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Today I sit down with Riki Rushing. She tells us about growing up in Texas, her family the charities that are near and dear to her heart and her passion for supporting the arts. Based in Austin, Veronica “Riki” Rushing has been the Executive Producer of numerous independent films, including Frank & Penelope, Death In Texas, Radley and the upcoming Castro’s Daughter.

Most recently, Riki is Executive Producers for Long Shadows, an American Period Piece, directed by William Shockley for Tiki Tāne Pictures, starring Dermot Mulroney, Jacqueline Bisset and  Dominic Monaghan. She is also Executive Producers on The Assessment, starring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen and HImesh Patel, which made its World Premiere at TIFF 2024, and sold to Amazon for International distribution.

She has also Executive Produced documentaries and series such as QT8 – The First Eight about filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, and the upcoming Untitled Tim Burton doc, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Riki’s films have screened at Cannes, SXSW, and the Riviera International Film Festival. She also serves on the board of the Austin Film Society and hosts the Rockport Film Festival. Riki is also a Producer on the 2024 Tony Award Winning Musical musical, The Outsiders, an adaption of the classic film, Executive Produced by Angelina Jolie.

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Today I sit down with Iconic Austin Photographer Scott Newton. Scott Newton is a self-taught photographer renowned for his extensive documentation of Austin's vibrant music scene. Since moving to Austin in 1970 to attend the University of Texas, Newton has become an integral figure in capturing the essence of the city's musical evolution. His work began in the early 1970s, photographing performances at iconic venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters and the Austin Opera House .

In 1979, Newton joined Austin City Limits (ACL) as the show's official photographer, a role he has maintained for over four decades. His photographs have immortalized performances by legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Cash, and Ray Charles . Newton's approach to photography is deeply influenced by his desire to capture the "muse" or the intangible energy he perceives in musicians during their performances .

Beyond his work with ACL, Newton's photographs have been featured in various publications and exhibitions. In 2024, a major exhibition titled Scott Newton: Beyond Limits was held at The Wittliff Collections, showcasing over 100 of his images and celebrating his contributions to documenting Austin's musical heritage . Additionally, his work is permanently displayed at the Moody Center in Austin, highlighting his long-standing impact on the city's cultural landscape .thewittliffcollections.txst.edumoodycenteratx.com+1moodycenteratx.com+1

For those interested in experiencing Newton's work firsthand, his official website offers a comprehensive collection of his photographs, including galleries dedicated to early Austin and ACL performances .acltv.com+1thewittliffcollections.txst.edu+1

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Today I sit down with Meghan Williams my Transcendental Meditation Teacher.  Meghan Williams is a certified Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher, accomplished writer and passionate facilitator in the health and wellness space. She has appeared on several podcasts touting the benefits of self-awareness through the vehicle of TM, as well as several keynote and featured speaking panels highlighting the scientific research and mental/physical benefits that come from creating new neuropathways and rewiring your brain for consciousness. Her focus on the human nervous system and its capacity to facilitate enlightenment has inspired her clients around the world. Meghan hosts meditation retreats regularly to facilitate a path towards consciousness for all of her students and has dedicated her time and attention to uplifting both the collective and the individual through her personal brand ATMA Integration Therapeutics. You can connect with Meghan through her website at www.healingatma.com.  

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Today I sit down with local singer song writer Joel McColl. Joel talks about the years he spent with Up the People, opening for Bonnie Raitt, curating music for New World Deli and finding family members through 23 and me.                                  Joel McColl is a seasoned singer-songwriter and musician based in Austin, Texas, with over 50 years of experience in the music industry. He began his musical journey in Oklahoma's coffeehouses and folk venues before moving to Austin in the early 1970s. Over the years, McColl has been part of various musical projects, including the duo McColl & Tracey, which performed alongside artists like Bonnie Raitt and David Bromberg. He also spent 15 years with the band Midlife Crisis, known for its humor and satire. Additionally, McColl served as the producer, emcee, and judge for the O. Henry World Championship Pun-Off Contest for two decades, earning the title of International Punster of the Year in 2007.​
joelmccoll.com

In 2013, McColl released his first solo album, The Return of Bosco Martin, a collection of original songs inspired by a friend's battle with cancer. Proceeds from the album benefited the Colon Cancer Alliance. His most recent album, Humankind, was released in 2024 and is available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp.​
joelmccoll.com
joelmccoll.bandcamp.com

McColl continues to perform regularly in Austin, with upcoming shows scheduled at New World Deli on April 30 and May 14, 2025. He often collaborates with other local musicians, such as John Rey Reed and David Pulkingham. For more information about his music and performances, you can visit his official website at joelmccoll.com.​

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Today I sit down with Nova Lorraine. Nova Lorraine is an award-winning futurist, fashion designer, and LinkedIn Top 100 AI Creative, with artwork on the Moon. Recognized among the Top 100 Women in AI & Web3, she pioneers mindful luxury and digital couture, leading innovation at the intersection of fashion, gaming, and AI. Founder of the House of Nova, she is also an international keynote speaker and 2X author. She is excited about her soon to release fashion app: Aurra AI.

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For over two decades, Monica has orchestrated the real estate landscape in Austin, seamlessly blending her technological prowess with an artistic touch to curate a truly unique experience for her clients. With a deep-rooted love for the vibrant Austin lifestyle, Monica's passion extends beyond just selling properties; she relishes sharing her extensive knowledge of the city with her clients, having lived here for over 30 years. Her intimate familiarity with Austin's neighborhoods, culture, and amenities allows her to provide invaluable insights and guidance, ensuring her clients are well-informed whether they are buying or selling real estate.                                                                                                                                Today the story that has taken her from a childhood in San Antonio steeped in the fine arts, to the winners circle in Monico, a weekend at Bernie's and ultimately to ATX. Enjoy

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Today I sit down with Wayne Nagel and Don Harvey of Sims Foundation.                    Sims Ellison was a prodigious songwriter and bassist for the band Pariah, one of Austin’s most popular hard rock bands in the early 90s. He was loved throughout the Austin music community because of his big heart, laid-back nature and outgoing personality. Sims was known for wearing funky hats and lederhosen while performing. After receiving positive reviews for their two self-produced EPs, Pariah and Rattle Your Skull, Pariah gained a following of nearly 25,000 fans. In 1992 the band self-produced their first full-length record, Make Believe, which they released on their label Sick Kid Productions. In 1993 their second record, To Mock a Killingbird, was released by Geffen Records.

In 1995, Sims lost his battle with depression, and the Austin music community was gripped with shock and sadness. Born out of tragedy to help thousands, SIMS Foundation was founded by Sims’ grieving father Don Ellison, Austin Rehearsal Complex (ARC) co-owners Don Harvey & Wayne Nagel, recording artist Alejandro Escovedo and attorney Walter Taylor. Together, they galvanized Austin’s close-knit music community to create a unique organization offering mental health services to local musicians. SIMS Foundation continues to provide lifesaving services to those in the music community and their families when they need them most.

Listen to Pariah on Spotify and learn more about the band on Facebook.

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Today I sit down with Paul Carrozza. Paul is a pillar in the Austin fitness community for over 30 years. Paul talks about RunTex, bringing the marathon to Austin, starting Marathon Kids, bringing F1 to Austin, and restarting the trail of lights.           What a pleasure..... Enjoy!

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Today I sit down with my dear friend and guitar virtuoso David Pulkingham.  The podcast kicks off with a song David wrote while suffering from jet lag on Oslo, he talks about drinking wine all night with Robert Plant and singing Dolly Parton songs, the influence his mom bestowed upon him, and big thanks to Alejando Escovedo and Patty Griffin for what they have taught him about in the band.

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Texas Football legend Rodrick Walker talks about his coaches, working with kids and lifelong lessons learned on the gridiron.