Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast

Welcome to Episode 28 of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! Today, I sit down with Adrian Forsyth , owner of Dog for Life Training —a veteran-owned, highly specialized dog training company located right here in Bastrop County. Adrian’s approach to training is unlike anything you’ve heard before. With an impressive background as a military linguist, a passion for behavioral science, and years of...

Welcome to the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Judah Ross of Bastrop Real Estate Group , a relationship-driven realtor who’s helping shape not just the housing market in Bastrop, but the community itself. Judah shares how his journey from New Jersey and New York to Austin and finally Bastrop shaped his eye for fast-growing areas and long-term opportunity. Drawing...

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! In this conversation, I sit down with Laura, owner of Up Closets in Bastrop, a custom closet and home-organization company transforming the way people live — both in their homes and in their minds.  Laura shares how clutter affects mental health, why organization can create a sense of peace, and how her 40-year career in software projec...

Today we’re joined by Jennifer Reynolds , owner of ETX Travel in Elgin, Texas. Jennifer believes travel is for everyone—and that it’s one of the most powerful ways to recharge, grow, and connect across generations. She brings first-hand destination knowledge (think river cruise ship inspections in Vienna), a network of in-destination partners, and a hands-on approach that keeps trips smooth from p...

In this inspiring episode of Neighbors of Texas , host Ron sits down with Shannon Ficklin, a Central Texas-based Realtor and Certified Stager whose work goes far beyond real estate transactions. With heartfelt honesty and wisdom earned through experience, Shannon shares how her path into real estate began not with ambition, but with a divine nudge and a single phone call that changed everything. S...

She didn’t plan to start a movement—she just wanted to bring women together. Veronica Seaver joins us on the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast to share the raw, real, and beautiful story behind She Women in Business . What began with 94 attendees has grown into a safe, empowering space where women can stop pretending, start healing, and finally feel seen. From battling depression to speaking before...

 In today’s episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast, we are honored to have Elisa Johnson, the head of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School and Little Sheep Learning Center, with us. Elisa shares her incredible journey from the corporate world to leading two faith-based institutions that are changing the educational landscape in Bastrop. From a humble start as a Mother’s Day Out program...

Are you tired of unreliable handymen who never show up on time or leave your home in disarray? In today’s episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast, we’re lucky to have Eric Davis, the owner of Mr. Ed Handyman, joining us to share his incredible journey. Eric’s straightforward approach to handyman work is rooted in deep care for his clients and a commitment to doing things right the first tim...

Sometimes, wellness isn’t just about the physical. It’s about the moments of joy, laughter, and surprise that remind us why we move in the first place. At Gravity District , these magical moments happen every day—moments when students realize how much fun they’re having, when breakthroughs occur, and when the simple act of moving your body reconnects you with a sense of play that’s often lost in a...

 In this inspiring episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast, we have the honor of speaking with Isabel Meijering, the founder of Admiring You Wellness and co-owner of Main Street Yoga in Bastrop. Isabel's journey to wellness is not just about her career change but about a deeper, soul-searching transformation. She began her professional life studying veterinary medicine, which is dedica...

Today, we’re sitting down with Lee Harle, the founder of Bastrop River Company , to hear the story of how a career change led him to not only start a thriving business but also find healing and clarity on the river. Lee’s journey from banking to paddling is about more than just a career shift; it’s a story of personal transformation and rediscovery. Leaving behind the hustle of corporate life, Lee...

 Welcome to another episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast! Today, we’re joined by Kyra, the owner of Lost Pines Maids, a local business that has transformed how we think about home cleaning. For Kyra, cleaning is more than just a job—it’s a way to connect with people and provide them with peace and comfort. Lost Pines Maids isn’t just about making homes sparkle; it’s about building trust,...

Join us as we explore a fresh, innovative approach to optometry with Dr. Bontrager, the compassionate founder of Small Wonder Eyecare. Tired of insurance-driven eye exams that leave you feeling rushed and unheard? Dr. Bontrager’s unique model removes the constraints of insurance to focus on what truly matters—your health and well-being. With one-hour appointments that give her the time to address...

 In this inspiring episode of Good Neighbors of Texas , we’re diving deep into the remarkable journey of Joseph Feminelli, a true testament to following your passions and building something from the ground up. From the sunny streets of Florida to the heart of Bastrop, Joseph’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and community connection. He’s not just a business owner—he’s someone who’s infu...

Welcome back to the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast ! I’m your host, Ron Holt, and today we have an incredibly inspiring guest with us—Danielle Bornowski, founder of DQB Strategies . Danielle is a marketing strategist who helps small businesses like yours navigate the overwhelming world of marketing. If you’ve ever felt swamped by all the advice out there—‘You should be posting five times a day on...

Welcome to another powerful episode of Good Neighbors of Texas ! I’m your host, Ron Holt, and today we have something truly special in store. Joining me is Stephanie Crane from Tapas Innovation , and I couldn’t be more excited to share her story with you. Stephanie’s journey is one of overcoming obstacles and embracing personal growth, and now, she’s helping individuals and businesses tap into the...

In today’s episode of Good Neighbors of Texas, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable woman whose mission has changed the lives of countless animals in Central Texas. Haley Hudnall, the passionate Executive Director of Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas, has dedicated her life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. As urban sprawl continues to encroach up...

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast ! In today's episode, host Ron Holmes sits with Jimmy Ramos from Ramos Tree Service. With over 17 years of experience, Jimmy shares his passion for tree care and dedication to ensuring tree health and customer satisfaction. He explains why building trust with clients is key to his success and how his team goes beyond simply removing...

Welcome to the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Bradley Lingold of Redbird Law , a Bastrop attorney who’s become a trusted guide for families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Losing a loved one is never easy—and the legal process that follows can feel cold, confusing, and overwhelming. Bradley brings something different: compassion, clarity, and a s...

Welcome to episode 10 of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast ! Host Ron Holt meets with Christian Conner of Conner Window Care in today's episode. Christian shares his journey—from 14 with his uncle during COVID to establishing his business in Bastrop—emphasizing that professional window cleaning is about technique, dedication, and ensuring every window shines clearly. He explains why homeown...

Some businesses are built on sales and numbers. Others — like Optomax Electric — are built on something deeper: passion, trust, and the belief that people always come first. In this episode of Good Neighbors of Texas , host Ron Holt sits down with Dominic and Lisa Neary, the heart and soul behind Optomax Electric in Cedar Creek, Texas. What started as a passion for great work and real relationship...

When you’re building a business, there’s nothing more important than having someone in your corner — someone who’s not just smart about the law, but who truly cares about your future. In this episode of Good Neighbors of Texas , host Ron Holt sits down with James Ringel and Jimmy Brymer of Ringel and Brymer Law — two attorneys whose friendship turned into a partnership built on honesty, integrity,...

Turning struggle into success isn’t easy, but Joe from Cox Irrigation makes it look that way. In this episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast, host Ron Holt sits down with Joe to unpack his journey from early career failures to building one of Bastrop’s most trusted irrigation businesses.  Joe shares the real story behind lush, green lawns — busting myths about irrigation, explaining why ba...

Insurance usually isn’t something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy — but maybe that’s because you haven’t met Sofina Sodruden and Margarita Jaramillo from AI United Insurance yet. In this episode of Good Neighbors of Texas , host Ron Holt sits down with these two passionate women who are changing the way people think about insurance. From their beginnings in Houston to now proudly serving Austin...

Most people see concrete and think "plain" or "practical." Chris and Stephanie Kennedy see a chance to create something unforgettable. In this episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast, host Ron Holt chats with the creative force behind Kennedy Home Creations in Bastrop, Texas—a husband-and-wife team that turns everyday spaces into works of art. From sleek kitchen countert...