Changing Austin

Madeline Hollern: Why Modern Media Must Adapt or Die

As Austin transforms into one of the fastest-growing cultural hubs in the country, local media outlets are being forced to adapt or fall behind. Few understand that better than Madeline Hollern, Editor in Chief of Austin Monthly. From expanding local restaurant coverage to partnering with global celebrities, Hollern and her team are redefining how Austin stories are told and how the city shows up on the national stage.
In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo talks with Hollern about the evolution of modern media and the increasingly blurred line between traditional journalism and content creators. Hollern also shares why local storytellers, including small business owners and longtime journalists, need to get comfortable on camera in a world where personal identity and professional brand are now inseparable.
Follow Madeline Hollern on Instagram and LinkedIn:
www.instagram.com/madelinehollernwww.linkedin.com/in/madeline-hollern-5a6b917
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
www.instagram.com/stacy.armijowww.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
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Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Jamie Herlich: Why Good Theater Is Always Good Business

What does it mean to take the reins of the oldest theater company in Texas? For Jamie Herlich, becoming the managing director of ZACH Theater in Austin meant delivering on ZACH’s mission to produce homegrown theater in the heart of the city. It also meant opening doors to a new generation of theatergoers and showing the Central Texas community why the performing arts matter more than ever.
In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast powered by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Herlich to discuss a decade of transformation for ZACH Theater. From a small change in spelling — switching from “theatre” to “theater” — to expanding ZACH’s year-round lineup of live performances and arts education programs, Herlich explains why cultural institutions like ZACH play a vital role in Austin’s creative economy and the long-term growth of Central Texas.
Follow Jamie Herlich on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/jmherlichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jherlich
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Matt Cisneros: Dedicating Your Life to Media and Migas

Matthew Cisneros spends his days thinking about two things: media and migas. As co-owner of Cisco’s Restaurant and Bakery, one of Austin’s most iconic Tex-Mex restaurants, and founder of Backyard Ventures, a growing media and influencer marketing agency, Cisneros bridges the worlds of legacy brands and digital startups.
In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Cisneros to explore how these two beloved Austin institutions reflect the city’s evolving business landscape. From preserving a 75-year-old Austin restaurant tradition to innovating in influencer partnerships and local media, Cisneros shares how Austin’s past and present remain deeply connected.
Follow Matt Cisneros on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/matthewcisneros https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcisneros1 
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Chris Seals: Still Austin Is Keeping Whiskey Weird

When Chris Seals first read his father Cleveland’s post-retirement dream to launch a whiskey distillery in Austin—the city’s first since Prohibition—he was skeptical. But what started as a risky idea turned into a globally recognized whiskey brand that’s deeply rooted in Austin's creative spirit. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Seals, co-founder and CEO of Still Austin Whiskey Co., for a spirited conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation and, of course, whiskey.
Seals shares how building strong relationships with local farmers, emphasizing sustainable practices and honoring Austin’s boundary-pushing energy have helped Still Austin grow from a startup to a leader in the craft spirits industry. He also talks about what's next for the brand and why he’s focused on making Still Austin a 100-year company.
Whether you're a fan of small-batch bourbon, fascinated by Austin business stories or passionate about local makers, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Texas’ most successful and authentic whiskey brands.
Follow Chris Seals on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/weeklywhiskeyatxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-seals-a197521
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Harvey Kronberg: Why Texas Politics Still Sets Its Watch by the Quorum Report

Since joining the Quorum Report in 1989 as a contract writer, Harvey Kronberg has become a trusted voice in Texas politics. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, Stacy Armijo sits down with Kronberg for a candid conversation about how Austin has evolved over the past four decades. From its laid-back “slacker” reputation in the 1970s to its transformation into a booming tech and policy hub, Kronberg shares firsthand stories from the frontlines of Texas journalism and politics.
Follow the Quorum Report online:
https://quorumreport.com
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

John Garrett: How Community Impact Shows That Print Media Is Still Good Business

In 2005, John and Jennifer Garrett launched the very first issue of Community Impact Newspaper from their garage. What started as a hyperlocal experiment has grown into the largest local news organization in Texas, serving millions of readers with neighborhood-focused journalism. On this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, host Amplify Credit Union sits down with CEO and founder John Garrett to reveal how Community Impact has not only survived but thrived in an era when many publishers are cutting back on print
Follow John Garrett on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpgarrett/
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette: How Waterloo Greenway Helps Austin Reimagine Its Heart

It isn't often you get to be part of something that will better your entire city for generations to come, but that's exactly what Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette has done as chief executive officer of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. In this episode of Changing Austin, Dr. Burnette explains why she came out of retirement to lead this effort, describing the Greenway as a project that gives the Austin community a chance to “reimagine its heart” with more inclusive public spaces that cross cultural and economic boundaries.
Follow Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettepb/
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Adam Butler: Empowering Austin’s Top Businesses To Build a Powerful Brand Voice

When your creative agency develops the branding for Austin's first Major League Soccer team, Austin FC, your place in Austin marketing history is secured. In this episode of Changing Austin, Adam Butler, co-founder of Butlers, discusses how Austin's entrepreneurial spirit and creative culture fueled the city's growth and helped his company find its voice.
Follow Adam Butler on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrbutler
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Kara Hanaoka: Why Austin's Restaurant Scene Starts With Its Workers

As Austin continues its rapid growth, it's important to ensure our food workers are not left behind. In this episode of Changing Austin, Kara Hanaoka, Executive Director of Good Work Austin, shares how local businesses and nonprofits are working together to foster healthy careers in the service industry.
Follow Kara Hanaoka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-prior-hanaoka-ma-67749232/
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.

Davon Barbour: Why Austin’s Growth Doesn’t Have To Leave Anyone Behind

Austin is growing fast—but growth alone isn’t success. In this episode of Changing Austin, Davon Barbour, president and CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance, shares how the city can expand without displacing the people and businesses that give it heart.
Follow Davon Barbour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonbarbour
Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo
About Changing Austin:
Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.
VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=272e2d14b0ad45ec
Changing Austin is brought to you by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking.