ATXplained - podcast cover

ATXplained

KUT & KUTX Studioskutkutx.studio
What about Austin has you curious?
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

What’s the deal with Austin’s “Rain Dome”?

Inconsistent rain forecasts have led to conspiracies about a rain-blocking dome that covers the city. The truth lies in an age-old fault. The post What’s the deal with Austin’s “Rain Dome”? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Jun 26, 20257 min

What happened to Austin’s lesbian bars?

Only San Francisco and Portland, Oregon have more gay people per capita than Austin. So why don’t we have any lesbian bars? The post What happened to Austin’s lesbian bars? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Jun 19, 202510 min

Who was Austin’s first female lifeguard?

Laurel Seymour’s grandmother, Binnie Ruth Seymour, says she was the first woman to become a city lifeguard in Austin. Audrey McGlinchy looks at the record to see if Grandma Binnie is telling the truth. The post Who was Austin’s first female lifeguard? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Jun 05, 202513 min

Who is the 94 year-old Texan who calls every state lawmaker?

94 year-old Reta Ward has been calling all the Texas state lawmakers for decades to weigh in on everything from water policy to school vouchers. One Capitol staffer wanted to know more about her. The post Who is the 94 year-old Texan who calls every state lawmaker? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Jun 02, 20259 min

What’s the history of segregation at Barton Springs Pool?

Austin’s crown jewel has bought people together from all walks of life to enjoy a day in the sun. But before 1962, that wasn’t the case. The post What’s the history of segregation at Barton Springs Pool? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

May 22, 202510 min

Is it safe to live near an old East Austin ‘Tank Farm’?

Decades ago, there were dozens of huge fuel storage tanks in East Austin — in some cases right next to homes, schools and businesses. These days, the whole thing is seen as a case of textbook environmental racism. But one East Austin resident wanted to know: what still lurks in the soil long after the […] The post Is it safe to live near an old East Austin ‘Tank Farm’? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....

May 08, 2025

Why are there so many ‘Violet Crowns’ in Austin?

Violet Crown this. Violet Crown that. What’s the deal with this name for so many Austin things? The post Why are there so many ‘Violet Crowns’ in Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Apr 10, 2025

Who has the oldest friendship in Austin?

This is a tough one. But we do our best, and maybe learn a little something about friendship along the way. The post Who has the oldest friendship in Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Mar 27, 2025

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

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 .

Mar 13, 20259 min

Introducing 24 Hours in Austin

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 .

Nov 22, 202453 min

Why are people dropping flour in weird patterns around Austin?

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 .

Oct 17, 202416 min

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

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 .

Oct 03, 2024

How is Big Stacy Pool naturally heated?

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 .

Sep 19, 2024

Were there ever alligators in Zilker Park?

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 .

Sep 05, 2024

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

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 .

Aug 29, 2024

Why do all the new skyscrapers in Austin look blue?

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 .

Jul 25, 2024

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

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 .

Jun 27, 202410 min

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

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 .

Jun 13, 202411 min

Is Steiner Ranch really full of swingers?

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 .

May 16, 202416 min

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

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 ....

May 02, 202411 min

Why do bluebonnets grow so well along MoPac?

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 .

Apr 18, 20248 min

Why are some Austin sidewalks red?

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 .

Dec 15, 20238 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android