City Cast Austin

In our last Friday News Roundup of 2024, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to break down Austin City Council’s final meeting of 2024, during which members gave a pretty big gift to Preservation Austin by designating a building on East 12th Street as a landmark. Plus, we talk about how the Vox Media layoffs are affecting our pals at Eater Austin, and how we’re spending New Year’s Eve in Austin.

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

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The holidays are a perfect time to catch up on some flicks you may have missed this year — so producer Rishi Bajekal is joined by Austin Chronicle editor and film critic Kimberley Jones to talk about the best movies of the year. Plus, hear Kimberley’s favorite theaters in town, and what she’s got her eyes on for 2025. 

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

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There are about half as many air traffic controllers as there should be at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and that — combined with shortstaffing at TSA and lots of construction underway — is causing some major nightmares, especially during the holidays. KUT’s transportation reporter, Nathan Bernier, joins host Nikki DaVaughn in explaining how things got so bad, and what’s being done to turn this plane around. Plus, they’ll discuss the “Journey With AUS,” and how the 60-plus projects underway will affect you. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this December 18th episode: Tecovas

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When Austinite Guy Benson went to the very first Trail of Lights as a kid, he never imagined he’d be sitting on the coveted throne 60 years later. The duo that play Santa and Mrs. Claus — Benson and his wife Deborah Parsons — join newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to talk about what they bring to Austin’s holiday season, and the gifts on Austinites’ lists this year. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this December 17th episode: Tecovas

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Want to get tipsy with Frosty or lit like a menorah this holiday season? Tune in for a breakdown of Austin’s best holiday pop-up bars, plus the drinks you have to try making at home as the temps cool down. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Sushmita Malakar, an Austin mixologist and blogger, to talk about festive libations and more.

Learn more about the sponsor of this December 16th episode: Tecovas

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November has come and gone, but we’re still voting in Travis County — there’s a runoff election in three area races, so don’t shirk your civic duty! For this week’s Friday News Roundup, KXAN’s city hall reporter, Grace Reader, joins host Nikki DaVaughn and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec in breaking down the races on the ballot: An Austin Independent School District school board seat, Austin City Council’s District 7 seat, and Manor’s mayor. Plus, we talk about these freezing temperatures we’re suddenly having after a record-breaking fall, and our weekend picks. Plus, stick around after the roundup for our Don’t Go Gently tip for this weekend.

Learn more about the sponsor of this December 13th episode: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa 

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The Blue Genie Art Bazaar started off as a party where art was sold — and remains one today, with more than 200 artists, 24 years later. Cofounder Dana Younger joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about what makes the perfect gift, and how to buy art for friends, along with what you can expect out of this year’s Blue Genie. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this December 12th episode: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

The holidays are here, and for us at City Cast Austin, that means spending time with our parents, some of whom we’re lucky to have nearby. So we brought the team together and asked our folks to join us on the mic, sharing stories about the holidays, food, traditions, and siblings — but also getting real about how traditions change over time, and that’s OK. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by her mother, Daisy, along with Kelsey Bradshaw and her father, Ron, and Eva Ruth Moravec along with her dad, Hank. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this December 11th episode: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

‘Tis the season for holiday soirees, dinners, and guests, who always seem to bring their appetite. Emily Hill, our grocery expert, joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about the seasonal snacks and drinks in grocery stores right now, Emily’s go-to holiday appetizer, why you should get your pies at Central Market and your cheese at Aldi, and how to hack your cookie exchange. Plus, hear how she’s championing local brands this holiday season. And, stay tuned for an interview with Better Way Blood Testing’s founder and COO. 

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If you enjoyed the interview with Better Way Blood Testing's Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Chairman, Eric Olson, learn more here.

Learn more about the other sponsor of this December 10th episode: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Working on Austin City Limits TV show is a dream job for camera operators, and about a dozen years ago, that dream came true for one man who’d fallen in love with Austin’s music scene and musicians. Eric Graham joins host Nikki DaVaughn in sharing his memories of working on the show, what makes it feel so intimate, what it was like to film the upcoming 50th anniversary special, and watching musicians rise to the national stage from then-sleepy little Austin. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this December 9th episode: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa