Episodes

  • An Update From City Cast Austin

    An Update From City Cast Austin
    Apr 27 2026
    The City Cast Austin podcast is taking a brief break over the next few months to regroup and develop some new concepts. In the meantime, be sure to keep us in your feeds and be on the look out for our return. Stay connected with the latest Austin news and future podcast updates via our newsletter. If you aren’t already subscribed to our daily morning newsletter, now’s the time to sign up.
    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • City’s Controversial Encampment Crackdown, Firefighter Wins in Court, & Austin’s Viral Owlet

    City’s Controversial Encampment Crackdown, Firefighter Wins in Court, & Austin’s Viral Owlet
    Apr 24 2026
    The City of Austin is considering changing how it responds to homeless encampments, including deploying daily cleanup teams. But after a recent video highlighted the human impacts of these sweeps, questions are being asked about what that process should look like. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to break it all down. Plus, the Austin firefighter pushing for equality in workers’ compensation and the baby owl stealing our hearts (and plenty of our screen time). Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Visit Port Aransas
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Is Austin Really a Blues City?

    Is Austin Really a Blues City?
    Apr 23 2026
    Decades ago, Stevie Ray Vaughan brought the Texas Blues to town — but since then, Austin has birthed a well-known blues festival and kept the Austin Home of the Blues, Antone’s Nightclub, in business. And, thanks to a 50-year lease, Antone’s won’t be moving out anytime soon. So, where do the blues fit into Austin’s status as the “Live Music Capital of the World”? Executive Producer Eva Ruth Moravec sits down with Austin’s longtime icon, “Soul Man Sam” Evans, to hear about how we got here; and later is joined by relative newcomer D.K. Harrell to talk about the future of blues in Austin. Catch both musicians’ live sets this weekend at the Austin Blues Festival. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Visit Port Aransas
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • What You Don’t Know About Austin’s Trees

    What You Don’t Know About Austin’s Trees
    Apr 22 2026
    Austin’s tree canopy is something to be proud of — even more so if you don’t zoom in. Did you know that the disparities between East Austin and West Austin even extend up to the trees? This Earth Day, learn something new about our tree canopy in today’s episode, a conversation between host Nikki DaVaughn and TreeFolks’ Executive Director Andrew W. Smiley. Plus, stay tuned for our midweek mood boost, about Central Health's new flagship location. This episode originally aired on May 13, 2025. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Visit Port Aransas
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Could Austin Lose $2.5M in State Grants? Plus, Rowdy Spring Weather and Unhappy Northeasterners

    Could Austin Lose $2.5M in State Grants? Plus, Rowdy Spring Weather and Unhappy Northeasterners
    Apr 21 2026
    On today’s Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Grace Reader, the city hall and local government reporter for KXAN, to talk about the latest fight between the State of Texas and the City of Austin — this time over Austin police’s new ICE policy. Plus, what to watch for in the skies in the next few weeks, why you should pack a “go” bag and be prepared for flooding even in a drought, and whether North Easterners can truly be happy in Austin.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Why AISD’s Deficit Just Keeps Getting Worse

    Why AISD’s Deficit Just Keeps Getting Worse
    Apr 20 2026
    The Austin Independent School District recently shared the troubling news that its deficit could balloon to $181 million next year, even after it closes 10 campuses. Staffing cuts are seemingly inevitable — so what’s on the chopping block? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Keri Heath, an education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, to find out why the district’s expenses are higher than expected, and get into how declining enrollment and property values affect the budget. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this April 20th episode: City of Austin Taskrabbit Visit Port Aransas
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Red River's Glow-Up, City Threatens Overpaid Workers, & Reggae Fest

    Red River's Glow-Up, City Threatens Overpaid Workers, & Reggae Fest
    Apr 17 2026
    The Red River Cultural District has unveiled a plan to revamp its so-called "Music Mile," a 10-block stretch from 15th to 5th streets. The proposal follows the district's recent economic impact report, but doesn’t mention how much the makeover would cost. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss the hopeful changes coming and why upgrading and preserving the street matters. Plus, a lightning round of news updates on: the Cabana Club shooting, Austin's best-in-the-nation coffee (we agree), and why some city employees were threatened with a lawsuit. Then, stick around for the team's weekend picks! Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this April 17th episode: Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Are Austinites Happy?

    Are Austinites Happy?
    Apr 16 2026
    Austin is officially the 39th happiest city in America to live in, according to a recent WalletHub survey. But what does that even mean? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Shaun Branigan, writer and actor at Esther's Follies; and City Cast Austin producer Elissa Castles to determine, using questionable scientific and math logic, just how happy is Austin? Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.. And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Window Nation Downtown Austin Alliance
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins