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
Owning a Pet Makes You Happier, Earn More Money
Pet ownership has all sorts of benefits, besides just the warm fuzzy feelings we get when we're snuggled up on the couch with our sweet loyal friends. Pet owners tend to be happier, exercise more, and earn more money. Wanna adopt right now?
With Babies R Us Closed, Another Store Picks Up the Slack
The closure of Babies R Us stores left a huge void in the world of baby products, and other retailers are realizing they've got a big opportunity to fill that need. A big retailer just announced they'll start selling more cribs and playsets in stores on August 30th, and other retailers are hopping on board too.
Not Out of the Woods Yet With ‘100 Deadliest Days’ in Texas
The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest days of the year on the roads, and there was proof of that earlier this summer in East Texas when a teen driver was killed when his vehicle went off the road and flipped. Just why is the summer so deadly? Turns out there are several reasons.
East Texas CASA Programs Need More Volunteers
Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, helps kids across East Texas who need someone to watch out for their best interests in the child protection system, and CASA has a big need for volunteers right now. These abused and neglected kids could use a hero like you!
UT Has Its New Leader
They have to wait a few more days before it becomes official, but it looks like the University of Texas system that includes 14 schools has picked its new Chancellor. And he's a New Yorker.
Texas Thieves Get Away With a Stolen Flat Screen on a Motorcycle
Usually, thieves try to be a little discreet, but not this time. Some Texas robbers unscrewed a flat screen from someone's wall and rode off with it on a motorcycle.
Be Glad the Hot Springs in Texas Aren’t THIS Hot
Any guess exactly how hot this "hot spring" is?
We have some great hot springs in Texas that have become swimming holes, but you wouldn't even want to dip a toe into this one. Do you know where it is?
Help Us Find The Most Clever Boat Name in Texas
Thinking of names for kids and pets seems kinda boring compared to the fun people have naming boats. Boat owners can come up with some doozies, and it makes us curious about the best ones you've seen around East Texas. Send 'em in!
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.