City Cast Austin

There’s a new one-stop-shop for all things arts-related at the City of Austin this week, after Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced the creation of a new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment that will focus on “sustaining and growing Austin’s creative sector.” On today’s Friday news roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn, KUT reporter Lauren McGaughy, and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec break down just what this new office will do. Plus, what it means to Bastrop County to be home to Elon Musk’s headquarters for X Corp. and The Boring Co., and we have a fantastic list of weekend activities for you to check out. 

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You may have heard that Saturday Night Life is celebrating 50 years on the air — but did you know that only a handful of cast members have been Texans? We’re revisiting host Nikki DaVaughn’s interview with Devon Walker, a native of Pflugerville who’s been on SNL for three seasons, about the characters he likes playing the most, Austin’s comedy scene, and what he misses about Central Texas. 

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This episode originally aired on October 28, 2025. 

What is it like being a “funeral director of stuff”? In this episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Carl McQueary, owner of Estate Services of Austin, to talk about his work. After 31 years, McQueary has seen it all — he’s sold skulls, settled family disputes, and handled the estates of some of Austin’s most famous residents. We touch on how he stays motivated in such a dark line of work, how he handles the logistics, and what he loves about his job. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this February 19th episode:

• Tecovas

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Looking for a place to dine where you won’t need a reservation? A new-to-you bar that just might be your next fave? Or how about an essential Austin activity that won’t cost a fortune? Host Nikki DaVaughn has got you covered, with the help of Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec, in today’s episode, all about our favorite hidden gems in Austin. We get into the restaurants, bars, and activities you might not know about and should not miss. Did we miss your favorite hidden gem? Send us an email.  

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While host Nikki DaVaughn might disagree, according to Dr. Allen Lieberman of Austin Family Allergy & Asthma, it’s been a mild cedar season. But, more pollen is soon headed our way, and it’s time you rethink your allergy remedy regiment. Plus, does exposing children to pollen early on help their immune system, like giving babies peanut butter snacks can reduce peanut allergies? Listen in to find out.  

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It’s Austin Marathon weekend, and there are more runners than ever before hitting our streets Sunday morning. Host Nikki DaVaughn, Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw, and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec are talking about the big event, and Austin’s official bid for a WNBA team, headed by local basketball legend Fran Harris, on this week’s Friday News Roundup. Plus, in case you’re not tuned in yet, we’re breaking down the latest developments at the Texas Legislature, like the Texas Senate’s bail reform package, school vouchers, and House committees. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this February 14th episode: Visit Amarillo

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How did a holiday that we all loved celebrating as children become the most commercialized and overdone explosion of pinks and reds and bows and hearts ever? For host Nikki DaVaughn, Valentine’s Day used to be exciting and sweet, but these days, it just seems like a big excuse to spend money. Today’s guest, local writer Rose McMackin, chats with Nikki on which gifts you should absolutely avoid — and which are worth your hard earned cash, and how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that still has meaning. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this February 13th episode: Visit Amarillo

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Austin Community College has been around for 51 years, and serves a hugely important role in the higher education community. From identifying needs in the local workforce and creating programs to train students who then fill those gaps, to helping students overcome barriers that keep them from attaining higher education, ACC is doing a ton these days. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart to talk about all things Austin Riverbats. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this February 12th episode:

• Visit Amarillo

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Now that the Texas Senate has passed this session’s voucher bill, it’s up to the Texas House to see it through. The proposal, a priority for Gov. Greg Abbott, would give Texas families $10,000 per child to use towards private school tuition and other fees. Democrats have pledged to fight the effort to use public tax dollars to subsidize private school tuition, but what power do they actually have? We’re listening in on City Cast Houston Host Raheel Ramzanali’s conversation with State Rep. Gene Wu, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, who has some ideas on how Democrats can still make a difference this session. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this February 11th episode:

• Visit Amarillo

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The half-dozen blocks of Sixth Street downtown where Austinites celebrate their 21st birthdays and so much more sit within a historic district — but even so, changes are afoot. After 35 years, Austin officials are testing out reopening the street to vehicular traffic on the weekends, and have widened sidewalks and added barricades to protect pedestrians. And, while it might seem sudden, these changes have been in the works for years, well before the New Year’s terrorist attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. To break down the past, present, and future of Dirty Old Sixth, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hannah Rangel, the Downtown Austin Alliance’s vice president of built environment; Bill Brice , the DAA’s senior vice president of investor relations, and Mike DeBonville, Owner/Operator of Marlow Bar. 

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