Downtown Depot: Recent Episodes
Austin Meek
Downtown Depot is a new show from KWBU. Featuring host Austin Meek, the 30-minute show will look at the ins and outs of development in Waco. Each week you can hear interviews with local entrepreneurs, city officials, and people with a stake in developing our city on the Brazos. During the show you'll also hear updates about new businesses, closures and development rumblings around town. But we also want to hear from you. Is there a building or an update on development that you want to know about? Let us know.
Autumn Outlaw fills in this months to lead a conversation with the Dr. Pepper Museum's President and CEO Chris Dyer to talk all things Dr. Pepper, and highlight the iconic soft drink's place in Waco history.
On this edition of Downtown Depot, host Andrea Kosar is in conversation with conductor and recently appointed Music Director for the Waco Symphony Orchestra. Lawrence Loh.
On this week's episode of Downtown Depot, in preparation for the upcoming eclipse, host Andrea Kosar is in conversation with Ryan Dirker, Emergency Management Coordinator for the city of Waco.
This week on Downtown Depot, Enrique Perez - City of Waco Urban Planner and Project Manager for the 25th Street Corridor Study. We will learn more about Andrea Kosar who, in addition to her job as Executive Director of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is now host of Downtown Depot on KWBU.
This State of the Station from KWBU includes an update from President Joe Riley. Brodie Bashaw also speaks with KWBU Reporter Autumn Jones and Community Engagement Coordinator Rachel Velasco.
In this weeks episode of Downtown Depot, Austin Meek is in conversation with COO of Neighborly, Mary Kennedy Thompson.
This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Andreas Zaloumis, owner of Third Space Theory Coffee, better known as THRST.
On this week's episode of Downtown Depot, Austin Meek leads a conversation with Kathy Wise of 'Mission Waco'.
This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Bradley Ford, city manager for the City of Waco.
This week Austin Meek is in conversation with Eric Terrezas, Director of Economic Development for the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
In Episode 159 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews Kate Duncan, owner of Wildland Boutique.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with investment coach and founder of Balcomie Capital, Travis Baucom.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Studio CTX business partners John Mark Buckner and Dave Urabe.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Artist and Art Consultant, Andrea La-Valleur-Purvis. They discuss projects Andrea’s been working on, how creatives can turn their hobby into a business, and the future impact of artificial intelligence on the art world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Artist and Art Consultant, Andrea La-Valleur-Purvis.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Registered Professional Archaeologist, Katherine Turner-Pearson.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with District Four Councilman Darius Ewing. They discuss Darius' recent trip to DC to petition Texas legislators, his pet projects such as affordable housing and public transport, and his vision for what Waco could be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Ross Harris, owner of The Bear Mountain and Waco Paddle Company. They discuss the childhood affinity Ross had for outdoor life and how he's transferred that into not one, but two businesses that are helping Wacoans make the most of the natural landscape around them.
KWBU Waco's NPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with David Taylor and Mike Schwaab, owners of Waco Surf. They discuss the international reputation of their water park, cultivating eco-friendly business practices, and integrating with the Waco community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with television host and 'that Englishman in Texas', Ollie Pettigrew. They discuss his history in the entertainment industry, his observations on life in Texas, and his impressions of Waco's creative community. Know Waco's Debbie Wright also joins Austin to discuss the night markets in East Waco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with television host and 'that Englishman in Texas', Oli Pettigrew. They discuss his history in the entertainment industry, his observations on life in Texas, and his impressions of Waco's creative community. Know Waco's Debbie Wright also joins Austin to discuss the night markets in East Waco.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with television host and 'that Englishman in Texas', Oli Pettigrew. They discuss his history in the entertainment industry, his observations on life in Texas, and his impressions of Waco's creative community. Know Waco's Debbie Wright also joins Austin to discuss the night markets in East Waco.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Cory Duncan, local real estate agent and broker. They discuss mentors, the market, and lessons Duncan learned whilst developing a commercial building on Washington Avenue.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Susan Sistrunk, artist and owner of Susan L Sistrunk, Fine Art Gallery. They discuss the business of local art, the creative process, and collecting art.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with David Mayfield, owner of David Mayfield Selections and the Waco Wine Shop. They discuss studying at the culinary institute of America, importing South American wines, and setting up shop in Waco.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Vivia and Aniceto Charles, owners of Tru Jamaica. They discuss the motivations behind bringing authentic Jamaican cuisine to Waco and how in the face of disaster, the local community has been a bedrock of support.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Waco business owner Rocco Bolts, who discusses the importance of relationships when it comes to running a business - and how he's using those skills to make a difference in his city.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, Professor of Mediaval history at Baylor and U.S.A. Today’s bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. They talk about how Waco has changed since she grew up in Mexia visiting the big city, how the definition of “biblical womanhood” has evolved, her thoughts on the Lenten and Easter seasons.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, Professor of Mediaval history at Baylor and U.S.A. Today’s bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. They talk about how Waco has changed since she grew up in Mexia visiting the big city, how the definition of “biblical womanhood” has evolved, her thoughts on the Lenten and Easter seasons.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with Waco business owner Rocco Bolts, who discusses the importance of relationships when it comes to running a business - and how he's using those skills to make a difference in his city.
Due to weather conditions, we had to pull from the Downtown Depot archive for the February 3 broadcast. This episode of Downtown Depot with Waco Mayor Dillon Meek originally aired January 6, 2026.Host Austin Meek welcomes Waco Mayor Dillon Meek (no relation) to talk about the strides the city has made in the past year, and discuss the exciting challenges and opportunities facing Waco in 2023.
Joining host Austin Meek for this episode is Andrea Kosar, Executive Director of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Host Austin Meek welcomes Waco Mayor Dillon Meek (no relation) to talk about the strides the city has made in the past year, and discuss the exciting challenges and opportunities facing Waco in 2023.
In Episode 141 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews former Baylor and NFL quarterback Cody Carlson. Cody shares lessons learned from his playing career, his continuing work with GXG Exchange connecting Baylor student-athletes with businesses opportunities, and his vision for equitably developing the bustling Elm Avenue corridor of East Waco.
In Episode 141 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews former Baylor and NFL quarterback Cody Carlson. Cody shares lessons learned from his playing career, his continuing work with GXG Exchange connecting Baylor student-athletes with businesses opportunities, and his vision for equitably developing the bustling Elm Avenue corridor of East Waco.
Joining host Austin Meek this week is musician Dave Innis. Dave is best known for being a part of the country band Restless Heart. Dave and his wife have retired to Waco, and are now becoming influential members of the local music scene.
Host Austin Meeks talks with Aaron Williams, the owner of MC Art Supplies on Washington Avenue. They talk about the challenges he faced in purchasing and growing an existing business,
In this episode, host Austin Meek is joined by Soledad Bautista. Sol is the new Director of Professional Development and Community Outreach for Creative Waco. We'll learn about her path that lead her to Waco, and an exciting new project called the Air Collaborative. This is a program that sparks arts and business collaboration, invites curiosity, and leads to the exchange of skills and ideas by bringing community members of diverse backgrounds to the table together.
In this episode, host Austin Meek talks with barbecue pit master Phil Helberg of Helberg Barbecue. They talk about how he developed his business and his art, and what it meant to be named one of the top 50 barbecue joints in the state in Texas Monthly magazine.
On this edition of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek talks with Swayze Ray, creative director and editorial stylist. Conversations include talking about opening a storefront during covid, closing the store front during covid, and ways to support Waco‘s artistic community even if you aren’t the one willing to take the risk. Also on the program, Dr. Hannah Ermon, one of the competitors of dancing with the Waco stars.
Host Ausitn Meek is joined by Josh Borderud, city council person for District 3 and a professor at the Baylor law school. They talk about coming onto the council during Covid, his goals for improving his district, and differences he’s noticed in Waco‘s young people. Before that interview, he talks with Katherine Bennett and Morgan Eyering about targeting Waco‘s young professionals at the Art Center of Waco.
Host Austin Meek is joined by Austin Hooper, residential real estate expert, to talk about what's happening with inflation rates and the local housing stock in Waco. Before then he focuses on multi family living, interviewing Caitland Rodgers, a brand new developer on the Elm Ave., corridor providing 49 new apartments, including affordable housing.
Host Austin Meek's guest is Jenny Passavant. Jenny is a fashion designer and co-owner of the fresh cut flower shop, Bloom. They talk about her experience working with manufacturers overseas for Ralph Lauren and how she decided to turn her floral hobby into a business.But before that interview, we check in with Megan Davis of Waco Parks and Recreation for The Word on the Street.
Austin's guest for this episode is multi disciplinarian Bryan Fonville. Bryan is an executive at a local bank and shares his thoughts on rising interest rates as well as the various local groups to which he donates his time.Plus, The Word on the Street features Samuel Thomas and Louis Hunter, co-founders of the upcoming Deep in the Heart Film Festival.
In Episode 123 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews Wannika Muhammad. Wannika goes in-depth about her 30-year trucking career and later details the ways East Waco has gentrified in the midst of the city’s revitalization.
In this episode, host Austin Meek talks with filmmaker Chris Charles Scott, and focuses on Scott's documentary about Baylor basketball - Ode to Joy.
Central Texas music artist Pirscription joins host Austin Meek to talk about his roots in West, how he's been working to connect Waco's Hip Hop scene, and his new album, just released this week.
Central Texas music artist Pirscription joins host Austin Meek to talk about his roots in West, how he's been working to connect Waco's Hip Hop scene, and his new album, just released this week.
Austin Meek's guest is Shelley Gay, owner of Olive Door Imports in downtown Waco. She talks about her love of 19th & 19th century European antiques, and how she's approaching community building, as a recent Wacoan.
Austin Meek's guest is Shelley Gay, owner of Olive Door Imports in downtown Waco. She talks about her love of 19th & 19th century European antiques, and how she's approaching community building, as a recent Wacoan.
Austin Meek has a year opening conversation with Waco Mayor Dillon Meek. They talk about the many strides the city has taken over the past year, and about what's coming up in 2022. Click to listen to this episode.
Austin Meek has a year opening conversation with Waco Mayor Dillon Meek. They talk about the many strides the city has taken over the past year, and about what's coming up in 2022.
Host Austin Meek speaks with Haley Stewart, a Catholic author, podcaster, and speaker. They discuss Catholic Christmas, Catholic Twitter, and how she adapted the philosophies of Jane Austen for her new book coming out in March.
Host Austin Meek speaks with Haley Stewart, a Catholic author, podcaster, and speaker. They discuss Catholic Christmas, Catholic Twitter, and how she adapted the philosophies of Jane Austen for her new book coming out in March.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with local entrepreneur Daniel Abarca. They discuss tourism in downtown, and the upcoming world axe and knife throwing competition he'll be a part of in Ft. Worth.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with local entrepreneur Daniel Abarca. They discuss tourism in downtown, and the upcoming world axe and knife throwing competition he'll be a part of in Ft. Worth. Click to listen to this episode.
In Episode 115 of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek interviews Paris Rutherford of Catalyst Urban Development. Paris discusses his company’s vision for redeveloping of the Brazos River Promenade and how to design for community connections.
In Episode 115 of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek interviews Paris Rutherford of Catalyst Urban Development. Paris discusses his company’s vision for redeveloping of the Brazos River Promenade and how to design for community connections.
On this episode, Austin Meek sits down with the newest Mrs. Texas, Waco entrepreneur Ashley Beard.
On this episode, Austin Meek sits down with the newest Mrs. Texas, Waco entrepreneur Ashley Beard.
In Episode 113 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews community organizer Dominic Villa. Dominic discusses the struggles growing up in South Waco and ways he’s improving his neighborhood. Prior to that conversation, Brayden Braziel and Alex Blanton of Silent House Theater company preview the production, “I & You.”
In Episode 113 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews community organizer Dominic Villa. Dominic discusses the struggles growing up in South Waco and ways he’s improving his neighborhood. Prior to that conversation, Brayden Braziel and Alex Blanton of Silent House Theater company preview the production, “I & You.”
Kennedy Sam, Director of Marketing and Communications at Creative Waco and host of KWBU's Conversations with Creative Waco takes a seat in the guest chair on this edition of Downtown Depot. She talks with Austin Meek about how Creative Waco brought her back to her hometown, being involved in the every growing and vibrant arts scene and where she'd like to see things go moving forward.
Kennedy Sam, Director of Marketing and Communications at Creative Waco and host of KWBU's Conversations with Creative Waco takes a seat in the guest chair on this edition of Downtown Depot. She talks with Austin Meek about how Creative Waco brought her back to her hometown, being involved in the every growing and vibrant arts scene and where she'd like to see things go moving forward.
Austin Meek's guest this week is local businessman Jake Patterson. He talks about transporting his restaurant concept from Portland to Waco, his downtown food trailer, and why he's opening up a brand new drive in location on Valley Mills Drive. Listen to this episode here:
Austin Meek's guest this week is local businessman Jake Patterson. He talks about transporting his restaurant concept from Portland to Waco, his downtown food trailer, and why he's opening up a brand new drive in location on Valley Mills Drive.
In Episode 110 of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek interviews Makenzie Asisi, owner of Milkbottle Cookies. Makenzie talks about outgrowing her first and second locations, the welcoming nature of Waco's business community, and her new downtown storefront.
In Episode 110 of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek interviews Makenzie Asisi, owner of Milkbottle Cookies. Makenzie talks about outgrowing her first and second locations, the welcoming nature of Waco's business community, and her new downtown storefront. Click to listen to this episode:
Austin's guest for this episode of Downtown Depot is the co-founder of Pinewood Roasters on Austin Avenue. Click to listen to this episode:
Austin's guest for this episode of Downtown Depot is the co-founder of Pinewood Roasters on Austin Avenue.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with local business owner Carla Dotson about developments along the East Waco corridor, her recent conversation with Representative Pete Sessions, and about how the community in East Waco is interactive more closely with Baylor University.
Host Austin Meek has a conversation with local business owner Carla Dotson about developments along the East Waco corridor, her recent conversation with Representative Pete Sessions, and about how the community in East Waco is interactive more closely with Baylor University. Listen to this episode here:
In this episode, host Austin Meek talks with Jacob Green, co-founder of Keep Waco Loud. He talks about the growing arts and entertainment scene in Waco, and disclosing some exciting news about taking over the ownership and operation of an iconic Waco business with his wife, Katie Selman.
In this episode, host Austin Meek talks with Jacob Green, co-founder of Keep Waco Loud. He talks about the growing arts and entertainment scene in Waco, and disclosing some exciting news about taking over the ownership and operation of an iconic Waco business with his wife, Katie Selman. Wendy Gragg from City Center Waco also joins in for "The Word on the Street".
In this episode of Downtown Depot, Austin Meek has a conversation with Jasmine Bledsoe, co-founder of the New Black Collective in Waco. They talk about the inspiration for the organization, her family's rich Waco history, and the city's Juneteenth celebration.
In this episode of Downtown Depot, Austin Meek has a conversation with Jasmine Bledsoe, co-founder of the New Black Collective in Waco. They talk about the inspiration for the organization, her family's rich Waco history, and the city's Juneteenth celebration.
In this episode, host Austin Meek talks with local tattoo artist Lefty Colbert of Infamous Ink. They talk about the history of tattooing, his philosphy regarding the art, and the challenges his shop faced during the pandemic.
In this episode, host Austin Meek talks with local tattoo artist Lefty Colbert of Infamous Ink. They talk about the history of tattooing, his philosphy regarding the art, and the challenges his shop faced during the pandemic.
This week's guest is JaJa Chen, co-owner of Waco Cha, and a licensed therapist. Austin Meek speaks with her about live s an imigrant to the U.S., the importance of diversity, and how she and her husband put the importance of "why" over "what" when making decisions about their small business.
This week's guest is JaJa Chen, co-owner of Waco Cha, and a licensed therapist. Austin Meek speaks with her about live s an imigrant to the U.S., the importance of diversity, and how she and her husband put the importance of "why" over "what" when making decisions about their small business. Listen to this episode by clicking here:
On this episode of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek talks to Eddie Garcia. They discuss the lessons he's learned as a young business owner. Garcia also talks about the lessons he has learned from his hard working immigrant parents.
On this episode of Downtown Depot, host Austin Meek talks to Eddie Garcia. They discuss the lessons he's learned as a young business owner. Garcia also talks about the lessons he has learned from his hard working immigrant parents.
In this episode of Downtown Depot, Austin talks with Waco City Councilwoman Kelly Palmer (District 4) about her first year in the city council seat, how she dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the female figures who inspire her daily. Click here to listen to this episode.
In this episode of Downtown Depot, Austin talks with Waco City Councilwoman Kelly Palmer (District 4) about her first year in the city council seat, how she dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the female figures who inspire her daily.
Host Austin Meeks has a conversation with Jonathan Pokluda, head pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church. They discuss the Christian holiday Easter, what pop culture gets right and wrong about dating, and his new book on relationships called Outdated.
Host Austin Meeks has a conversation with Jonathan Pokluda, head pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church. They discuss the Christian holiday Easter, what pop culture gets right and wrong about dating, and his new book on relationships called Outdated.