austonia newsletter
Most viewed
It's hard to define where Joe Rogan stands politically, but each week on his podcast he reveals a little more about himself and his ideals that don't seem to align him left or right.
icon·o·clast | \ ī-ˈkä-nə-ˌklast \
Definition: a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions
When podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan landed his self-styled "Texas podcast spaceship" in Austin this month, he brought with him a host of political and personal complexities that made some wonder if the former Ultimate Fighting Championship commentator would fit into Austin's reputation as a city of far-left social justice warriors.
- joe-rogan - austonia ›
- Timeline of Joe Rogan moving to Texas: - austonia ›
- UPDATED 8/9 Joe Rogan says he's moving to Texas 'soon' - austonia ›
- UPDATED 8/9 Will Joe Rogan move his $100 million podcast to ... ›
- Joe Rogan posts podcast studio as he makes move to Austin ... ›
- UPDATED 8/9 Joe Rogan moving to Austin, Texas next month says ... ›
- The names behind the Joe Rogan podcast studio - austonia ›
- EXCLUSIVE: Joe Rogan teases new Texas podcast studio; locals ... ›
- Could a presidential debate be led by Joe Rogan in Austin? - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan surprises Big Laugh Comedy with show - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan episode talks about socialism - austonia ›
- Lance Armstrong lists Old West Austin home for $2 million - austonia ›
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could move to Austin, Texas - austonia ›
Popular
UPDATE 8/9: Locals say new studio is in a home he bought on Lake Austin.
Joe Rogan has confirmed the rumors that he's moving to Texas.
- Will Joe Rogan move his $100 million podcast to Austin? - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan moving to Austin, Texas next month says Joey Diaz ... ›
- Austin protesters clash with police after Garrett Foster's death - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan buys Lake Austin home for new studio, HQ in Austin, Texas - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan posts podcast studio as he makes move to Austin - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan's new home is a $14 million mansion on Lake Austin - austonia ›
- 'Iconoclast' Joe Rogan is in Austin, political views hard to define - austonia ›
Welcome to austonia.com, a new local news site for Austin. We're an authentically local company—Austin stories, Austin people, Austin advertisers. News, trends, media, topics, people. No paywalls. We cover the changes that are reshaping our city. To get connected, sign up for our free daily AM newsletter update.
With an endless number of podcasts out there, how does anyone decide what to listen to? Start with the homegrown. We've put together this list of 12 local—or nearly local—podcasts you won't want to miss.
1. Unlocking Us
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDM4My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDkzOTM1N30.3xEnbcoP0NwHefMYM23qjIWD8VtvPjr_Fz2MLjywKC4/img.jpg?width=980" id="5f574" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="903326811ac81f4d7bfacabcae35698f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="900" data-height="900" /><p>Native Texan and <a href="https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/News/Brene-Brown" target="_blank">visiting McComb's professor</a> Brené Brown, known to some as <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/pandemic-turned-brene-brown-americas-therapist/" target="_blank">America's therapist</a>, talks weekly with celebrities, authors and thinkers on topics ranging from books and movies to current events and big themes of the moment.</p>2. Everyday Superhumans
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzM5NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNjg4NDM4Nn0.6b10VPJHPcNyV5LefhCELCdAMkX5DS91ySu2oghK9tE/img.jpg?width=980" id="67efb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d5d903536a23d8e2f4df59ca5d47e817" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1280" data-height="400" /><p>This podcast covers Austin's local do-gooders and non-profits. Faith in humanity restored! </p>3. Nightlight
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIzNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTUyODM0MH0.QIFTjps01WqKWmQ8EzKerdBOZyLrN5UPzUnu2WA6EAk/img.png?width=980" id="27d1b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f1fda83b01ae4b122c6addd833981d95" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="510" data-height="510" /><p>Nightlight is a horror podcast that features fiction stories about murders, monsters and more. </p>4. Austin Anthem Podcast
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzA0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjEzOTUyNn0.25G8WFOnqDI8uJgQaH19x8NccvGNVX0emZeQ_p_lgW4/img.jpg?width=980" id="868e7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3f2a19562ce92b69b8767d6c75ed27b6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="328" data-height="328" /><p>Hosted by a group of supporters, Austin Anthem Podcast is the longest-running podcast about Austin FC, Austin's new and only Major League Soccer team. </p>5. In Black America
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzE2OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDk0MzE2M30.Y2TSVgkqC3YC-wq11JqInKG5izbM2Gq5G75iUp5ANIY/img.jpg?width=980" id="e94da" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="03d9ba86152b856c9bdf132d03cf55ac" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p><a href="https://www.kut.org/people/john-l-hanson-jr" target="_blank">John Hanson Jr.</a> hosts and produces In Black America, where he interviews civil rights leaders, educators, athletes and more on the black experience in America. </p>6. Media Monday Show!
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjgwMDE4Nn0.TovUYdom4UpufhyXI22Noqs3W4yxVkV-xtIZIgw_KIE/img.png?width=980" id="4ead9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="75dae40ef49773da79dd2042cc844855" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="750" data-height="750" /><p><a href="https://www.mediaatx.org" target="_blank">Media ATX</a> founders Tom Cheredar and Josh Rubin talk about local Austin media industry news in the Media Monday Show!</p>7. The Forward
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzE2NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1ODgxNjg1M30.YVUsRfFYNgu9iI7LCqRaXhZgBVWDaBcNeY4L4FeiFRw/img.jpg?width=980" id="056a0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="23d9a5a8fdfdeb51d35dba7e40251920" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="2000" data-height="2000" /><p>Lance Armstrong hosts <a href="https://wedu.team/the-forward" target="_blank">The Forward</a>, where he interviews a range of personalities on sports, politics, entertainment and more. </p>8. Quaranteen'd
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIyNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NjI4MDIwNn0.iGDGCOT4_otQgx9GxmIbSVRBN4sv-1QFaDb2CH6G5Nk/img.png?width=980" id="3e657" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4316714bba26a77c9db43995c49d9ea8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="720" data-height="720" /><p>With a cast of kids and seasoned actors, <a href="https://austonia.com/media/austins-hodgepodge-media-rethinks-its-startup-plan-with-quaranteend/particle-1" target="_blank">Quaranteen'd is a virtual, all-ages audio treasure hunt</a>.</p>9. The Beerists
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIzMC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjgwNjE3MX0.sBvYrEUg8pgtFSg_00gA_vq0xt47DVogKLVAxeBtOQ0/img.png?width=980" id="636a1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e8f93c8b7cb8c12db9d026389f695000" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="300" data-height="174" /><p>The Beerists is produced by a group of beer-lovers in Austin who meet up weekly to judge five different beers from around the world. </p>10. The Night Owl Podcast
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzI0MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTc3NzIxOX0.3EZmg_YTJijBEUszdHRll50ooc7uSaidfHxHB8-zUkw/img.png?width=980" id="cc7a9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3620fefc29f0fc10699fd553349a8281" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="612" data-height="612" /><p>The Night Owl Podcast features true stories of hauntings, mysteries and paranormal activities. </p>11. Gender Fluids
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzI2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDU0OTI3OH0.9Hj8E08RONQ1zmBTflwMkWHV8CT3mVehctoW57J6YFk/img.jpg?width=980" id="3da8b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9595bb0964c768c81813ec0b49e897e8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p>Hosted by comedians Austin Smartt and Arielle Norman, Gender Fluids dives into the depths of gender and sexuality. </p>12. Tumble
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzQxOC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzcxMjUzNn0.14CxyVBxASxPaPP2uJhgMd8Qnk-kTjd60lCMmDc7ODs/img.png?width=980" id="461df" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2f849ce272b553a045e27c73dd2bacb5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="838" data-height="642" /><p><a href="http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com" target="_blank">Tumble</a> is a kids podcast all about science and new discoveries. </p>- Austin's Hodgepodge Media rethinks its plan for a new kids podcast ... ›
- Will Joe Rogan move his $100 million podcast to Austin? - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan moving to Austin, Texas next month says Joe Diaz - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan buys Lake Austin home for new studio, HQ in Austin, Texas - austonia ›
- Longhorns may have fall season: Big 12, SEC, ACC still hoping to play in 2020 - reports - austonia ›
- Manley meets with Mellow Johnny's staff at Lance Armstrong's request - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan posts podcast studio as he makes move to Austin - austonia ›
- Saturday Night Live adds UT alumnus Andrew Dismukes to cast - austonia ›
- ICYMI: What's making headlines in Austin this week Dec. 7-11 - austonia ›
When the COVID-19 pandemic began prompting shutdowns in March, Austin resident Jonathan Osborne and his childhood friend, Brandon Camp, were about halfway through writing a scripted podcast for kids.
The cast and crew of Quaranteen'd held long Zoom calls.
(HodgePodge Media)
<p>With the help of Cindy McCreery, an associate screenwriting professor at the University of Texas at Austin, they hired a team of young writers, who fleshed out the story over long Zoom calls. "We treated it like any traditional Hollywood writers' room," Camp said.</p><p>In search of a cast, they created an Instagram account and put out a call. Close to 2,000 submissions filtered in. "We completely underestimated how much time people had on their hands," Osborne said.</p>Mayla Montgomery plays the lead role in Quaranteen'd
(HodgePodge Media)
<p>Mayla Montgomery, a rising seventh grader at Round Rock ISD, plays lead character Zoe Cross, a teenager who believes she's discovered the cure—but it is being hidden by the Bridge Corp., which stands to profit from the pandemic. "She's always fired up and passionate about something," Montgomery says of her character.</p><p>After hearing about Quaranteen'd from her neighbor, an executive producer of the show, Montgomery decided to try out. She put together a resume with her experience with improv at the local comedy club ColdTowne Theatre and musical theater. After submitting her audition, she was "shocked" to receive a callback. Her surprise doubled when she was offered the role.<br></p><p>Soon, Montgomery received a recording kit from Osborne and Camp. "We've been shipping equipment all over the country," Osborne said, adding that they soon learned how to conduct mic tests over Zoom and instruct the actors to wrap themselves in blankets for the best sound quality.</p><p>Sometimes kids' productions are shoddily made and don't take their audience very seriously, Camp said, but he wanted Quaranteen'd to be a true cinematic experience—on par with films by Steven Spielberg and moves such as The Goonies and Star Wars.</p><p>Montgomery said she has listened to the first few episodes with her younger brother, who is usually a little too distracted to sit through things. But Quaranteen'd has him hooked.</p><p>"We're not surprised because this is what we always felt like we were capable of bringing to the space, but it certainly has been pleasant," Camp said of the reaction so far.</p><p>Once this season is over, Osborne and Camp plan to tackle an even more ambitious project: remotely producing a musical podcast.</p><p>"The irony is that this is the time of isolation and yet I feel like we have brought together this family for this family podcast," Camp said. "Amid the 2 a.m. sessions with the sound engineering and pulling out hair and wondering why the heck we're doing this—those are the moments that have certainly inspired me and kept me going."</p>- Austin-based, kid-friendly gaming service Tankee sees success in pandemic as families spend more time at home - austonia ›
- Kid-friendly streaming service Tankee sees success in pandemic - austonia ›
- 12 Austin podcasts you can't miss - austonia ›
- Will Joe Rogan move his $100 million podcast to Austin? - austonia ›
- Joe Rogan moving to Austin, Texas next month says Joe Diaz - austonia ›
- Zynga bases new "Star Wars" mobile game studio in Austin - austonia ›