We spent 2023 doing what we love best: talking to Austinites about Austin.

Over the course of this year, we’ve interviewed dozens of local change-makers working to make our city a more beautiful place. Here are just a few of our favorite conversations.

Kareem El-Ghayesh | Kareem traveled 7,000+ miles for his love of barbecue and three months after opening KG BBQ, he was nominated for a James Beard Award.

Although Kareem isn't advancing to the James Beard Awards finals, KG BBQ has big plans in store. | Photo by ATXtoday

Paul Clayton | The co-owner of the architecture firm spearheading historic Sixth Street’s revamp shared thoughts on repurposing Austin history.

Peter Mullan | The Austin Transit Partnership’s chief of architecture breaks down the challenges to building a local light rail system.

Elizabeth Crook | The Austin author’s most recent novel “The Which Way Tree” earned her the 2023 Texas Writer Award.

Dr. Kate Biberdorf | UT professor Kate the Chemist has shared stellar science with Stephen Colbert, Lester Holt, and the readers of Wired magazine.

Dr. Kate says she wants to inspire the next generation of scientists. | Photo courtesy of Kate the Chemist

Callie Haverda | The Austin-raised actress starred in Netflix’s “That ‘90s Show” alongside legends Topher Grace and Debra Jo Rupp.

FreeWater | Look to the future with Josh Clifford, the founder of a company that gives away its products for free.

But wait, there’s more. Check out these other amazing Austinites.

Music

Rae Wilson started making wine in Texas more than ten years ago. | Photo provided by Wine for the People

Food and drink

El Naranjo chef Iliana de la Vega
Abby Love of Abby Jane Bakeshop
The Austin Boba Girls of Terrazzo Tea
William Chris Wine Company’s Director of Education Kelsey Kramer
Erica Yern of Cookie Wookie Kitchen
Wine for the People’s Rae Wilson

Architecture

Kirsten Cessna and Todd Runkle, co-managing directors of Gensler Austin
Dick Clark + Associates architects Mark Vornberg, Kim Power, and Kristopher White

Sports

ATX Open Tournament Director Christo Van Rensburg
Austin Gamblers Head Coach Michael Gaffney

Arts

Kim Hanks, “queen” of the wedding capital of Texas
Richard Whymark, author of “A Curious Mix of People”
Miniature photographer Bart Sasam