Hi! I grew up in a one-stoplight town in rural Nebraska and my whole family still lives there with three churches, a bar, and a courthouse. I left because I like lots of people and taller buildings, and I don't like cold weather. On those rare days in Texas when it gets snowy and icy, you'll find me inside Googling beach vacations. I don't plan to leave Texas now that I've been here for most of my adult life because the barbecue and fajitas are just way too addictive. I've worked in radio from the moment I graduated from college at the University of Nebraska, and besides getting the hang out with cool people like you every day, I love sports, great restaurants, self improvement, and meeting new people. I love all movies starring Melissa McCarthy or Julia Roberts, and all TV shows with home improvements or food in them. You'll probably hear me talk about my three daughters on the air, along with the challenges of being a single mom. I'm on several of the dating apps, because trying to meet someone in person these days is way too creepy.
Jen Austin
Texas State Railroad is Expanding the Polar Express
The Texas State Railroad just paid off a big debt, and now they're free to move forward with plans to add another car to the Polar Express, and make other changes that you'll notice this summer.
Baseball is Proof That Hard Work Pays Off
We have to look really hard to find and overnight success story in baseball. It's a journey and not a sprint, and teams know the marathon 162-game season will be full of ups and downs.
MoviePass Lowers Its Price Again
There are several theaters in East Texas that honor MoviePass, and using the pass at those theaters just got cheaper. A month after lowering the monthly fee to $7.95, the subscription price has fallen by another buck.
Former Secretary of State Could Be Headed to UT in Austin
Rex Tillerson is a University of Texas alum, and could be headed back to the school as its next Chancellor.
Spring Brings out Kindness Rocks in Lufkin
Now that spring is here and we've got warmer weather, the kindness rock movement is about to get an infusion of energy. The next two weekends will be prime times to paint, hide, and find colorful new rocks, but there are some rules we'll need to keep in mind.
Two Texas Teams Will Shake Up the Sweet Sixteen
Now that our brackets are busted and we're not cheering for ourselves anymore, it's time to toss those in the trash and really get behind our Texas teams.
There are two Texas teams left in the NCAA tournament, and I'm about to talk some trash and tell you exactly why they're gonna make the Final Four. Believe it!
The Worst Thing About Spring is Figuring Out the Sprinkler System
Why do lawn irrigation systems have to be so darned hard to program? If you'd rather have crispy grass than spend an hour of your life trying to make it work right, you are not alone.
Mud Nationals Expected to Draw Big Crowds to East Texas
If you're in the mood for a road trip, Mud Nationals will kick off tomorrow in Jacksonville, and it's not too late to reserve a camping spot to hang out through the weekend.
Big Upset Means Free Pizza for Everyone in East Texas
After that huge upset where a 16 seed beat a #1 seed in the March Madness Basketball Tournament, Little Caesers is going to make good on its promise to give us all free pizza.
5 St. Patrick’s Day Pickup Lines to Totally Avoid
This will be a fun and festive weekend full of parties, beads, and green beer, and it can only be ruined by one thing. Dumb pickup lines! Prepare yourself for these doozies, and don't use 'em if you want to have any chance of moving into someone else's personal space.
Texas Stadiums Bring Some of Baseball’s Wildest Concessions
Apparently we haven't lived until we've tried the Houston Astros' Chicken Waffle Cone or the Texas Rangers' famous 2-foot-long hot dog. And now there's a festival that's showcasing the wild concessions from all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Pack the treadmill!
Dairy Queen is Giving Away Free Ice Cream
Dairy Queen restaurants across East Texas will give you a free vanilla cone, and there's only one thing you have to do to get it.