Inside Austin Podcast

Host Brian Fitzgerald sat down with Ciji Wagner from Louder Than Silence to discuss the way sexual violence is perceived in society and how it takes a shift in thinking to truly understand the lasting impact and to start healing. They also discussed ways you can help including doing some holiday shopping at their upcoming bazaar.

As the colder months approach, the Junior League of Austin is gearing up its volunteer force to address critical local needs through signature charitable programs like "Coats for Kids" and "A Christmas Affair", its largest annual holiday event . President Sarah Gutierrez and Chairpersons Emily Collins & Jennifer Kalinowski join host Brian Fitzgerald to discuss this year's event and how you can keep a kid warm during the winter. 

For Christine Albert, founder of the Austin-based nonprofit Swan Songs, bringing music to individuals nearing the end of life is not just a mission — it is a deeply meaningful calling. She joined host Brian Fitzgerald on this segment of Inside Austin to talk about Swan Songs mission fulfilling musical last wishes for patients facing terminal illnesses. They also discussed the upcoming Swan Songs Serenade featuring music by Jon Muq.

For today's Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald talked with Pierre Berastaín, president and CEO of the SAFE Alliance. They addressed the complex dynamics of domestic violence, the role of men in prevention efforts, and the severe funding challenges facing critical support services. Additionally they discussed the upcoming Truck or Treat event at Q2 Stadium.

For this segment of Inside Austin, host Brian Fitzgerald sat down with Austin Symphony Orchestra CEO Justus Zimmerman. During the conversation, Zimmerman highlighted the orchestra's core mission to make music accessible to everyone and break down traditional barriers of elitism in classical music. He also shared details on upcoming programming, including screening Tim Burton's 1989 Batman accompanied by a live score, along with their seasonal Halloween concert and Masterworks series performances.

The Austin Humane Society is preparing for its 21st annual Rags to Wags Gala on Oct. 24 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. The event serves as the organization's largest fundraiser of the year, aiming to raise $800,000 to support local animal care, shelter operations, and rescue operations across the state. Luis Sanchez joined Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald to discuss the event and how they provide support to many smaller and rural shelters in the state.

Joining host Brian Fitzgerald on this edition of Inside Austin is the Director of the Texas Military Forces Museum, Jeff Hunt. They discussed Austin's Camp Mabry, an active military post that many local residents hear about during daily weather forecasts without fully realizing its deep history and the rich past and present of the base, as well as the museum dedicated to preserving its legacy.

For this edition of Inside Austin, host Brian Fitzgerald was joined by Paul Scott, CEO of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, HAAM. Austin recognizes September as Support Local Music Month, aligned with the HAAM Day Music Festival on Sept. 22. Community members are encouraged to support artists by attending performances, volunteering as "HAAMbassadors," or sending direct tips through HAAM's web-based app. Additionally, with open enrollment starting Nov. 1, local musicians are advised to fill out an interest form at myhaam.org to start the enrollment process.

Lynn Raridon, Director of the Bill Hicks Foundation for Wildlife, spoke with host Brian Fitzgerald on Inside Austin about the importance of humane treatment, education, and non-interference regarding local wildlife. She warned against keeping wild animals as domestic pets, noting that social media misleads the public and that home-raised animals lack the survival skills needed to return to the wild. She highlighted the volunteer-driven nature of the foundation, recommended educational resources such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and encouraged people to support wildlife conservation by volunteering or adopting pets from local shelters.