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For the first time in more than a decade, there is no incumbent in the race for one of the most powerful – and often contentious – posts in Texas. Incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton is not running for reelection, and now seven people are vying for his office. Eleanor Klibanoff of the Texas Tribune joins us with a preview of the upcoming battle.
Also, a new study says more than half of Texas parents haven’t heard of education savings accounts, sometimes called school vouchers. We’ll see what that adds up to.
Plus, along the Texas Gulf Coast, the latest in a long-running battle against plastic pellets known nurdles.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

The post How a ‘nurdle’ nightmare is costing Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Kim Masters talks to Judd Apatow about his memoir, Comedy Nerd, a scrapbook that chronicles his journey from a stand-up-obsessed kid to one of Hollywood’s most influential comedy voices. Apatow shares stories from his early days interviewing his heroes on his high school radio station, to his years as an uncredited screenwriter on the films of Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey. He also reads the infamous letter he wrote at age twelve to Steve Martin, demanding an apology after being turned down for an autograph.

Plus, Paramount has released its first earnings report under new chief David Ellison, and the message is clear: tighten up. The studio says it’s targeting $3 billion in savings by 2026 following a substantial round of layoffs. Meanwhile, Netflix is pouring serious money into video podcasts, chasing a rival’s success in the space. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down what’s behind the streamer’s latest splurge—and what Ellison’s belt-tightening reveals about the studio’s priorities.

No matter where you are, you’re in for a treat as we broadcast from the biggest city in the Lone Star State.
We’re coming to you from the studios of our partners at Houston Public Media, the latest destination in our yearlong waltz across Texas marking 10 years on the air.
Today, we’ll explore Houston’s rise to become the nation’s newest global city.
Also, a mission to tell the true story of the first female astronauts, the Houston Chronicle with a new list of the top Houston restaurants, a take on Texas zydeco, and a whole lot more.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

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

The deal to reopen the federal government included a ban on intoxicating hemp – potentially undoing measures taken by the Texas Legislature last session.
Houston’s 9th congressional district is among those most affected by redrawn political maps. We’ll take a trip there to explore the impact.
Corpus Christi is trying to shore up water supplies. What city leaders are considering.
Apple wants to keep you connected, even on a hike in a remote place. How they might accomplish that.
Plus, both Ken Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott made their campaign bids official this week.

The post Deal to end shutdown could impose THC ban appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Healthcare subsidies were a central issue that led to the federal government shutdown. Now that a deal is in the works, what happens to them?
We’re still waiting to hear from courts on whether new Texas district lines will be in place for the 2026 election. We’ll dig into the potential impacts in Houston.
In Austin, voters turned down a property tax increase. What does that mean now for the city’s budget?
Plus, the challenge of envisioning a truly bikeable Dallas.
Those stories, a political push from a Fort Worth megachurch, and a sports break looking at how women’s basketball is heating up with UT, Baylor and TCU in the mix.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org.

The post Fort Worth megachurch draws attention for political push appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week on The Metallica Report…

Steffan and Renée check in with Robert Trujillo as the band commences their tour Down Under in Perth. They also hear from Dainen Pearce, Chapter Head for Australian Anesthesia, about his Perth experience, and Rod Williams, Chapter Head for Acting Like A Tasmaniac, on his thoughts about the Adelaide gig. Both chapter heads also discuss the global Metallica community that has come to visit the party.

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

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

Become A Fifth Member: metallica.com/register 

Fan Club Homepage: metallica.com/fans   

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

Upcoming Tour Dates: metallica.com/tour

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

A few Democrats join Republicans in an effort to end the federal shutdown. We’ll have details.
Families of girls killed in the July 4 Hill Country flood sue Camp Mystic.
Car-dominant Texas needs more public transit to meet future needs. So says a new report from TxDOT.
And on this Veteran’s Day, the Voces Oral History Center pays homage to a helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org

The post Camp Mystic faces lawsuits over deadly flood appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Interviews are at the heart of many great podcasts — but asking the right questions takes more than reading from a list. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Dave share tips for crafting thoughtful, engaging conversations that draw out your guest’s best stories and insights. Whether you’re new to interviewing or looking to refine your technique, you’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, stay present in the moment, and guide discussions that truly connect with listeners.

A good interview starts with genuine curiosity. Instead of racing through a list of questions, focus on listening and reacting.

Tips to improve your flow:

Blubrry helps: With our hosting tools and episode scheduling, you can plan interviews with confidence and stay focused on the conversation instead of the tech.

Avoid yes/no questions and lean into prompts that invite storytelling and reflection.

Try starting with:

These questions lead to real, memorable answers that keep listeners hooked.

Blubrry helps: Use your show notes and episode descriptions to highlight key takeaways — helping new listeners find your best moments fast.

Most new hosts rush to fill silence, but short pauses can be powerful. They give your guest space to think — and often lead to deeper responses.

Try waiting a full beat after your guest finishes speaking. You might be surprised what they add next.

Blubrry helps: Our post-production options like Media Mastering and transcripts make editing smooth and professional while keeping those natural pauses intact.

The best interviewers sound like they’re discovering the story with their audience.

Be conversational, but intentional:

Signs of a possible temporary end to the federal shutdown, but closer to home concerns are growing that Texas is running out of water.
The Texas Tribune employed artificial intelligence to answer some Texans’ water concerns, but there are limits. We’ll hear from two Tribune reporters who are trying to fill in the gaps.
The U.S. race for uranium: Why Texas is finding itself at the center of it.
We’ll also talk with a member of SNL’s Five-Timer’s Club now on tour across Texas: Comedian John Mulaney.

The post Texas, western states brace for uranium boom appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Cancellations across the nation are putting many air travelers in limbo.
KUT’s Nathan Bernier joins us with an update of how flight cancellations brought on by the federal shutdown are affecting the nation’s busy air traffic system – with a particular look at the impact here in Texas.
Also, why Texas is likely to be the state hardest hit by increases to Affordable Care Act health care premiums.
Plus, the Standard’s Shelly Brisbin with the impact of a cutoff of Digital Equity Act funds,  the week in Texas politics and more.

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

The post Flight cancellations, long TSA lines hit Texas travelers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.