Traffic on MoPac can be an absolute nightmare. In a city where rush hour starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m., entertainment is mandatory. Luckily, Austin is chock-full of homegrown podcasts covering every imaginable subject and topic. Here are a few of the top podcasts in Austin that have us listening right now.
1/ Breakfast for Dinner
A grab bag of culture, politics, music, and–as you would expect–breakfast, hosts Dago and Nicole chat about anything and everything. For example, in Episode 205, the duo talked about SXSW, Barack Obama, the Austin bombings, and Taylor Swift within the span of an hour. And somehow, like a conversation with a good friend, it all worked.
The main hook of the show is the twosome’s charming chemistry. Like syrup and pancakes, or eggs and bacon (see what I did there), the pair makes listeners feel right at home.
Subscribe on Stitcher or Play Store.
2/ Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do
Few things are more inspiring than stories of exceptional people doing exceptional things. “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” celebrates the challenges and triumphs of those brave souls who break the mold, and try to do something new.
Host Thom Singer interviews people from every corner of the business world. From famed speakers, to authors, to those who shed the shackles of everyday drudgery to follow their heart’s desires, “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” is a source of inspiration for anybody who wants to do more of what they dream.
Subscribe on iTunes.
3/ Double Toasted
Movie podcasts are a dime a dozen, but “Double Toasted” stands apart from the pack with a unique sound and manic energy. Insightful without the pinkies-up pretension of more “serious” review shows, the “Double Toasted” team feels like real friends screaming about their favorite films. And while they hit the obligatory big blockbusters, they’re not afraid to delve into smaller indies, terrible flicks from back in the day, and delightful disasters.
Expect rapid-fire critiques with a wild edge.
Check out “Double Toasted” at doubletoasted.com.
4/ I Love You So Much
One of the newer podcasts on this list, “I Love You So Much,” mines the Austinite experience like only a local can. Hosted by Austin360 experts Tolly Moseley, Omar L. Gallaga, and Addie Broyles, the show runs a wild gambit of topics.
From an excellent segment on up-and-coming restaurants, to a spirited argument about the quality and validity of crawfish boils, the hosts keep the vibe light and fun. Plus, all shows clock in at under an hour, perfect for those, like me, who like their podcasts quick and to the point.
Subscribe on iTunes or Play Store.
5/ On Second Thought
Will one of these be the Longhorns’ best football player this fall?
— Kirk Bohls (@kbohls) April 18, 2018
In this town, college sports isn’t a passing distraction. It’s a way of life. While local sports radio is great for up-to-the-minute opinions and information, podcasts like “On Second Thought” provide a thoughtful, informative alternative to the FM dial.
Hosts Kirk Bohls and Cedric Golden get excellent guests, like The University of Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte and baseball coach David Pierce, along with national names like Jim Nantz and quarterback Nick Fowles.
An easy subscribe for fans of UT sports.
Subscribe on iTunes or Play Store.
6/ Rooster Teeth
People forget the “Rooster Teeth” comedy empire is a homegrown enterprise. Full of laugh-out-loud episodes centered around gaming, movies, pop culture, and pancakes (Ep 479), the rotating cast of Ashley Jenkins, Gavin Free, Burnie Burns, and others present their unique viewpoints through a distinctive ATX lens.
Some of the best natural conversation you can find online, “Rooster Teeth” is an easy recommend for anybody who likes to laugh.
Listen to “Rooster Teeth” online.
7/ The Beerists Craft Beer
If you’re a lover of all thing hops, malt, and double-digit ABVs, Austin-based “The Beerists” are a fine listen. Hosts John Rubio, Grant Davis, Anastacia Kelly, and Mike Lambert delve deep into the world of craft beer, both local and abroad.
While listening to people drink may sound bizarre, the commentary and banter is both insightful and entertaining. As someone who spends many a minute at Sunrise Minimart staking out the latest cellar release, it’s great listening to people who appreciate beer who can talk intelligently about it.
Subscribe on iTunes or other platforms.
8/ The Feedbak
Local nightlife guru and entrepreneur Bak Zoumanigui hosts this fun, informative, and in-depth look into after-hours Austin and beyond. Topics range from downtown hot spots to African American causes, all with a focus on our beloved ATX.
And while you might think your podfeed is already filled with similar shows, “The Feedbak” stands apart thanks to Bak’s larger-than-life personality, and his rotating cast of friends and family. The show has a party vibe that mixes well with Bak’s expertise in all things Austin nightlife.
Subscribe on iTunes or Play Store.
9/ This Song
Elizabeth McQueen’s “This Song” stands as my favorite local music podcast. Made up of bite-sized conversations with some of Austin’s finest artists, McQueen explores the inspiration behind the music. But the show isn’t tied exclusively to the 512. National acts like St. Vincent and Portugal: The Man have appeared on her weekly show.
To me, there’s nothing more interesting than musicians talking about their craft, which makes “This Song” a personal must-listen.
Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Which Austin podcasts are you listening to on your commute home?
I am humbled and honored that “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” is part of this list. Thanks. I know most of these shows on here…. and they are all amazing. I am going to subscribe to the 2 that I had not heard of and learn more about these local shows. Cheers.