The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Jeff Connor and Greg Hoffman from The Bridge Bastrop, a young adult ministry designed for 18 to 30-year-olds in Bastrop County. Jeff and Greg share the story behind The Bridge, why they saw a need for young adults to have a place to grow in their relationship with God and community, and how the ministry has become a weekly gathering point...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Liana Walker sits down with three incredible women helping shape the future of Bastrop: Becki Womble, President and CEO of the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce; Myra Goepp, President of Benchmark Austin; and Kayla Hixon, Development Manager for Adelton. Together, they talk about women in leadership, faith, community, mentorship, business growth, and what...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Liana sits down with Bryan and Claire Turner, founders of Summit Outdoor Leadership, a Bastrop-based nonprofit helping people discover purpose through faith, adventure, and leadership. We talk about disconnecting from technology, the importance of rest, and how time in the outdoors can create clarity, growth, and deeper connection with God. Brian and Claire...

In this special episode, Liana Walker sits down with Autumn Pyka , co-owner of Community Gardens in Bastrop , to talk about how Community Gardens became a true community hub — part plant nursery, part restaurant, part event venue, and a gathering space where families, small businesses, and local organizations connect. Autumn shares the unexpected origin story (it started as a search for a warehous...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris to talk about what it’s really like stepping into leadership during a season of rapid growth — and how Bastrop can move forward without losing the small-town character people love. Mayor Harris shares what surprised him most after going from campaigning to serving in office, why “boring” city council meetings...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with longtime Bastrop County resident Steve Schroeder — a former educator who now serves families and the community through his work with WoodmenLife and local service organizations. Steve shares his journey from working in schools for over 15 years to finding new purpose helping families plan for the future while staying deeply involved in t...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with Liana Walker —his wife and business partner at Wisdom House Realty Group —to share their journey into real estate, why they chose Bastrop, and how Liana’s background in advertising shaped their marketing-first approach in a social-media-driven market. They also share the meaning behind the name “Wisdom House” (Proverbs 24:3–4) and what t...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with Dominica McGinnis and Chris W. Kirby, J.D., of Bastrop Law Group to discuss why they launched the firm in July 2024 and the growing legal needs of Bastrop County. They break down what estate planning really involves beyond a will, why families often wait too long to put plans in place, and how assumptions—especially in blended families—c...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Bastrop City Council Member Perry Lowe — a lifelong Bastrop resident with deep roots, a passion for community, and a unique background in music and public service. Perry shares his family’s multigenerational story in Bastrop, what inspired him to run for City Council, and how he approaches leadership through communication, collaboration,...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with Jonah Beyer , Executive Director of Feed the Need Missions , to explore how a simple weekly cookout has grown into a powerful movement restoring community across Bastrop County and beyond. Jonah shares the early days of grilling burgers on Main Street, the moments that shaped the mission, and how the organization continues to meet both p...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with musician and songwriter Ben Zuniga to talk about his journey from picking up a pawn shop guitar at age eight to becoming a central part of Bastrop’s growing music scene. Ben shares how the community shaped his early years, what inspired him to step into a solo career, and the story behind his debut album People Who Dance and his latest p...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with chef and farmer Sonya Cote, owner of Storehouse and Eden East Farm. Sonya shares how moving from East Austin during the pandemic led her to Bastrop, where she built a true farm-to-table experience connecting land, food, and community. From hauling truckloads of topsoil to collaborating with world-class chefs, she talks about her art-inspi...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with James Ringel and Jimmy Brymer, founders of Ringel & Brymer Law Firm in Bastrop, TX. James and Jimmy share how a chance job connection led them to team up, why their motto— small firm service, big firm results —guides their work, and how they’ve built a reputation for responsiveness and results. From a $750,000 presidential campaign di...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt sits down with Becki Womble, President & CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. Becki shares her journey from Lockhart to Bastrop, the Chamber’s evolution from ribbon cuttings to real advocacy, and her passion for helping businesses thrive. Tune in to hear about Bastrop’s growth, upcoming infrastructure projects (like the iconic bridge), and why B...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , we sit down with Steve Hipe, founder of Hope Valley Tree Farm in Bastrop, Texas. For over 23 years, Steve and his family have cultivated more than just trees—they’ve built a space rooted in faith, community, and purpose. From numerous varieties of Texas trees to stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to “love your neighbor,” Steve...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , we sit down with Bastrop Mayor Candidate Ishmael Harris to explore his lifelong connection to Bastrop and his vision for its future. Ishmael shares stories of growing up in the tight-knit community, reflects on his experience with Austin Water, and discusses the critical infrastructure and development issues facing Bastrop today. From planning and zoning up...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , host Matt Walker sits down with Pastor Ronald Wilson at Anointed Hands Barbershop for a heartfelt conversation about faith, calling, and community. Ron opens up about receiving his first prophetic word as a teen, leading alongside his wife at Celebration Community Church, and helping unify local churches through the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance. Y...

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast , Matt Walker sits down with Adam Richerson, owner of House Call Mobile Mechanic, to talk about what it’s really like running a one-man auto repair business in Bastrop County, Texas. Adam shares how stepping into self-employment gave him the freedom to prioritize faith, family, and flexibility—and why he wishes he’d done it sooner. From diagnosing tricky engi...

Building Community and Cool Treats in Bastrop | Featuring Jack Plimpton of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice In this episode, Matt Walker sits down with Jack Plimpton, co-owner of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, to talk about launching a new business in Bastrop, Texas — and how a simple road trip idea turned into a sweet new gathering spot for the community. Jack shares what inspired him and his wife Allie to bring...

Meet John Eason — a longtime Bastrop, Texas resident, business owner, and family man running for BISD school board. In this episode, he shares about his nonprofit background, his heart for the community, and his vision for the future of Bastrop ISD. The episode is hosted by Matt Walker and edited/directed by Liana Walker , co-owners of Wisdom House Realty Group — a top-producing real estate team b...

Episode 2: John Kirkland – Bastrop Mayor Pro Tem In this episode, we sit down with John Kirkland, Bastrop’s Mayor Pro Tem, for an open conversation about how local government works, how you can get involved, growth in Bastrop, reelections and what it’s really like raising a family in Bastrop. We also dive into a few of John’s unexpected hobbies and insights into the town he calls home. Recorded li...