Best Austin Film Festivals Podcasts (2025)

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 25, 2025: Fantastic Fest – Austin’s weirdest, wildest film festival – goes medieval 9:06

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4d ago9:06

9:06

Central Texas top stories for September 25, 2025. The Texas Attorney General’s office has responded to a lawsuit brought by UT students. The City of Austin is now holding off on the idea of installing cameras that use artificial intelligence around parks and other green spaces. The U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to distribute already-a…

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The Last Showgirl Q&A with Gia Coppola 24:54

12d ago24:54

24:54

This week on On Story, a conversation with Gia Coppola on her process directing The Last Showgirl. This dazzling drama follows the sunset years of Shelly Gardner, a middle-aged Las Vegas showgirl, played by Pamela Anderson. Shelly faces an uncertain future after the iconic revue she’s been starring in for decades stages its final performance. At th…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 29, 2025: APD is expected to release more information today in the 1991 “Yogurt Shop Murders” case 4:41

2h ago4:41

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Central Texas top stories for September 29, 2025. The Austin Police Department is expected to release more information today in the 1991 murder case known as the “Yogurt Shop Murders” after announcing they’ve identified a suspect. The Austin firefighters union agreed to a new labor contract with the city. Several school districts in the Austin area…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 26, 2025: The City of Austin and the Austin firefighters union are nearing a deal on a new labor contract ahead of a crucial deadline 4:13

3d ago4:13

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Central Texas top stories for September 26, 2025. The Austin firefighters union is nearing a deal on a new labor contract with the city. Results are in from an election in Austin’s Cherrywood neighborhood on whether to build a concrete barrier between homes and I-35. The expansion and redevelopment of the Austin Convention Center is moving ahead. T…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 26, 2025: The City of Austin is changing its rules that allow the Austin Animal Center to spay certain animals 4:16

3d ago4:16

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Central Texas top stories for September 26, 2025. The city of Austin is changing its rules to allow the Austin Animal Center to spay certain animals without first notifying rescue organizations. A Williamson County judge has temporarily blocked a data center project from moving forward with any work on its site in Taylor after neighbors filed a law…

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Nicky Bentham & Suhayla El-Bushra on Their Powerful New Film 'Brides' Producing & Screenwriting on Challenging Narratives of Indie Filmmaking. 54:58

3d ago54:58

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Welcome back to the latest episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of making feature films and TV. This week, we are privileged to host the brilliant creative team behind Brides, an urgent and empathetic feature film that tackles one of the most complex and heartbreaking social issues of our time. First, we welc…

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David Nugent Previews the 2025 Hamptons International Film Festival 47:25

4d ago47:25

47:25

This week, we're joined by David Nugent, the chief creative officer of the Hamptons International Film Festival, which begins October 3 with screenings at the Playhouse taking place October 9 - 12. If you're lucky enough to have access to a festival of this caliber, it means that you can take the temperature on the state of world cinema from many a…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 25, 2025: Austin firefighters are set to go back to the bargaining table with city officials today for a new contract 4:58

4d ago4:58

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Central Texas top stories for September 25, 2025. The City of Austin could consider using artificial intelligence to help catch people committing crimes at local parks, but some residents have concerns. Austin firefighters and the city can’t come to an agreement on a labor contract; they are set to discuss it today. The Texas Higher Education Coord…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 24, 2025: Travis County is offering disaster response training to prepare public for future catastrophes 5:03

5d ago5:03

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Central Texas top stories for September 24, 2025. Travis Co offering the public disaster response training. Austin council to vote on animal shelter overcrowding prevention. CapMetro wants input on plan to expand service. Burnet Rd to be rebuilt near Q2 Stadium. Texas Volleyball looks to lengthen win streak. This podcast is made at KUT Public Media…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 24, 2025: Camp Mystic is set to reopen one of its camps next year 3:48

5d ago3:48

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Central Texas top stories for September 24, 2025. Camp Mystic, where 27 girls died during July 4th flooding, is set to reopen one of its camps for summer 2026. A new rule from the Trump administration could make it more difficult for businesses in Central Texas to attract skilled workers from foreign countries. One of Austin’s most popular trails w…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 23, 2025: Truck driver accused of killing five people in I-35 crash indicted 5:34

6d ago5:34

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Central Texas top stories for September 23, 2025. Driver in deadly I-35 pile-up indicted on 22 counts. Travis County imposes burn ban. Leander mayor stepping down. Austin Resource Recovery getting more eco-friendly facility. Lower gas prices. 20th annual HAAM Day. This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress ju…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 23, 2025: The city of Austin is breaking ground on a new facility to meet the growing demand for trash and recycling services. 3:23

6d ago3:23

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Central Texas top stories for September 23, 2025: Austin Resource Recovery’s new service center in Northeast Austin will help better serve the city’s north side. Governor Greg Abbott has signed Texas’ so-called “bathroom bill” into law. And it’s “HAAM Day” – the 20th annual city-wide music festival benefitting the Health Alliance for Austin Musicia…

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AVDA Home Safe Home Gala With Maisha Colter And Vanessa Ames 34:04

6d ago34:04

34:04

How do you create an impactful statement moment at your event where guests carry the moment with them long after the event has ended? In today’s episode, I talk with AVDA CEO Maisha Colter and AVDA Board Chair Vanessa Ames to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event: the Home Safe Home Gala. For over 40 years, AVDA has provided ser…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 22, 2025: Austin’s first week of autumn could produce triple-digit heat across the area but relief is on the way 4:07

7d ago4:07

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Central Texas top stories for September 22, 2025. A hot first day of fall in Austin but relief is on the way. New lawsuit against posting Ten Commandments in every Texas classroom. Leander and Austin ISDs looking at closing campuses to ease budget shortfalls. No classes today for several area school districts with Austin and Round Rock also staying…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 22, 2025: Austin firefighters have walked away from contract negotiations with the city 4:16

7d ago4:16

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Central Texas top stories for September 22, 2025: The Austin Firefighters Association says the city of Austin has lowballed them on a wage increase compared to what it paid EMS and police during their negotiations. Like many other school districts in Central Texas, Leander ISD is looking to save money amid a looming budget deficit and that could me…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 19, 2025: Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh will step down after turmoil over gender identity video 6:39

10d ago6:39

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Central Texas top stories for September 19, 2025. Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh will step down today. Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill into law that allows private citizens to sue out-of-state prescribers and distributors of abortion pills. Austin officials say they’re confident they’re complying with the law after the U.S. Depart…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 18, 2025: U.S. Justice Department launches investigation into city of Austin employment practices 3:15

11d ago3:15

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Central Texas top stories for September 18, 2025. The Department of Justice announced today that it’s investigating the City of Austin’s hiring practices. The Moody Foundation is donating $150 million to Huston-Tillotson University. Two men are being sought after an assault against a transgender woman and a bystander who intervened at the Barton Sp…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 18, 2025: A new audit finds the City of Austin is falling behind on its “zero waste” goals 5:51

11d ago5:51

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Central Texas top stories for September 18, 2025. News organizations fight to unseal Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case records. A new audit finds the City of Austin is falling behind on its “zero waste” goals. Austin severs ties with a nonprofit that runs two downtown homeless shelters. ACC has a new partnership to help students find affordable ho…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 17, 2025: Student no longer enrolled at Texas State University after imitating death of Charlie Kirk 4:41

12d ago4:41

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Central Texas top stories for September 17, 2025. A Texas State University student is no longer enrolled at the university after a video of him mocking the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk circulated online. Austin police say there’s now a murder charge against the man accused of shooting a woman last week before shooting a police office…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 17, 2025: A Texas State student is no longer enrolled after imitating Charlie Kirk’s death 3:30

12d ago3:30

3:30

Central Texas top stories for September 17, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott called for a Texas State student to be expelled after the student imitated Charlie Kirk’s death. A study shows the City of Austin could do more to help residents being displaced by redevelopment. Neighbors in Taylor are trying to stop a data center from being built next to their…

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Making a feature film for under 250k in 7 days with 'TAPE's Bizhan Tong and Stephen Belber 1:13:30

12d ago1:13:30

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Join us for this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat to director and writer Bizhan Tong and screenwriter Stephen Belber to talk about their latest feature film TAPE. Tape is an adaption of Stephen's written feature (also called TAPE) back in 2001, directed by Richard Linklater. They chatted with Giles Alderson about how they collaborated and ma…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 16, 2025: Travis County signs off on Central Health’s new budget — with a tax rate increase 5:13

13d ago5:13

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Central Texas top stories for September 16, 2025. Travis County commissioners approved a new budget today for the local public hospital district Central Health. Travis County property taxes are going up to help cover the costs of the July 5th flooding and prepare for future climate disasters. Austin ISD and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have re…

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Klyde Warren Park Party In The Park With Kit Sawers 35:25

13d ago35:25

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What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event in a one-of-a-kind urban green space? In today's episode, I talk with Kit Sawers, President & CEO of Klyde Warren Park, to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event, Party in the Park. Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a modern city …

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 16, 2025: Texas Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit challenging Austin’s tax rate election ballot language 4:25

13d ago4:25

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Central Texas top stories for September 16, 2025. The Texas Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the city of Austin’s ballot language for its upcoming tax rate election. A new app aims to tell people how much the MoPac Express Lanes will cost them. Deadlines to apply for FEMA assistance after July floods are quickly approaching. The po…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 15, 2025: The public gets to weigh in before Travis County Commissioners approve a significant property tax increase 3:27

14d ago3:27

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Central Texas top stories for September 15, 2025. Travis County Commissioners are set to approve a significant property tax increase this month. Tonight is the last night Austin ISD parents can hear directly from the district on its plan to close schools and redraw school boundaries. The Texas Supreme Court has denied a petition in a lawsuit filed …

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 15, 2025: New nonstop flights coming to Austin airport in the months ahead 6:06

14d ago6:06

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Central Texas top stories for September 15, 2025. Republican Representative Michael McCaul announced on Sunday he won’t seek reelection to congress. The Texas Legislature formed new House and Senate committees focused on freedom of speech on Texas college campuses. Texas saw the largest increase in the rate of uninsured children in the country betw…

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Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler on 30 Years of Killer Films 30:34

16d ago30:34

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This week, we're joined by two of the greatest independent film producers of the modern era -- Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, co-founders of Killer Films. The pair came to the Playhouse over the summer to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of their bold production company, which is best known for supporting fierce, original voices working on t…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 12, 2025: Austin Police identify Zilker Park shooting suspect, who allegedly left his girlfriend ‘brain dead’ 4:12

17d ago4:12

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Central Texas top stories for September 12, 2025. The Austin Police Department has identified the man accused of shooting a police officer and another person Wednesday morning near Zilker Park. UT Austin students are trying to get the word out about a new law they say limits free speech on campus. Central Health has given initial approval to a new …

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 12, 2025: Austin Police identified the suspect in the shooting near Zilker Park 5:02

17d ago5:02

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Central Texas top stories for September 12, 2025. Austin Police have identified 30-year-old Brandon Thompson as the suspect in the shooting of two people near Zilker Park this week. The 183 North Project is running months behind schedule. The Austin City Council has approved new rules for short-term rentals like Airbnb. Central Health has given ini…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 11, 2025: Austin police canceled a shelter-in-place order while a shooter was on the loose 3:17

18d ago3:17

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Central Texas top stories for September 11, 2025. People in parts of Austin were told Wednesday morning just after 6:30 that a man who shot a police officer and another person near Zilker Park was no longer a threat, but he still was. Central Health has given initial approval to a new budget and tax rate. Property owners running short-term rentals …

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 11, 2025: Austin’s proposed short-term rental rules aim to crack down on unlicensed operators 4:49

18d ago4:49

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Central Texas top stories for September 11, 2025. People operating short-term rentals in Austin without a license could risk being removed from online rental sites. Austin Police say they’re looking into their text-based alert system after confusion yesterday during the search for a man who shot two people, including an APD officer. Georgetown is m…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 10, 2025: Suspect in police shooting ran into house, was shot by homeowner before arrest, APD chief says 3:53

19d ago3:53

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Central Texas top stories for September 10, 2025. Three people were shot this morning, including an Austin police officer near Zilker Park. Today at 5 pm is the deadline to apply for financial assistance if you were affected by July’s flooding in Travis or Williamson County. Austin ISD is hosting a virtual meeting tonight on its plan to close schoo…

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Central Austin residents vote on 21-foot concrete wall to block I-35 noise 7:03

19d ago7:03

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Residents in the Cherrywood neighborhood have until the end of the day to vote on whether they want a 21-foot-tall concrete wall built within arm’s reach of their backyards. The wall is a proposed noise barrier to block sound from I-35. KUT’s Nathan Bernier reports. This podcast is made at KUT Public Media Studios. You may have heard that Congress …

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 10, 2025: An Austin police officer was shot near Zilker Park. APD is searching for the suspect. 4:39

19d ago4:39

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Central Texas top stories for September 10, 2025. APD is asking people to avoid the area around Zilker Park after an officer was injured during shooting. The Austin Independent School District is less than a month away from announcing a plan to save money and improve low-performing schools. The Save Austin Now political action committee is launchin…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 9, 2025: A local group is launching a campaign opposing the City of Austin’s proposed property tax increase 4:57

20d ago4:57

4:57

Central Texas top stories for September 9, 2025. The Save Austin Now political action committee is launching a campaign opposing the City of Austin’s proposed property tax increase. A new Texas law is blocking a local organization that provides first aid during public protests from events on the UT campus. Hormone replacement therapy will no longer…

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Willem Dafoe & Nadia Latif talk 'The Man in My Basement' 26:02

20d ago26:02

26:02

Welcome back to The Latest Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of the most anticipated films with the creative minds who make them. This week, we're honored to have a pair of brilliant artists to discuss their new psychological thriller, a film that explores the chilling depths of history, identity, and the burden of legac…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 9, 2025: Austin’s James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate 4:10

20d ago4:10

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Central Texas top stories for September 9, 2025. State Representative James Talarico announced his run for U.S. Senate this morning. An Austin commission wants answers from the city’s Office of Police Oversight. The Austin City Council is set to take up some key housing-related issues this week. Texans affected by July floods can still apply for Di…

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Austin Parks Foundation's Party For The Parks With Katie Kennedy And Caitlyn Denham 34:30

20d ago34:30

34:30

What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event when the logistics are anything but simple? In today's episode, I talk with Austin Parks Foundation Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie Kennedy, and Events Manager Caitlyn Denham to talk about the upcoming Party for the Parks. Held on the grounds of Zilker…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 8, 2025: A battle between differing state abortion laws is mounting 4:59

21d ago4:59

4:59

Central Texas top stories for September 8, 2025. New York’s attorney general said she would intervene in a case brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. State Rep. James Talarico is expected to announce tomorrow that he’s running for the U.S. Senate. The Texas Longhorns remain at seventh in the AP rankings after their win against San José Stat…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 8, 2025: Twelve AISD schools have to make major changes to avoid closure or a state takeover of the district 3:47

21d ago3:47

3:47

Central Texas top stories for September 8, 2025. Twelve schools in the Austin Independent School District have to make major changes to avoid closure or a state takeover of the entire district. Georgetown is expected to adopt a new budget and a lower property tax rate at tomorrow’s city council meeting. Texas Longhorn football fans are still celebr…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 5, 2025: Austin is spending $1 million on a new logo meant to evoke city’s hills, ‘violet crown skies’ 3:35

24d ago3:35

3:35

Central Texas top stories for September 5, 2025. Austin’s rebrand comes at a cost that’s been raising some eyebrows. A Hays high school student is accused of having a firearm on campus. A bill that would let private citizens sue out-of-state abortion pill providers received final passage in the Texas Senate this week. This is the last day for peopl…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 5, 2025: An Austin nursing home faces criminal charges for a resident’s death during the 2021 freeze 7:54

24d ago7:54

7:54

Central Texas top stories for September 5, 2025. An assisted living provider is facing criminal charges after an Austin woman’s death during the 2021 freeze. Nonprofits that help Texans seeking abortion care out of state are considering the impact of a bill passed by the state legislature this week. A Hays high school student was detained for havin…

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Training Austin Butler for 'Caught Stealing' / Resurrecting the Romcom with 'Splitsville' 37:08

24d ago37:08

37:08

This week, we have two very different segments tied to two very different -- but equally fun -- new releases. First up, the new dark comedy Caught Stealing from Darren Aronofsky stars Austin Butler as a former baseball player who gets stuck in a web of gangsters and murderers searching for a missing bag of money. Set in the 90s New York City, the m…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 4, 2025: THC still legal for all ages after Texas lawmakers leave hemp unregulated again 4:41

25d ago4:41

4:41

Central Texas top stories for September 4, 2025. State lawmakers once again failed to agree on whether to regulate or ban the state’s booming hemp industry. Students at UT Austin and UT Dallas are suing the UT System Board of Regents over a new state law. New analysis of medical evidence might give a death row inmate hope for exoneration. The deadl…

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KUT Morning Newscast for September 4, 2025: About one in five people across Central Texas are food insecure 4:07

25d ago4:07

4:07

Central Texas top stories for September 4, 2025. A report from the Central Texas Food Bank reveals food insecurity in the region has risen significantly over the past two years. Williamson County has adopted a higher property tax rate. Today is the last day to apply for help from FEMA after the July floods. The Immigration Services Network of Austi…

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KUT Afternoon Newscast for September 3, 2025: Texas bill cracking down on abortion pills now one step away from governor’s desk 4:01

26d ago4:01

4:01

Central Texas top stories for September 3, 2025. The bill would let private citizens sue out-of-state providers of abortion pills. FEMA has announced updated flood insurance maps for Bastrop County. Hays County is expanding its public defender office. The City of Austin is updating its comprehensive plan for the first time in 13 years. Construction…

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Script to Screen: Twisters 25:49

26d ago25:49

25:49

This week on On Story, a conversation with screenwriter Mark L. Smith on writing Twisters – the 2024 summer film that took audiences by storm…literally! The action-packed, thrilling adventure directed by Lee Isaac Chung is a standalone sequel to the 1996 film Twister starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton and produced by Austin Film Festival awardee K…