City Cast Austin

Just as the City of Austin adopted a 5-year plan to attempt to address ongoing problems at the Austin Animal Center, the director, who’d been on administrative leave, resigned. Does that mean the shelter — which has struggled with overcrowding basically since the city declared it was a “no-kill” shelter back in 2011 — will finally turn a corner? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT’s city hall reporter, who warns that the five-year plan is just a piece of paper without an implementation plan. 

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Introducing Sunscreen, Skincare, and Cicaplast Spray: New Innovations from La Roche-Posay! from L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty: Skin Goals.

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Join Lisa and Kelly as they chat with L'Oréal Master Trainer, Rebecca Herrera, about exciting new launches from La Roche-Posay! Rebecca shares her inspiring journey in the beauty industry and provides expert insights into the science and benefits behind these innovative products. Get ready to elevate your skincare routine with these game-changing additions to the La Roche-Posay family.

Key Discussion Points:

• Rebecca's inspiring career path: From medical clinics to becoming a master trainer and mentor, Rebecca shares her passion for beauty and how she found her calling. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and evolution within the ever-changing beauty landscape.
• La Roche-Posay Brand History: Discover the rich history of La Roche-Posay, originating from the French town renowned for its thermal spring water rich in Selenium. Learn how the brand’s commitment to dermatological skincare has made a difference in countless lives.
• Anthelios UV Pro Sport Sunscreen: Perfect for active lifestyles, this sunscreen is designed to be lightweight, non-greasy, and eye-sting free. Featuring Cell-Ox Shield technology, it offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidant defense. Its water resistance and comfortable feel make it ideal for any outdoor activity.
• Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen: Expanding its shade range to be more inclusive, this tinted mineral sunscreen provides a natural glow and lightweight coverage without a white cast. Rebecca highlights the importance of sunscreen for all skin tones, especially deeper tones, in preventing dark spots and premature aging. It can be worn alone, as a primer, or for reapplication over makeup.
• Effaclar BPO Cleanser: A two-in-one cleanser and treatment targeting blemishes and acne. Formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide and LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid), it effectively cleanses, treats, and helps smooth skin texture. Rebecca recommends pairing it with Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF 30 for a simple yet effective skincare routine.
• Cicaplast Spray: A soothing, multi-use spray ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. From post-tattoo care and minor burns to diaper rash and scalp irritation, this convenient spray provides instant relief. Its touch-free application makes it perfect for delicate areas.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of daily sunscreen use for all skin types and tones to protect against dark spots, premature aging, and other sun damage.
• Building a consistent skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
• La Roche-Posay offers a wide range of products catering to diverse skin needs and concerns.
• Innovation is at the heart of La Roche-Posay, constantly developing new and improved formulas.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The Texas Legislature is still in session under the pink dome down on Congress Avenue — but they won’t be for too much longer. Now is the time in the session when things get weird and hard to follow, so host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to break down where things stand on vouchers, the THC ban, and DOGE, on this week’s Friday News Roundup. Plus, we discuss the Texas Department of Transportation’s parking problems as employees return to the office, the City of Austin’s $7.5 million in unpaid parking tickets, and whether that money could help shore up the city’s estimated $33 million budget deficit for next year. 

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Introducing A Man, a Sunset, and the Cleanest Hands in Ohio from 7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato.

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Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of supporting his daughter's performance. But as dusk falls and a chaotic van interrupts a perfect sunset, he’s reminded of perspective, connection, and the small beauty of clean hands and second chances.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!

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*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show!

The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees were just named, and to the surprise of some, Austin’s only mention was for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, for Arjav Ezekiel, at Birdies. None of the nominees for Best Chef Texas are Austin chefs. So, what does that say about our local restaurateurs? What impact do these awards have on restaurants and their financial sustainability? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by the owner and head chef of El Naranjo, Iliana de la Vega, who was named Best Chef Texas in 2022 and a semifinalist twice before that. Plus, de la Vega shares how she changed the way Austinites make tortillas, the Austin restaurant she’d bring back from the dead, and the dish that makes her customers cry (happy tears). 

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Introducing W. Kamau Bell + Las Cafeteras from SongWriter.

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During a performance at KQED Live, comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell tells a story about his father’s 80th birthday party, and an extraordinary moment of collective effervescence. Scientist Dr. Shira Gabriel explains the mechanics behind collective effervescence, and one of Kamau’s favorite bands, Las Cafeteras, shares a brand-new song called “Home.”

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For the live performance, Ben wrote a song in response to Kamau's story as well, which is streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and elsewhere.

Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

American colleges and universities have been in the spotlight as the new Trump Administration trims the federal workforce and executes immigration policies. The 52,000 students at The University of Texas at Austin have been feeling it all, from research grant funding cuts to major changes in student loans and fear of deportation over protest participation. Isaiah Williams, a senior reporter at The Daily Texan, joins host Nikki DaVaughn in sharing what the student body would miss if international students weren’t around, plus how the protest climate has changed and what’s behind a recent drag show ban. 

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Introducing You Can Visit All Seven Continents. But Should You? from Peak Travel.

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For many travelers, Antarctica is a bucket-list destination, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch all seven continents. In 2023, a record-breaking 100,000 tourists made the trip. But the journey begs a fundamental question: What do we risk by traveling to a place that is supposed to be uninhabited by humans? And as the climate warms, should we really be going to Antarctica in the first place? 

SHOW NOTES:

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Across many school districts, teachers are asked to do more with less, and that effort doesn’t typically include a pay bump. At Lockhart Independent School District, however, staff have rebuilt the leadership structure so experienced faculty are given time outside the classroom to mentor peers and run professional development, while principals can focus on long-term planning over short-term issues. Superintendent Mark Estrada joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about visiting schools in other countries for inspiration, and how he’s managed to hold onto experienced teachers and pay them more than most other Central Texas public school districts. 

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Introducing Fasting for the Soul from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality.

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Many would agree there are few things better than sharing a delicious meal with the people you love, which is one reason why breaking bread together is a cornerstone of religions the world over. But so too is the opposite - going without food.  From Ramadan to Yom Kippur to Lent, fasting is an important ritual in many faiths. But why do so many religions periodically take away the very thing that nourishes our bodies and souls?  

On this episode we'll talk with Khalil-Abdur Rashid about the role fasting plays in Islam, and why not eating and drinking is actually the easy part.  And we'll talk to Adam Cohen about some new research that suggests even one day of fasting could help deepen religious commitment and overall well being.

Imam Dr. Khalil Abdur-Rashid is the first full-time University Muslim Chaplain at Harvard University, Instructor of Muslim Studies at Harvard Divinity School, and Public Policy Lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Adam Cohen is a Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University. Learn more about his research here. 

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].