Changing Austin, a podcast produced by Amplify Credit Union, is launching its second season on February 20. The show, hosted by Stacy Armijo, the chief experience officer at Amplify, continues to explore leadership and development in Central Texas.
The podcast features conversations with leaders from various sectors including business, civic life, and culture. Season one included guests such as Mason Ayer of Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe, Chris Seals of Still Austin Whiskey Co., and Jamie Herlich of ZACH Theatre. The new season will offer perspectives on the values and strategies that are influencing Austin’s direction.
“Season two continues what we set out to do from the beginning, create space for real conversations with people who are actively shaping the future of our city,” Armijo said. “These are leaders who are working through growth, change, and uncertainty in real time. Each guest brings a different perspective on how Austin is evolving, and when you listen to their stories together, you get a clearer picture of both the challenges ahead and the opportunities that come with them.”
This season’s lineup includes individuals from health care, technology, film, workforce development, and higher education:
– Tamara Atkinson (chief impact officer and president of workforce advancement strategy)
– Ghizlane Badawi (CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport)
– Jeremiah Bentley (vice president of marketing and community affairs at Texas Mutual Insurance Company)
– Hugh Forrest (former chief programming officer at SXSW)
– Alan Graham (founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes)
– Dr. Kristi Kirk (president and CEO at Concordia University Texas)
– Joel Kocher (co-founder and CEO at Humann)
– Janice Omadeke (author and entrepreneur)
– Sarah Pitre (head film buyer at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema)
Additional guests will be announced later in the season.
New episodes will be released twice a month on Fridays starting February 20. Listeners can access Changing Austin on major streaming platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify or visit changingaustin.com for more information.
Amplify Credit Union began in 1967 as a credit union for IBM employees in Austin but now serves over 50,000 members throughout Texas with digital-first banking services including home loans and commercial lending. The organization has received recognition as a Top Workplace both locally in Austin for three years running and nationally this year.
In related news about regional economic initiatives: The Austin Chamber of Commerce promotes inclusive growth across neighborhoods; it works to enhance the regional economy through collaboration; relies on board leadership for guidance; covers economic efforts throughout the area; builds partnerships between businesses and communities; and provides events plus advocacy programs aimed at supporting local business growth.
