SoundStack

A record-breaking heat wave will blanket big sections of the state. Is this a preview of summer?
The U.S. has suspended imports of cattle from Mexico as a devastating pest, the New World Screwworm, makes its way north, threatening livestock.
The Houston City Council kicks off budget hearings this week, weighing steep cuts.
The new book “Freedom Season” by Texas author Peniel Joseph explores how the year 1963 transformed civil rights in America.
And: Planning a pit stop at Buc-ee’s? Some of you can now enjoy bathroom art galleries.

The post Potentially historic heatwave settling in over much of Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

We hope you’ll find these ideas on how to grow a podcast from 50 listeners per episode helpful in your podcasting quest.

Launching a podcast is exciting—but growing one from just a handful of listeners can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need thousands of followers or a marketing budget to build momentum. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Mike share eight actionable tips to help new podcasters attract more listeners, build a loyal community, and make progress one episode at a time.

Don’t spread yourself thin. Pick one platform where your audience already hangs out (e.g., Twitter/X for tech, Instagram for lifestyle, LinkedIn for B2B) and:

Goal: Get seen by people already interested in your topic, and become a recognizable voice.

Instead of “Rate and Review!” say:

“If this made you think of someone, send it to them.”

That’s a clear, emotional ask—easier than writing a review and more likely to lead to a new listener.

Your show title and episode titles must speak to the value or curiosity of your target listener. Avoid vague names—opt for searchable, benefit-driven wording.

Bad: Episode 22: A Chat with Mark

Reach out to similar-sized shows to:

You don’t need “big names”—you need aligned voices who share audiences.

Turn each episode into:

Each of these increases visibility without recording new content.

Add a simple email signup to your website or use a free ConvertKit/beehiiv form. Offer:

Use the list to personally invite people to share, leave feedback, or check out a new episode.

Literally. Survey them. Ask:

These 50 listeners are gold. They’re your early adopters—make them feel like insiders.

Better intro, tighter editing, clearer audio, stronger CTA… your audience grows faster when the quality improves consistently. You don’t need perfection—just progress.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets

Abortion pills, denial of bail, and a ban on land purchases for some people: What’s happening in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature?
After jackpot controversies, multiple resignations and a ban on online lotto ticket sales, the state’s lottery system is now under investigation.
Cities on the rise across Texas are quite literally sinking, with Houston faring the worst out of any major U.S. metropolis.
The latest projections on a fast-approaching hurricane season.
And: Checking in with Catholics across the state on the first Sunday with a new pope.

The post Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the US, study finds appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Donald Trump stunned Hollywood with his announcement of a 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S., framing it as a move to revive domestic production and counter foreign incentives. The industry responded with confusion and concern, warning that such tariffs could sharply raise production costs, reduce the number of films made, and hit moviegoers with higher ticket prices.

Plus, the papal conclave is underway in search of the next pope. Masters revisits her interview with Edward Berger about his latest film, Conclave. The German director tells us how studying filmmaking at NYU in the 90s led him to an internship at the indie production company Good Machine. He also sings the praises of Netflix, which he reveals was the only financier daring enough to pay for his grim German-language war film All Quiet on the Western Front. The film went on to receive four Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film.

Texas Catholics, now almost a third of the state population, are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from America.
Gov. Gregg Abbott has just signed into law a school voucher plan, but some Texans are continuing to push back.
A judge orders the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, following a civil court trial over a purchase deal that fell through in 2023.
Fans can get an early look at this summer’s “King of the Hill” reboot at the ATX TV Festival.
And: the week in politics with the Texas Tribune.

The post Texas Renaissance Festival ordered to sell land, assets following lengthy legal battle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Several current and former Frio County officials have been indicted for alleged vote harvesting, part of a years-long investigation led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. One critic calls it voter suppression 101. What’s behind the charges?
In the conversation over cash bail reform, what’s missing? An new investigation points to a lack of focus on the bail bond industry.
The new world screwworm, a livestock pest, may be making a comeback in the U.S., and experts say Mexico hasn’t been cooperating to stop it. The Standard’s Michael Marks dives into why it’s considered so dangerous to Texas.
And: It’s prom and quinceañera season – milestone celebrations that often come with big dresses, big parties and of course, big meals. Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast, digs in.

The post Ranchers plead for help to fight a devastating pest on its way back to Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

According to a new poll, Texans have predictable opinions along party lines about Donald Trump’s immigration policies – but it’s more complicated on the economy.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against Austin ISD, accusing it of teaching critical race theory. It’s not the first time a Texas district has faced such charges.
Shrimp fraud is driving that sector of Gulf Coast agriculture to the brink. What you need to know about it.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the 11 most endangered historic places, including the San Juan Hotel in the Rio Grande Valley.
And: A land acquisition in the Big Bend preserves access to river recreation.

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 How shrimp fraud is affecting coastal fishers appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The week of May 7, 2025 on The Metallica Report…

This week is all about “...Sandman,” “...Sandman,” “ and more “...Sandman.” First, we hear from James Hetfield about his developing appreciation for the equestrian world after meeting Sandman, the horse that just competed in the Kentucky Derby. Steff and Renée are also joined by the Virginia Fuel Chapter to chat about Virginia Tech's “Enter Sandman” phenomenon, as well as Jed Castro, the Senior Athletics Director at V Tech, who helped get the iconic entrance off the ground!The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.James Meets Sandman: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKnBYJSy_2/
“Enter Sandman” at Lane Stadium: https://youtu.be/M_uzuB-sryw?si=xvZknrFy6kyqmoKX For Whom The Band Tolls Competition: https://www.metallicamarchingband.com Upcoming Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour M72 map - https://m72map.metallica.com “Metallica Saved My Life” Film: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/metallica-saved-my-life Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music

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

State lawmakers from the House and Senate reach a deal lowering property taxes. Will it pass?
It’s the ultimate company town: How Space X’s launch site in South Texas became a city.
Generic and house brands are taking off as people look to save on grocery bills. But that’s not the only reason shoppers prefer them.
What’s next for Gregg Popovich in his new role with the Spurs.
And: Author Rachel Cockerell on her new family memoir about an effort in the early 1900s to create a Jewish homeland in Texas.

The post What’s next as Gregg Popovich steps away from the Spurs? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

When Lesa McDermott talks about camping, her enthusiasm lights up like a crackling campfire. A Nebraska native with a background as rich as the landscapes she explores — former golf pro, EMT, dive master, lawyer, and now the vice president of Girl Camper — Lesa embodies the spirit of adventure and empowerment that defines the Girl Camper community.

“I kind of inherited the podcast,” explains our May Podcaster of the Month. Lesa recently spoke with Mike Dell, Blubrry VP of customer relations, about her path to podcasting. “It was more of a default.”

This wasn’t a random handoff, she explained. It was the natural next step, initiated as a devoted listener who evolved into becoming the voice behind one of the most inspiring outdoor lifestyle brands for women in America.

Lesa’s introduction to the Girl Camper podcast came as a fan. Founded by Janine Pettit, the show began a decade ago when few outdoor-centric podcasts — especially those geared toward women — existed. “It became really popular really quickly,” Lesa recalls. “I loved listening to it and learning all kinds of things about camping.”

When Janine later expanded the brand to include local guides and hostesses who would lead camping trips and events across the country, Lesa jumped at the chance to get involved. “I became the South Dakota guide,” she says, “and hosted some trips and events.”