Delorian-driving Austinite Ernest Cline always wanted to write a book about the bats that roost under bridges downtown — but after writing “Ready Player One,” other things got in the way. Recently, he published “Bridge to Bat City,” a love letter to Austin’s culture of accepting creative, different people and cultivating their wacky dreams. Cline joins host Nikki DaVaughn, a huge fan of Cline’s screenplay, to talk all things bats, technology, and Austin. 

Plus, stay tuned after Ernie’s interview for a special segment: A mile in their boots, where we feature the unsung heroes of Austin. Today, we’ll hear from Ivy Chiu, a local cinematographer. 

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Every year for the past 25 years, the Austin American-Statesman has dedicated a good amount of ink and online real estate to helping others. The annual Season for Caring series has raised more than $20 million, which goes to local nonprofit organizations that apply for 12 spots. Nicole Villalpondo edits the project, and joins executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec in talking about its impact and how it works. 

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It’s beginning to look a lot like December in Austin, and there are holiday popups, festivities, and cheer everywhere. In this episode, you’ll hear our best tips for getting into the holiday spirit, along with our picks for arts and cultural events throughout the month. Plus, we share our favorite ways to help other Austinites, not just during the holidays, but any time of year.  

For even more tips on how to make the most of December in Austin, check out Hey Austin’s take on what to do this month. 

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Local artist Greta O. is having a huge breakthrough — in just hours, her art will be worn by thousands of runners as they flood Austin’s streets in the 34th annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. Greta O. was 8 years old when she submitted the winning design for this year’s trot, and now 9, she reflects on her design, her favorite Thanksgiving foods and activities, and what she wants to be when she grows up, in a charming special Thanksgiving conversation with host Nikki DaVaughn. 

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According to the experts, Tejano music — a true blend of musical styles authentic to Texas — hit its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, and then faded away after the murder of Selena Quintanilla. But it’s back, and these days, it’s more accessible and versatile than ever. Texas Monthly’s new podcast, Viva Tejano, captures the nostalgia and experience of Tejano music, and today, its host, J.B. Sauceda, joins host Nikki DaVaughn in a trip down memory lane with a look ahead to the future. 

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Thanksgiving kicks off a holiday season that, for many of us, comes with a hefty side dish of anxiety. Should you talk about politics? What should you do if you’re cornered in a conversation and can’t escape? And is it OK to just sit some of the festivities out? Host Nikki DaVaughn sits down with Julie Burke of Violet Crown Therapy to share some tips for holiday survival for all Austinites, free of charge. 

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It’s the Friday News Roundup, and the City Cast Austin team is back, sharing the headlines that are on our minds. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss the Bible-steeped curriculum for elementary school students that the State Board of Education is poised to adopt; the rising costs of the caps over Interstate 35, and what’s going on in Austin this weekend. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this November 22nd episode: Tecovas

Lisa Davis has been at the helm of Austin Police Department for about two months, and has already made some big changes — particularly when it comes to transparency. But what other changes does she have up her uniform sleeve? How can Austinites learn more about her 100-day plan? And after moving from Cincinnati, what is Chief Davis loving about Austin? Host Nikki DaVaughn asks her about it all, in an interview at APD headquarters. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this November 21st episode: Tecovas

Why should we care that a tire company decided to honor 45 Austin (and Lockhart) restaurants in the new Michelin Guide of Texas? Host Nikki DaVaughn wasn’t so sure she did — until she heard all about it from Eater Austin’s editor, Nadia Chaudhury. Which seven restaurants received one of the coveted Michelin Stars? What exactly does Bib Gourmand mean, anyway? And how is all of this recognition going to affect the local dining scene? They get into all of it. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this November 20th episode: Tecovas

We’ve talked before about just how much Austinites throw away, but did you know that the city, as a whole, has a goal to get to zero waste by 2040? With holidays around the corner, there’s no time like the present to make a plan to reduce your household waste through the parties, feasts, and onslaught of packages. Austin Resource Recovery’s Paul Bestgen joins host Nikki DaVaughn to discuss it all, along with news on how the city is handling bulk trash pick-up starting next year.  

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Learn more about the sponsor of this November 19th episode: Tecovas