Life + Culture

Gabriel Still Calls Austin Home

The Last of Us star is still one of us - his star flies high, but Austin keeps him grounded Article by Jennifer Birn | Photography by Colin Hutton A majority of those reading this recently finished watching Gabriel Luna’s action-packed performance in Season 2 of  HBO’s The Last of Us . Meanwhile, the Austin-native has been in Toronto since May filming The Terminal List with Chris Pratt where he portrays a former Navy Seal currently in the CIA. It’s a long way from Crockett High School...

Life + Culture

The Art of Kindness

Photography by Ben Porter The Kindness Campaign celebrated 10 Years as a non-profit at the Art of Kindness Gala presented by BK Beauty April 10 at PBS Studios. Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima served as Master of Ceremonies, Stephanie Coultress O’Neill and Todd O’Neill co-chaired and AndyB sang. Kevin Hines was a surprise featured speaker and the audience was captivated as he shared his story. The Cowboy Auctioneers helped to raise $600,000 auctioning packages including private dinners prepared...

Food + Beverage

Lick Honest Ice Cream

The Austin-born ice cream is so pure, honest is it's middle name. Article by Jennifer Birn Lick Honest Ice Creams originated in Texas in 2011, the creation of Chad Palmatier and Anthony Sobotik. They said they put "honest" in the name because they use the purest ingredients and never use artificial colors or flavors, high fructose corn syrup or preservatives. And, they can trace every single ingredient they use to its source, collaborating with local chocolatiers, bee keepers and butchers and...

Food + Beverage

Functional Beverage Founder Spencer McManes

On building a Kava-based alcohol alternative - and proposing to Olympic track star Gabby Thomas Article by Jennifer Birn The global market for non-alcoholic beverages is booming as more people than ever are giving up alcohol for good. The trend has run in paralles with a bevy of beverages hitting the market to provide something to drink that purportedly provides a bit of a buzz, without the hangover. Drinks infused with various legal mushrooms have become popular in this category, but Spencer...

Local Services

5 Favorite Things

Father's Day Gift Guide Edition Article by Jennifer Birn   Pursued by Bear Wines owned by Kyle MacLachlan, a native of Yakima, Washington, who grew up near the prestigious vineyards where his grapes are now grown. The actor, known for roles from Twin Peaks to Sex in the City, showed his passion for wine when he hosted a tasting at Boa Steakhouse, where his wines are on the menu. You can order them and learn more of the origin story at https://www.pursuedbybearwine.com Poncho Snake...

Entertainment

Meet the Fonsies

Fons PR's Brandy Fons reflects on 15 years & what she's looking forward to this summer Article by Jennifer Birn | Photography by Wes Ellis Brandy and Ryan Fons were both freelance publicists who represented film studios & independent filmmakers when they moved to Austin in January 2006. They officially joined forces to form Fons PR, Inc July 2010 and now have 10 employees they affectionately refer to as Fonsies. The Fonsies, which include Brad Johnson who has been with them 13 of those years...

Life + Culture

Black Pearl Bookstore - It's a Vibe

The local bookstore is creating community and more through books Article by Jennifer Birn Filled with stories traversing time and place, bookstores hold bits of magic. This local bookstore is a treasure in a sea of gems. The female-owned and family-run bookstore began operating online just four months before the pandemic, but rather than slow them down, it had the unexpected twist of having the opposite effect – overwhelming them with almost too much business to keep up. Thankfully, with help...

Local Services

5 Favorite Things

Female-Founded Edition Article by Jennifer Birn   DJ Cassandra  Cassandra Shankman seems to be doing everything, everywhere all at once. She DJ’d NASCAR at Cota, the   Sips & Sounds Music Festival and ACL. She’s shared a stage with Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims and more, this year she became the first woman to win  Best DJ  at the 43rd Annual Austin Music Awards – she’s a friend to all and ever evolving.   Foxes and Bows A female-founded, Austin-based Irish Whiskey. You can...

Entertainment

Flashback: Moments from SXSW 2025

Panels, premieres, music and more injected the city with days of non-stop energy and excitement Article by Jennifer Birn

Fitness

PURSUIT OF WELLNESS

Mari Llewelyn’s business blossomed from her own inspiring wellness journey – and it keeps getting bigger Article by Jennifer Birn In 2017 Mari was a college student struggling with her mental health and not taking care of her physical health. She hit rock bottom before deciding to make incremental changes that would lead to a 90lb weight loss and the foundation for what would soon after become Bloom Nutrition, a company she co-owns with her husband Greg LaVecchia that sells supplements and...