SoundStack

This week, Kim Masters talks with documentarians Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman about their film The Alabama Solution. The filmmakers reveal how an invitation from an unwitting warden to film a religious revival at an Alabama prison opened the door to their investigation. They met desperate prisoners who shared allegations of abuse and even murder. The film includes evidence that the prisoners captured on their cell phones, which were smuggled in and sold to them by prison guards.

Plus, after turning down Paramount’s latest buyout offer, Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav is teasing a Christmas announcement about the company’s future. With Comcast, Netflix, and Amazon rumored to be circling, questions over FCC approval and strategic stakes loom large. Kim Masters and Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw break down the latest in the Warner Bros. bidding war.

At stake? Prices for consumers, billions in business activity, and the scope of presidential power. A Texas perspective as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the case against President Trump’s tariffs.
The Wall Street Journal says “Amazonification” has come for Texas-based Whole Foods. A look at what that means.
Look! Up in the sky! Is that thing still legal? Texas drone pilots are closely watching talk of new restrictions. Tech expert Omar Gallaga tells us what’s up.
And Texas director Richard Linklater’s new film “Nouvelle Vague” is a loving ode to French New Wave cinema.

The post Texas director Richard Linklater talks latest film ‘Nouvelle Vague’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texans said yes to all 17 proposed state constitutional amendments. What’s that mean now?
We’ll also dig into some select local results from across the state, including an update in the race to fill the U.S. House seat of the late Sylvester Turner.
The Trump administration recently announced a new cap on the number of refugees that the U.S. will accept in the upcoming year. What’s that mean for the big picture?
Plus, an El Paso woman concerned about her neighbors who rely on government food assistance starts a program she hopes others will replicate.

The post Texas voters approve all 17 proposed constitutional amendments appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week on The Metallica Report…

Steffan and Renée pick back up with part two of The Fan Debate, featuring super fans Don & Carla Hammond and Tricia & Andrew Dowis. This week, it’s all about the music as the couples go back and forth naming which Metallica song they would crown as the most underrated, the best for date night, the best cover song, and which holds the best Hetfield lyrics.

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

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

1 in 4 immigration arrests are happening in Texas under the Trump administration. We’ll take a look at the statewide crackdown.
It’s Election Day. One constitutional amendment that funds a new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute for the state’s aging population is on the ballot.
A look back at our top 10 author interviews as the Standard continues celebrating a decade on the air.
Plus, a new cookbook from Chef Adán Medrano focuses on the plant-based recipes that have deep roots in Mexican cooking on both sides of the border.

The post Data reveals intensity of ICE crackdown in Texas under Trump appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Every podcast has a voice, but the most memorable ones have a personality. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike, Dave, and MacKenzie break down how your voice, tone, and delivery shape your show’s identity. From finding your natural rhythm to maintaining authenticity without losing polish, we’ll help you understand what keeps listeners coming back — and how to make every episode sound like you.

Your “voice” is more than just what comes out of the microphone. It’s your presence, rhythm, and the way you approach your topics and guests.

Ask yourself:

Your voice is the thread that ties every episode together — it’s what listeners recognize and come back for.

Blubrry helps: From hosting to websites, our platform helps you define and share your podcast identity — the way you want it heard.

Tone is the emotional layer of your show. Whether you’re lighthearted, educational, or serious, being intentional with your tone keeps listeners engaged.

Listeners return when they feel comfortable and connected. A consistent tone builds trust — even subtle shifts can make a big difference.

Blubrry helps: With detailed episode notes and show descriptions, you can set the tone before a listener ever hits play.

The podcasts people fall in love with have one thing in common — personality.

Your quirks, humor, or unique way of explaining things make your show stand out. That authenticity is what turns casual listeners into loyal fans.

Be genuine, not scripted:

Blubrry helps: Our Pod2Vid tool lets your personality shine across platforms by turning your episodes into engaging, shareable videos.

Being

A federal court orders the Trump administration to prevent the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) from lapsing. What happens now?
A trial is set to begin this month against defendants for their alleged roles in the July 4 shooting at an ICE detention center in Alvarado. Why this may be a playbook for prosecutions now that Antifa has been designated a terrorist organization.
Public school districts trying to comply with new laws against DEI and sexual content in books are turning to AI with some surprising results.
Also, this week in Texas music history we remember the time post-punk legends Gang of Four made their way to the Lone Star State.

The post Texas schools turn to AI to flag banned books appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

SNAP food assistance benefits are set to run out at midnight, and across the Lone Star State, food banks are bracing for unprecedented demand. How Texans can best help their neighbors in need.

Of the 17 constitutional amendments to be decided by Texas voters, at least four go straight to the heart of a major effort to transform Texas into a world-class business and finance hub. With Election Day fast approaching, we’ll hear what’s at stake.

Texas author Fernando Flores discusses his new novel, “Brother Brontë,” a dystopian story set in the town of Three Rivers.

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 Food banks prepare to fill the gap as SNAP runs out appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This week, Eric Deggans talks with Brad Falchuk about his Netflix series Famous Last Words. The longtime Ryan Murphy collaborator talks about adapting a Danish format built around deeply personal conversations that air only after the guests have died. He also explains why working with streamers isn’t so different from his days in cable television, and how living with dyslexia has made him a stronger writer and creative partner.

Plus, NBCUniversal has snatched up Taylor Sheridan from Paramount, marking the latest shift in Hollywood’s talent landscape. The Yellowstone creator will start a film deal at NBCU in 2026, with his TV projects following in 2029. His departure comes as Paramount faces layoffs and budget tightening under CEO David Ellison, who has spent heavily on sports and South Park rights since acquiring the media company. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dig into how Sheridan’s exit has amplified the growing tension between creative power and studio belt-tightening.

With 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, state officials are reminding Texans what to expect at the polls. We’ll talk with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office about dos and don’ts while voting.

Both Austin and Houston are facing financial strain, but their solutions couldn’t be more different: One wants to raise taxes, while the other wants to hold the line.

Austin DJ Laurie Gallardo, host of the podcast “SPF 1000: Vampire Sunscreen,” discusses Latinx goth culture, its roots in border life and the darker side of music and identity.

The post What Texas voters should know before Election Day appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.