Changing Austin
What’s next for Central Texas? The Changing Austin podcast explores this question by spotlighting the people shaping one of America’s fastest-growing regions. In each episode, host Stacy Armijo talks with a local business or nonprofit leader about how they’re adapting to rapid growth, evolving their strategies, and leading with purpose in today’s dynamic Austin community. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories and hard-earned lessons from the leaders building Austin’s future, while honoring the culture and character that define its past. Learn more at www.changingaustin.com. Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, a Texas-based financial institution committed to supporting local leadership and community impact.
Episodes

Mar 6, 2026
Mar 6, 2026
27 min
What do Texas Mutual Insurance Company and Austin FC have in common? Both organizations begin and end with the strength of their communities. That is the perspective offered by Jeremiah Bentley, vice president of marketing and community affairs at Texas Mutual Insurance Company and co-host of the Moontower Soccer podcast focused on Austin FC.
In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Bentley to discuss how his work as a Central Texas business leader and soccer podcaster has shaped his view of what makes the Austin community special. Bentley also shares why you do not need deep knowledge of workers’ compensation insurance or Major League Soccer to take advantage of everything Texas Mutual and Austin FC have to offer.
Follow Jeremiah Bentley on LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/jbentley_atx/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiah-bentley-63097b6/
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
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.

Feb 20, 2026
Feb 20, 2026
31 min
How does the movie theater experience stay relevant in the age of streaming? That’s the question Sarah Pitre, Head Film Buyer at Alamo Drafthouse, tackles every week as she balances studio releases, repertory programming and evolving audience preferences. Her work helps keep Alamo Drafthouse a top destination for both arthouse films and big-budget movies nationwide.
In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast from Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Pitre to explore how Alamo Drafthouse continues to champion cinema culture, from its Austin origins to its expanding national footprint. Pitre shares insights on film curation, community-driven programming and why the theatrical experience still matters for movie lovers.
Follow Sarah Pitre on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpitre/
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
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.

Nov 21, 2025
Nov 21, 2025
23 min
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
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.

Nov 7, 2025
Nov 7, 2025
27 min
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.

Oct 25, 2025
Oct 25, 2025
32 min
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.

Oct 10, 2025
Oct 10, 2025
32 min
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.

Sep 26, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
31 min
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.

Sep 12, 2025
Sep 12, 2025
33 min
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.

Aug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025
36 min
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.

Aug 15, 2025
Aug 15, 2025
32 min
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.







