We go in search of a poet who was a fixture in Austin more than a decade ago — but suddenly dropped off the map.
Is the Texas Capitol radioactive?
We’re not talking about politics. Is the capitol building itself literally radioactive?
Who made those giant sandwiches outside of Thundercloud Subs?
We go in search of the sandwich artist. But we find they’re behind a lot more iconic business art in Austin.
How did Texas become the only state with its own toast? (archive episode)
Think of a food that reminds you of Austin or Texas. Tacos? Barbecue?
How about a thick slice of bread, buttered on both sides and toasted to perfection?
Who were the ‘Cedar Choppers’ of West Austin?
Shoeless children running around the land that would become Rollingwood and West Lake Hills. Bar fights ending in axe-chopped limbs. Illegal moonshine operations in caves.
It’s the stuff of legend. But are the legends true?
If you like what we do on ATXplained, we need your financial support right now. Go to supportthispodcast.org and mention ATXplained in the comments. We’ll shout you out in a later episode!
Did Travis County vote against secession before the Civil War?
Texas left the United States in 1861 and joined the Confederacy. But on the local level, the vote to leave the Union was more complicated.
Three Black Texans were lynched 130 years ago. How can Austin preserve their memory?
Like many lynching victims, their names are unknown, and details about their lives and deaths are scarce. Only foreign newspapers reported on the crimes.
Tickets are on sale now for our Oct. 29 ATXplained Live
Join us for our next ATXplained Live at Bass Concert Hall! Here’s a sample from one of our previous shows, where we answer a question about the space you’ll be sitting in at the show.
Get your tickets to the show at texasperformingarts.org
Why do sidewalks in Austin sometimes just end? (archive episode)
In this story, originally from our Sept. 2022 ATXplained Live show, KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy investigates why Austin sidewalks sometimes just kinda stop. In the middle of a block. And she does battle with Shel Silverstein.
If you like what you hear on this podcast, consider becoming a member and supporting us with a few bucks. Go to supportthispodcast.org
Who is the oldest World War II veteran in the Austin area?
Kathryn Stacer had a question about her grandfather. We try to find an answer, but also consider whether the answer even matters.
If you like what we do on ATXplained, we need your financial support right now. Go to supportthispodcast.org and mention ATXplained in the comments. We’ll shout you out in a later episode!
Why was Austin once called ‘Waterloo’?
Talk about “Old Austin” — this was Austin before it was Austin. So why was it named after a city in Belgium? We try to find out.
What’s the deal with Austin’s “Rain Dome”?
Inconsistent rain forecasts have led to conspiracies about a rain-blocking dome that covers the city. The truth lies in an age-old fault.
What happened to Austin’s lesbian bars?
Only San Francisco and Portland, Oregon have more gay people per capita than Austin. So why don’t we have any lesbian bars?
Who was Austin’s first female lifeguard?
Laurel Seymour’s grandmother, Binnie Ruth Seymour, says she was the first woman to become a city lifeguard in Austin. Audrey McGlinchy looks at the record to see if Grandma Binnie is telling the truth.
Who is the 94 year-old Texan who calls every state lawmaker?
94 year-old Reta Ward has been calling all the Texas state lawmakers for decades to weigh in on everything from water policy to school vouchers. One Capitol staffer wanted to know more about her.
What’s the history of segregation at Barton Springs Pool?
Austin’s crown jewel has bought people together from all walks of life to enjoy a day in the sun. But before 1962, that wasn’t the case.
Is it safe to live near an old East Austin ‘Tank Farm’?
Decades ago, there were dozens of huge fuel storage tanks in East Austin — in some cases right next to homes, schools and businesses. These days, the whole thing is seen as a case of textbook environmental racism. But one East Austin resident wanted to know: what still lurks in the soil long after the tanks have mostly gone?
Why are there so many of the same kind of bars on Sixth Street?
Sixth Street is known for being party central, but it’s actually one of the most historic areas of the city.
Why are there so many ‘Violet Crowns’ in Austin?
Violet Crown this. Violet Crown that. What’s the deal with this name for so many Austin things?
The Choice
Texas leaders would have you believe there are two options: a reliable grid or a sustainable grid. In our season finale, we explore how those two things aren’t mutually exclusive. And how — if left alone — the Texas electricity market might make the decision on its own.
Written, reported, produced and co-hosted by Mose Buchele
Co-hosted and produced by Audrey McGlinchy
Produced and edited by Matt Largey
Production help from Rene Chavez and Jake Perlman
The Disconnect: Power, Politics and the Texas Blackout is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.