Gaylon Clark, the Lead Pastor of Greater Mt. Zion Church, joins Lisa and Rich on Black Austin Matters. Pastor Clark shares insights on his journey from his hometown of Dallas to Austin, and how his path to ministry was inspired by his brother’s faith and guided by prayer. Tune in to learn about finding the right church for you, the significance of nurturing healthy relationships, and the importance of caring for your mental health.
Marcus Myers
Lisa and Rich talk with Marcus Myers, former UT football player, Austin native and Diversity & Inclusion advocate in technology. He discusses his time on UT’s 2005 Championship football team, his collegiate recruitment experience, and how much college football has changed. Marcus also shares why he proudly identifies as a self-proclaimed nerd/jock, his tech journey, and some of his favorite memories growing up in Austin.
Dewi Smith
Lisa and Rich talk with community connector, voter motivator and conduit of curiosity Dewi Smith, highlighting the importance of being an educated voter. Dewi also shares her origin story, educational journey, devotion to the community, and commitment to rallying voters for this upcoming election.
Amanda Johnston
In the premiere of Season 3 of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich sit down with Amanda Johnston, the trailblazing poet who became the first Black woman to hold the title of Texas Poet Laureate and the founder of Torch Literary Arts. Amanda shares insights into her childhood, her evolution as a writer, the transformative power of poetry, her identity as an Affrilachian poet, and her dedication to uplifting Black women through the literary arts.
An Austin Artist’s Guide to Success: Part 2
The latest episode of Pause/Play is part two of an Austin Artist’s Guide to Success. You’ll hear from many people in the everchanging Austin music scene about their tips and tricks for making it here.
You’ll hear about the role of streaming in an artist’s career, what makes a great artist and advice from people within the industry.
Featuring advice from:
- Little City Sounds music consultant project manager Lisa Machac
- Howdy Gals co-founder and booker Belicia Luevano
- Rap singer, songwriter, vocalist and entrepreneur Anastasia Hera
- Songwriter, producer, and performer Dayglow
- Singer and songwriter Mama Duke
- KUT The Breaks podcast host Fresh
- KUTX music director Rick McNulty
- KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly
- Austin Chronicle Music and Culture editor Cy White
- Hip hop artist, producer and creative solutionist J Soulja
An Austin Artist’s Guide to Success: Part 1
The latest episode of Pause/Play is an Austin Artist’s Guide to Success. You’ll hear from many people in the everchanging Austin music scene about their tips and tricks for making here.
You’ll hear about what people within the industry are looking for in an artist, what role authenticity plays, and how social media can impact a musician’s career.
Featuring advice from:
- Little City Sounds music consultant project manager Lisa Machac
- Howdy Gals co-founder and booker Belicia Luevano
- Singer, songwriter, rap artist, innovator and entrepreneur Anastasia Hera
- Songwriter, producer and performer Dayglow
- Singer and songwriter Mama Duke
- KUT The Breaks podcast host Fresh
- KUTX Music Director Rick McNulty
- KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly
- Austin Chronicle Music and Culture editor Cy White
- Hip-hop artist, producer and creative solutionist J Soulja
Ticketing through an Austin Lens
This episode of Pause/Play explores changes in ticketing through an Austin lens. You’ll hear from Mellie Price, one of the founders of Front Gate Tickets about the industry’s expansion onto the internet. Then you’ll hear from Stephen Parker, the executive director of the National Independent Venue Association about problems with service fees, secondary markets, and speculative ticketing. And you’ll learn about what some people are trying to do to fix these issues.
How is climate change impacting Austin’s live music scene?
In the latest episode of Pause/Play, you’ll hear from musicians, venue owners and fans about how climate change is affecting Austin’s Music Scene. We also talk to weatherman David Yeomans and neuropsychotherapist Bella Rockman.
Lisa B. Thompson and Nadine Mozon
In this bonus episode, Rich talks to his co-host Lisa B. Thompson, award-winning playwright and Black cultural studies scholar about her new show, “The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body.” They are joined by Nadine Mozon, an associate professor, actor, writer, poet and dramatist who will star in Lisa’s show. Lisa and Nadine talk about the show, their creative processes and what their art means to them. “The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body” will run at the Vortex from April 12- May 4.
Simone Talma Flowers
In the last episode of Season 2 of Black Austin Matters Lisa and Rich talk all things Trinidadian with Executive Director of iACT Simone Talma Flowers. She shares her experiences growing up in Trinidad, what faith means to her and some of her favorite recipes.
Bonus Episode: HT Jazz Collective
In this bonus episode, Lisa and Rich catch-up with the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Collective after their performance at ACL. They share how Huston-Tillotson has cultivated a space that makes them feel at home, what playing jazz means to them, and what inspires them.
Deborah Roberts
Join us on the latest episode of Black Austin Matters as we have the privilege of hearing from renowned artist, Deborah Roberts. Embark on a captivating journey through her inspiring life, from her artistic training to her unwavering dedication to protecting black children through her art. Gain insight into her experiences growing up in Austin and witness the fulfillment of her dreams. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Shay Nobles and Jules Alcindor
On this episode of Black Austin Matters, Lisa and Rich speak with local photographer Jules Alcindor and graphic designer Shay Nobles to discuss their daily experiences working at a local shipping store, living in Austin, and their individual interests outside of work.
Bavu Blakes
In the latest episode of Black Austin Matters, Bavu Blakes shares his inspiring journey growing up and being surrounded by Black excellence. He reflects on the influential role his parents played in shaping his path as a scholar and being the only Texas Longhorn in the family while everyone else in his household graduated from an HBCU. The Scholar Emcee also highlights the invaluable advice he received from his then college professor, John L. Hanson Jr., and the incredible experience of performing alongside hip-hop royalty.
Brannen Temple
In this episode, we hear from Brannen Temple, a native Austinite, as he shares his remarkable journey. From growing up in Austin in the 70s to his career as a musician, the importance of studying his craft and the invaluable lessons he has gained from being a father.
Fatima A. Varner
In this episode, Assistant Professor Fatima A. Varner discusses Roe vs. Wade, her research on Black family dynamics, dating in different cities and her intentional efforts to connect more with the Black community here in Austin. Fatima A. Varner is the Assistant Professor for the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.
Meet the Austin non-profit rethinking how record labels work: Spaceflight Records
In the latest episode of Pause/Play we spoke with Brett Orrison, Samara Simpson, and Jonathan Horstman about the non-profit record label Spaceflight Records.
Juneteenth: Are We Really Free?
Juneteenth is celebrated annually in commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, marking the day enslaved people in Texas were finally freed — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The national holiday is known by many names, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day.
In this hour-long audio documentary, KUT’s Miles Bloxson an Austin native, speaks to Black Austinites about the history of Juneteenth, how they celebrate the holiday, what Juneteenth means to them and explores the question, “Are We Really Free?”
Bonus! Gina Chavez and Joe Greenwald at ACL Music Festival
Miles Bloxson speaks to Latin Grammy nominee Gina Chavez and artist manager Joe Greenwald at Austin City Limits Music Festival back in October of 2021. They talk about navigating the pandemic and issues facing the Austin music scene.
How Austin’s housing market helped build the music scene, and how it could destroy it
In the latest episode of Pause/Play, we’re looking at how the housing market helped build Austin’s music scene, and how it could be the thing that destroys it. You’ll hear from Austin artists about how the housing market has changed for them over the years and why some of them have decided to leave. You’ll also learn about the connection between cheap housing and thriving music scenes, musician incomes, and Austin’s housing market from experts Nicky Rowling, Michael Seman, and Audrey McGlinchy.
In this episode you’ll hear from:
Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel
Robert A. Kraft
Laura Mendoza from Cosmic Chaos
Gina Chavez
Chinasa Broxton
Listen to the documentary “Back Home to the Armadillo”
