Black Austin Matters
KUT & KUTX Studios, Richard J. Reddick, Lisa B. Thompson·44 episodes·Infrequent
Quick Facts
From the show
Lisa & Rich spotlight the Black Austinites reshaping their city, from WNBA champs to physicians to culture builders. Central Texas, for real.
Episodes
Latest Episode
September 3, 2026 · 35m
In this episode of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich sit down with artist, educator, father, community leader, and Austin’s Poet Laureate, Zell Miller III. Recorded live in May at the inaugural KUT Festival, Zell shares what it was like growing up in Austin and finding his voice as an artist. He also discusses […]
More Episodes
Aug 12, 2026 · 1h 3m
At just 15 years old, community organizer Kyra Newton testified at the Texas Capitol in support of the CROWN Act. Now, as the youngest guest to appear on Black Austin Matters, she joins Lisa and Rich to share how she found her voice as an organizer, the story behind the nonprofit Beyond Boundaries that she […]
Jul 8, 2026 · 59m
Civic strategist, native Austinite, and community leader Eric Byrd sits down with Lisa and Rich to reflect on growing up in Austin, why he believes being of service is his life’s purpose, the lasting impact of positive male role models, the importance of men coming together to support one another, how brilliance can be found […]
Jun 3, 2026 · 59m
Lisa and Rich continue their conversation with basketball champion, commentator, author and entrepreneur Fran Harris. Fran reflects on what inspired her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind launching her own basketball league, and how the loss of her mother profoundly reshaped her perspective on life. The full transcript of this episode of Black Austin Matters is […]
May 6, 2026 · 1h 5m
Basketball 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.
May 4, 2026 · 0m
This 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.
Aug 6, 2025 · 50m
In 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 […]
Jul 3, 2025 · 1h 0m
In 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 […]
Jun 13, 2025 · 1h 3m
In 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 […]
May 8, 2025
On 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. […]