The Drag: Stories

Health and wellness company Botanic Tonics has become one of the largest brands to specialize in kratom-based drinks with their popular Feel Free tonic. However, Feel Free tonics are marketed and labeled as "sober-alternatives". Since 2020, Botanic Tonics has grown to become the official sponsor of multiple college sports teams, including The University of Texas at Austin. In this episode, Hope Gullatt looks into the misleading promotion of kratom and its long lasting effects on the brain.

Matthew Held, Kaiya Little, and Ella Barnes all have something in common: Inanimate objects. They've all got a special connection to their possessions. For Matt, it's hunting knives. For Kaiya, it's a dream catcher. Ella, who hosts this episode, explores these connections we have with inanimate objects – inspired by her love for her grandparents' dark side of the moon vinyl.

Being stuck on a highway during rush hour traffic is no one's idea of a good time, but adding more lanes should help. Right? The Texas Department of Transportation is currently expanding the section of I-35 that runs through Austin, TX, which might sound like a good thing. But adding more lanes actually just makes traffic worse over time. So why do we keep doing it? And what's the alternative? Aislyn Gaddis talks to a political satire TikToker and two local advocacy groups — Rethink35 and Reconnect Austin — to try and find out.

SHOW NOTES

Walkable neighborhoods provide health, environmental and financial benefits - The Washington Post

Can Removing Highways Fix America's Cities? - The New York Times

Whether you're an avid reader or haven't finished a book since high school, chances are you've seen books with the words "a New York Times Best Seller" on the cover. Have you ever wondered what it takes to earn this stamp of approval, or why so many books are somehow No. 1 best sellers? In this special episode from Data Dives, host Carolyn Parmer explains the complicated process of how the Times constructs its best-seller lists — what the public knows about it, that is.

Introducing a new series from The Drag: "Forsaken."

"Forsaken" is a series that explores the systems that both enhance and oppress the lives of the more than 29 million people living in Texas. Each episode will address issues that Texans face each day – the good and the bad. We'll explore the criminal justice system, Texas politics, civil rights, social issues and even a little bit of history. Texas is the second-most diverse state in the nation and has equally diverse stories to tell. As the legendary late Texas singer Billy Joe Shaver sings: "You fathers and you mothers / Be good to one another / Please try to raise your children right / Don't let the darkness take 'em / Don't make 'em feel forsaken / Just lead 'em safely to the light."

The first two episodes of "Forsaken" drop Thursday, March 7.

Follow "Forsaken" on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Or your favorite podcasting app!

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin.

You've probably heard Austin referred to as the live music capital of the world, but where should you actually go to hear some live music? Madison Myers and Molly-Jo Tilton highlight a few of Austin's more intimate music venues. Ryan Olszewski and Carolyn Parmer highlight an off-the-beaten path live music spot. Heather Stewart and Sofia Vargas Karam look at places to hear electronic music in Austin.

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin.

In today's episode, we're talking about some general travel tips if you're visiting Austin. Kevin Baskar and Carolyn Parmer highlight things to do near the University of Texas campus, if you find yourself in our neck of the woods. Christy Crawford and Sofia Vargas Karam give you tips on where to go if you're traveling with your dog. And Paula Levin-Coon and Madison Myers talk about two unique ways to get around town – pedicabs and ebikes.

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin.

In today's episode, we're talking about everyone's favorite topicL Food. Dacia Garcia and Kylie Miller try some of Austin's best burger joints. Mackenzie Matwick and Molly-Jo Tilton explore Tex-Mex spots in Austin. Ry Olszewski and Miles Oshan highlight coffee shops, and Heather Stewart and Amaris Ovalle visit a unique bakery near the University of Texas campus.

This season will feature stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at UT Austin.

In today's episode, we're sharing stories about places to shop while you're visiting Austin. Amaris Ovalle and Dacia Garcia take us to some of Austin's top record stores. Mackenzie Matwick, Sofia Vargas Karam and Madison Myers get outfitted in their Western best along South Congress avenue. Miles Oshan highlights Exploded Records, a unique record store in Austin. Carolyn Parmer and Kylie Miller highlight some of Austin's top bookstores.

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin.

In this special season highlighting tourist tips in Austin, we're talking museums on today's episode. Heather Stewart and Christy Crawford take us to the Thinkery, Austin's children's museum. Kevin Baskar and Molly-Jo Tilton give us an audio tour of the Texas Capitol and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Paula Levin-Coon and Ry Olszewski visit some of Austin's iconic murals.