City Cast Austin

Austin is officially the 39th happiest city in America to live in, according to a recent WalletHub survey. But what does that even mean? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Shaun Branigan, writer and actor at Esther's Follies; and City Cast Austin producer Elissa Castles to determine, using questionable scientific and math logic, just how happy is Austin?  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

Southern Living magazine has once again crowned Franklin Barbecue as the best in Texas, which made us wonder — is it? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor, Daniel Vaughn, to get into how Austin has become the most competitive barbecue city in the U.S., and his choices for the best spots for BBQ in town. Plus, stay tuned for Nikki’s Midweek Mood Boost about Austin Community College.  This episode originally aired Nov. 19th, 2025 Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode: Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

State lawmakers held a hearing last week to examine the rise and impact of data centers in Texas, looking at both the economic benefits and the toll on critical resources like energy and water. Local tech reporter Omar Gallaga is joining host Nikki DaVaughn and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to talk about the key takeaways from this hearing, plus Friday's deadly shooting at an East Austin bar and how residents are thinking about the safety of the Govalle neighborhood now. City Cast Austin listeners also share their ideas on the renaming of Cesar Chavez Street, in light of last month's sexual assault allegations against the labor leader. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

There are hundreds of intersections in Austin, but which are the absolute worst? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT’s transportation reporter, Nathan Bernier; and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to debate. Is it driving the roundabout at 51st Street and Interstate 35? Walking across I-35 at 32nd Street? Doing anything at Chicon and 7th streets? Riding a bicycle at Barton Springs and Azie Morton roads? Or maneuvering around Slaughter Lane and the MoPac Expressway, which is so bad it might be under construction for years to come? Help us decide.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 13th episode: Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

This week the State Board of Education met in Austin to propose and vote on newly rewritten K-12 history and English curricula that could include teachings from the bible and Texas-centric lesson plans. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Eva Ruth Moravec and Elissa Castles to break down what these changes would mean for classrooms across the state and why Austinites rallied at the capitol in response. Plus, the team dives into a lawsuit filed by Texas businesses and industry groups challenging the state's recent hemp ban. And later, Dr. Ghassan Salman, the region's chief medical officer for Baylor Scott & White, joins the pod to share tips for runners running the Cap 10k this weekend and to discuss why Austin was recently ranked as one of the healthiest cities in the nation.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

Austin is full of great stories, from legendary tales to little-known local lore. But how many are actually true? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec for a game of Two Truths and a Lie to determine who knows Austin's history best and who gets fooled by a good fib.  And don’t forget, City Cast Austin is participating in Local News Day, a national day of action connecting communities with trusted local news. Support local newsrooms like ours today by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.   This episode was originally published on December 3, 2025. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

Austin was just ranked among the top cities in America for coffee, according to a recent Wallethub report. But with hundreds of coffee shops across town, finding the perfect spot can be tough. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Miranda Haney, local coffee educator and owner of Barista Friend, to discuss the best spots to grab a cup of joe. Whether you're looking for a cozy work space, top-tier beans, the city’s most expensive cup, or just a quick caffeine fix, Austin's coffee scene has something for everyone.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

On today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the biggest news in town right now: The duck killed by a self-driving car near Mueller Lake Park. Plus, there’s an Austinite behind NASA’s current Artemis II mission to the moon, and we’re sharing comments from our listeners, including one about our episode on where we’d take our enemies in town. Weigh in — how do you feel about the magician at Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar?  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

Austin City Council could be cooling on building caps and stitches over Interstate 35, after months of planning and discussion over funding. So what will I-35 look like if there’s nothing above the sunken highway lanes? In today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Amy Stansbury, editor-in-chief of the Austin Common, to bring us up to speed. Plus, they discuss the city’s new Homeless Strategy Plan — crafted after Proposition Q’s failure caused the city to make significant cuts — and the potential for closed Austin schools to become city parks. Finally, council is encouraging people to start home businesses. What would yours be?  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 6th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance

Both Denver and Austin wanted, but didn't get, a WNBA team. While more and more people are embracing women’s sports, Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office? Mentioned on the show: The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [The Denver Post] Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, Austin Independent School District announced plans to close Blackshear Elementary School, the oldest-operating school in the city, amid declining enrollment and a budget crisis. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack the district's decision and what it could mean for families and the future of East Austin. Later, the team breaks down the latest restaurant news including the new spots slated to open around town and the Austin chefs who won't be getting a James Beard Award this year. Plus, prepare for a rainy weekend ahead and a good time, with our weekend plans.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Austin Community Foundation UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum Zach Theater

A new Netflix documentary about a 2022 homicide in Austin premiered at SXSW and is publicly available starting tomorrow, April 3. “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” tells the story of Wilson, who was killed by Kaitlin Armstrong while in Austin for a cycling race. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by the film’s director, Marina Zenovich, and producer Evan Hayes to talk about the esteemed duo’s first true crime project, and why it had to have its debut here.   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Austin Community Foundation Zach Theater

Spring is all around us, and you only have a limited amount of time to get outside and enjoy it before summer sizzles in. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and guest Susi Posada to share their favorite recommendations for things to see, hear, and eat this month in Austin. Plus, if you’re still planning your Easter or Passover meals, we’ve got you covered.  For even more tips on how to make the most of April in Austin, check out Hey Austin’s take on what to do this month.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  If you enjoyed today's interview with the Blanton Museum of Art's Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Collections, Lilian Michel, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Austin Community Foundation Zach Theater

Austin City Council members have a new plan to make downtown streets friendlier for pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit-users — and think it will reduce vehicular traffic in the city’s core. But it comes at a steep price at a time when many Austinites are wary and skeptical about council’s spending. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss the plan, plus the new rules now in effect for hemp retailers and a recent municipal payroll whoopsie. And, P.S., don’t forget April Fool’s Day is tomorrow. Text us or leave a voicemail about your favorite Austin prank.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Texas Legislature has just been tasked with getting a handle on data centers, but with more than 70 data centers in the area, is it too late? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Ryan Pollock, the Executive Director and Secretary Treasurer of Texas State Building and Constructions Trades Council, to find out how these massive, necessary facilities are being built, what kinds of jobs they might provide, and what might be done to regulate them.   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Austin is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, Austin is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, Austin's affordable housing successes, and where the city’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

On this week's Friday News Round Up, Host Nikki DaVaughn and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec talk about new reporting that reveals just how closely Texas Department of Public Safety officers are working with immigration officers here in Austin. Plus, the city of Austin has removed mysterious downtown bench rails, and still nobody knows who installed them, and the new owners of The Hole in the Wall say, “The hole is going to thrive now,” with big intentions to highlight local music. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Playing pool is cheap, indoors, and a great way to meet people — and fits in perfectly with Austin’s relaxed vibe. Looking for the best tables in Austin? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by local pool shark and producer Elissa Castles to share her favorite hidden gems, free tables, and best date night spots, plus some rules of the road and tips for newbies.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Window Nation Austin Community Foundation UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum

For many of us, H-E-B is so much more than a grocery store; it's a cornerstone of the community. In moments of crisis, H-E-B shows up as a lifeline. For local makers, it offers a path to get homegrown products onto the shelves. And for everyday shoppers, it's a place that feels unmistakably Texan (butter tortillas included). Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Heidi Post, Senior Director of Public Affairs for Central Texas at H-E-B, to unpack how this beloved brand has earned such deep loyalty and why, for so many, it feels almost like a religion.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter..  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  If you enjoyed today's interview with Michael Taylor, the Public Information Specialist with Austin Resource Recovery, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Window Nation Austin Community Foundation UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum

The City of Austin has redesigned its website, and Austinites have thoughts on the changes and the $1.48 million price tag. On this week’s Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn talks with producer Elissa Castles and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw about the website and what local Reddit users are saying. Plus, Hoover’s Cooking, an east Austin staple for almost 30 years, is closing at the end of May, so we dive into the history and legacy of this Black-owned soul food restaurant. Finally, we open the mailbag to hear from a newsletter reader who weighs in on whether or not SXSW will survive without a convention center. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Window Nation Austin Community Foundation UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum