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
We’ve Got the Most Attractive Accent in America Y’all
A survey asked for opinions on the most attractive accent in America, and the results show it's not just a southern accent, in general, that's cool. There's one specific part of the South that talks sexier than all the rest, and that's us. Texas is sexy Y'all!
Texas Schools Have Among the Lowest SAT Scores in the Nation
School is getting ready to start up again, and students are getting excited about new friends, new teachers, new backpacks, and a brand new start. And there's this not-so-happy news that Texas ranks among the lowest in the US for SAT scores, so we gotta buckle down. There is one bright spot.
Car Coma Helps Solve the Chicken-or-the-Egg Mystery
Long road trips give ya plenty of time to think, and if you're ten years old, road trips make you blurt out solutions to seemingly impossible questions. My daughter may have been lulled into a car coma by road noise and cloudy skies, but during the sixth hour of the road trip, she had a great point in the chicken-or-the-egg debate.
Lufkin First Date Ideas That Don’t Involve Drinking
If you want to cut the alcohol and really remember that first date, we've got some alcohol-free summer date ideas that will definitely be memorable enough to lead to date number two.
A Texas Company is Hiring Someone to Take Naps
This could very well be your dream job. A Texas-based company is looking for someone to test mattresses and write about the experience on social media. If you want a job taking naps, you've got a few days left to apply.
An East Texas Fall Festival Preview
East Texas seems to be taking a break from the big festivals right now, and that's probably because it's too darned hot to spend much time outside walking around on purpose. When the weather cools off the festivals will get cranked up again, and we've got the preview.
Don’t Let a Lufkin Veteran’s Grave Go Undecorated
The graves of East Texas veterans will be decorated with wreaths again this December, and now is the time to do the planning to make sure no graves get skipped. Lufkin alone has 600 graves to honor.
JJ Watt Helps a Fallen Firefighter’s Family
The very charitable JJ Watt is at it again, this time donating money to the family of a firefighter who died in a blaze that hit very close to home...for both of them.
This GUY. After all of the help during Hurricane Harvey relief, this is one more reason to love JJ Watt.
Why We’ll Miss Southwest Airlines’ Peanuts
When they pass out those peanuts mid-flight it feels like we've hit the lotto. We might never eat nuts on the ground, but in the air, they taste SO good! As of August 1st on Southwest Airlines the peanuts are gone, and we've got one big reason why they'll be missed.
Rent in Texas is Lower Than Most of the US
Could you imagine spending $3500 per month on rent? That's the average in one U.S. city, and thankfully it's not in Texas. We're getting off cheap here in comparison.
Texas Doesn’t Mess With Ice Cream Tradition
Who in the world would think "goat cheese and cherry" ice cream is a good idea? Not any East Texas ice cream shops. Several shops around the country are gaining attention for their crazy ice cream flavors, and meanwhile, Texas keeps churning out tradition.
Lake Sam Rayburn is Voted Best Lake in the US
It's always up near the top, but this time Lake Sam Rayburn not only wins the South, but our Texas gem is ranked as the best lake in all of America for catching fish.