The Drag: Stories

Randy Duncan takes a step inside Scottish Rite Dormitory, an all-girls University of Texas off-campus dorm where most of the employees are male students.

Patrick Dionne takes a look at the history and complexities behind the growing number of wild hogs throughout Texas and the broader United States.

Historical businesses that culturally contribute to the identity of Austin are closing down seemingly out of nowhere. Follow as Olivia Carter tries to take a look at the missing parts of the story.  

In the third episode of a series about Greek life at UT, Data Dives host Carolyn Parmer discusses fraternities on the Interfraternity Council. These 22 chapters make up just over one-third of students in Greek life and deal with hazing, sexual assault, homophobia and more.

In the second episode of a series about Greek life at UT, Data Dives host Carolyn Parmer sheds light on some of the large issues within the community of sororities on the University Panhellenic Council. Members of these 13 chapters face low ethnic and LGBTQ+ diversity, a ranking system, negative effects on mental health and more.

In this pilot episode of a series about Greek life at UT, Data Dives host Carolyn Parmer gives an overview of the university's sororities and fraternities with a focus on the two largest governing bodies: the University Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council. Whether you can name every Greek organization or remain baffled by this institution, this episode will help you understand what...

Boutique studios and fitness classes are popular, but what do they actually have to offer? Sofia Vargas Karam sits down with Lindsay Howe Ruth and Laura Gilhman-Jones to explore the benefits of fitness classes, how they became instructors and most importantly, how they've built a community from it. They'll talk about how fitness isn't just about sweating it out; it's about making real connections,...

If you've ever sat through an elementary science class, you've probably learned about monarch butterflies – their obsession with milkweed, stages of metamorphosis, and annual migration. But how does this migration actually play out in today's industrialized world? Host Sara Kinney walks through all the struggles these little creatures face on their annual journey southward and talks to one group,...

Pigeons. They're everywhere. Surely they can't be endangered. Right? Right…? Delve into the feathery world of our neighborhood fowl with Olivia Dilley as she breaks down everything about the wild world of pigeons and why we should care about them. In this episode, we hear from Joe Wood, co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group, as he tells u...

For generations, German descendants have carried on their traditional language and cultural practices. But as the last speakers die out, so does the language. In this episode, Molly-Jo Tilton explores the various groups keeping these traditions alive.

Before entering college, expectations and a vision of college life are conveyed through interactions with movies and the media. But what happens when those expectations aren't met and things go differently? Miriam Belmonte tells her story, along with Guido Peluffo's, about a side of college that goes untold. 

In growing cities like Austin, Texas, neighborhood development is a hot topic of conversation — new high-rise apartments and retail options appear in what feels like each week. In the midst of this urban growth, a less concrete addition to neighborhoods is gaining popularity: community gardens. Shared gardening can foster community, promote sustainability and provide emotional support, and many ga...

Bring your grocery bags and roll in the shopping carts because in this episode, we'll be delving into how international grocery stores can serve as safe havens for those who seek out cultural communities. From the experiences of a young girl transitioning from the Philippines to America because of political tensions, to a Japanese woman moving to San Diego for her love of the ocean, each journey t...

In this special episode from Data Dives, host Carolyn Parmer explains the existing mental health services and barriers to these resources at UT.

Four of The Drag's graduating seniors -- Leni Steinhardt, Tamara Rodriguez, Mackenzie Matwick and Heather Stewart -- share their goodbyes to The Drag and UT. 

Health and wellness company Botanic Tonics has become one of the largest brands to specialize in kratom-based drinks with their popular Feel Free tonic. However, Feel Free tonics are marketed and labeled as "sober-alternatives". Since 2020, Botanic Tonics has grown to become the official sponsor of multiple college sports teams, including The University of Texas at Austin. In this episode, Hope Gu...

Matthew Held, Kaiya Little, and Ella Barnes all have something in common: Inanimate objects. They've all got a special connection to their possessions. For Matt, it's hunting knives. For Kaiya, it's a dream catcher. Ella, who hosts this episode, explores these connections we have with inanimate objects – inspired by her love for her grandparents' dark side of the moon vinyl.

Being stuck on a highway during rush hour traffic is no one's idea of a good time, but adding more lanes should help. Right? The Texas Department of Transportation is currently expanding the section of I-35 that runs through Austin, TX, which might sound like a good thing. But adding more lanes actually just makes traffic worse over time. So why do we keep doing it? And what's the alternative? Ais...

Whether you're an avid reader or haven't finished a book since high school, chances are you've seen books with the words "a New York Times Best Seller" on the cover. Have you ever wondered what it takes to earn this stamp of approval, or why so many books are somehow No. 1 best sellers? In this special episode from Data Dives, host Carolyn Parmer explains the complicated process of how the Times c...

Introducing a new series from The Drag: " Forsaken ." "Forsaken" is a series that explores the systems that both enhance and oppress the lives of the more than 29 million people living in Texas. Each episode will address issues that Texans face each day – the good and the bad. We'll explore the criminal justice system, Texas politics, civil rights, social issues and even a little bit of history. T...

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin. You've probably heard Austin referred to as the live music capital of the world, but where should you actually go to hear some live music? Madison Myers and Molly-Jo Tilton highlight a few of Austin's more intimate music venues. Ryan Olszewski and Carolyn Parmer highlight an off-the-beaten...

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin. In today's episode, we're talking about some general travel tips if you're visiting Austin. Kevin Baskar and Carolyn Parmer highlight things to do near the University of Texas campus, if you find yourself in our neck of the woods. Christy Crawford and Sofia Vargas Karam give you tips on whe...

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin. In today's episode, we're talking about everyone's favorite topicL Food. Dacia Garcia and Kylie Miller try some of Austin's best burger joints. Mackenzie Matwick and Molly-Jo Tilton explore Tex-Mex spots in Austin. Ry Olszewski and Miles Oshan highlight coffee shops, and Heather Stewart and...

This season will feature stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at UT Austin. In today's episode, we're sharing stories about places to shop while you're visiting Austin. Amaris Ovalle and Dacia Garcia take us to some of Austin's top record stores. Mackenzie Matwick, Sofia Vargas Karam and Madison Myers get outfitted in their Western best along South Congress avenue. Miles Oshan highlig...

This season features stories from the May 2023 Travel Podcasting class at the University of Texas at Austin. In this special season highlighting tourist tips in Austin, we're talking museums on today's episode. Heather Stewart and Christy Crawford take us to the Thinkery, Austin's children's museum. Kevin Baskar and Molly-Jo Tilton give us an audio tour of the Texas Capitol and the Bob Bullock Tex...