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9 of our favorite interviews from 2024

We spent 2024 doing what we do best — chatting with Austinites who are making our fair city a better place.

A collage featuring a diverse group of people, including Fran Harris, Adam Walker, The Tiarras, Rebecca Wright, Richard Rhodes, Destin George Bell, Ben Duong arranged with vibrant overlays in red, blue, and purple tones on a textured background.

We’re proud to share the city with these movers and shakers.

Photos by ATXtoday, Bryan Bedder/Sportico, Gaby Deimeke, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Scott Flathouse, and Cory Muelles; Graphics by ATXtoday

Another year has come and gone, and we spent 2024 getting to know the folks with which we share the city.

The Capital City is full of entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, academics, and more. Here are a few we especially loved chatting with over the last 365 days.

Dr. Richard Rhodes | The 2024 Austinite of the Year is the longest-serving chancellor and CEO of Austin Community College and has a long history of working in higher education.

Rebecca Wright + Mikaela Friedman of Shop Slow | Thiis clothing company’s respective owner and creative director specialize in creating customizable fashion pieces out of upcycled textiles. They’ve even worked with major celebrities like Benny Blanco, Leon Bridges, and Sarah Sherman.

Ben Duong wearing a black tank top, blue shorts, and a white headband, dribbling the ball while running, and being filmed by a man on a bike behind him. There are several runners surrounding him.

Ben Duong was filmed by a Guinness Book of World Records representative on a bike the entire time.

Photo by Scott Flathouse via Ben Duong

Ben Duong | A lifelong Austinite, Duong makes setting a Guinness World Record look easy. The runner set the record for the fastest person to finish a half marathon while dribbling a basketball at the Austin Marathon in February 2024.

Amanda Dimova of Vinca | Jewelry from this local business — created by Dimova for lovers of whimsy — “pays for itself in compliments” and has been worn by Aubrey Plaza.

The Tiarras posed leaning on eachother with their arms on eachother's shoulders while facing the right. Tiffany wears a silky orange top and pleather skirt, Tori wears all black, and Sophia wears a white top and tan leather skirt.

Performing at ACL is a “milestone” for the trio, who have been performing as a trio since they were pre-teens.

Photo by Gaby Deimeke

The Tiarras | Three-piece sister band The Tiarras, who are fourth-generation Austinites, performed at ACL Festival for the first time ever this year.

Chris Bonelli of Waymo | The robots are driving and Waymo’s products communications manager told us all about how its autonomous taxis (which will debut to the public next year) function while we took a ride.

Destin George Bell | Not only did this Austinite create the gameified exercise app Card.io, he’s also a local Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and a “Shark Tank” alumnus.

Adam Walker of Me Nd Adam | Being part of this local band isn’t just about the music for Walker — it’s also about spreading good cheer through an annual charity fundraiser: Keep Austin Cheer’d.

Fran Harris speaks during an event, holding a microphone with a "Sportico" logo on it. Harris is wearing an orange jacket and appears to be engaged in a discussion, gesturing with one hand while smiling. The setting includes a stage or panel setup, suggesting a formal or professional event.

At just nine years old, Harris earned $1,500 running a lemonade stand — a spark that ignited a lifetime of entrepreneurial ambition.

Photo by Bryan Bedder/Sportico

Fran Harris | A new professional sports team could be in Austin’s future, especially if former WNBA player and Longhorn Harris has to do with it.

Who should we interview in 2025? Give us a shout.

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