Warming up 400 years of cold cases 🎙

8 questions with true crime podcaster Kate Winkler Dawson

Dawson and Holes’ new podcast will break down lesser-known cold cases. “These are stories that are not straightforward. They’re complex.” | Photo by Jake Holschuh

Just in time for spooky season, a new, locally made true crime podcast has just hit the virtual shelves.

“Buried Bones,” a deep dive into historical crimes, is co-hosted by cold case investigator Paul Holes and Austin author Kate Winkler Dawson.

Dawson is an associate professor of practice at UT Austin and creator of other podcasts, including the lauded “Tenfold More Wicked.”

The first episode of “Buried Bones” was released this morning, so we spoke with Dawson about the bone-chilling series + what historic crime can teach us.

This interview has been edited for clarity + brevity.

What can listeners expect from “Buried Bones?”

We discuss one case per episode, and occasionally we have two-part episodes.

I think of this as when I was a journalist working on a case, and I would have a friend of mine who was a defense attorney or a prosecutor or police officer, and I would sit down with them and just say, “Listen, here’s my story. Let me tell you about it.” And I would sort of unravel it, and they would pipe in.

That’s kind of the way it is with Paul. I don’t tell him all the information. ... And that’s fun, because he’s right sometimes, he’s not right all the time, and he’s frequently surprised by the end of the episode, because these are stories that are not straightforward. They’re complex.

And there’s always a bit of history in there, and that’s where I come in. I’m a crime historian and my books are all narrative nonfiction history views with crime. I’m really interested in crime that’s pre-1970s. I’m not particularly comfortable with having either victims or survivors’ families in close proximity, because I want to make sure that I’m as respectful as possible and have all the right information.

You just might recognize some of the cases on “Buried Bones’” lineup. Click the button below to find out more.

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Today

Alice in Chains and Breaking Benjamin | Wed., Sept. 14 | 5:30 p.m. | Germania Insurance Amphitheater | $35+ | The rock band’s “American Tour” features hits from the band’s three decades of music. 🎸
Buda Plein Air Arts Festival | Now-Sat., Sept. 17 | Times vary | Downtown Buda | Free | Learn how to paint, watch artists work in real time, and view film screenings at this multi-day festival. 🎨

Thursday

Sickick | Thurs., Sept. 15 | 10 p.m. | The Concourse Project | $78+ | Dance all night to this electronic artist.

Friday

iDKHOW and Joywave | Fri., Sept. 16 | 6 p.m. | Emo’s Austin | $36+ | The Utah-based duo will be joined by alternative rock band Joywave.
Alan Jackson | Fri., Sept. 16. | 7 p.m. | Moody Center | $71+ | Put on your boots and head downtown to hear this country music legend live. 🎶

Saturday

Pecan Street Festival | Sat., Sept. 17-Sun., Sept. 18 | Times vary | Downtown Austin | Free | Shop concessions + craft goods from local vendors while you listen to 50+ local bands. 🛍
15th Annual Viva México Celebration | Sat., Sept. 17 | 6 p.m. | Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center | Free | Watch dance performances, listen to music + panel discussions, and munch on bites from local food trucks at this annual party.
Texas Football vs. UTSA | Sat., Sept. 17 | 7 p.m. | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium | $40+ | Put your horns up this weekend for Longhorn football. 🏈

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Wellness

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Weather

93º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain ☀️

Civic

About three acres of Zilker Park overflow parking near MoPac will soon be permanently fenced off to make way for native grasses. Officials hope the change will protect the surface from waste in the former Butler Landfill. (Austin American-Statesman)

Development

An affordable housing development containing 23 townhomes is in the works near Menchaca Road and William Cannon Drive. Homes at Industry Soma will be reserved for households earning 80% or less of the area’s median family income. 🏘 (Austin American-Statesman)

Edu

Felicidades, estudiantes. UT’s Latin American studies programs were awarded $2.1 million in grants from the Department of Education to aid curriculum development + collaboration with other departments. 📚 (Austin American-Statesman)
AISD students may be moved into new classes starting Mon., Sept. 19, as the school district begins “leveling,” or redistributing students to even out class sizes. (KXAN)

Coming Soon

High-tech shuffleboard bar “Electric Shuffle” is coming to Rainey Street this fall. The London-based venue will take up residence in The Quincy complex, and serve up a full menu + brunch and cocktails. 🥂(CultureMap Austin)

Biz

Cruise, a self-driving ridehail company, is headed to Austin. The all-electric company — backed by General Motors and Honda — has not yet announced a launch date, but is expected to roll out the service by the end of the year. 🤖 (Austin INNO)

Plan Ahead

“Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland” is headed to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park this Christmas Eve. The musical performance features aerialists, acrobatics, and holiday vibes. Get your tickets here.

Trending

One of you out there is having a really, really good week. An anonymous resident recently claimed a $5 million lottery ticket in North Austin. The odds of winning that high a reward? Just over 0.00006%. 💰(KVUE)

DYK

Did you know Koko’s Bavarian is partially owned by Bavarian royalty? Konstantin Prinz von Bayern himself is visiting the East Austin biergarten this month to tap the first keg for Oktoberfest. Here’s how to attend. 🍻 (Austin Chronicle)
The Moody Center is offering a free, decked-out suite for 16 people at the upcoming sold-out Harry Styles concert on Wed., Sept. 28. Enter the sweepstakes here. 🎟

Drink

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Explore Austin, solve the case 💎

Explore Austin using new, Pink Panther-themed interactive adventure app

A hand holding a phone, which shows the Pink Panther app, in front of the Blanton Museum.

Explore Austin landmarks using the new, interactive, Pink Panther-themed adventure app. | Photo by ATXtoday

If reading about Kate Dawson’s cold cases have you inspired to solve some mysteries of your own, now’s your chance.

A new, interactive adventure from the Bounce travel app gives kids + families the opportunity to explore Austin and solve a virtual mystery.

“The Pink Panther and the Case of the Missing Diamond” has so far only launched in Austin and Los Angeles. We tried out the experience for ourselves — here’s what it was like.

Expect to spend 2+ hours traveling to signature Austin landmarks, accompanied by on-theme videos + interactive elements on the app.
Kids will enjoy seeing familiar faces, like Inspector Jacques Clouseau + the Pink Panther, as well as meet new characters.
If you don’t have access to a car, we suggest seeking out bicycles or public transportation for this experience — you’ll be traversing a decent amount of ground.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: I’m trying to decide which UT football home game I want to attend this season. If you have any suggestions for a non-sports fan, let me know. 🏈

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Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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