City Cast Austin

As the holiday shopping season kicks into gear, chances are you'll find yourself heading out to The Domain. But let's be real, that place tends to spark some strong opinions among Austinites. We either love it or we really really don't. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack all things Domain: the good, the bad, and the downright cringe. From shopping and dining to people-watching and parking woes, we’re diving into what this mixed-use mecca says about our city.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 November 6th episode: DUER

The results are in, and Austinites voted against Proposition Q, which would have raised property taxes by more than 20% and added $110 million to the city's budget. So what will happen now? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to break down last night's election results and explore what lies ahead for City Council and the city programs now facing uncertainty. Plus, the team gets into which Texas constitutional amendments passed.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 November 5th episode: DUER

Last week, The Michelin Guide revealed the second annual Texas guide, honoring 51 Austin restaurants with stars, Bib Gourmands, and recommendations. For some, it’s the ultimate win, but do Michelin stars really mean anything here in Austin? Host Nikki DaVaughn sits down with Texas Monthly restaurant critic Paula Forbes and Alicynn Fink, a partner of the Michelin-awarded Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, to break down the results, the surprises and what this year's awards will mean for Austin's dining scene.   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 November 4th episode: DUER Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.

Think Austin takes a breather after October? Think again. November’s bursting with events, eats, and inspiration. If you’re not sure what to add to your calendar (or your fridge), fear not! Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producer Elissa Castles and Leila Sales, book publisher, editor, and writer of the weekly newsletter Lite + Brite, to help you plan the perfect month in Austin. We’re sharing our top picks for what to see (don’t miss the Austin Studio Tour), what to read, and what to cook this November. Plus, if you’ll be spending extra time in the kitchen, consider giving back by donating to one of Austin’s local free fridges. For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Austin, check out Hey Austin’s take on what to do this month.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 November 3rd episode: DUER

As the federal government shutdown stretches past four weeks, its impact is hitting home in Austin. Starting tomorrow, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be paused, leaving many families uncertain about how they’ll put food on the table, and food banks racing to fill the gap. On today's Friday News Round Up host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producer Elissa Castles and senior account executive Dan Weinstock to discuss what this means for our community and how Austinites are stepping up to help. Plus, the team digs into reports of whooping cough spreading at an Austin middle school, why Elon Musk's company is removing safety crews from its Robotaxis, and of course our weekend plans. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 October 31st episode: Austin Food and Wines Festival

As October winds down and fall settles in, Austin’s taps are overflowing with rich, seasonal ales. Host Nikki DaVaughn admits beer isn't always her favorite, but the season's brews are sometimes too tempting to pass up. Award-winning beverage and food writer Ruvani de Silva joins Nikki to make the case for Austin's hearty stouts, bold porters, and other local seasonal favorites that even beer skeptics will want to try. Plus, she shares her favorite spots to sip a pint and her picks for local ales that have become Austin classics. This episode originally aired October 29th, 2024.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 October 30th episode: Austin Food and Wines Festival

Austin's local businesses are the heart of what keeps this city unique and full of character. But with tariffs putting pressure on small shops around town, shopping local matters more now than ever before. On today's episode, host Nikki DaVaughn joins Austin influencer Ciara Cera, who's just discovering the city's independent gems, to share the best spots for gifts, plants, and other one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you're a long-time Austinite or brand new to town, these shops will remind you to "Keep Austin Weird."  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 October 29th episode: Austin Food and Wines Festival

Austin's⁠ ⁠⁠busy season⁠⁠⁠ is in full swing. If you’ve been bouncing from festivals to shows, staying out past 10 p.m. and wondering where to grab a bite, we’ve got you covered. On today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn teams up with executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and producer Elissa Castles to share Austin’s best spots for late-night snacking, quick to-go bites and cozy dine-in eats. Whether you’re craving tacos, comfort food or something sweet, Austin’s late-night options might surprise you. And good news, night owls: Magnolia Cafe is⁠ ⁠⁠back to 24-hour service⁠⁠⁠ Thursdays through Sundays! Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠Hey 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 October 28th episode: ⁠Cozy Earth⁠ - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. ⁠Austin Food and Wines Festival⁠

Austinites can now take improv classes from the Upright Citizens Brigade, further solidifying our fair city’s spot as one of the country’s funniest cities (at least if you ask us). While we once had only a handful of choices for venues to make us laugh out loud, Austin is now home to dozens of comedy clubs, including Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by local comedian Izzy Burger, who hosts Ladies Night at the Velveeta Room; and Dave Buckman of ColdTowne Theater to dig into what makes Austinites so funny, where to get started if you think you’re funny, and what the New York Times got wrong about The Creek and The Cave’s move down here during the pandemic.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 October 27th episode: Austin Food and Wines Festival

Gov. Greg Abbott's latest move to clear out Austin's homeless encampments this week has once again put the city and state at odds. Mayor Kirk Watson claims to have been blindsided by Abbott's directive and was disappointed by the state's approach. On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to talk about the latest showdown between Austin and the State of Texas. Plus, we discuss the extreme drought conditions, the exciting chance of rain (remember that stuff?), and what we're getting into this weekend.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 October 24th episode: Adios - Use code CITYCAST for 50% off