Inside Austin Podcast

Joining host Brian Fitzgerald for this segment of Inside Austin is Jennifer Cooper from the Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South Texas during National Epilepsy Awareness Month. She highlighted the community support programs they offer and sought to clear up misconceptions about seizure disorders. They also discussed the upcoming charity walk happening later this month and the gala happening in...

Program Director Dorian Colbert joined host Brian Fitzgerald for this edition of Inside Austin and he explained that Kids In a New Groove (KING) pairs young people navigating the Texas foster care system with one-on-one mentors to foster their musical growth. The organization empowers youth in foster care by offering weekly private music lessons with devoted mentors while driving community involve...

Host Brian Fitzgerald sat down with Ciji Wagner from Louder Than Silence to discuss the way sexual violence is perceived in society and how it takes a shift in thinking to truly understand the lasting impact and to start healing. They also discussed ways you can help including doing some holiday shopping at their upcoming bazaar.

As the colder months approach, the Junior League of Austin is gearing up its volunteer force to address critical local needs through signature charitable programs like "Coats for Kids" and "A Christmas Affair", its largest annual holiday event . President Sarah Gutierrez and Chairpersons Emily Collins & Jennifer Kalinowski join host Brian Fitzgerald to discuss this year's event and how you can...

For Christine Albert, founder of the Austin-based nonprofit Swan Songs, bringing music to individuals nearing the end of life is not just a mission — it is a deeply meaningful calling. She joined host Brian Fitzgerald on this segment of Inside Austin to talk about Swan Songs mission fulfilling musical last wishes for patients facing terminal illnesses. They also discussed the upcoming Swan Songs S...

For today's Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald talked with Pierre Berastaín, president and CEO of the SAFE Alliance. They addressed the complex dynamics of domestic violence, the role of men in prevention efforts, and the severe funding challenges facing critical support services. Additionally they discussed the upcoming Truck or Treat event at Q2 Stadium.

For this segment of Inside Austin, host Brian Fitzgerald sat down with Austin Symphony Orchestra CEO Justus Zimmerman. During the conversation, Zimmerman highlighted the orchestra's core mission to make music accessible to everyone and break down traditional barriers of elitism in classical music. He also shared details on upcoming programming, including screening Tim Burton's 1989 Batman accompan...

The Austin Humane Society is preparing for its 21st annual Rags to Wags Gala on Oct. 24 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. The event serves as the organization's largest fundraiser of the year, aiming to raise $800,000 to support local animal care, shelter operations, and rescue operations across the state. Luis Sanchez joined Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald to discuss the event and how they pro...

Joining host Brian Fitzgerald on this edition of Inside Austin is the Director of the Texas Military Forces Museum, Jeff Hunt. They discussed Austin's Camp Mabry, an active military post that many local residents hear about during daily weather forecasts without fully realizing its deep history and the rich past and present of the base, as well as the museum dedicated to preserving its legacy.

For this edition of Inside Austin, host Brian Fitzgerald was joined by Paul Scott, CEO of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, HAAM. Austin recognizes September as Support Local Music Month, aligned with the HAAM Day Music Festival on Sept. 22. Community members are encouraged to support artists by attending performances, volunteering as "HAAMbassadors," or sending direct tips through HAAM's...

Lynn Raridon, Director of the Bill Hicks Foundation for Wildlife, spoke with host Brian Fitzgerald on Inside Austin about the importance of humane treatment, education, and non-interference regarding local wildlife. She warned against keeping wild animals as domestic pets, noting that social media misleads the public and that home-raised animals lack the survival skills needed to return to the wil...

Joining host Brian Fitzgerald from the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area is lifetime Longhorn and CBS College Sports Analyst Brian Jones. They discuss the impact the club had on Jones' life and how it provides a valuable space for kids that may no longer be available in school.

Host Brian Fitzgerald has a wide ranging and fun conversation with the Executive Producers of the PBS show NOVA, Julia Cort and Chris Schmidt. They discuss the history of the show and how an episode is produced. Julia and Chris also preview the new season and share some of their PBS stories.

In this edition of Inside Austin, host Brian Fitzgerald is joined by Maestro Peter Bay of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Celebrating 30 years of bringing music to Central Texas, Peter reflects on memorable moments from his tenure with the Symphony as he prepares for his final year serving as music director and principal conductor. They also highlight several upcoming performances marking this land...

Dr. Liam Norris from the Texas Science and Natural History Museum joins host Brian Fitzgerald to discuss the museum's learning opportunities and exhibits. They also spoke about the creatures that inhabited our area millions of years ago and the ways you can become a member or enjoy the museum for free. 

Sari Vatske from Central Texas Food Bank joins host Brian Fitzgerald to discuss recent studies that place Texas at the top of the list for food insecurity and how a dollar donation turns into three meals. They also talked about Restaurant Weeks happening August 28th through September 13th where enjoying a meal can help fight hunger in your community.

On this edition of the show host Brian Fitzgerald sits down with Johnna Rister and Derrellene Zbikowski from the Bartlett, Texas Volunteer Fire Department. They spoke about the sacrifices and work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter and the large area covered by department. They also discussed the upcoming BBQ fundraiser and raffle and the ways you can help.

Major Lewis Reckline from the Salvation Army Austin Area Command joins host Brian Fitzgerald for this segment of Inside Austin. They discuss the upcoming Day of Giving and he highlights the services those donations provide.

Piper Stege Nelson from I Live Here; I Give Here and host Brian Fitzgerald discuss this year's Amplify ATX and Amplify WilCo Days Impact Report. They talk about the amount being donated on the day is less than last year and why giving is down. They also went over ways to give to local non-profits if you aren't in the position to donate funds.

Host Brian Fitzgerald is joined by Peak Performers Myles Wallace to talk about July being Disability Pride Month. They discussed the changes in attitude and accommodations over the years for those differently abled but how finding work can still be difficult based on assumptions. Myles also spoke about how some changes have been negative and how celebrating differences is a big part of the human e...

Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald has a conversation with Richard McAlister about the Guadalupe River floods and how the Hill Country community has moved on since the tragedy. Richard is a relief aid worker, a meteorologist, and a resident of Kerrville, they discuss the resiliency and strength it takes to rebuild after a disaster and the stories of community that come with it. They are also join...

KXAN Chief Meteorologist Nick Bannin and host Brian Fitzgerald sit down to talk about the El Nino weather pattern and what that means for the weather in Central Texas this summer. They also discussed the Family Eldercare Summer Fan Drive and ways you can help those in need beat the summer heat.

For today’s Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald has a conversation with Amanda Johnston from Torch Literary Arts. They talk about the new location for Torch and how they give a voice to those who often feel unheard. Additionally they previewed the upcoming Gathering of Flames celebration of their 20th anniversary.

For this segment of Inside Austin host Brian Fitzgerald talks with Nick Canedo from We Are Blood about the decrease in donations during the summer months. They also discuss the friendly Battle of the Badges that local first responders and law enforcement agencies participate in to draw attention to that downturn.

Dr. Ellen Jefferson from Austin Pets Alive joins host Brian Fitzgerald for this edition of Inside Austin. They sit down and discuss the New World screwworm fly and how it is causing issues with livestock and may pose a threat to our pets. She also talked about the ways we can help our furry little friends and the crisis mode they are in due to this outbreak.