Trevin & Sawyer React to A24’s $75M AI Deal | Morning X
Trevin & Sawyer In The Morning | Austin, TX | Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🎙️ First Hour
Morning X – Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (First Portion Analysis)
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Topics & Stories Covered
- Austin Monthly Zodiac Adventures – Trevin and Sawyer riffed on an Austin Monthly article listing 12 Austin activities based on Zodiac sign. Both are Taurus, assigned to Cake Classes TX. They discussed other signs’ activities including the Zilker Eagle (Cancer), indoor skydiving (Sagittarius), Austin Horror Movie Club (Scorpio), Kalahari water park (Pisces), Barton Springs mill classes (Capricorn), and the Scream Club bridge-yelling activity (Aries).
- NBA Draft / Dallas Mavericks / Chicago Bulls / UT Austin – Sports segment covering the NBA Draft: Dusty May hired as Dallas Mavericks head coach and the Mavs drafting his former Michigan player Merez Johnson Jr. at ninth overall. Sawyer announced the Chicago Bulls as his new second team after they selected Caleb Wilson fourth overall, and then UT Austin guard Daylon Swain at 15th overall.
- Online Survey – Percentage-Based Bonus – A survey of ~4,000 people asking which bonus they’d choose: 10% happier, 20% luckier, 30% slower aging, 40% prettier/hotter, 50% more money, or 60% better at any sport. Led to a banter-heavy debate between the hosts.
- Texas News – Illegal Oyster Harvesting – Six people charged in Brazoria County after Texas game wardens caught them illegally harvesting oysters in Christmas Bay during closed season, without fishing licenses, and taking undersized oysters. A public tip led to the bust.
- Austin Chronicle Best of Austin / Worst of Wednesday – Trevin introduced the Austin Chronicle’s annual Best of Austin list (current issue). Sawyer proposed a “Worst of Wednesday” counter-segment, starting with worst Austin intersections, nominating 51st & I-35 (roundabout confusion) and 51st & Airport (construction/school zone).
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Austin/Texas News Stories
- Six people charged with illegal oyster harvesting in Christmas Bay, Brazoria County — closed season, no licenses, undersized oysters; caught after a public tip to game wardens
- Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin list is out in the current issue
- “Worst of Wednesday” segment launching, focused on worst Austin intersections (51st & I-35 roundabout, 51st & Airport construction zone)
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Sports Topics
- NBA Draft: Dusty May named Dallas Mavericks head coach; Mavs selected Merez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) with the 9th pick
- Chicago Bulls: Selected Caleb Wilson 4th overall; Sawyer adopting them as his second team
- UT Austin / Longhorns: Daylon Swain (UT Austin guard) selected by Chicago Bulls at 15th overall — “Horns in the NBA”
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Austin Events & Local Happenings
- Cake Classes TX – Mentioned as a Taurus-recommended Austin activity per Austin Monthly; Floral Cupcake Summer Cake Decorating Class noted for that Sunday at 11 a.m., $48.19
- Zilker Eagle – Mentioned as the Cancer activity on the Austin Monthly list; Sawyer noted it’s about $2 a ride at Zilker Park
- Austin Horror Movie Club – Listed as the Scorpio activity
- Kalahari Water Park – Listed as the Pisces activity
- Scream Club – Aries activity; people yelling off a bridge in Austin
- Austin Chronicle Best of Austin – Current issue available, results published
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Restaurant & Food Discussions
- Cake Classes TX – Discussed as a local Austin business offering pop-up community cake decorating classes, private sessions, birthday and bachelorette parties; class pricing noted at $48.19
- Barton Springs Mill classes – Briefly mentioned (grain milling, bread/pasta making) as the Capricorn activity
- Oyster harvesting story – Led to seafood pun banter (“Rockefeller,” “blue-pointed,” “clammy”) but no specific restaurant mentioned
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Funny Bits, Debates & Memorable Exchanges
- Zodiac activity envy – Sawyer complained about being stuck with cake classes as a Taurus while other signs got indoor skydiving and water parks; suggested lying about their sign to get better activities on the company credit card
- Company credit card bit – Sawyer claimed to know where the company credit card is and that no one checks it; Trevin played along skeptically — recurring undercurrent of “can we expense this?”
- 40% prettier debate – When discussing the survey bonus options, Trevin self-deprecatingly said 40% prettier wouldn’t help him enough and that he has “a face for radio” — Sawyer pushed back
- Luck vs. money debate – Sawyer argued for 20% luckier (citing finding a dollar on stage at his Buda comedy show as evidence of his odd luck); Trevin went practical with 50% more money; ended with a Daniel Tosh “wave runner” quote
- Oyster pun avalanche – The illegal oyster harvesting story devolved into rapid-fire shellfish puns: “How the Grinch stole clams on the half shell,” “That does not Rockefeller for me,” “blue-pointed them in the right direction,” “got clammy on the situation”
- Sawyer’s Buda comedy show – Sawyer mentioned doing a stand-up show in Buda the previous night (Tuesday, June 23) where comics were paid only in tips; he found a dollar on stage, making him “the only comic with guaranteed pay”
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Guests & Phone Callers
*(None in this portion)*
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Summary
The show opened with Trevin and Sawyer riffing on an Austin Monthly article recommending 12 Austin activities based on Zodiac sign. Since both hosts are Taurus, they were assigned to Cake Classes TX — an assignment Sawyer immediately resented given that other signs got indoor skydiving, water parks, and horror movie clubs. The bit sustained itself through Sawyer’s persistent attempts to justify using the company credit card to do literally anything else, including riding the $2 Zilker Eagle or falsely claiming to be a Pisces to score a Kalahari trip. It was light, local, and gave Trevin plenty of room for dry one-liners while Sawyer played the indignant straight man.
The sports segment had some genuine local excitement, with Sawyer announcing that UT Austin guard Daylon Swain was selected 15th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft — prompting a “Horns in the NBA” celebration. Sawyer also declared the Bulls his new second team, framing it as a long-suffering franchise deserving his loyalty. The Dallas Mavericks’ hiring of Dusty May and drafting of his former Michigan player tied in the local Texas angle. A survey debate about which percentage-based life bonus to choose — happiness, luck, money, looks, athleticism, or slower aging — gave both hosts a chance to reveal their priorities, with Sawyer going for luck and Trevin going for money, both arguing the other’s choice was inferior.
The news block brought a colorful Texas story about six people busted for illegally harvesting oysters in Brazoria County’s Christmas Bay, which devolved into an impressive string of shellfish puns from both hosts. Trevin then introduced the Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin issue — still on newsstands — and Sawyer countered with a “Worst of Wednesday” concept, kicking off with Austin’s most notorious intersections. The 51st Street corridor — specifically the roundabout at I-35 and the construction mess at Airport Boulevard — emerged as early nominees, setting up what sounded like it would become a listener-participation segment.
⏰ Second Hour
Morning X Transcript Analysis — Middle Portion
Trevin & Sawyer In The Morning | 101X Austin | June 24, 2026
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Topics Covered
- Worst intersections in Austin
- NHL expansion to Houston/Austin
- My Chemical Romance concert announcement
- Gerard Way / Joe Rogan family connection
- West Nile virus in Williamson County
- Adam Sandler’s wedding anniversary skywriting
- Tight End University / Taylor Swift
- FIFA World Cup / Mexico
- A24 film studio news
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Austin & Texas News
- [00:16:26] West Nile Virus Warning — Williamson County: Mosquitoes in Wilco have tested positive for West Nile virus. No human cases reported yet. Officials urge residents to remove standing water, wear covering clothing during morning/evening hours, and use bug spray.
- [00:12:28] NHL Expansion Announcement: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a formal process to potentially add a franchise in Houston or Austin, Texas, backed by a $3.5 billion term sheet from the Houston-based Friedkin family. Sawyer celebrated the possibility of no longer having to root for the Dallas Stars.
- [00:10:14] Austin’s Worst Intersections (Listener Bit): Hosts debated the most notorious intersections in Austin, including:
- East 6th & I-35
- Holly Street approaching I-35
- Barton Springs & South 1st (near Terry Black’s Barbecue)
- Barton Springs & Lamar
- West 5th & Mopac near the Lake Austin area
- 29th & Lamar near McBride’s Gun and Fish
- Hosts opened the phone lines (512-835-1015) for listeners to call/text their picks, with Dexter and the Moon Rocks tickets offered as a prize
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Sports Takes
- [00:12:28] NHL Expansion: Sawyer jokingly took personal credit for the Houston/Austin NHL expansion announcement, citing that he wore his Houston Aeros shirt the Monday before. Trevin recalled attending an Aeros game at the Summit; Sawyer said he attended the final Aeros game at Toyota Center before the team relocated to Iowa.
- [00:20:30] Tight End University: Sawyer broke down the NFL’s Tight End University (T.E.U.), co-founded by George Kittle, Travis Kelsey, and Greg Olsen — an advanced camp for high school and college tight ends, similar to the Manning Passing Academy for QBs. Noted Taylor Swift attended this year alongside Kelce.
- [00:21:26] FIFA World Cup / Mexico: Sawyer noted strong Mexico fan turnout on Austin’s east side and downtown on game days. Mexico plays Czech Republic tonight at 8:00 p.m. in their final group stage match, having already punched their ticket to the Round of 32.
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Austin Music, Venue & Event Mentions
- [00:13:48] My Chemical Romance — The Black Parade Tour:
- Date: Saturday, September 12th
- Venue: Alamo Dome, San Antonio
- Also on the bill: The Mars Volta
- Hosts offered tickets via Caller X at 512-835-1015
- Dexter and the Moon Rocks tickets mentioned as a giveaway prize tied to the worst intersections listener call-in
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Food & Restaurant Mentions
- [00:11:00] Terry Black’s Barbecue referenced as a landmark near the Barton Springs & South 1st intersection during the worst-intersections discussion
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Funny Bits & Memorable Host Moments
- [00:10:22] Roundabout Bit: Sawyer riffed that Europeans can’t understand air conditioning but love driving in circles — yet hate NASCAR. Trevin shot back: “What’s NASCAR? What it is, is cooler than F1.”
- [00:13:04] Sawyer Takes NHL Credit: Sawyer, with full mock sincerity, claimed he manifested the NHL Texas expansion by wearing his Houston Aeros shirt on Monday: *”Y’all are welcome for bringing more hockey to Texas.”*
- [00:14:04] Gerard Way / Joe Rogan Cousin Reveal: Sawyer dropped the claim that Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance is a distant cousin of Joe Rogan, who lives in Austin. Said Kevin Smith broke the news on Rogan’s podcast, and Rogan more or less brushed it off. Sawyer’s take: *”What are you afraid of? A little eyeliner, Joe?”*
- [00:17:00] West Nile Symptoms Bit: After listing West Nile symptoms (fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, nausea), Sawyer deadpanned: *”Hell, I have that every day anyway, dude. I live West Nile.”*
- [00:18:39] Skywriting Pricing Tangent: After Trevin claimed skywriting “isn’t that expensive,” Sawyer fired back: *”You’re gonna say skywriting isn’t that expensive, yet you won’t do a cake cooking class with me.”* The two then floated the idea of hiring a skywriter to promote the show — before Trevin noted they’re on the air when it’s still dark outside.
- [00:19:17] Chemtrails Skywriting Idea: Sawyer suggested the best use of skywriting would be to hire a plane to write “chemtrails are real” over Austin just to mess with people.
- [00:22:00] A24 “Sold Out” Reaction: Sawyer closed the segment with dramatic dismay over A24 apparently being sold, declaring: *”Hollywood, it’s over guys. Pack up shop.”*
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Pop Culture & National Topics
- [00:17:53] Adam Sandler Anniversary Skywriting: As part of Sawyer’s self-declared “good news” initiative, he shared that Adam Sandler hired a skywriter to spell out “23 ♥ J” for his wife Jackie on their 23rd wedding anniversary (June 22nd). Trevin was characteristically unmoved; Sawyer called him a “boner” for not appreciating the romance.
- [00:21:43] A24 “Sells Out”: Sawyer announced that A24, the indie film studio behind *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, *Mid-90s*, and *Marty Supreme*, has “officially sold out” — framed with theatrical despair, though no specific buyer or deal details were provided in this segment.
- [00:15:06] Gerard Way / Umbrella Academy mention: Sawyer noted that Gerard Way created the comic series *Umbrella Academy*, which was adapted into a Netflix show.
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Summary
This portion of the show opened with a lively Austin traffic bit, as Trevin and Sawyer traded nominations for the city’s worst intersections — Barton Springs & Lamar, East 6th & I-35, and West 5th & Mopac near Lake Austin among the standouts — while also taking listener calls and texts for a chance to win Dexter and the Moon Rocks tickets. The roundabout conversation sparked a detour into European driving culture vs. NASCAR vs. F1, giving both hosts a chance to flex their mock-outrage comedic chemistry.
The sports block covered two major topics: the NHL’s announced process to potentially bring a franchise to Houston or Austin (backed by $3.5 billion from the Friedkin family), which Sawyer gleefully and falsely credited to his Aeros jersey choice; and a World Cup update noting Mexico’s strong Austin fanbase ahead of their final group stage match against Czech Republic. Sawyer also covered Tight End University, roping in Taylor Swift’s attendance alongside Travis Kelce as a fun celebrity sidebar. A concert announcement for My Chemical Romance and The Mars Volta at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio on September 12th came with a ticket giveaway, plus an extended riff on the alleged cousin connection between Gerard Way and Joe Rogan — with Kevin Smith reportedly being the one to surface it on Rogan’s podcast.
The headlines segment covered a genuine local health alert — West Nile virus detected in Williamson County mosquitoes — before Sawyer pivoted to his new “good news” initiative with the Adam Sandler anniversary skywriting story. That led to a prolonged, funny tangent about the cost of skywriting, whether it could promote the show (it’s dark when they’re on air), and Sawyer’s dream of skywriting “chemtrails are real” over Austin just to stir up trouble. The segment closed with Sawyer reacting with theatrical grief to news that indie film darling A24 has apparently sold, capping a wide-ranging middle block full of Austin local flavor, sports commentary, and the hosts’ signature improvisational banter.
🏁 Final Hour
Show Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
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Topics Covered
- A24 x Google DeepMind AI deal [00:22:04–00:24:08] — $75 million investment announced; hosts skeptical and critical of AI’s role in Hollywood, noting lack of specifics about the tools being developed. Also mentioned Netflix/Ben Affleck’s Interpositive and Amazon MGM’s AI unit.
- Dairy Queen new summer products [00:24:52–00:26:07] — Stars and Stripes Misty Slush Float (available June 29–July 5, $2.50 for a small), plus World Cup-themed flavors: strawberry mango mochi soft serve, Biscoff cookie blizzard, and Mexican-style hot chocolate made with Abuelita mix.
- Saharan dust returning to central Texas [00:26:57–00:29:31] — Worst of it expected early next week; hosts discussed hazy views around Austin landmarks and the surprisingly beautiful sunsets it produces. Trevin noted respiratory issues; Sawyer loves the Austin summer heat.
- Austin weather gripes [00:28:15–00:29:31] — Brief discussion of Austin’s unreliable power grid in winter vs. brutal summer heat as each host’s weather villain.
- Studio toaster incident / Good Good jam sponsor [00:29:41–00:30:07] — Sawyer’s vintage toaster triggered a studio alarm; hosts thanked Good Good for Choco Hazel and strawberry jams they couldn’t properly toast for.
- Presidential fitness test teaser [00:29:18–00:29:31] — Trevin revealed a planned challenge against hosts on “the geezer station” across the hall.
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Closing News or Sports Updates
- June was Austin’s wettest month since last July, with Saharan dust now moving in as summer heat arrives [00:26:57]
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Final Austin Event Recommendations
- Mike Hem show in San Antonio — tickets dropping tomorrow on the Morning X Austin Instagram [00:31:37]
- Dexter and the Moon Rocks at Emo’s — part of the 101X concert series; tickets available at 101X.com [00:31:41–00:31:52]
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Funny Closing Moments & Memorable Quotes
- “AI is just for dumb people, dude.” — Trevin [00:29:31]
- Sawyer joking that he’d do the show from an ambulance rather than miss Wood-Tip Wine Wednesday [00:27:49–00:27:52]
- Trevin’s creative geography: arguing Africa is “from the west” if you keep going far enough around the globe [00:26:48–00:26:57]
- “The presidential fitness test is how many of these McDonald’s double cheeseburgers can you make fit in your mouth?” — Sawyer [00:29:33–00:29:37]
- Sawyer triggering the studio’s fire/electrical alarm with a vintage toaster
- Trevin calling out Sawyer as a “loose cannon without the lady in the household” [00:31:13–00:31:15]
- Trevin: “Don’t dead name us.” — referring to the show’s new Instagram handle [00:31:30]
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How the Show Wrapped Up
Trevin and Sawyer signed off casually and warmly, plugging their individual social handles (@SawyerStull and @TrevinOnTheRadio) along with the new show Instagram @MorningXAustin. They teased ticket giveaways for upcoming shows (Mike Hem and Dexter and the Moon Rocks) dropping the next day, and Trevin mentioned picking up his partner from the airport that evening. Sawyer declared he planned to “be a piece of trash” for the rest of the day. The sign-off was relaxed, funny, and felt like two friends wrapping up a casual conversation rather than a formal broadcast close.
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3-Paragraph Summary
The final segment of Wednesday’s Morning X opened with a substantive but skeptical take on the entertainment industry’s growing embrace of artificial intelligence. The $75 million Google DeepMind and A24 partnership announcement prompted both hosts to push back hard, questioning the vague corporate language around “empowering artists” while noting that Hollywood workers already lack jobs and opportunities. Trevin and Sawyer were united in their frustration, with Trevin landing the blunt one-liner “AI is just for dumb people” before the segment transitioned into lighter fare — namely Dairy Queen’s new patriotic and World Cup-themed summer menu items, delivered with Trevin’s signature dry enthusiasm for DQ’s cultural staying power.
The segment then shifted to Austin’s current weather situation: the tail end of a historically wet June giving way to Saharan dust and intense summer heat. The hosts debated the geography of where exactly the Saharan dust “comes from,” bantered about beautiful but hazy Austin sunsets, and each nominated their own personal Austin weather villain — Trevin citing the unreliable power grid in freezes, Sawyer confessing his main nemesis is the brutal summer (even while admitting he sunbathes on a bench like a lizard). A teaser for a Presidential Fitness Test challenge against the rival “geezer station” down the hall added a fun recurring storyline to watch going forward.
The show closed on a warm, chaotic note: a studio toaster alarm triggered by Sawyer’s attempt to make toast for a Good Good jam tasting became the accidental comedic centerpiece of the wrap-up. After thanking the sponsor and joking about overpriced retro appliances, the hosts gave out their social handles, plugged the new @MorningXAustin Instagram, and teased tomorrow’s ticket giveaways for Mike Hem in San Antonio and Dexter and the Moon Rocks at Emo’s. Trevin signed off with a gentle ribbing about Sawyer being a “loose cannon” while his partner is out of town, and both hosts landed a clean, friendly goodbye that felt true to the easygoing chemistry that defines the show.
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Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Hosts: Trevin Smith and Sawyer Stull. Morning X — 101X Austin, TX.
