KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts
KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond
Critics say that Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against five Texas cities over marijuana enforcement is all politics – but what does the law say?
In rural Texas, neighbors of bitcoin miners say the noise is causing migraines, sleepless nights and the flight of wildlife.
Texas freelance journalist Tamir Kalifa has won a top national prize for coverage of the shooting in Uvalde. We’ll meet him and hear how he approaches his reporting.
And: How Tex-Mex has become the MVP of the Super Bowl.
Join us for a one-on-one conversation with chef, food writer, and filmmaker Adán Medrano. Adán is on a mission to set the record straight on what Tex-Mex is and what it isn’t. He’ll walk us through the history, recipes, and research on how we define “Texas”, “Mexican”, and the Indigenous beginnings that started it all.
It’s been said that food is one of the best ways to understand a culture, and today, we’ve got quite the feast prepared. From migas to pecan pie, kolaches to Tex-mex, fried okra, cowboy cuisine, and everything in between; we review the year that was, in food and drink, in the Lone Star State. From a great Texas cookbook, to a cannabis cuisine trend, the invention of the “travel taco”, and secrets from the kitchen of a celebrated El Paso Chef. We’ve cooked up a special batch of Texas flavors for you today on the Texas Standard:
If you have even cursory knowledge of the Tex-Mex genre, then you’ve likely already heard the name Joe “King” Carrasco. Born in the Texas panhandle and currently calling Southwest Mexico his home, Joe King Carrasco’s approaching a half century worth of innovative music output, with highlights like recording with Michael Jackson and appearing on Saturday Night Live.
Recently Carrasco teamed up with Colectivo Chihuaha for what’s arguably the King’s magnum opus, Beers Bars & Guitars, a quintessential-but-modern Tex-Mex platter that came in hot just a couple weeks back. We’d be joking if we said we weren’t excited for even more from Joe King in the coming years, but since today marks the First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll just appreciate Carrasco’s remarkable long run in its present form with “Carrera Larga”!
If you asked any natural born Texan what food they most associate with their home state, chances are you’ll get one of two answers: BBQ and Tacos. In this episode we examine how these two disparate food traditions collided to to create the Lone Star sensation that is Tex-Mex BBQ. We’ll get a comprehensive look at this trend’s history, uncovering what exactly is Tex-Mex BBQ? How far do the style’s roots go? And most importantly, where are the best BBQ Tacos in Texas found? Guests include Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Company in Seguin, Joel Garcia of Teddy’s BBQ in Weslaco, and Eliana Gutierrez of Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ In Austin. Check out this Tex-Mex BBQ map we made with all the spots we mention in this episode.
It’s been a bit since singer-guitarist Nick Garza’s primary focus was at the front of Austin’s premiere stomp-folk project, Hello Wheels. Last year he began charting some new Tex-Mex territory with the launch of his eponymous side project Nick Garza’s Get Along, a sunny, solo-steered endeavor that celebrates Garza’s status as a thirteenth generation Texan with southern flavors best enjoyed in the Lone Star State.
After conquering an impressive string of collaborations, Nick Garza’s corralled the Get Along together for a thoroughly chipper double single, whose B-side “Family” begs for repeat listens, and whose upbeat A-side “Another Bloody Morning” receives a visual counterpart in the coming weeks!
Reading, writing, and a rush to judgement? Some Texas lawmakers seem somewhat unsettled by a school finance bill racing to the floor of the Senate, we’ll have details. Also, the white puts in a multi billion dollar request for emergency border funds. This time, it’s not about a wall but humanitarian relief. Some in congress are unconvinced. Also the future of ugly food, why your next pet might be virtual, and actor and filmmaker Edward James Olmos is in the studio. All of that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Worst deal ever! That’s what candidate Trump called NAFTA. Now putting steel tariffs on the table, could Trump tilt the scales? We’ll explore. Also, it’s primary day in Texas, we’ll have the latest. And are today’s doctors dinosaurs? The head of the new UT medical school in Austin says they’re definitely an endangered species, we’ll hear why. And when companies breaking ties with the NRA and taking stands in the culture wars, smart business? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
As the president’s travel ban takes effect at airports today who’s in and who’s out, and who’s watching the gatekeepers. We’ll talk to one of em today. Also a dramatic helicopter attack on Venezuela’s supreme court, caught on video. The images so surrealistic some wonder: did this really happen? We’ll explore. And you thought space was the final frontier? Nasa relaunches a program that got stalled in the 60’s: an all american supersonic airplane. And the rockets red glare: the view from the other side of the roadside fireworks stand. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Illegal crossings on the southwest border down 40 percent in one month! The trump administration says, “You’re welcome” but can they take the credit? Also the tax man calculating the value of homes across Texas right now. We’ll tell you about a political effort to cap how much your property taxes can be raised and why its freaking out some cities and counties. Plus everyone loves to trash the Texas foster care system, but what about the good apples? Foster parents making big sacrifices to help someone else’s children.Also, refugees in public schools and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Any Texpat can give you a list of things they miss about the Lone Star State. The weather, the football, the music – and near the top of many of these homesick lists: the food. Specifically, a good tortilla. Whether you prefer tacos, fajitas or burritos, there’s just nothing like a great tortilla.
Texans love their queso. That was the inspiration for Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fritcher as he wrote this week’s poem.
Sure, we all love a good combo plate or enchilada special – but the most important part of any Mexican food outing happens when you sit down at the table. That was the inspiration for Typewriter Rodeo’s Sean Petrie as he wrote this week’s poem.