Ep 1. Keeping It Weird in Austin, Texas

For the Win season 1 episode 1, "Keeping It Weird in Austin, Texas" explores the intersection of technology and culture in the hometown of the famous South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The episode features host Jay Shetty, a popular thought leader and entrepreneur, as he meets with local artists, musicians, and technology entrepreneurs to discover how the city's unique culture inspires innovation.

The episode opens with a lively montage of Austin's iconic landmarks, including the graffiti park, the famous food trucks, and some of the city's major tech companies. Shetty provides some background on the city's reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation before introducing his first guest, musician and cultural ambassador Mobley.

In a candid conversation, Mobley talks about how growing up in Austin influenced his style of music, which blends indie rock with elements of hip-hop and soul. He also highlights the role of technology in the music industry, citing examples of how artists are using social media and streaming platforms to reach new audiences.

Next, Shetty visits with local muralist, Megs Absetz, known for her vibrant street art that features themes of female empowerment and social justice. Absetz discusses the challenges of balancing art with activism and the role of public art in creating dialogue around important issues.

Shetty also explores the city's thriving tech scene, meeting with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who are driving innovation in sectors such as education, healthcare, and transportation. He speaks with the CEO of Capital Factory, a startup accelerator that helps founders launch and scale their businesses, to learn more about the city's ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Throughout the episode, Shetty also goes on a food tour of some of the city's most popular restaurants and food trucks, highlighting the diversity of Austin's culinary scene. He samples everything from Texas-style barbecue to vegan cuisine, demonstrating how the city's reputation for being "weird" extends to its food culture.

"Keeping It Weird in Austin, Texas" is an engaging look at one of America's most dynamic cities, highlighting the ways in which creativity, innovation, and technology are shaping its future. Shetty's curiosity and enthusiasm for the local culture and innovation scene make him the perfect guide for exploring the city, and viewers are sure to come away with a greater appreciation for Austin's unique brand of weirdness.