Podcast
Black Austin Matters
Hosted by KUT & KUTX Studios, Richard J. Reddick, Lisa B. Thompson · EN
What really matters to Black Austinites?
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Fran Harris – Part 1
May 601:05:53Tap to summarizeBasketball champion, entrepreneur and author Fran Harris talks with Lisa and Rich about what it means to be a champion, lessons her mother taught her about resilience, being part of the 1986 Women’s National Championship team at Texas, making the WNBA after retiring from basketball, and why coaching was never her calling. The post Fran Harris – Part 1 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Black Austin Matters Returns for Season 4 — Premiering Wednesday, May 6
May 400:00:43Tap to summarizeThis season, Black Austin Matters continues to spotlight the voices shaping Austin’s culture, history, and future. You’ll hear from recording artist Mama Duke, a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, Austin native and civic leader Eric Byrd, and entrepreneur and Longhorn legend Fran Harris, who helped lead the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team to a national championship in 1986. Black Austin Matters is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of Black Austin Matters is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.The post Black Austin Matters Returns for Season 4 — Premiering Wednesday, May 6 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Dr. Cheryl Clark-Brown
Aug 600:50:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Black Austin Matters, Lisa and Rich sit down with Austin native Dr. Cheryl Clark-Brown, founder of Clark-Brown Family Care Clinic. Dr. Clark-Brown shares her inspiring journey into medicine, her deep-rooted passion for integrative healing, and her unwavering dedication to serving the community. She also offers heartfelt advice to the Black community on prioritizing self-care, explains why spending meaningful time with each patient is essential, highlights her favorite healing herbs, and names the travel destinations that help her recharge and stay grounded. The post Dr. Cheryl Clark-Brown appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →China Smith
Jul 301:00:36Tap to summarizeIn the latest episode of Black Austin Matters, Lisa and Rich chat with Ballet Afrique founder and contemporary dancer China Smith. China takes us on a joyful stroll down memory lane, sharing what she loved about growing up in Austin and why her community means so much to her. She talks about how her time in the Bay Area shaped her, the music that moves her, and why movement is so important for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health — no dance skills required! She also emphasizes the importance of taking care of your body and shares her passion for a vegan lifestyle. The post China Smith appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Talib Abdullahi
Jun 1301:03:35Tap to summarizeIn the latest episode of Black Austin Matters, Lisa and Rich sit down with Talib Abdullahi, founder of the Black History Bike Ride. Talib shares his journey from growing up in Houston, including what it was like to have professional jazz musicians as parents, to making his way to Austin to attend the University of Texas. He talks about how his passion for history and cycling came together to spark the creation of the Black History Bike Ride. Talib also opens up about his plans to expand the tour to new cities, his love for documentary filmmaking, and how adding an MBA to his toolkit is helping him scale his vision and deepen the impact of his work. The post Talib Abdullahi appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Chi Ndika
May 8, 2025Tap to summarizeOn this flavorful episode of Black Austin Matters, we chat with Chi Ndika, founder of Luv Fats Ice Cream. Chi shares how her earliest ice cream memories sparked her entrepreneurial spirit, how her psychology background enhances her daily interactions and business decisions, and the unique way yoga principles guide her approach to creativity and wellness. Tune in for a sweet blend of culture, mindfulness, and entrepreneurial insights. The post Chi Ndika appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Carl Settles Jr.
Apr 10, 202500:49:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich sit down with Carl Settles—founder and executive director of E4 Youth and creator of What Once Was. Carl opens up about the powerful influence of his parents, and his unique journey as both an All-State football player and student director of the choir while at Judson High School, to his passion for teaching, storytelling, technology, and the arts. He opens up about the future of E4 Youth and why it’s so crucial for young people to embrace and tell their own stories. Carl also talks about his love of music and the deeper meaning behind “putting the couch through the window.” The post Carl Settles Jr. appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Richard J. Reddick
Mar 6, 202501:02:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Black Austin Matters, Lisa sits down with her co-host, Richard J. Reddick, to discuss his upbringing as an Air Force brat, his undergraduate experience at Harvard University, his journey as an educator, and the insights behind his book, Restorative Resistance in Higher Education: Leading in an Era of Racial Awakening and Reckoning. The post Richard J. Reddick appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Eric and Katrina Brooks owners of Black Pearl Books
Feb 5, 202501:18:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich converse with Eric and Katrina Brooks, the owners of Black Pearl Books. Together, they reflect on their meeting at Clark Atlanta University, emphasize the significance of black representation in literature, stress the value of reading, and share their efforts to combat book bans. The post Eric and Katrina Brooks owners of Black Pearl Books appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →Harrison Eppright
Jan 8, 202501:11:06Tap to summarizeIn this Black Austin Matters episode, join Lisa and Rich at the launch party of season 3 last year. They explore the essence of Austin, detailing how their fondness for the city drove them to kickstart the Black Austin Matters podcast. Joined by Austin native and tour guide Harrison Eppright, the hosts have an insightful dialogue covering his family legacy, Austin’s vibrant history, and the value of highlighting East Austin’s history and the narratives of all individuals. The post Harrison Eppright appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Transcribe →