Americas Got Talent

Mama Duke Show

Mama Duke is a rapper-singer-multi-hyphenate-artist who’s performed around Austin for more than a decade. In 2025 she charmed her way into the hearts of the audience and the judges on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, making her way to finals. Mama Duke collaborates often with Austin FC, recording a hype song and video, and hosting the All-Star Game and U.S. Open Cup pregame festivites in the stadium. She talks with Jimmy Maas and Juan Diego Garcia about her journey on the show with Scary Spice (Mel B.) and Simon Cowell, her relationship with the Verde and Black, and fulfillment as a performer in spaces that aren’t always welcoming.

¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

Austin fire union, city at standstill over contract days before deadline

Contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its fire department are fast approaching the deadline for a new deal, with negotiations at a standstill. The firefighters union called the city’s offer insulting; the city says it’s willing to negotiate. KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the show with more.

We’ll hear about the journey and future plans of 20-year-old professional soccer player Owen Wolff, who has been part of Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021 and is a big part of the current run of success his side is experiencing.

Plus from our sister station KUTX, a bit Mama Duke the Austin musician who will be featured on the America’s Got Talent finale tonight.

Unraveling the ‘Iron Pipeline’ of gun smuggling from Texas to Mexico

Following the state’s takeover of Houston schools, a plan to eliminate libraries and use the space for kids who misbehave in class.

Watch that water bill: Not only is use up, some municipalities are raising rates to try to drive down demand.

A three-part series explores how the Texas Attorney General’s Office became an incubator for conservative legal strategies that are reshaping Texas and the nation. Eleanor Klibanoff of the Texas Tribune joins with more.

A new focus on trying to cut down the flow of arms from Texas into Mexico.

And we’ll talk to Sethward, the Texan who’s become a viral sensation for losing on “America’s Got Talent.”