st century intruders and no temptation for the participants to "drift" away.

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Holbrook, Ariz.: Maura, I think that you represented a very real kind of woman of the period. Gender roles were very tightly followed during that period, but there were women who "gnawed at the bit" to be out there and some did make it. It must have been particularly difficult for women who were not cherished daughters, but servants. One of my own ancestors was a gal who moved out here in the 1880s and dressed as a man to mine here in Arizona. Thanks for not quite fitting into perceived demure woman of the mid-19th century.

Maura Finkelstein: Thanks for your support! I agree: they were rare, but there were women who refused to be limited by the norms of the day. I hear the cowgirl hall of fame is a great resource for information regarding rebellious 19th century women.

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Bethlehem, Pa.: On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was the experience? What was the toughest part?

Ian Roberts: 5 for work

10 for drama

The work was real tough but not like the mental strain of bickering all the time. It was hard but not as hard as I imagined, although I am sure they worked 100 times harder than us in the real 1867.

Maura Finkelstein: I agree with Ian: I was ready for the work, but not the social tensions. The stress of dealing with the drama wore on me far more than the heat or the labor.

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Somerville, Tenn.: Are there any more "House" projects currently in the works or being planned? If so, what era will you be focusing on?

Luis Barreto: Yes, I'm certain there will be another one. To find out the era keep checking the PBS web site for up-dates and participant solicitations posted on their site. This will reveal the era.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Luis, After all these show experiences, would you want to experience the OTHER side of the camera and be a participant?

Luis Barreto: You could not pay me enough. I don't have the emotional make-up needed for such a stressful experience. I solute those who have the courage to go for it. And I will happily record the proceedings as they occur but I would never do a reality show.

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Baltimore, Md.: In past house series on PBS there has been conflicts of personality, values, etc... and I can see Texas Ranch House is no different. I would imagine that anyone placed in the same situation would have some difficulty adjusting to life in 1867. Was there anyone that you truly didn't get along with and still don't speak to? Or are you closer now, having this tremendous shared experience? Can't wait until tonight!!

Ian Roberts: When you take 15 different personalities and throw them all into a bowl there is no doubt going to to be conflict. I really got along with everyone great except the colonel- he never made an attempt to be my friend on the show and I think it is reflected in the series. I am still in contact with many of the participants and we speak fairly often. I have not spoken to Mrs. Cooke but I am pretty sure that I was never one of her favorites, but then again I'm not sure who she liked.

Maura Finkelstein: There are only 15 people out there who can relate to this experience: that's a pretty impressive statistic. When all is said and done, I hope we are all mature enough to realize that the show is only a fraction of who we were and who we are. As the most stressful three months of my life, I hope I am never entirely judged by how I came off this summer. Because of this, I extend the same courtesy to my fellow ranchers.

I am still very close to the Cooke family, and have seen most of the ranch hands since leaving Texas.

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Corrales, N.M.: Ian,

I am surprised at your dishonesty. Editing does play a part but you are what you are. You were hard to get along with, made fun of other people, and instigated turmoil. Yes there was lots of drama where there should not have been if you and others had taken things a bit more serious. Broken rules? That young man was a set up and you know it! We lost four horses for two days. It was a shame we did not have mare to help with the Cooke's baggage however. A cheap shot! Don't distort reality. Thanks for making me look good. But, the best to you anyway!!

Colonel

Ian Roberts: I was waiting for you to chime in, thanks Stan, your opinion is your opinion- I respect that. Well you can say the drama was my fault but if I remember correctly, I wasn't fired- you were, I think the episodes speak for themselves about your character as a man. Take care.

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Atlantic City, N.J.: Howdy! Wondering if there's anything you'd do differently if you had the experience to do all over again?

Ian Roberts: I would do it all exactly the same as I did it, believe it or not there was so many amazing things that we did on the show that was not shown. I would do it all again, except have us all have a working understanding of roles (ranch family and cowboys) back in the day to clear up a lot of confusion.

Maura Finkelstein: I think that's an impossible question, but here goes: I don't regret anything, but I wish we had all communicated more from the beginning. And I wish, in the end, we were able to retain our sense of humor. But these might be impossible desires.....

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Fayetteville, Ga.: During 1967, firearms were a must in the wilds of Texas for personal protection and for hunting. Why weren't the ranchhands trained and allowed to carry protection?Also, why did the ranch Owner interfere with the foreman carrying out his responsibilities in confronting the cook. The owner should not have interfered and sided against the foreman.

Luis Barreto: Guns were forbidden by the INSURANCE company. We had planned on hunting as an essential element in the series but alas the suits who write checks-and this insurance one would have been large-won out. It was going to be highway robbery and after all we're on a PBS budget.

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Houston, Tex.: Ian, If you were the ranch-owner, what would you have done differently than the Cookes?

Ian Roberts: It is hard to say, Mr. Cooke has a very difficult job to do- especially trying to make both camps happy all of the time. If I were the owner, I would make it a point to ride with my men and become one of them. I would also realize that the ultimate success and failure of the ranch was dependent upon my cowboys, I would treat them as well and equally as my own family even though there was a distinct hierarchy on the ranch. I feel for Mr. Cooke trying to deal with the cowboys and his wife at the same time- and not trying to be disrespectful, I would have stepped up and made the decisions myself rather than allowing her to come up with the plan and him executing it.

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Alexandria, Va.: So what really happened between the Colonel and Nacho?

Ian Roberts: They both did not know how to act like grown ups. The colonel relied on "scare tactics" nacho relied on "ignoring people" when you put the two personalities together a fight is bound to break out. nothing much just boys trying to act tough.

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Germantown, Md.: I run the horse Web site EquiSearch.com, and one of my forum members wants to know how to buy the series (DVD). I know I saw an ad for it last night, but I can't find it yet on your PBS Web page. Can you help?

By the way, my husband and I are hooked!!

Ian Roberts: Hi, I am not sure, maybe do a search on the PBS Web site and just type in Texas Ranch House I am sure something is bound to come up. Nevermind here it is:

Texas Ranch House DVD

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West Houston, Tex.: I applaud the show for its "living" history. What were the biggest adjustments made by people in the shows (to include the one you are on)? Is it more a mental, cultural, physical or a combination? A chance to live like ones grandparents must have been great. Ideas have changed or really have they at all?

Ian Roberts: The biggest adjustment for me was dealing with all of these different personalities and trying not to go crazy. The cultural was difficult especially with the girls thinking of it as "sexist ranch house" the physical was tough but not that bad we were all in good shape. Living like our ancestors was amazing and I am sure they went through the same stuff we did- except they had guns and food.

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Ohio: What did you do when you found out you were choosen to be on the show? Were you excited? Or did you think "What have I done?"

Ian Roberts: I think I was alerted last April or May about making it to the show. I was really excited to get moving- not thrilled about interviews and cameras at first I just wanted to get out chasing cattle.

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Chesterfield, Va.: How much pre-shooting training did each of you go through and where did the training take place? Also did all of you train together?

Ian Roberts: We underwent a rigorous two week boot camp from like 6 in the morning to late evening every day. The filming was really close to the boot camp site and we did not all train together- the cowboys trained separate from the ranch family- we did not even meet them until they arrived on the stagecoach.

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Luis Barreto: Well, it looks as though it's time to log off. Anyone have any final questions before I split?

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Maura Finkelstein: Stay tuned: the excitement continues to build. Thanks for all your questions!

Best,

Maura

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Washington, D.C.: So, did everyone get sick? Luis, how could you let that happen?

Luis Barreto: No, not everyone got sick.

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Rural Arizona: My husband wondered about the firearm thing as well. Here you can still see a dusty cowboy coming in with sidearms strapped to his hip. Did they consider bringing in firearms that were not loaded to at least give the feel? Classic firearms are amazingly heavy!

Luis Barreto: I did not want to place any "props" into the mix for the participants.

lb

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Washington, D.C.: I am really excited to watch "Texas Ranch House", and I realize that this is (at least somewhat off-topic), but would PBS ever consider doing "Antebellum House"? This is a historical era that is fascinating and would provide lots of technical and personal challenges.

Luis Barreto: Way way off topic.

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Luis Barreto: Thanks for joining in today everyone. I had a blast!

Luis

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Indiana: Ian, you and Johnny are hilarious- how did you get away with so much messing around? It seems like everyone else did not appreciate it. I love the show!!!

Ian Roberts: Ha thanks, we messed around to pass the time and to not get worn out by the monotony of the everyday work. people did play from time to time and some did not like it at all but hey laughing makes you live longer.

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Bethlehem, Pa.: What was the most difficult part of the experience? On a scale of one to 10, how tough was it?

Ian Roberts: 5

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Ian Roberts: Hey thanks for stopping by today. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the show.

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Maura Finkelstein: Tune in Tonight at 8 PM: check your local PBS listing.

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washingtonpost.com: Participants Lisa Cooke and Nacho Quiles of the PBS series "Texas Ranch House" and Executive Producer Jody Sheff will be online Wednesday, May 3, at 2 p.m. ET to field questions and comments about the program. Sheff is executive producer of History and Features Programming. The series airs Monday-Thursday, May 1-4, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.