City Cast Austin

More than30% of eligible voters in Texas are Latino. Republicans and Democrats alike have been trying to win over Latino voters in the midterm elections. But have they done a good job? Former San Antonio Mayor and current CEO of theLatino Community Foundation,Julián Castro, joins City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson and creative producer Elissa Castles to talk about Latino voter turnout in Texas. Also, hold onto your “I Voted” sticker because a lot of Austin businesses are offeringfreebies and discounts for casting a ballot. One of those businesses isKerbey Lane, which is giving outfree pancakes on Election Day today. CEO Mason Ayer talks about why encouraging voting is important to him and how Kerbey Lane is preparing to meet voter pancake demand. Last, City Cast Austin Contributor andThe Austin Common editor-in-chief Amy Stansbury joins the show to talk about one of the most controversial measures on the ballot:Prop I.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this November 3rd Episode:

•

Ownwell

•

Austin Woman Thrive + Wavemakers YouTube Channel Launch

•

ThunderCloud Subs 36th Annual Turkey Trot

Why are there so many Waymos in Austin? As it turns out, Texas law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents any local government from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly attractive to AV companies. Miles Bloxson joins Your City Could Better to talk about if this loose regulation is good for Texas, particularly its dense capital city, whether local benefit is a priority for manufacturers at all, and how other U.S. cities can learn from Austin if a similar influx hits their streets.

Mentioned on the show:

• City Cast Austin’s episode on AV regulation: https://austin.citycast.fm/podcasts/are-texas-schools-using-ai-to-ban-books-plus-driverless-cars-in-austin-and-new-michelin-stars
• Waymo blocking emergency response to Austin shooting: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting
• The city of Austin’s public dashboard tracking incidents involving AVs: https://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/dbd59d9b20634de1afad32a8267b739b#

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We’re getting into it in today’s members-only podcast episode.

For City Cast Austin Contributor Eric Webb nothing could be worse than a trip to a Tesla dealership. Hyperreal film programmer Emily Basma lives in fear of a date where robots serve dinner before ending up at the Comedy Mothership. And don’t even think about taking host Miles Bloxson to Waffle House on the first date! The three share hilarious dating horror stories, discuss how horror films reflect our political climate, and debate whether it’s okay for adults to trick-or-treat if they’re in costume. Plus, a very special guest, Michael Bloxson, joins us to break down how to decorate your house for Halloween and bring joy to your neighbors.

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Wondering what to do and eat in Austin in November? We’ve got you covered. Host Miles Bloxson, Austin Monthly executive editor Bryan C. Parker, and Where Y’all At Though?! cofounder Brandon Boone, share their picks for events you can’t miss, new restaurants you need to try (including an unexpected spot for frito pie), and great volunteer opportunities for getting more involved in our community.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode:

• Ownwell

We all know the saying: what starts at the University of Texas changes the world. But now, a conservative movement making sweeping changes at UT Austin could have major implications for the public university and the future of higher education in Texas. Forrest Wilder, senior writer at Texas Monthly, joins host Miles Bloxson to discuss his latest article which takes an inside look at the effort to transform UT. Plus, can a task force save the Red River Cultural District? Caroline Drew, the music and culture reporter for the Austin Chronicle shares the challenges music venues are facing and what the city could do to support them. Last up, creative producer Elissa Castles brings us a topic to debate: should cell phones be banned in the club? One Austin venue thinks so.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 26 episode:

• Ownwell

We’re back with our second members-only podcast episode, y’all! This is for everyone wondering what the heck the outcome of the midterm elections in Texas is going to be. Become a member now to hear the entire conversation by visiting http://austin.citycast.fm/join.

Jim Henson, co-director of the Texas Politics Project and cohost of the Second Reading Podcast, joins host Miles Bloxson to explain whether we can trust the polls. Later, Blaise Gainey, KUT's Texas Capitol Reporter, and Jason Villalba, a former Republican State Representative and CEO of the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation, discuss whether the political tides are actually turning in Democrats' favor or if the apparent momentum is all an illusion.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Who will represent Austin’s evolving East Side on city council? That’s the question Austin voters living in District 1 confront during this election. Former District 1 City Council Chief of Staff Eric Byrd tells City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson why this race is one to watch to understand how the city is changing. Plus, will petitions to close two failing middle schools keep the Texas Education Agency from taking over the Austin Independent School District? The Austin Current’s Acacia Coronado has the latest. Last, but definitely not least, Texas Women’s Basketball Head Coach Vic Schaefer breaks down want to expect this season and the growing support for women’s basketball.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider joining the City Cast Austin Neighbors program today by visiting http://austin.citycast.fm/join. Not only will you be supporting local journalism but you’ll also get a dad hat available for a limited time! Grackles love it, y’all.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can call or text us at 512-200-2227 too.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 20th episode:

• Ownwell

Can you be a good neighbor without knowing Austin’s history? That’s one of the questions City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson discusses with Huston-Tillotson University student and host of the “Bri the Black Sheep” podcast, Bri Nunn. A video Nunn took of her conversation with a white couple living across from the HBCU has gone viral and thrust conversations about gentrification back into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Austin FC is facing pressure from supporter groups to speak out against federal immigration enforcement. Juan Diego Garcia, cohost of the “¡Vamos Verde!” podcast, has the latest. Plus, Austin Business Journal reporter Sahar Chmais breaks down the businesses that are opening and closing throughout the city.

Enjoyed this episode? Join the City Cast Austin Neighbors program today by visiting http://austin.citycast.fm/join. Not only will you be supporting local journalism but you’ll also get a very cool dad hat available for a limited time!

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 20th episode:

• Ownwell

In our first-ever, members-only podcast episode, the BBQ King himself, Franklin Barbecue Chef Aaron Franklin, admits something scandalous for a Texas barbecue guy: "I would get rid of brisket in a heartbeat if we could." Want to know why? Become a member now at http://austin.citycast.fm/join to hear the full episode, which also includes a chat with Épicerie chef and owner Sarah McIntosh and Texas Monthly restaurant critic Paula Forbes.

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Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 19. Do you have what you need to cast a ballot? City Cast Austin creative producer Elissa Castles put together a quiz to help you prep. Plus, ahead of this weekend’s Austin Coffee Festival, Medici Roasting cofounder Michael Vaclav and Sightseer Coffee Roasters cofounder Sara Gibson join host Miles Bloxson to discuss whether we’re the country’s best coffee city. Last up, we stop by a twisted carnival with Nickie Effenger to learn what it takes to transform Austin bars for Halloween.

Enjoyed this episode? Become a member of City Cast Austin today! It’s a simple way to support local journalism. And because it’s our fall membership campaign, we’re throwing in a very cute dad hat for people who join right now.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, on TikTok, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 15th episode:

• Inspired Minds Art Center
• Ownwell

Two Austin restaurants earned Michelin stars for the first time this month, but one lost theirs. City Cast Austin creative producer Elissa Castles tells host Miles Bloxson, which restaurants are in, which are out, and whether the stars really matter anyway. Then PEN America’s Philomena Polefrone is here to tell us how Texas schools are using AI to keep up with book bans. Last up, Rachel Castignoli with the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, shares the latest on autonomous vehicles in the city.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 13 episode:

• http://budaartsfestival.com/
• Ownwell

One of the greatest rivalries in college football takes center stage this weekend when the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners play for the 122nd time. Marcus Myers, who was part of Texas’ legendary 2005 championship team, joins City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson to share predictions for Saturday’s Red River Rivalry game. Plus, will Zilker Park bounce back after ACL Fest? Journalist Natalie Grigson joins us to discuss the latest and who’s paying for repairs. And last, City Cast Austin creative producer Kelsey Bradshaw gives her review of “Brothers,” a new Apple TV show filmed around Austin.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode:

• The Escape Game

If you turned on lights this morning, took a shower, or rode your bike, the decisions the Austin City Council makes affect you! The Austin Common editor-in-chief Amy Stansbury joins City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson to preview the city council races on the ballot this November. Another local measure Austin voters will decide is whether to invest $260 million into the city’s parks and pools. The Austin Park Foundation’s Alyssa Vargas makes the case for parks. We round out today’s episode with an ongoing debate: Is it Lady Bird Lake or Town Lake?

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, TikTok, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this October 6 episode:

• The Escape Game Austin

It's finally raining! After a dry, hot, and record-breaking September, Austin temperatures are falling into the correct season at long last. But will the rain from this cold front put a damper on this weekend’s Austin City Limits Music Festival? CBS Austin Meteorologist Avery Tomasco joins host Miles Bloxson to help you plan. Plus, writer and photographer Cat Cardenas shares her take on ACL's 25th year. And later, Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes breaks down Austin's budget, which goes into effect today!

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Misael Ramos, a candidate for Austin City Council, was out walking his dog when state troopers arrested him, days after he attended a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He tells City Cast Austin host, Miles Bloxson, what was running through his head when this happened. Miles also talks with DJ Cassandra about what it’s like to be a local artist performing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Plus, is the airport’s recent announcement about rideshare changes as good as it seems? Elissa Castles, our creative producer, explains.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Austin royalty is on the podcast, y’all. Patrick and Kathy Terry, the founders of P. Terry’s, join host Miles Bloxson to talk about the origins of their beloved local business, why they’ve remained independent, and where they’re eating out in Austin when they’re not having a burger. Plus, KUT News Government Accountability Reporter Andrew Weber gives us an update on the local investigation into Sunday’s ICE shooting in North Austin. Finally, the Texas Tribune’s Kerri Qunell previews who Austinites can expect to hear from during the Texas Tribune Festival.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode:

• The Brooklynn Miller Foundation

A federal immigration agent shot and injured a 28-year-old man from Venezuela in North Austin on Sunday. The shooting sparked outrage from Austin officials who also called for an independent investigation into what happened. City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson speaks with NPR’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán about how this incident fits into a larger pattern of ICE enforcement nationwide. Plus, Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura explains why the district is appealing the failing grades for Burnet and Webb middle schools. Last, HAAM CEO Paul E. Scott talks about the hundreds of live music shows happening around the city today.

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastAustin on Instagram, or email us at austin@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 512-200-2227.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode:

• The Brooklynn Miller Foundation

Join host Miles Bloxson and the award-winning City Cast Austin team as they dig into the stories, conversations, and places Austin's obsessed with. From the latest out of City Hall to the buzz about the newest bar on East Sixth, City Cast Austin is having the conversation Austinites need. Learn more and subscribe to our companion daily newsletter at ⁠austin.citycast.fm⁠. Read with your coffee. Listen on your drive. Watch in your feed. We've got y'all, Austin.

The City Cast Austin podcast is taking a brief break over the next few months to regroup and develop some new concepts. In the meantime, be sure to keep us in your feeds and be on the look out for our return. Stay connected with the latest Austin news and future podcast updates via our newsletter. If you aren’t already subscribed to our daily morning newsletter, now’s the time to sign up.

The City of Austin is considering changing how it responds to homeless encampments, including deploying daily cleanup teams. But after a recent video highlighted the human impacts of these sweeps, questions are being asked about what that process should look like. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to break it all down. Plus, the Austin firefighter pushing for equality in workers’ compensation and the baby owl stealing our hearts (and plenty of our screen time).

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Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode:

• City of Austin
• Taskrabbit
• Visit Port Aransas