Jen Austin

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.

Having More Than $11,700 in Savings Puts You Above the Norm

The top 1 percent of households in the U.S. have over $1 million saved across several accounts, and the bottom twenty percent have between zero and eight thousand dollars in savings. Where do you land?

How Long Does Halloween Candy Last?

If you didn't eat all of it last night, you can keep enjoying the Kit Kats and Dum Dums awhile longer. But how long exactly? Halloween candy has a shelf-life, and it's not "til next year."

Win Halloween With Self-Serve Trick-or-Treating

If you're going to be out trick-or-treating tonight with your own kids but you still want to pass out candy to the neighborhood, this self-serve method will solve your dilemma. And with no potential downsides, this is a total Halloween win.

The Most Reliable Vehicle in Texas is Not the Most Common

We love the Ford F-150 in Texas, and it's hard to drive on Highway 59 without seeing one or twelve. But it's not the most reliable vehicle, according to Consumer Reports. So what is?

The 3 Biggest Reasons Texans Wear Shorts All Year

You know it's going to happen. A couple of months from now when most of us are bundled up head-to-toe battling the wind and cold rain with hats, thick coats, and cozy lined pants, some other brave soul will walk by in shorts. What possesses these people?

Chickenpox Parties Are Still Happening

Even though the CDC says it's not the best idea, parents are still throwing parties to get their kids in the same room with another child who has the chicken pox, to expose them and boost immunity down the road. Is this a good idea?

Average Life Expectancy in Texas is Under 80

People are living longer around the globe, but in Texas, not so much. Many of us won't even make it to 80! If we want to live longer, apparently we need to move to Spain. Here's why.

Bugs on the Christmas Tree Can Hatch Inside Your House

It may be too early to put up the Christmas decorations, but digesting this little tidbit now can help us ward off problems in December. And if you're on the fence about which kind of tree to put up, this may convince you to go for fake one over the real thing.

Boy Donates $11,000 to Fallen Deputy’s Family

The family of the Nacogdoches deputy killed earlier this month in the line of duty has received an outpouring of support, but this may be the most powerful instance so far. An 11-year old boy took what could have been college money, and gave every bit of it to Brad Jimmerson's family.

Early Voting Starts Monday

Early voters can go to any location without worrying about the precinct, and the lines may be shorter than they will be on election day. If you're planning on casting an early ballot, you've got four locations to choose from in Angelina County.

Kids Who Grow Up Around Books Have An Advantage

If you haven't been to the Kurth Memorial Library lately, here's some incentive to head that way. There's a big advantage to growing up around books, and it sticks with us for life. But is it the tangible copies or the digital ones?

Feel Free to Steal This Weird Halloween Costume Idea

This is my 8-year old daughter. I am so proud.