Black Austin Matters

November 5, 2026

Mama Duke – Part 2

In this episode of Black Austin Matters, Lisa and Rich continue their conversation with America’s Got Talent finalist Mama Duke. She shares the diverse musical influences that shaped her growing up, from Tejano and country music to one of her favorite female hip-hop artists, Missy Elliott! Mama Duke also opens up about her journey to […]

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October 8, 2026

Mama Duke – Part 1

Rapper, lyricist, songwriter, and America’s Got Talent finalist Mama Duke joins Lisa and Rich on Black Austin Matters to talk about her journey from growing up in Palacios, Texas, to performing on the national stage. She shares the story behind her name, how she got her start in rap, her musical influences, and the creative […]

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September 3, 2026

Zell Miller III

In this episode of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich sit down with artist, educator, father, community leader, and Austin’s Poet Laureate, Zell Miller III. Recorded live in May at the inaugural KUT Festival, Zell shares what it was like growing up in Austin and finding his voice as an artist. He also discusses […]

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August 12, 2026

Kyra Newton

At just 15 years old, community organizer Kyra Newton testified at the Texas Capitol in support of the CROWN Act. Now, as the youngest guest to appear on Black Austin Matters, she joins Lisa and Rich to share how she found her voice as an organizer, the story behind the nonprofit Beyond Boundaries that she […]

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July 8, 2026

Eric Byrd

Civic strategist, native Austinite, and community leader Eric Byrd sits down with Lisa and Rich to reflect on growing up in Austin, why he believes being of service is his life’s purpose, the lasting impact of positive male role models, the importance of men coming together to support one another, how brilliance can be found […]

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June 3, 2026

Fran Harris – Part 2

Lisa and Rich continue their conversation with basketball champion, commentator, author and entrepreneur Fran Harris. Fran reflects on what inspired her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind launching her own basketball league, and how the loss of her mother profoundly reshaped her perspective on life.

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May 6, 2026

Fran Harris – Part 1

Basketball champion, entrepreneur and author Fran Harris talks with Lisa and Rich about what it means to be a champion, lessons her mother taught her about resilience, being part of the 1986 Women’s National Championship team at Texas, making the WNBA after retiring from basketball, and why coaching was never her calling.

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May 4, 2026

Black Austin Matters Returns for Season 4 — Premiering Wednesday, May 6

This season, Black Austin Matters continues to spotlight the voices shaping Austin’s culture, history, and future. You’ll hear from recording artist Mama Duke, a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, Austin native and civic leader Eric Byrd, and entrepreneur and Longhorn legend Fran Harris.

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