ATXplained Podcast
1) Who was that guy who used to read psychedelic poems before big concerts in Austin?
We go in search of a poet who was a fixture in Austin more than a decade ago — but suddenly dropped off the map.
Who was that guy who used to read psychedelic poems before big concerts in Austin?
11:51 | Oct 28th, 2025
2) Is the Texas Capitol radioactive?
We’re not talking about politics. Is the capitol building itself literally radioactive?
3) Who made those giant sandwiches outside of Thundercloud Subs?
We go in search of the sandwich artist. But we find they’re behind a lot more iconic business art in Austin.
4) How did Texas become the only state with its own toast? (archive episode)
Think of a food that reminds you of Austin or Texas. Tacos? Barbecue? How about a thick slice of bread, buttered on both sides and toasted to perfection?
5) Who were the ‘Cedar Choppers’ of West Austin?
Shoeless children running around the land that would become Rollingwood and West Lake Hills. Bar fights ending in axe-chopped limbs. Illegal moonshine operations in caves. It’s the stuff of legend. Bu...Show More
6) Did Travis County vote against secession before the Civil War?
Texas left the United States in 1861 and joined the Confederacy. But on the local level, the vote to leave the Union was more complicated.
7) Three Black Texans were lynched 130 years ago. How can Austin preserve their memory?
Like many lynching victims, their names are unknown, and details about their lives and deaths are scarce. Only foreign newspapers reported on the crimes.
Three Black Texans were lynched 130 years ago. How can Austin preserve their memory?
12:11 | Aug 14th, 2025
8) Tickets are on sale now for our Oct. 29 ATXplained Live
Join us for our next ATXplained Live at Bass Concert Hall! Here’s a sample from one of our previous shows, where we answer a question about the space you’ll be sitting in at the show. Get your tickets...Show More
9) Why do sidewalks in Austin sometimes just end? (archive episode)
In this story, originally from our Sept. 2022 ATXplained Live show, KUT’s Audrey McGlinchy investigates why Austin sidewalks sometimes just kinda stop. In the middle of a block. And she does bat...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.10) Who is the oldest World War II veteran in the Austin area?
Kathryn Stacer had a question about her grandfather. We try to find an answer, but also consider whether the answer even matters. If you like what we do on ATXplained, we need your financial support r...Show More