KUT News

When thinking about the concept of a "micro aggression", what we're really doing is subscribing to signal detection theory. What is the theory and how does it come into play when we're dissecting the behaviors of others? In the first episode of this two-part conversation, Dr. Bob Duke and Dr. Art Markman discuss signal detection.

Since 1924, United Way for Greater Austin has been dedicated to providing families and individuals in need with the tools and resources needed to thrive. United Way for Greater Austin brings people, ideas and resources together to fight poverty in our community. Together with community leaders and partners, we’re leading the charge to create sustainable and lasting solutions to poverty and the cyc...

Although Hansberry’s life was short – she was full of extraordinary experiences and achievements. She had an unflinching commitment to social justice, which brought her under FBI surveillance when she was barely in her twenties.

Street Corner Arts is currently presenting the play Junk, inspired by the junk bond scandal of the ‘80s. The ensemble cast features Molly Fonseca, Carlo Lorenzo Garcia, Joe Penrod, Zac Carr, and Rommel Sulit.

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote Monday night, Feb. 25, on moving forward with plans to close and consolidate some schools. The district says it wants all students to attend schools with updated facilities and robust programs and that this is the way to get there. But some school board members say the district is moving too fast, and they have shared co...

We judge our own actions on our intentions, yet we take other people's behaviors at face value. Is it acceptable to do something virtuous in light of ill intent? On this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss actions and intentions.

Losing weight. Exercising or reading more. Being nicer. Taking a class or going back to school. We all set goals at different points in life, but we do not always set realistic goals. And we do not always map out a way to achieve them. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton talk about learning how to set goals. A c...

This weekend, Chaddick Dance Theater will present "Beneath the Mind," a performance made up of three new dance works. Dancer Angela Benz and choreographer Cheryl Chaddick talk about the showcase.

In 1959 when ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ debut on Broadway - Lorraine Hansberry became the first African American woman to have a play produced on Broadway. The play depicted an African American family’s struggle on Chicago South Side as it tried to move into a white neighborhood. Surprisingly the play mirrors some of the circumstances Hansberry grew up under while living on Chicago’s South Side.

Austin’s OUTSider Fest is now celebrating its fifth year, and is being honored by the city with the declaration of February 21 as OUTSider Day. The LGBTQ+ arts festival runs for five days starting on Wednesday. Artistic director Curran Nault talks about the festival.

We live in an era with push notifications and all-day news coverage, but is keeping up to date with the latest development really that important? In this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss the 24 hour news cycle.

Some scientists and historians say we may have entered a new geological age (or epoch) that they are calling the "Age of Humans." Why? Because humans are heavily impacting transformations on the planet - especially in the environment. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss a multi-disciplinary approach to t...

Born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, Horne became one of the most popular African American performers of the 1940's and 1950's. At the age of sixteen she was hired as a dancer in the chorus of Harlem’s famous Cotton Club.

This month, Scottish Rite Theatre and Brown Boy Productions are presenting "Rap Unzel," a new play for kids inspired by the story of Rapunzel. Writer Jeremy Rashad Brown, Scottish Rite artistic director Susan Gayle Todd, and musician Saul Paul talk about the show.

"Teacher's pet." "Know-it-all." "Brown-noser." These are just some of the terms students lob at each other in (and out) of school - especially at students who demonstrate strong mastery of a subject or are enthusiastic in class. In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton explore why we sometimes feel the need to use th...

From seeing a UFO to advancing a conspiracy theory, often the simplest explanation is the most likely one. Yet we still tend fancy convoluted ideas with lots of moving parts, just because they sound good to us. On this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss Occam's Razor.

While serving in the Marine Corps, from 1959 to 1963, Shaw introduced himself to CBS News correspondent Walter Cronkite, declaring his intention to join Cronkite at CBS in the future. The respected anchorman began his career in Chicago at WNUS-TV, and then later joined CBS News and ABC news, becoming its Capitol Hill Senior Correspondent.

Pulitzer-prize winning author Alex Haley was best known for his historical work, including the widely acclaimed Roots. Born in Ithaca, New York on August 11, 1921. He soon moved with his mother to Henning, Tennessee while his father finished his degree at Cornell University. While in Tennessee, Haley’s future work would be greatly influence by his grandmother, who often recited the family history...

The mission of Mainspring Schools is to deliver the highest quality early education and care to Austin’s most economically disadvantaged children – along with services so each child and parent have tools for success in school and life.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "mentor?" Perhaps a bespectacled older teacher or other professional offering sage advice to a younger student? In this episode of the KUT podcast "Higher Ed," Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT's Jennifer Stayton discuss what makes a good mentor - and it doesn't necessarily have to do with age or specific experience.

What we refer to as "reverse psychology" is more or less a strategy of deception based on expected defiance, and any short term gratification is often met with long term problems. So why has reverse psychology become such a trope in parenting or dealing with contrarians? On this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss "reverse psychology".

If your New Year's resolutions have fallen by the wayside - don’t worry. You are in good company. The statistics vary, but about 38 percent of people have dropped their New Year’s resolutions after a month. Halfway through the year, about 54 percent of people have ditched them. Junice and Rock Rockman are Central Texas life and relationship coaches. They are certified by an International Coaching...

This past week commemorated the 77th anniversary of Bobby Hutcherson's birthday, the "world's best vibist" who passed away in 2016. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi Neil Blumofe guides us through the life, contributions and influence of Bobby Hutcherson. Music: "Little Angel", "Montara", "Catta" - Bobby Hutcherson "Groovin Blue" - Curtis Amy, "Blue Rondo" - Jackie Maclean,  "Naima" - San Fran...

On February 2, Austin Creative Alliance will hold their annual Unified Auditions, to help connect local creative artists with producers and casting agents. Austin Creative Alliance Director of Programming Jenny Lavery talks about the event.

When we invest a lot into something, be it a relationship, job, or even a used car, it can be tough to cut your losses and start anew. So why are we so prone to sticking with it rather than moving on? In this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss sunk cost.