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The Geminid Meteor Shower is happening, and we’ll have tips for your stargazing in a special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory.

Today we’re focused on space science, including the history of this West Texas research gem – and how it’s continuing to contribute to what we know about the universe and beyond.

Dark skies are essential for observation, but there are challenges with light pollution. What they’re doing out in Fort Davis and what you can do at home.

Plus: A conversation with StarDate star Billy Henry.

The post A special live broadcast from the McDonald Observatory appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Millions of student loan borrowers are bracing themselves for big changes. We’ll have details on the end of the so-called SAVE program and why experts worry millions of student loan borrowers may be forced into default.

As some Texas cities cut funding for homeless services, a look at one approach from nonprofits: giving cash directly to people who need it.

With Netflix in the news this week, tech expert Omar Gallaga notes some users are already spotting a change in how they stream the service at home as mobile casting is discontinued.

Plus, the great tamale debate: Corn husk or banana leaf? Sweet or savory?

The post Tamales in Texas: A holiday debate with deep roots appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas’ top two political officials are lockstep on a new effort to make sure conservative youth organization Turning Point USA can launch at every high school in the state. We’ll take a closer look.
Human plasma is vital for medical needs, but it’s also a multibillion-dollar industry on its own. We’ll explore.
A Texas school district is sounding an alarm about some robotaxis, saying they’re passing school buses and may be putting kids at risk.
Black bears are living in West Texas again. A look at what the humans there need to know about their very large neighbors.
Plus, a history of the Christmas flower in a new children’s book and trailblazing journalist Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, founder of the nation’s largest Latino oral history archive, prepares to call it a career.

The post Voces Oral History Center founder talks legacy ahead of retirement appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week on The Metallica Report…

Steffan and Renée settle in as official TMR Roving Reporter Robert Trujillo takes the reins. Robert chimes in on the band’s recent stint in Qatar, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi as Metallica helped celebrate the thrilling finale of the Formula 1 season. He offers views and vibes from the stage, brings us into the F1 pits with the cars themselves, and manages to find great waves in Dubai!

The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.

Become A Fifth Member: metallica.com/register 

Music from The Metallica Report: metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music 

Upcoming Tour Dates: metallica.com/tour 

Wanna be featured in a future fan debate? metallica.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High-profile Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett launches her campaign for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at how she’ll compete in a crowded field against primary opponent State Rep. James Talarico and prospective general election foes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Last month Texas voters approved funding for a dementia prevention and research institute. Now a lawsuit means that plan is on hold.
Plus, why more and more Texans are selling their blood plasma for cash. The state leads the nation in donations.
And a Christmas festival in Galveston pays homage to author Charles Dickens.

The post With Crockett in, Texas Democrats mull Senate race strategy appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Podcasting isn’t just about entertainment — it’s a platform for change. Whether you’re raising awareness for an important issue, advocating for a marginalized community, or championing a nonprofit mission, a podcast can amplify voices and create real-world impact.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, we explore how creators can responsibly, authentically, and effectively use their shows to inspire action. From storytelling that sparks empathy to partnerships that fuel momentum, your mic can be a catalyst for something bigger.

Podcasts build trust — and trust leads to action.

Advocacy-driven shows succeed because they:

Blubrry helps: Our detailed stats help you understand whether your message is reaching — and resonating with — the right audience.

With purpose comes responsibility.

Tips for telling stories ethically:

Blubrry helps: Use show notes and episode descriptions to provide clear links to important resources and organizations your listeners can support.

You don’t have to lift the mission alone.

Strengthen advocacy by:

Even small efforts can lead to collective momentum.

Blubrry helps: Quicklinks makes it simple to share subscription options and calls-to-action across every channel — so supporters can spread the word faster.

Political musical chairs is underway in Texas on deadline day for candidates to file for the midterm elections. We’ll explore where we stand and what it means today.
Mandatory course reviews and changes to policies at universities have faculty warning of dire threats to academic freedom, especially when it comes to teaching hot-button topics – like transgender identity. Kaye Knoll with that story.
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds… What about snacking on cottonseeds? The A&M researcher betting on making them edible.
Also, this week in Texas music history looks at Austin’s jaded teens who get turned on to the new sounds of the ’60s as The 13th Floor Elevators take the stage.

The post Trans students push back as university policies shift appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It is a city as well known for its history as its growth in the here and now. Today we’re broadcasting from San Antonio for a special edition of the Texas Standard.
As we celebrate 10 years of the Texas Standard, our yearlong tour of Texas takes us to the studios of our partners at Texas Public Radio, based in one of the most beautiful big cities in all of Texas. Though its many landmarks bring in the tourists, new residents are rushing in, too – putting pressure on resources like energy and water.
We’ll explore those growing pains, but we’ll also be sampling the tastes and sounds that make San Antonio special.

The post A special broadcast from San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Kim Masters sits down with writer-director Celine Song to talk about Materialists, her rom-com that became a surprise commercial hit worldwide. Song explains how a stint as a New York matchmaker schooled her in the economics of modern dating—and how those real-world dynamics shaped the film’s story. She also reflects on the privilege of a robust theatrical release through her fruitful partnership with A24, which also backed her Oscar-nominated debut Past Lives. And she gets into why certain elements of Materialists trace back to 19th-century novels, whether audiences realize it or not.

Plus, the lingering question of what a Netflix-owned Warner Bros. would mean for theatrical may be coming into focus. As the bidding war between Paramount and Netflix heats up, Netflix insists its WB films would still hit theaters, though a two-week run instead of the traditional 45 days raises concerns. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down the latest in the Warners race.

Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas faced charges of conspiracy, bribery and money laundering. Why did the president just pardon him? We’ll dive in today.
Texas becomes the first state to buy bitcoin. Why, and what it adds up to in a larger context.
Imagine distilling your entire year into a snapshot – like a top 10 list. Spotify may have popularized the year-end personal recap craze, but they’re not the only game in town. Holiday wrapping and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard.

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