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What about Austin has you curious?

KUT » ATXplained

Austin, Texas


    • Mar 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 300 EPISODES

    4.9 from 78 ratings Listeners of KUT » ATXplained that love the show mention: city, thank you so much, new.


    Ivy Insights

    The KUT - ATXplained podcast has been an absolute gem for both longtime Austinites and newcomers to the city. As someone who has made Austin their forever home, I can't express enough gratitude for the outstanding narratives that this program has provided. Each episode is filled with fascinating stories and insights about Austin's history, culture, and hidden gems that truly make this city so unique. It's refreshing to learn new things about a place I thought I knew so well, and the hosts do an exceptional job of keeping the content engaging and informative.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to shed light on lesser-known aspects of Austin. The stories are thoughtfully researched and presented in a way that captivates the listener from start to finish. Whether it's uncovering hidden historical landmarks or exploring local traditions and customs, each episode leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the city. The hosts also do a fantastic job of incorporating personal anecdotes and experiences, adding an authentic touch to the narratives.

    That being said, there are a few aspects of this podcast that could be improved upon. While the content itself is excellent, there are times when certain topics feel rushed or not fully explored. This leaves me craving more in-depth discussions on certain subjects that deserve more attention. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have more consistency in terms of release schedule as there have been long gaps between episodes at times.

    In conclusion, The KUT - ATXplained podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to dive deep into Austin's rich history and discover its hidden treasures. Despite some minor shortcomings, the outstanding narratives provided by this podcast make it an invaluable resource for both locals and newcomers alike. The hosts' passion for the city shines through each episode, making it impossible not to fall even more in love with Austin through their storytelling. Keep up the great work!



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    Latest episodes from KUT » ATXplained

    How long have movies and TV shows been filmed in Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 8:35


    We’re back with a new season of stories about Austin’s people, places and culture. As SXSW rolls through Austin this week, we answer a question from Sarah Dixon about the history of films and filmmaking in Austin. The post How long have movies and TV shows been filmed in Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Introducing 24 Hours in Austin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 52:30


    TXplained wants to share a new podcast with you. 24 Hours in Austin tries to answer the question: What does a day in the life of Austin, Texas sound like? The post Introducing 24 Hours in Austin appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Why are people dropping flour in weird patterns around Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 16:06


    Our question asker noticed it happening at Boggy Creek Trail. But the explanation is weirder — and more fun! — than you might think. The post Why are people dropping flour in weird patterns around Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why hasn’t Bob Schneider ever had a Top 40 hit?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024


    We investigate why “Austin treasure” Bob Schneider has seen big success on the local scene, but hasn’t seemed to crack into the world of huge mainstream “success”. The post Why hasn’t Bob Schneider ever had a Top 40 hit? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    How is Big Stacy Pool naturally heated?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024


    It’s the hot to Barton Springs’ cold. Why is Big Stacy warm year-round? The post How is Big Stacy Pool naturally heated? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Were there ever alligators in Zilker Park?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024


    A generation of Austinites’ memories all line up: several alligators right in Zilker Park in the 1980s. Is it some kind of mass delusion or could it be true? The post Were there ever alligators in Zilker Park? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    What’s the story behind this insert from a 1975 ZZ Top album?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024


    In 1974, Austin was host to an epic — and epically messy — concert at UT’s Texas Memorial Stadium. This is the story from people who were there. The post What’s the story behind this insert from a 1975 ZZ Top album? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why is there a display about Jasper Johns on the side of a Jason’s Deli in San Marcos?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024


    A mysterious poster about a famous artist with no connections to Texas — or Jason’s Deli — leads us on a hunt for who made the thing — and why on Earth they put it there. The post Why is there a display about Jasper Johns on the side of a Jason’s Deli in San Marcos? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    There used to be a pet cemetery in Pflugerville. What happened to the animals?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 10:09


    Where the pain stops and the good memories begin. The post There used to be a pet cemetery in Pflugerville. What happened to the animals? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why do all the new skyscrapers in Austin look blue?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024


    Let’s take a moment to reflect on the color of Austin’s contemporary skyline. The post Why do all the new skyscrapers in Austin look blue? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Why do lifeguards at Austin’s pools blow their whistles like that? (archive episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 7:22


    It’s break time. Everyone out of the pool. But what’s that sound? The post Why do lifeguards at Austin’s pools blow their whistles like that? (archive episode) appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why are there so many empty stores on The Drag near UT Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 9:41


    When you walk along The Drag, there's not much to see in terms of businesses. Sure, there's some hustle and bustle — students walking to and from class, cars rushing by — but many of the storefronts are empty. The post Why are there so many empty stores on The Drag near UT Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Can you raise backyard chickens in Austin even if your HOA says you can’t?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 11:13


    When a person buys a property under an HOA, they're agreeing to any rules the HOA enacts. But there are state laws that could change things. The post Can you raise backyard chickens in Austin even if your HOA says you can’t? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Black houses are so hot right now in Austin. But are they hotter? (archive episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 8:04


    Does the color of your house make a difference in how energy efficient it is? We try to find out. The post Black houses are so hot right now in Austin. But are they hotter? (archive episode) appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Is Steiner Ranch really full of swingers?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 15:36


    Some neighborhoods around Austin have their own reputation. Most of them are probably not all that accurate. The post Is Steiner Ranch really full of swingers? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Where have Austin’s Indigenous people gone? (archive episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 11:13


    We spend a lot of time in Austin talking about how many new people move here. But most of us don't talk much about the people who came before us — way before us.  If you've ever taken a walk along Shoal Creek or gone to Barton Springs on a hot summer day, you're doing […] The post Where have Austin’s Indigenous people gone? (archive episode) appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why do bluebonnets grow so well along MoPac?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 7:31


    If you’ve ever been jealous of the lush, beautiful patches of wildflowers along Austin’s highways, this story is for you. The post Why do bluebonnets grow so well along MoPac? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Does Austin have a rat problem? Maybe. But this reporter sure does.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 13:17


    Audrey McGlinchy on the prevalence, psychology and behavior of what are maybe humans’ most vexing pest. The post Does Austin have a rat problem? Maybe. But this reporter sure does. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    How does Thomas J. Henry make any money when he spends so much on ads all over Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 11:32


    He’s everywhere: TV, radio, billboards, YouTube. What’s the marketing strategy for this personal injury lawyer? The post How does Thomas J. Henry make any money when he spends so much on ads all over Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    A tower has loomed in Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood for 72 years. What does it do?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 13:34


    At one point, this tower was Austin’s main communication link to the outside world. Decades later, is it a landmark — or an eyesore — for the neighborhood? The post A tower has loomed in Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood for 72 years. What does it do? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why are some Austin sidewalks red?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023


    There’s your standard gray sidewalk, of course. But what on Earth does a red sidewalk mean? The post Why are some Austin sidewalks red? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    What’s the oldest tree in Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 14:31


    The full transcript of this episode of ATXplained is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post What’s the oldest tree in Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    What happened to the time capsule UT Austin buried at Centennial Park?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 12:46


    The full transcript of this episode of ATXplained is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post What happened to the time capsule UT Austin buried at Centennial Park? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    What happened to Juarez-Lincoln University in downtown Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 11:18


    Before there was an IHOP, there was a university that attempted to revolutionize higher education for immigrants at the corner of I-35 and Cesar Chavez Street. The post What happened to Juarez-Lincoln University in downtown Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    What are those towers for in West Austin and why are they all there?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 11:43


    Off to Austin's west, you may have seen a collection of towers with their red lights blinking through the night. ALSO: You can get tickets to our next ATXplained Live show here. The post What are those towers for in West Austin and why are they all there? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    What's the story behind the colorful Maria de la Luz Cemetery in South Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 11:14


    We question a question about the history of this Mexican-American cemetery — one that stands in contrast to many of the more staid cemeteries around Austin. The post What's the story behind the colorful Maria de la Luz Cemetery in South Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Why is Lala’s Little Nugget in Austin always decorated for Christmas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 12:53


    No matter the season, the iconic Austin dive bar off Justin Lane is filled with snow globes, Christmas trees and strings of red and green lights. But the story behind how this decor came to be is always changing. The post Why is Lala’s Little Nugget in Austin always decorated for Christmas? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    What’s the oldest music venue in Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 12:14


    It seems like a simple question, with a simple answer. But there’s more to it. The post What’s the oldest music venue in Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    Why does the Texas Legislature meet for only 140 days every two years?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 10:19


    Army veteran Denise Gordon questioned whether it makes any sense for lawmakers from the second-largest state in the country and one of the largest economies in the world to meet so infrequently. The post Why does the Texas Legislature meet for only 140 days every two years? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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    What are the weirdest laws in Texas?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 11:31


    The Texas Legislature's regular session is nearing an end. While some of the laws passed during these sessions are crucial to keep the state running, other laws have been a little more interesting. The post What are the weirdest laws in Texas? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    ‘Is Austin hiding their elderly?’ What’s the average age of its residents?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 6:08


    In a city with a reputation as being young, we got a question about where all of Austin’s older people are. The post ‘Is Austin hiding their elderly?’ What’s the average age of its residents? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

    Who is ‘Moody,’ and why is everything in Austin named after them?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 11:09


    There’s the Moody College of Communication at UT, the Moody Rooftop at the Contemporary Austin, Moody Hall at St. Edwards University, Moody Bank, the Moody Pavilions at Laguna Gloria, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, and Moody Center. It can be a little confusing.

    For mouth painter Jared Dunten, the trick is to just keep going

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 12:22


    The process can leave him feeling “beat up,” but he still gets the thrill he felt when he painted for the first time after an accident left him paralyzed from the neck down.

    What happens to all that stuff you throw in compost bins in Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 7:41


    Every week banana peels, coffee grounds, moldy strawberries and pizza boxes are placed in green bins and rolled out to the street as part of the city’s residential composting program.

    How much of the stuff we put in the blue bin in Austin actually gets recycled?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 13:15


    Plastic in the U.S. is largely going unrecycled, but the city says that’s not so for the plastic we put in the blue bins.

    Why is the two-step danced differently in Austin than in other parts of Texas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 4:29


    Two-stepping originated from foxtrot and has been danced to country music in dancehalls around Austin for ages. Influenced by other music genres played in the region, people here have put their own spin on it. KUT listeners Allyson Lipkin and Cristopher Juarez wanted to know why people in Austin and San Antonio dance the two-step […]

    What’s the story behind the abandoned house by Dell Medical School?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 10:28


    One of the oldest homes still standing in Austin was once known as The Chateau. Its residents hosted legendary parties that were often safe spaces for gay people in the 1960s and ‘70s. Today, the home is boarded up — but there's a new effort brewing to ensure it's preserved.

    What happened to Brian Vargo almost 50 years ago? His niece is still looking for answers.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 11:07


    Brian Vargo was 20 years old when he disappeared in 1976. The UT Austin student seems to have simply vanished.

    Is Austin’s Paramount one of only a few century-old theaters still operating in the country?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 11:49


    The landmark theater in downtown Austin has been a source of movie entertainment for more than a century, while many of its contemporaries have closed for good.

    Why do sidewalks in Austin suddenly end?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 12:05


    According to the Public Works Department, the city is missing about 1,600 miles of sidewalk — a length of concrete that could stretch from here to Winnipeg, Canada.

    What happened to the Zilker Park minitrain?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 9:17


    The Zilker Zephyr stopped running almost four years ago, and there’s still no miniature train in Zilker Park.

    How did H-E-B’s Combo Loco get its name?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 14:25


    As an enticement to get tickets to our next ATXplained Live show at the Paramount Theatre on Feb. 22 — here’s a taste of our last live show from back in September 2022.

    What was the grandstand on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in East Austin used for?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2023 9:26


    Decades ago, the public event space was full of life. Now it’s rundown, like an old relic.

    Black houses are so hot right now. But are they hotter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 8:31


    Does it make any sense to live in a dark-colored house in a state like Texas? We ask experts whether these homes are less energy efficient.

    Why are lane lines so hard to see on Austin’s roads?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 7:49


    Your grip on the steering wheel tightens as you squint to find the road markings and avoid smashing into another car.

    What’s the deal with that out-of-place 10-story building in southwest Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 9:20


    The Pinnacle building in Oak Hill was intended to be an office tower, but then the economy tanked and it was sold to Austin Community College.  

    What’s the most valuable thing in a museum in Austin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2022 12:38


    There’s expensive stuff, and then there are those things that just have value.

    What’s the story behind the Camino Real in Hays County?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 8:15


    El Camino Real de los Tejas is a National Historic Trail that traces back to before the start of Texas. The 2,600 miles stretch all the way from the Texas border to Natchitoches, Louisiana. Part of the historic trail runs right through San Marcos.

    Get tickets now for the next edition of ATXplained Live on Sept. 28!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 1:15


    We’re bringing our show back to the stage next month at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin. Tickets available now at austintheatre.org

    Is there really a buried treasure in Walnut Creek Park?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 8:41


    Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? But is any of it real? KUT’s Skye Seipp tries to find the X.

    Saying goodbye to Austin’s Godfather of Clubbing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 9:42


    We first met Yorkie Louie in 2020. Now, he’s leaving the dance floor — at least in Austin.

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