How much do you know about the creepier creatures of Texas? Get in the “spooky season” spirit this week as you learn about Mexican Free Tail Bats and some of the amazing caves here in South Texas. Discover the difference between opossums and possums, uncover the unique defense mechanisms of vultures and learn why bats, opossums and vultures are important to their ecosystems.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

• Audubon: Guide to North American Birds, Black vulture coragyps atratus: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-vulture
• Bat Conservation International, Mexican free-tailed bat: https://www.batcon.org/bat/tadarida-brasiliensis/
• Texas Parks & Wildlife, Virginia opossum (Didelphis viginiana): https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/oposum/

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

For more information and to visit the Witte Museum, visit www.WitteMuseum.org.

What is an eclipse? Why are people so excited to see one? Joining the podcast today is special guest Paul Mireles, meteorologist for KENS 5 News in San Antonio, Texas. Paul, alongside hosts Abbey and Daemon, discusses the different types of eclipses, what folks should expect during the October annular eclipse and why so many people are planning to visit San Antonio for the occasion.

Paul Mireles is the morning meteorologist for KENS 5 in San Antonio, Texas. He has been a member of the KENS 5 weather team since December 2002 and has covered countless stories about our wild weather here. Paul has earned several awards throughout his career, including Best Weathercast by the Associated Press and an Emmy.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

• 2023/2024 Eclipse in San Antonio, Texas: https://sanantonioeclipse.org
• ‘Ring of fire’ will be visible in San Antonio during solar eclipse. Here’s what you need to know: https://www.kens5.com/article/tech/science/environment/eclipse-solar-san-antonio-ring-of-fire/273-cbc5b1d3-a238-44cb-9081-cb6bb2d8241e
• Witte Museum prepares visitors for a safe eclipse viewing experience: https://www.kens5.com/article/news/eclipse/witte-museum-annular-eclipse-party-san-antonio/273-ad38d409-29a1-478e-913d-a3d588dadcd7

This episode is hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Wonders of Space eclipse exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. Eclipse Outreach Programming is generously supported by the Simons Foundation. Promotional support is generously provided by KENS 5.

For more information and to view the eclipse at the Witte Museum, visit https://bit.ly/46EYn0f.

Music in this episode by Randy Granger. Visit RandyGranger.net to check out more of his music.

What is it like to photograph some of the biggest musicians of all time? Why document the everyday culture of your hometown? In this week’s special episode, Witte Museum President and CEO Marise McDermott interviews acclaimed photographer Al Rendón.

Well-known for his portraits of Selena, Rock & Roll concerts and Charreada competitors, Rendón has photographed Tejano culture in South Texas for decades. He has become one of San Antonio’s most celebrated photographers with images appearing in various magazines, corporate offices and collected by the Smithsonian Institution.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

• Rendón, Al. Photography and Fine Art: https://www.alrendon.com/
• Rendón, Al. Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón. (2023). Trinity University Press.
• Witte Museum. Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón exhibition: https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/mi-cultura-al-rendon/

This episode is hosted by the Witte Museum’s Marise McDermott, President and CEO. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. The exhibition is presented by the Sally and Charlie Cheever Foundation and generously supported by Guillermo Nicolas and the WellMed Charitable Foundation. The book Mi Cultura: Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón is generously supported by Marsha Shields and the McCombs Foundation.

For more information and to experience Mi Cultura at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3EHx61C.

Music in this episode by Randy Granger. Visit RandyGranger.net to check out more of his music.