Welcome to the Austin Business News Podcast, a spirited weekly dive into the intersection of Austin‑area business, public policy, and LGBTQ+ culture, all served up with a hearty helping of humor.
Hosted by Chamber President & CEO Tina Cannon, alongside marketing whiz Colton Ashabranner, membership maestro Amy Clunie, and the ever‑charming Fiona Dawson, this show blends sharp analysis with lighthearted banter. Each episode kicks off with local business headlines, from small business cash‑flow issues to Austin’s ever‑evolving transit landscape . (http://rss.com)Then comes “Fun Queer Facts with Fiona,” where Fiona delights listeners with quirky tidbits!
The team tackles topics that matter — state and city policies, LGBTQ+ advocacy, diversity equity initiatives, and regional economic shifts — all through an Austin‑centric lens. When hard news hits—like rollbacks on supportive initiatives or new tax plans—the hosts balance substance with sass, ensuring listeners stay informed without feeling lectured
In short: this podcast is a refreshing fusion of regional business intelligence, public policy deep‑dives, and LGBTQ+ cultural perspective, all wrapped in the hosts’ warm, witty, and conversational style. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stay in the know about Austin’s economy and politics, with a smile—and maybe even a chuckle—along the way.
Find out more about the Austin LGBT Chamber Podcast and meet the team (https://austinlgbtchamber.com/podcast/).
What the Texas Bathroom Bill (SB 8) Means for Businesses: Special TDOV Panel
In recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted a special panel discussion on Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), commonly referred to as the “Bathroom Bill,” and what it means for businesses across our state.
There has been significant confusion surrounding this law — who it applies to, how it is enforced, and what responsibilities businesses actually have. This conversation brings together legal, policy, and community leaders to provide clarity, context, and actionable guidance for employers and business owners.
In this episode, we cover:
What SB 8 actually says — and what it does not
Where the law applies (and where it doesn’t)
Common misconceptions impacting businesses
How employers can respond with clarity and care
The broader impact on workplaces, communities, and the Texas economy
🎥 Watch the full panel on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JbQ_-_Z6UtI (https://youtu.be/JbQ_-_Z6UtI)
📖 Read the full blog post + resources: https://austinlgbtchamber.com/what-the-texas-bathroom-bill-means-for-businesses-sb-8-explained/ (https://austinlgbtchamber.com/what-the-texas-bathroom-bill-means-for-businesses-sb-8-explained/)
A huge thank you to our panelists and moderators for sharing their time, expertise, and perspective:
• Fiona Dawson (Moderator), Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• Shelly Skeen, Lambda Legal
• Sofia Sepulveda, Equality Texas
• Landon Richie, Transgender Education Network of Texas
We are grateful for your leadership and the important work you do to support LGBTQ+ Texans.
Special thanks to Amber Galloway of Amber G Productions for providing ASL interpretation and helping ensure this conversation was ASL accessible.
This discussion is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your attorney or contact the Lambda Legal Help Desk for guidance specific to your situation.
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting businesses with the tools, education, and community they need to lead with inclusion and confidence.
🔗 Learn more: https://austinlgbtchamber.com (https://austinlgbtchamber.com)
🔗 Join the Chamber: https://austinlgbtchamber.com/join-the-chamber/ (https://austinlgbtchamber.com/join-the-chamber/)
23 Oct 2025
Early voting has started for the Nov. 4th election; Austin faces deadline to remove its Pride Crosswalk; Cheer Up Charlies Sold to LGBTQ+ Investment firm
Welcome to the Austin Business News Podcast, where business meets public policy — and maybe a beverage. We cover local business news, public policy and special guests interviews. All with smart insight, cheeky snark and a few laughs!
This weeks topics:
Early voting has started for the Nov. 4th election. What Austin area voters need to know
Austin faces 30-day deadline to remove its Pride crosswalk, 'Black Artists Matter' roadway art
Cheer Up Charlies sold to LGBTQ+ Investment Firm
New Austin LGBT Chamber members
Upcoming Chamber Events
AND Queer Fact of the week with Fiona : Turns out a little color on the crosswalk makes everyone safer. 🌈
PODCAST HOSTS:
Colton Ashabranner (he/him)
Amy Clunie (she/her)
Fiona Dawson (she/her)
Meet your hosts: austinlgbtbiz.com/staff (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/staff)
Be sure to check out past episodes: austinlgbtbiz.com/podcast (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/podcast)
Join the Austin LGBT Chamber: austinlgbtbiz.com/join (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/join)
Support Austin's LGBTQ+ businesses: austinlgbtbiz.com/directory (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/directory)
@2025 Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
7 Oct 2025
Lockhart levels up with a new arcade, Elonland expands in Bastrop County, and Austin’s airport braces for ACL Fest crowds
Welcome to the Austin Business News Podcast, where business meets public policy — and maybe a beverage. We cover local business news, public policy and special guests interviews. All with smart insight, cheeky snark and a few laughs!
This weeks topics:
Lockhart levels up with a new arcade
Elonland expands in Bastrop County
Austin’s airport braces for ACL Fest crowds.
New Austin LGBT Chamber members
Upcoming Chamber Events
AND Queer Fact of the week with Fiona : Only 0.03% of families in Maryland opted out of LGBTQ+ education after the Supreme Court said they could — proving that when inclusion is optional, almost everyone still chooses kindness and courage.
PODCAST HOSTS:
Colton Ashabranner (he/him)
Amy Clunie (she/her)
Fiona Dawson (she/her)
Meet your hosts: austinlgbtbiz.com/staff (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/staff)
Be sure to check out past episodes: austinlgbtbiz.com/podcast (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/podcast)
Join the Austin LGBT Chamber: austinlgbtbiz.com/join (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/join)
Support Austin's LGBTQ+ businesses: austinlgbtbiz.com/directory (http://austinlgbtbiz.com/directory)
@2025 Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
35,087
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
86
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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