From a cozy queer- and trans-owned record shop in East Austin to the country’s largest record convention. Through conversations with Sunshine Vinyl’s June Bennion, Helix Sounds founder Thuy Phon, and Louisiana-based vendors Byron and Lisa Duncan of Rajun Sounds, this episode explores the joy, ritual, and community woven through record collecting.

Together, they share stories of discovery, nostalgia, connection, and the unexpected ways vinyl brings people together across identities, cultures, and generations. Plus, each guest offers a few record recommendations to spark your next musical rabbit hole.

Website and social media links

Sunshine Vinyl Website: https://sunshinevinyl.co/

Sunshine Vinyl IG: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinevinylatx/?hl=en

Helix Sounds Website: https://helixsounds.com/

Helix Sounds IG: https://www.instagram.com/helixsoundsla/?hl=en

Rajun Sounds: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085916772316&locale=ga_IE | Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RajunRecords?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&dd_referrer=#about

Austin Record Convention: https://www.austinrecords.com/index.php

Austin Record Convention IG: https://www.instagram.com/austinrecordconvention/?hl=en

Music Recommendations

Sunshine Vinyl:

• “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers
• “Pacific Ave” by Pearl and the Oysters
• “Moonshine” by Nightlands

Helix Sounds:

• Scenery by Ryo Fukui
• Howl’s Moving Castle soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi
• Princess Mononoke soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi
• Brasilian Skies by Masayoshi Takanaka
• Interstellar soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer
• Call Me By Your Name soundtrack composed by Sufjan Stevens
• My Neighbor Totoro soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi
• City Slicker by Ginger Root
• Green by Hiroshi Yoshimura

Rajun Sounds:

• Mumford & Sons
• Jamestown Revival
• Johnnyswim
• Needtobreathe
• Mighty Oaks
• Sons of the East
• The Revivalists
• “Texas Sun” by Leon Bridges

Episode Music Credits

Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay

Music by Audio Club from Pixabay

Music by Ciderlei Castro from Pixabay

Music by TokyoRifft from Pixabay

Step into the dark and dazzling world of Fantastic Fest — Austin’s legendary genre film festival, now celebrating 20 years of bold visions and unforgettable stories. In this episode, hear from an industry insider with a lifelong devotion to cinema, a Japanese director who turns social media into a haunting curse, the filmmaker and actor behind a campy horror film that transforms menstruation into monster, metaphor, and muse, and the creators of a documentary honoring Austin’s public access archives. Together, their stories reveal the art of discovery, connection, and the joy of filmmaking.

Fantastic Fest: https://www.fantasticfest.com/

Fantastic Fest IG: https://www.instagram.com/fantastic.fest/?hl=en

SIRAT directed by Oliver Laxe: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32298285/

XYZ Films: https://www.xyzfilms.com/

XYZ Films IG: https://www.instagram.com/xyzfilms/?hl=en

The Curse directed by Kenichi Ugana: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5572219/K

Kenichi Ugana IG: https://www.instagram.com/kenichiugana/?hl=en

The Cramps: A Period Piece directed by Brooke H. Cellars and starring Lauren Kitchen: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37983278/

The Cramps IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecrampsfilm/?hl=en

Brooke H. Cellars IG: https://www.instagram.com/brookehcellars/?hl=en

Lauren Kitchen IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_in_the_kitchen_/?hl=en

When We Were Live directed by John Moore and produced by Keeley Steenson: https://www.whenwewerelive.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafeGfkwb2Zx_QUgnyLRmfwM_3pSEprdnxykmd3s-ULdGQ9X2gfvtgCEayQLuA_aem_K6a24RvYVyHaUUdPiPS-Nw

When We Were Live IG: https://www.instagram.com/whenwewerelive/?hl=en

Voice-over Actor: Ann Morris based in Austin, Texas

Music by Neng Jemping from Pixabay

On a magical street corner in Almagro, we discovered that tango is more alive than ever. In this episode, we talk with Lucrecia Laura Luro, a tango singer who shares her story with us — from childhood memories with her grandmother to unforgettable nights at El Boliche de Roberto. An intimate and profound journey into the soul of tango. 🎙️🎶

English Transcript: https://paradisecitypodcast.com/home/

Lucrecia Luro: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lurolucrecia/?hl=en⁠

El Boliche de Roberto IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bolichederoberto_/?hl=en⁠

El Boliche de Roberto address: Bulnes 331, Almagro (CABA), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Nidia, tango singer: ⁠https://www.laarena.com.ar/la-pampa/2019-12-17-10-56-0-nidia-87-anos-de-amor-por-la-vida-y-el-arte⁠

En una esquina mágica de Almagro, descubrimos que el tango sigue más vivo que nunca. En este episodio, conversamos con Lucrecia Laura Luro, cantante de tango, quien nos comparte su historia: desde recuerdos con su abuela hasta noches inolvidables en El Boliche de Roberto. Un viaje íntimo y profundo al alma del tango. 🎙️🎶

Transcripción en Español: https://paradisecitypodcast.com/home/

Lucrecia Luro IG: https://www.instagram.com/lurolucrecia/?hl=en

El Boliche de Roberto IG:: https://www.instagram.com/bolichederoberto_/?hl=en

El Boliche de Roberto direccion: Bulnes 331, Almagro (CABA), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Nidia, cantante de tango: https://www.laarena.com.ar/la-pampa/2019-12-17-10-56-0-nidia-87-anos-de-amor-por-la-vida-y-el-arte

Join us for an episode that celebrates the bold, flavorful world of hot sauce, honoring heritage, craftsmanship, and the satisfying thrill of a slow burn.

🌶️ Meet Tony Nunez of Fantastic Fuego, a salsa creator whose passion for unique, flavor-packed salsas is inspired by his Mexican heritage and family traditions. Get a behind-the-scenes look as Tony preps for the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, and join us as we catch up with him at his booth on festival day.

🌶️ Next, we head over to the Hill Country Hot Peppers booth, where former scientist Ron Tilton shares his journey from the lab to a family-run farm in Wimberley, TX. Blending scientific precision with a deep love for peppers, Ron has mastered the art of growing and fermenting, crafting hot sauces and products that capture the complexity and essence of each pepper.

Fantastic Fuego

https://www.fantasticfuego.com/

https://www.instagram.com/elfantasticfuego#

Hill Country Hot Peppers

https://hillcountryhotpeppers.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hillcountryhotpeppers/#

The Austin Chronicle

https://www.austinchronicle.com/home/

https://www.instagram.com/austinchronicle

Central Texas Food Bank

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/https://www.instagram.com/CTXfoodbank

Music credits

• ​Music by Andreas Woll from Pixabay
• ​B Minor 95 bpm- BB King Style

Observing a dark night sky is inherently magical and awe-inspiring. Under ideal viewing conditions, a spectacle awaits—all you need to do is look up. The night sky offers various wonders, from a radiant full moon to a sky dotted with constellations, shooting stars, and eclipses. But it's more than just a visual feast; it sparks curiosity and wonder, igniting a passion for learning about space.

Astronomers work tirelessly to unravel these cosmic mysteries, while educational programs are making the latest space research and discoveries accessible to all. These initiatives invite the public to visit observatories and deepen their understanding of astronomy.

In this episode, we are joined by two individuals who illuminate the wonders of the cosmos through their unique yet complementary work in research and education.

Guest Bios

Learn More

**McDonald Observatory - Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube**

**Astronomy on Tap - Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube**

**Dark Sky Initiative - Instagram, Facebook, X , YouTube, LinkedIn**

**Special shout out to the Greater Big Bend International Reserve! Learn more at https://www.bigbenddarkskyreserve.org/**

Music

Paradise City Theme Song - Music by Khris Paradise (Christian Nelson)

Sleeping Satellites - Music by Leigh Robinson from Pixabay

Life Ambient - Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

Memories - Music by A-G-B from Pixabay

Journey through the performances of three distinct artists: Una Cancion Bonita, Retro Cowgirl, and Tracy de Sa. Each segment offers a glimpse into the artists' captivating stage presence, their musical influences, and the profound impact of their artistry on themselves and their audience. From Karely Rincón's soulful debut in Austin with Una Cancion Bonita, to the raw energy of Retro Cowgirl's rock melodies, and the magnetic charisma of Tracy de Sa's rap performance, this episode showcases the exhilarating connection fostered through live music experiences. Join us as we explore the essence of musical expression and the sheer joy of owning the stage.

Una Cancion Bonita

Retro Cowgirl

Tracy De Sa

New podcast trailer ahead of Season 2! Coming in spring 2023.

Follow us on social media @ParadiseCityPod and check out our website paradisecitypodcast.com