Paradise City Podcast

Paradise City

Where the Grass is Green | Embark on a journey with the Paradise City Podcast, where each episode illuminates individuals who have discovered profound joy and a sense of community through diverse forms of self-expression. This storytelling experience is inspired by a deep appreciation for the resilience of human connection and culture.

  1. 11/24/2025

    Paradise Is...A Spinning Vinyl

    From a cozy queer- and trans-owned record shop in East Austin to the country’s largest record convention. Through conversations with Sunshine Vinyl’s June Bennion, Helix Sounds founder Thuy Phon, and Louisiana-based vendors Byron and Lisa Duncan of Rajun Sounds, this episode explores the joy, ritual, and community woven through record collecting. Together, they share stories of discovery, nostalgia, connection, and the unexpected ways vinyl brings people together across identities, cultures, and generations. Plus, each guest offers a few record recommendations to spark your next musical rabbit hole. Website and social media links Sunshine Vinyl Website: https://sunshinevinyl.co/ Sunshine Vinyl IG: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinevinylatx/?hl=en Helix Sounds Website: https://helixsounds.com/ Helix Sounds IG: https://www.instagram.com/helixsoundsla/?hl=en Rajun Sounds: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085916772316&locale=ga_IE | Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RajunRecords?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&dd_referrer=#about Austin Record Convention: https://www.austinrecords.com/index.php Austin Record Convention IG: https://www.instagram.com/austinrecordconvention/?hl=en Music Recommendations Sunshine Vinyl: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers“Pacific Ave” by Pearl and the Oysters“Moonshine” by NightlandsHelix Sounds: Scenery by Ryo FukuiHowl’s Moving Castle soundtrack composed by Joe HisaishiPrincess Mononoke soundtrack composed by Joe HisaishiBrasilian Skies by Masayoshi TakanakaInterstellar soundtrack composed by Hans ZimmerCall Me By Your Name soundtrack composed by Sufjan StevensMy Neighbor Totoro soundtrack composed by Joe HisaishiCity Slicker by Ginger RootGreen by Hiroshi YoshimuraRajun Sounds: Mumford & SonsJamestown RevivalJohnnyswimNeedtobreatheMighty OaksSons of the EastThe Revivalists“Texas Sun” by Leon BridgesEpisode Music Credits Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay Music by Audio Club from Pixabay Music by Ciderlei Castro from Pixabay Music by TokyoRifft from Pixabay

    35 min
  2. 10/01/2025

    Paradise Is...At Fantastic Fest

    Step into the dark and dazzling world of Fantastic Fest — Austin’s legendary genre film festival, now celebrating 20 years of bold visions and unforgettable stories. In this episode, hear from an industry insider with a lifelong devotion to cinema, a Japanese director who turns social media into a haunting curse, the filmmaker and actor behind a campy horror film that transforms menstruation into monster, metaphor, and muse, and the creators of a documentary honoring Austin’s public access archives. Together, their stories reveal the art of discovery, connection, and the joy of filmmaking. Fantastic Fest: https://www.fantasticfest.com/ Fantastic Fest IG: https://www.instagram.com/fantastic.fest/?hl=en SIRAT directed by Oliver Laxe: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32298285/ XYZ Films: https://www.xyzfilms.com/ XYZ Films IG: https://www.instagram.com/xyzfilms/?hl=en The Curse directed by Kenichi Ugana: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5572219/K Kenichi Ugana IG: https://www.instagram.com/kenichiugana/?hl=en The Cramps: A Period Piece directed by Brooke H. Cellars and starring Lauren Kitchen: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37983278/ The Cramps IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecrampsfilm/?hl=en Brooke H. Cellars IG: https://www.instagram.com/brookehcellars/?hl=en Lauren Kitchen IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_in_the_kitchen_/?hl=en When We Were Live directed by John Moore and produced by Keeley Steenson: https://www.whenwewerelive.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafeGfkwb2Zx_QUgnyLRmfwM_3pSEprdnxykmd3s-ULdGQ9X2gfvtgCEayQLuA_aem_K6a24RvYVyHaUUdPiPS-Nw When We Were Live IG: https://www.instagram.com/whenwewerelive/?hl=en Voice-over Actor: Ann Morris based in Austin, Texas Music by Neng Jemping from Pixabay

    49 min
  3. 07/07/2024

    Paradise Is...A Starry Night

    Observing a dark night sky is inherently magical and awe-inspiring. Under ideal viewing conditions, a spectacle awaits—all you need to do is look up. The night sky offers various wonders, from a radiant full moon to a sky dotted with constellations, shooting stars, and eclipses. But it's more than just a visual feast; it sparks curiosity and wonder, igniting a passion for learning about space. Astronomers work tirelessly to unravel these cosmic mysteries, while educational programs are making the latest space research and discoveries accessible to all. These initiatives invite the public to visit observatories and deepen their understanding of astronomy. In this episode, we are joined by two individuals who illuminate the wonders of the cosmos through their unique yet complementary work in research and education. Guest Bios Rachel Fuechsl is Programs Manager at McDonald Observatory in far west Texas.  She has spent the last 20+ years of her career sharing the wonders of astronomy with the general public, students and teachers.  Prior to working in astronomy outreach, she worked as a radio news reporter in Chicago.  Rachel holds a master’s degree in astronomy from Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from North Central College.  In her spare time, Rachel enjoys video games, poker, reading, travel and spending time with her two cats. Dr. Jed McKinney is an Astrophysicist based out of The University of Texas, Austin. His research focuses on revealing the hidden Universe using telescopes around the world, from the high deserts of Chile to space telescopes in orbit about the Sun. He’s passionate about the people and communities that make exploring the cosmos possible. Learn More **McDonald Observatory - Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube** **Astronomy on Tap - Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube** **Dark Sky Initiative - Instagram, Facebook, X , YouTube, LinkedIn** **Special shout out to the Greater Big Bend International Reserve! Learn more at https://www.bigbenddarkskyreserve.org/** Music Paradise City Theme Song - Music by Khris Paradise (Christian Nelson) Sleeping Satellites - Music by Leigh Robinson from Pixabay Life Ambient - Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Memories - Music by A-G-B from Pixabay

    47 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Where the Grass is Green | Embark on a journey with the Paradise City Podcast, where each episode illuminates individuals who have discovered profound joy and a sense of community through diverse forms of self-expression. This storytelling experience is inspired by a deep appreciation for the resilience of human connection and culture.