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
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.
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.
Crazy Things are Floating in Lufkin Pools
Rafts and floaties have come a long way. Instead of thin-ribbed rafts and plain ole tubes, we've got flamingos, swans, avocados floating with us in the pools. And bulls!
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.
An East Texas Man Gets His Class Ring Back After 40 Years
It pays to take a leisurely stroll with a metal detector. One man ended up finding a 1972 high school class ring and was able to reunite that with its owner with the help of social media.
Don’t Miss These Military Discounts for the 4th of July
If you're active duty military or a veteran, you can score some extra discounts this 4th of July at some great spots around East Texas.
Don't miss these chances to save.
Why Are We So Obsessed With Hot Dogs on the 4th of July?
I asked my neighbor Chuck what he had planned for the 4th of July, and he said, "I don't know, but my wife wants a hot dog." Of course, she does! A hot dog craving comes right along with every road trip we'll take this week and every firework we'll see. And there's a reason behind it.
How to Calm Your Dog’s Nerves During Fireworks
Dogs just don't understand Independence Day. We know the loud booms and bangs are to show how much we love our freedom, but dogs must think the world is caving in and they're about to get some shrapnel right in the hiney. We've got some ways to help calm the doggie jitters.
East Texas Drivers Should Find Lower Gas Prices Soon
The 4th of July is a week away, and we've got a big road trip weekend coming up. It's been feeling like gas prices may hit the $3 per gallon mark, but now we have reasons why that will NOT happen. Yay!