The SXSW Effect: How One Festival Shaped Austin’s Rise with Hugh Forrest

Preserving Austin: The Paramount & Its Next Century with Jim Ritts

What makes a city feel alive across generations? For Jim Ritts, CEO of the Austin Theatre Alliance, the answer lives inside the walls of the Paramount Theatre. Recorded inside the historic Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue, this episode of Austin Eras explores how one iconic venue became the connective tissue of Austin culture for more than 110 years. From Harry Houdini performing eight sold-out shows in 1916 to modern SXSW premieres, comedy festivals, and unforgettable musical moments, the Paramount has remained one of the city’s most enduring gathering places. Host Adam Flagg sits down with Jim Ritts to discuss his remarkable journey from ABC Sports and Monday Night Football to launching Channel One News, leading the LPGA during its global expansion, and eventually returning to Austin to help guide one of the city’s most beloved institutions into its next century. Jim shares incredible stories about Maya Angelou’s unforgettable performance, Jimmy LaFave’s emotional farewell concert, the rise of the Moontower Comedy Festival, Austin’s evolution into a major comedy and film destination, and the Paramount’s deep commitment to arts education and community impact. The conversation also dives into the theatre’s ambitious $66 million “Shine On” capital campaign and restoration project, which will modernize the Paramount and State Theaters while preserving their historic soul for future generations. This episode is about much more than entertainment — it’s about memory, community, creativity, and why places like the Paramount matter more than ever in a rapidly changing Austin. Whether you’re a longtime Austinite, a lover of live music and film, or someone fascinated by how cities preserve their identity, this is a powerful conversation about Austin’s past, present, and future. Get in touch with Austin Eras Email: info@austineras.com Website: https://www.austineras.com/ [https://www.austineras.com/] Call: 512-387-2333 Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1]

Behind the Builders: Storytelling, AI, & Austin’s Next Wave with John King

Austin isn’t just built by founders—it’s shaped by the people who help them be seen. In this episode of Austin Eras, Adam sits down with John King—venture builder, storyteller, and community leader whose career has been defined by one core idea: giving others a voice. From his early days helping elevate Austin’s clean tech ecosystem to joining SparkCognition in the early days of AI—and now launching companies through WorldQuant Foundry—John has been at the center of some of the city’s most important growth moments. But his story goes deeper. Growing up feeling unheard, John found purpose in amplifying others—whether advocating for students, shaping industry narratives, or helping founders clarify who they are and why they exist. John continues that work through his role as Chair of the Austin Under 40 Advisory Board, helping guide the next generation of leaders and deepen the event’s impact for the Austin Sunshine Camps and across the city. In this conversation, we explore: * The real impact behind Austin Under 40—and why it matters * What it really means to “give a company a voice” * The early days of AI in Texas and building an AI unicorn * Why storytelling is the foundation of every successful startup * How Austin’s culture of collaboration sets it apart * How venture studios are building the next generation of companies And ultimately, a bigger question: What makes Austin work—and how do we protect it as it grows? This episode is a look at the people behind the progress—and the power of community in shaping a city’s future. Get in touch with John King * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmking512/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmk512/ WorldQuant Foundry * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldquantfoundry/ * https://www.worldquantfoundry.com/ Get in touch with Austin Eras Email: info@austineras.com Website: https://www.austineras.com/ [https://www.austineras.com/] Call: 512-387-2333 Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1]

Minor League with a Major Impact: The Business of Fun with Tim Jackson

The best nights at the ballpark often have very little to do with the game itself. In this episode, Adam talks with Tim Jackson, General Manager of the Round Rock Express, about how the franchise has become Central Texas’s “front porch” by blending servant leadership, creative promotions, and a fan experience that goes far beyond the game itself. Tim also shares what it really takes to build something that lasts, and how community, entertainment, and leadership come together to create an experience that keeps people coming back year after year. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⚾ More Than Baseball: It’s an entertainment and hospitality business, not just a team 🧢 Legacy Leadership: The Ryan Family vision and a community-first approach 🎆 Fan Experience: Promotions, fireworks, and creating unforgettable ballpark moments ⚾ Career Journey: From mascot duties to GM  🏙️ Future Growth: The evolving role of minor league baseball in a growing city Get in touch with Tim Jackson:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-jackson-08567536 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-jackson-08567536]       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmyj44/ [https://www.instagram.com/timmyj44/]  Round Rock Express: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/round-rock-express/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/round-rock-express/posts/?feedView=all]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpressBaseball [https://www.facebook.com/ExpressBaseball]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrexpress/ [https://www.instagram.com/rrexpress/]  Website: www.RoundRockExpress.com [http://www.RoundRockExpress.com]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RRExpressBaseball [https://www.youtube.com/@RRExpressBaseball] Get in touch with Austin Eras Email: info@austineras.com Website: https://www.austineras.com/ [https://www.austineras.com/] Call: 512-387-2333 Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1]

The SXSW Effect: How One Festival Shaped Austin’s Rise with Hugh Forrest

What if the rise of Austin as a global hub for music, film, tech and culture can be traced back to one event? For more than three decades, Hugh Forrest helped shape SXSW into one of the most influential gatherings in the world. In this episode, he reflects on the early days of SXSW and the creative energy that helped it grow alongside the city of Austin. Hugh shares his perspective on the people, moments, and culture that helped shape both the event and the city. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎶 SXSW’s Austin Impact: The festival helped shape the city’s identity ✨ The Magic of SXSW: Creativity, culture, and innovation collide 🚀 Early SXSW Growth: A regional event became a global stage 🏙️ Austin’s Role: The city’s culture fueled SXSW’s success 🎤 Iconic Moments: Influential figures and unforgettable stories 🔮 Looking Ahead: The future of SXSW and Austin’s evolution Get in touch with Hugh Forrest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest/]  Website: www.hughforrest.com [http://www.hughforrest.com]  Gather and Grow Experiences: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gather-grow-experiences/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gather-grow-experiences/]    Website: www.gatherandgrowexperiences.com [http://www.gatherandgrowexperiences.com]    Get in touch with Austin Eras Email: info@austineras.com Website: https://www.austineras.com/ [https://www.austineras.com/] Call: 512-387-2333 Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1]

The Leadership Model That Could Transform Texas Schools with Dr. Lindsay Whorton

What if the future of public education isn’t about working harder, but redesigning leadership entirely? In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Whorton shares her journey from Missouri classrooms to leading one of Texas’ most influential education nonprofits. Drawing lessons from sports, global study, business culture, and her own experience as a foster parent, she challenges the way we’ve structured schools for generations.  Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎓 Lindsay’s Fifth-Grade Aha Moment: The early spark that set her on a path toward teaching and leadership 🏀 Winning, Losing, Leading: What basketball taught about sustainable success 🛒 H-E-B Leadership Model: Why business culture offers clues for school transformation 🏫 New Leadership Architecture: Moving beyond the overextended principal model 🚀 What’s Next for Holdsworth: Redesigning systems for sustainability Buy the Book: A New School Leadership Architecture: A Four-Level Framework for Reimagining Roles. Now available on Amazon: https://shorturl.at/LphJA [https://shorturl.at/LphJA] Get in touch with Dr. Lindsay Whorton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-whorton-9685aa26/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-whorton-9685aa26/] Website: https://holdsworthcenter.org/a-new-school-leadership-architecture/ [https://holdsworthcenter.org/a-new-school-leadership-architecture/] Holdsworth Center: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holdsworth-center/posts/?feedView=all [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holdsworth-center/posts/?feedView=all] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoldsworthCenter [https://www.facebook.com/HoldsworthCenter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdsworthcenter/ [https://www.instagram.com/holdsworthcenter/] Website: https://holdsworthcenter.org/ [https://holdsworthcenter.org/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHoldsworthCenter [https://www.youtube.com/@TheHoldsworthCenter] Get in touch with Austin Eras Email: info@austineras.com Website: https://www.austineras.com/ [https://www.austineras.com/] Call: 512-387-2333 Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1]