KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts
KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond
Austin voters overwhelmingly rejected Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase. KUT’s Andrew Weber breaks down what happened – and where city officials will look next for reductions in spending.
In other election news, Texans approved 17 amendments to the state constitution, touching on taxes, education, infrastructure and more.
And: The sale of Cheer Up Charlies to a Florida investment firm has been called off, the latest twist in what’s been a chaotic year for the popular queer bar.
The Central Texas Food Bank is preparing to help more folks with food assistance amid the government shutdown and ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Beth Corbett, the food bank’s vice president of government affairs and advocacy, shares more about their plans to handle the increased demand. Find out how you can help or get help during the SNAP delay here.
It’s Election Day, and Austin voters will give the final say on Prop Q, a proposed property tax rate increase that would result in more than $100 million dollars for city services. Statewide, Texans are considering 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. KUT’s Katy McAfee brings us the latest from the polls.
Voters tomorrow will have one last chance to make their voice heard this election. One state constitutional amendment on the ballot – Prop 14 – would commit $3 billion to fund the new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. We’ll get the details from KUT’s Olivia Aldridge.
Check out KUT’s Voter guides for Travis County, Williamson County and the proposed constitutional amendments. Plus what you need to know for election day.
Texas Standard’s Sarah Asch explores adult education programs across Texas that are working to help immigrants find jobs relevant to their professional experience from before they came to the U.S.
Plus: Austin FC is out of the playoffs after a weekend loss to LAFC.
Texans are voting on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – and one of them involves voting itself. Joshua Blank from the Texas Politics Project joins us for a chat on Proposition 16, which clarifies citizenship as a requirement to cast a ballot.
KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks the Beach Boys coming to Longhorn City Limits after this weekend’s UT-Vanderbilt game.
Texas Standard has been exploring horror movies with Texas ties – today it’s “Grindhouse,” filmed in Austin.
What is Latin music? Austin musician Carrie Rodriguez is still exploring that question through her “Laboratorio” concert series and shares more about the old-timey radio show she’s planning.
There’s lots to consider on your ballot, from state constitutional amendments to tax rate increases for cities and school districts. Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado shares some dos and don’ts for heading to the polls.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is removing people from Austin jails more frequently as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement across the country. The Texas Newsroom’s Mose Buchele joins us with more.
Austin FC enters the playoffs today at LAFC. We’ll have more on what to watch out for with KUT’s Jimmy Maas.
Prop Q has brought out early voters in numbers that are higher than usual for an off-year election. The proposed tax rate increase, Austin officials say, would raise money to improve local parks, safety and homelessness. How much would that cost that homeowners? KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber breaks it down ahead of Election Day.
Meanwhile, the city is facing a deadline to remove painted crosswalks and street murals or risk losing state and federal money for future transportation projects. KUT’s Nathan Bernier has an update on which artwork could be affected.
Plus, ATXplained Live is tomorrow! Get into the spirit with a story about the man who used to recite poetry before Austin concerts.
The federal government has been shut down for 27 days, and if it continues, more than3.5 million people in Texas – including 1.7 million children – will lose access to their SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries. KUT’s Olivia Aldridge shares more on what that will mean for Texans facing food insecurity.
Ahead of Halloween this week, we’ll take a look at one ’90s teen horror movie filmed right here in town: “The Faculty.”
Matthew Odam, longtime restaurant critic at theAustin American-Statesman, stops by to chat about the latest edition of his dining guide to the best restaurants in town.
On this episode we discuss some of favorite, or most important, moments in hip-hop. We also discuss a proposed Houston hip-hop Verzuz between the Screwed Up Click and Swisha House. Hip-hop facts include facts about Warren G, The Alchemist, and Eddie Murphy. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that no artist truly wants to be “anti-industry” that they claim.
There’s a lot on the November ballot, from proposed property tax increases to state constitutional amendments. KUT’s Katy McAfee walks us through what Travis County voters will see.
Is something radioactive lurking in the walls of the state Capitol? KUT’s Juan Diego Garcia grabbed a geiger counter and went exploring for ATXplained.
Plus: A look ahead at a busy weekend in sports, including Longhorns football trying for a more decisive win on the road at Mississippi State.
Austin is getting a new boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake – though when is still up in the air. KUT transportation reporter Nathan Bernier has the latest on the $25 million upgrade.
A new exhibit at Texas State University, “The Selena Effect,” spotlights the Queen of Tejano’s fashion through the eyes of her friend and longtime designer, Martin Gomez.
With early voting underway, Austin’s Prop Q is front and center for many folks – and was the subject of an ethics complaint against a resident who created a website aiming to take down the ballot item. KUT’s Andrew Weber breaks it down.
What Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest announcement of Austin cleanup efforts means for the city.
Plus: Barbara Morgan, executive director of the Austin Film Festival, previews what to expect from this year’s fest.
A Travis County judge has signed off on a local disaster declaration to give the county access to resources and respond quickly to wildfires when and if they pop up this season. KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano joins us to talk preparedness.
An estimated 20,000 people attended Austin’s ‘No Kings’ rally on Saturday as part of planned demonstrations against the Trump administration nationwide. We’ll hear from a few who attended.
Plus: A wrapup of Formula 1 in Austin and looking ahead to Austin FC in the MLS playoffs.
Early voting in this year’s elections starts Monday and here in Texas, you’ll have your choice on adding 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey joins us with more.
The San Antonio Spurs have made Austin their home for a couple of games in each of the past few seasons. Now, whispers about a permanent move have been buzzing, especially as San Antonio voters consider approving a new downtown stadium.
After 26 years in downtown Austin, the Hideout Theater is moving. We’ll have a look at where they’re going, what this means for the local comedy scene and how that space is changing.
Early voting starts Monday for the Nov. 4 election, and the discussion in Austin is centered around Proposition Q, a proposed tax rate increase. The city of Austin wants to use those dollars for more services in the city, but not everyone is convinced. KUT City Hall reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano explains.
Texans’ ballots will also include 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey talk us through a few of them.
Plus: How George Strait got his start in San Marcos.
Some local law enforcement offices in Texas get a heads-up when ICE is coming to town, but others don’t. We’ll dig into why.
There’s new evidence that, no surprise, the online world isn’t always so great for today’s teens. Advice from tech expert Omar Gallaga on making it safer.
Gov. Greg Abbott has a new challenger for the 2026 election. What we expect out of a campaign from Austin Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares what he’s learned from a few women in the culinary world.
A conversation with author Bryan Washington about his new novel, “Palaver,” about a man living in Tokyo, estranged from his family in Houston.
Austin and Travis County law enforcement are left in the dark when ICE conducts raids in the area – and though Austin officials say that’s not unusual, other places like Harris County are given a heads up. Why the different practices? KUT’s Mose Buchele looks into this.
As a once-disruptor of the music industry looks to be winding down, KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks about where the future could be headed.
What does the darkness mean to you? KUTX’s maven of darkness herself, Laurie Gallardo, on that very question and the live taping of (SP1000) Vampire Sunscreen happening Thursday Oct. 16.
Students, parents and staff from the Austin Independent School District had their first opportunity to address the school board about the district’s school consolidation proposal. The board plans to vote on the decision next month, and some folks are pleading for more time to voice their concerns.
ACL Fest has come and gone, but you can still experience the magic of the music thanks to our team over at KUTX. We’ll chat about the joys and difficulties of capturing these special performances with one of our staff photographers.
And: “The Slip,” the debut novel from Austin author Lucas Schaefer, has won the 2025 Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Let’s get a pulse of the community and how tacos play a role in identity and politics in 2025; how taquerías are being impacted by ICE raids and explore how some Latinos or people of Mexican heritage can feel deeply connected to their culture – through food, traditions, or family – while also supporting political views that might seem at odds with their identity; and ultimately ask a Maga Latino, how he feels about undocumented immigrants picking and making his food. Guests include Chef Victoria Elizondo, DACA recipient and owner of Cochinita & Co. in Houston and Daniel Estrada, a self-described MAGA Latino and Trump supporter.
If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your support!
The city of Austin is facing a deadline to remove roadway art, like the rainbow crosswalk at Fourth and Colorado streets or the words “Black Artists Matter” painted atop 11th Street. Gov. Greg Abbott says failure to do so would cause the city to risk losing state and federal dollars for future road projects.
We’ll hear from KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber, who is following the story.
Ever wondered who makes the giant fake sandwiches that you see around town at Thundercloud Subs? ATXplained brings you the answer.
On this episode we interview Geto Gala fresh off the stage at ACL 2025 and discuss their career accomplishments. We also discuss the lack of local rappers and singers at ACL this year compared to previous years. Hip-hop facts include facts about Vince Vaughn, Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about Kool Herc not being as influential as Grandmaster Flash in the legacy of hip-hop.