StarCast, The Official Podcast of Star Ranch Nudist Club

Star Ranch is a proud member of AANR, the American Association for Nude Recreation. So, what does it mean when you see the AANR logo, and why should you look for it before visiting a club or resort? Today, the new president of AANR, Linda Weber, explains why it is so important. She also discusses the future of the organization and family-friendly nude recreation. Send us a text

Remember Paul & Barbara from episode 35 of StarCast? Well, they've just completed another successful Bare Buns 5K run here at Star Ranch. In fact, it was Paul who first ran the race and got the commemorative t-shirt without telling his wife! Fast forward to laundry day...and guess what shows up?!? Yep...the Bare Buns 5K t-shirt! Ooops! Of course, that sparked quite a conversation, but it led to Barbara joining Paul for the next race. Now after completing several nude runs together, they are regular weekenders here at the Ranch, and they hope to retire and become full-time residents in the not-to-distant future! By the way, registration will be opening soon for our Chilly Cheeks 5K on the first Saturday of October. Watch www.StarRanch.net for details!Send us a text

Bob and Mary are longtime members here at Star Ranch. They first joined back in the 90s, but as sometimes happens, busy lives got in the way and they had to take a break. On today's StarCast, our host Mark finds out why they couldn't wait to return to their favorite weekend retreat!Send us a text

Brian and Sherry met through an online dating website and hit it off immediately! But, how was he going to break it to Sherry that he was a naturist? On today's StarCast, our host Mark discovers how Brian's car license plate played a big role that sparked a conversation that led to their engagement! Send us a text

We're aboard the Bare Necessities "Big Nude Boat 2025" for today's StarCast! Listen as we get to know Dan H.! He's an author of 4 naturist-themed novels (as D.H. Jonathan), an actor in an upcoming naturist film, a long-time nude model, and is currently the President of the southwestern chapter of the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR-SW). He's got quite a story to tell!Send us a text

Recorded on the Bare Necessities Big Nude Boat 2025, our host Mark interviews members of the Star Ranch Nude Ukes! That's right! We recently started our very own Ukulele group here at Star Ranch! It's really just an excuse to get together, play some music and have lots of fun! No experience necessary! Sound like something you might be interested in joining? Well, have a listen to today's StarCast!Send us a text

We're just back from an amazing Caribbean cruise aboard the Bare Necessities "Big Nude Boat 2025"! It's not only a great way to see the world, but also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones! Over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing you several podcasts that we recorded while onboard the ship. Today, we meet Sharon, a good friend of two of our Star Ranch members, Bob & Nancy. Sharon tells us how easy it is to start your own non-landed nudist club. Plus, she shares stories about her journey on the BNB 2025 and of a recent cruise to Antarctica!  Send us a text

It's no secret! Jean & Nancy are two of the most popular members here at Star Ranch! That's because they lead the Food Committee! Along with many volunteer cooks, they keep everyone well fed and happy with weekend breakfast and meals for special occasions! Thanks goodness they love what they do, because it's a tough job, but one with great rewards! Have a listen to today's StarCast, then consider joining us in the kitchen at Star Ranch. It's a great way to meet some truly wonderful people!Send us a text

Sandi is not only a Star Ranch member, she also works part-time in the office at the Ranch. In today's StarCast, she talks with our host (aka her husband, Mark) about the background check process, what new visitors to the ranch can expect when going through it and why it's necessary. And, she reveals some exciting new changes coming to the office and introduces our new General Manager!Send us a text

Gail is a single lady who has been a resident at Star Ranch for 15 years! During that time, she's seen some big changes here at the Ranch. On today's StarCast, Gail speaks about how attitudes in the general public have changed over the years when it comes to nudists and about how most are much more accepting these days when she tells people that she lives at a nudist resort! Gail is also a tireless volunteer on the Star Ranch food committee. She cooks up some fantastic meals for our members and guests, often to help raise money for improvements such as our new pickleball courts! Send us a text

Here at Star Ranch, we have members who have been nudists for their entire lives, and brand new nudists, too! Richard and Sherry fit into that second category. Recently retired, they explored several nudist resorts across Florida before discovering Star Ranch. Hear about their travels and find out why the Ranch is the perfect fit for them. Spoiler alert! They LOVE pickleball and our new pickleball courts!Send us a text

To celebrate the 50th episode of StarCast, today we are keeping it all in the family! Our host, Mark, is joined by his lovely wife, Sandi, and Sandi's adult daughter, Halli, who isn't a nudist herself. Hear what Halli thinks about her mom being a nudist and what it was like growing up with a mom who didn't like wearing clothes around the house! Also, Halli tells an amusing and rather embarrassing story about how her mom met her new boyfriend, who is now her fiancé! And, a fun announcement about Mark and Sandi's future plans! That's all in a special 50th episode celebration of StarCast!Send us a text

Daniella and David have been enjoying Star Ranch for three years. In fact, their very first social nude experience was here at the Ranch! Hear how Daniella got over her initial nervousness at the idea of being nude around others. And, listen as they tell the amusing story about how their collage-aged son used technology to discover mom and dad's new favorite place to spend their weekends! Send us a text

The World Naked Bike Ride is a very popular naturist event. This series of rides happens annually in cities all across the country. Mike and Linda from Star Ranch loaded up their E-bikes and traveled from Texas to St. Louis to participate in that city's ride. They tell us what it was like to pedal clothes-free through a city that rolls out the welcome mat for nudists. Mike and Linda are also very active in the Christian Naturists group and give us a recap of that group's visit to Star Ranch this past summer!Send us a text

Like many, Jonathan discovered Star Ranch during one of our twice-yearly 5K clothing-optional runs! Initially, his wife Gini was hesitant to join him at the ranch, but eventually agreed to give it a try. On her first visit, she remained dressed as she lounged by the pool, but it wasn't long before she was comfortable enough to shed her clothes and join in on the fun! Hear Jon and Gini talk about how joining Star Ranch helped bring these new empty-nesters closer together as a couple, and a few amusing stories about how they broke the news to their kids, other family members and friends!By the way, our next Chilly Cheeks clothing-optional 5K run is coming up on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. A race t-shirt is included in your registration. Wear it the next time you are out to dinner with some of your non-nudist friends! It's a real conversation starter!!  Register now at www.StarRanch.net.Send us a text

This is a very different, and very special episode of StarCast. It goes without saying that we are a family here at Star Ranch. And when one member of our tight knit community faces a serious challenge, it impacts us all. Today, our host Mark talks with Steven about his diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a type of life-threatening blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce abnormal blood cells. Hear about how Steven and his supportive wife faced the leukemia head on, and about their long journey to recovery and getting back to their friends at the Ranch and the clothes-free life they love so much. It's a must listen with some very good advice for anyone who has had their life turned upside down by cancer. Send us a Text Message.

Meet Randy & Olga, two of our newest members at Star Ranch! Hear how they broke the news to their 3 adult children that they are now nudists and hear their surprising reactions! And, listen as Randy & Olga describe how they discovered Star Ranch and why it already feels like home. Plus, they both share their tips for non-nudists on how to take the leap into family-friendly nude recreation and what to expect on your first visit.Send us a Text Message.

Everyone discovers Star Ranch in their own unique way. For Rhum, that discovery came while he was working the Renaissance Festival circuit at Sherwood Forest Faire just down the road and needed a place to stay for a few weeks. He ended up loving the Ranch so much, that he is now a full-time resident and just recently joined the Star Ranch Council, helping to interview potential new members and planning activities for members and visitors alike!  

Today's StarCast has a bit of an international flair! Long ago, an employment opportunity took Don & Mary Anne to Germany. There, they were able to experience something called FKK (Freikörperkultur)...which roughly translates into 'Free Body Culture'. Thanks to careful planning, they were able to retire early and return to the U.S. Good friends pointed them in the direction of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, and before long, they discovered Star Ranch just east of Austin, a club that embraces the same family-friendly nude recreation they enjoyed in Germany. In today's episode, learn about FKK and how that experience changed their lives!

Glen and Tracy first met as teenagers. Today, more than 50 years later, they're retired and spend quality time at home with their chickens and horses. But, now with a little extra time on their hands, they've decided to branch out and try something new! Glen has always wanted to explore nude recreation, and Tracy finally agreed to give it a try. Honestly, she wasn't hooked after her first visit to Star Ranch, but after participating in the Bare Buns 5K race one spring, she suddenly felt more comfortable in her own skin. Today, they have lots and lots of wonderful friends at the Ranch, and think of them as their 'family'. Meet Glen and Tracy!

On a recent episode of StarCast, we highlighted the new Pickleball courts at Star Ranch. But, when people think about nude recreation, Sand Volleyball often comes to mind! Star Ranch member, Kimberly, loves playing sand volleyball and has even traveled to Whitetail Resort in Virginia for one of the largest nude volleyball tournaments in the country! She also talks about how her and her husband discovered nude recreation, and about their first time at a nude resort.

We've got TWO brand new Pickleball courts for you at Star Ranch! Of course, Pickleball is a favorite sport among nudists. One of our wonderful long-time members, Mike, is a Pickleball expert and recently held our first Pickleball clinic for those who want to learn how to play! It was a big hit with our members and visitors, alike! In today's episode, your host talks with Mike not only about Pickleball, but about all the great activities we've got lined up for you this Memorial Day weekend at the Ranch including Water Volleyball, Washers, Bean Bag Toss and a whole lot more! 

StarCast has experienced a rapid growth in listeners, lately! Welcome!  With so many new folks joining us online, we thought it might be a good idea to re-introduce ourselves with a quick overview of Star Ranch and social nudism, in general. On today's episode, Mark tells you all about the Ranch and what to expect if you decide to pay us a visit! Check out our new pickelball courts and meet the wonderful people here at the friendliest nudist club in Texas!

You meet the most wonderful people on a Bare Necessities cruise! Today's episode was recorded aboard the Big Nude Boat 2024. Your host speaks with Mick, the President of the Australian Naturist Federation. He talks all about his visit to the U.S. and to Star Ranch. Plus, he has some great tips and resources for those of us who hope to visit Australia someday and explore their clothing-optional opportunities!

After being married for 16 years, Dennis comes home one day and announces to his wife, Laurie..."I'm a nudist!" From walking naked in the cornfields of Ohio as a kid, to participating in the 5K Bare Buns run here at Star Ranch, discover how this fun couple has made the transition to clothes-free living! Plus, hear the surprising reaction of their kids and friends when they decided to tell them! And, hear all about the friends they've made while visiting Star Ranch over these past 5 years.

Today, we set sail on the Bare Necessities Big Nude Boat 2024! Recorded at sea, our host talks with several members of Star Ranch who went on the cruise. Some are experienced nude cruisers, while for others this was their first nude cruise, or first cruise period! It's a fun episode that will help you decide whether to join us on the Bare Necessities Big Nude Boat 2025! All aboard!!

One day while Barbara was doing the laundry, she ran across a Star Ranch "Bare Buns 5K Run" t-shirt. This caught her off-guard, as she had no idea that her husband, Paul, had been participating in the annual clothing-optional fun runs at Star Ranch. As you might imagine, she was initially very upset. But, after several conversations, she decided to visit and see for herself what Star Ranch was all about. Today, they are proud Star Ranch members and even have a cabin at the ranch for weekend getaways! They credit their time at the ranch for strengthing their marriage and improving their communication as a couple. Meet Barbara & Paul!

Paul & Melinda have been members at Star Ranch for just over a year! On today's StarCast, our  host Mark talks with them about the unique way they decided to try nudism for the first time as a couple. Now, just a year later, they our our reigning Cookie Contest champions! Also, hear about the big New Year's Eve celebration we have planned for you here at the Ranch! 

We welcome Willie to Star Ranch! Willie is our newest full-time resident here at the ranch. In today's StarCast, Mark talks with Willie about why he chose Star Ranch and about everything he considered...from our location, to the people here, to the weather, and to choosing the right mobile home in which to live. If you've ever considered living in a nudist community, this podcast is for you! 

When Jerry & Jeanie got married, he did not reveal that he was a nudist...at least not right away! In today's StarCast podcast, hear the unusual way that Jerry told her about his secret and about Jeanie's surprising reaction! Today they run the Bexar Recreation Society, a non-landed nudist club out of San Antonio. Hear about the lifelong friends that they have made and all the fun they've had along the way!

Thinking about becoming a member at Star Ranch? Well then, today's StarCast is for you! Welcome Debbie & Jeff. They are our newest members at the ranch! They both are big football fans (he loves the Longhorns, and she's all about the Fighting Irish) so they enjoy the fact that they can watch college football on our poolside TV or inside Tara Hall as the weather cools off. Hear what they like best about the ranch, all the new friends they have made here and about why it was the right choice for them as a couple. 

Meet David and Rebecca! David loves nothing better than playing his favorite sport, baseball. Rebecca is quite content to spend the day reading a good book. David signs up to participate in all of the games and activities we offer at Star Ranch! Rebecca loves time alone to relax. But, they do have one thing in common...they're both nudists and they love life at the ranch. In today's StarCast, our host Mark asks about how they met, and what they like best about being members at Star Ranch!

Fall is a great time to be at Star Ranch! As the weather starts to cool off, we have all sorts of activities for you to enjoy au natural! In today's StarCast, Mark and Sandi tell us all about what we have planned for Labor Day Weekend, the big Star Ranch 66th Anniversary on September 23rd and the upcoming Chilly Cheeks 5K Fun Run on October 7th! Come for the day, stay in one of our cabins (including the newly remodeled "Bahama Mama"), bring the RV and plug in at one of our 30 amp or 50 amp full hook-up sites, or pitch a tent under a shady oak tree. We'll see you this fall at the ranch!

Meet Kate! Kate and her husband have been weekenders here at Star Ranch for many years. Someday, they hope to make the ranch their full-time home. In the meantime, you can find Kate cooking up a delicious breakfast most weekends for members and visitors alike. Plus, she helped plant a beautiful flower garden at the front entrance to the ranch, and has spruced up our indoor pool and hot tub area so we're ready when the cooler weather arrives! And, she's always up for a game of water volleyball! We lucky to have her as a member of Star Ranch!

In this episode of StarCast, our host talks with two Star Ranch members, Jack and Sabrina. Jack (aka "Captain Jack") is one of our most popular D.J.'s for our Saturday night dances by the pool. He's also a talented K.J. (Karaoke Jock) for our monthly wildly popular Karaoke nights! Lately, Jack has been introducing everyone here at Star Ranch to the exciting world of virtual reality! Sabrina is an avid runner and participates in our spring and fall 5K fun runs! They also tell us about a private social media group that helps Star Ranch members and guests keep up to date on all of the fun activities that are always going on here at the ranch!

If you've ever attended a large event or a big holiday weekend here at Star Ranch, chances are you already know our fantastic emcee, Chris A! He's an avid runner, water volleyball player and a local business owner. Chris and his team at Bare Bottom Signs make all of the signs for the ranch, as well as for many other local businesses. He has chosen to make McDade his home because he loves the country, plus the fact that he's only a few minutes away from Star Ranch and everything we have to offer. Today, our host Mark talks with Chris about being a small business owner and his life as a nudist!

Not many people would choose to visit a nudist club for the first time during a big freeze and ice storm! But, Michelle and her husband did! The people they met that day at Star Ranch warmed their hearts and now they are regular weekenders! Hear their story on today's StarCast podcast!

Here in Central Texas, many people's first experience with social nudism takes place at Hippie Hollow on Lake Travis, the only public nude recreation area in Texas. Others enjoy their first time being nude here at Star Ranch. There are some significant and important differences between the two. Today, we talk with Phil who is not only an expert and frequent visitor to Hippie Hollow, but he's also a member of Star Ranch. He's here to explain the difference and help you decide which one may be right for you! 

On today's episode, Mark talks with longtime member, Paul O. Paul spent many years volunteering on the Star Ranch Council, planning and organizing fun events for our members and helping to shape Star Ranch into what it is today. Paul shares the story of how his wonderful wife, Jeanie, had to talk him into trying social nudism for the first time. Paul also shares some of the rich history of Star Ranch, his secrets for playing Pétanque, and his return to the Ranch following health issues and the passing of his wife. It's an episode that all current and future members of Star Ranch should hear.

It's the biggest weekend of the year at Star Ranch! Memorial Day is almost here, and we hope you can join us for games, dances, food and fun! We've got it all! On today's StarCast, your host, Mark, talks with Star Ranch Council member, Sandi, about what we have planned for you! But, don't wait to make your reservations, as RV, camping spots and cabins are going fast! Go to www.StarRanch.net right now to make your reservation.

The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) helps to protect the rights of nudists throughout the U.S. and insures that your visit to an AANR-affiliated club (like Star Ranch!) will be safe, fun and family friendly! AANR Southwest will be holding their summer convention here at Star Ranch June 9th-11th, 2023. Come and meet your AANR representatives and make sure your voice is heard. Even if you are  not an AANR member, you are invited to join us for a weekend of fun, food, games and music! AANR-SW President, Lucy Heide joins our host in this week's podcast to tell us all about what she has planned!

Bill and Julie were looking to escape the cold South Dakota winter and decided to make the trip south to Star Ranch and spend a few months as a part of our "Winter Texan" program. While here, Bill offered his services as a Work Camper, helping out with maintenance here at the ranch. He obviously loves what he does, and did such an amazing job that we can wait to welcome them back next winter!If you have any topics or questions you'd like addressed on a future episode of StarCast, feel free to drop us an email at StarCastFeedback@gmail.com.

On today's episode of StarCast, we talk with Jo Lynn. She and her husband, Ronnie, are long-time members and residents here at the ranch. After a lengthy career in both teaching and coaching, Jo Lynn retired and now enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and is just about to welcome a new great-grandchild! She is also an avid U.T. fan!! She has some wonderful suggestions and helpful hints for folks (especially the ladies) when it comes to body image issues. If you have comments or feedback, or if you have any questions you'd like answered on a future episode of StarCast, we'd love to hear from you! You can reach us at StarCastFeedback@gmail.com.

Like many women trying social nudity for the first time, Sandy had some serious reservations. Her husband, Steve, convinced her that it would be a great way to meet new friends and strengthen their relationship at the same time.  But as it turned out, Steve had some reservations, too!  In today's podcast, they talk about their journey and all of the new friends they have made at Star Ranch!

One of the biggest events of the year at Star Ranch is just around the corner! It's our annual Bare Buns 5K Fun Run to be held on Saturday, April 1st. It's part of the AANR-SW Nude Racing Series. Runners can wear as much or as little as they'd like on the course that winds through our 110 acres near McDade, Texas, just east of Austin. Compete for first place in your age group, or just take a leisurely stroll around the grounds.  Enjoy live music and catch a bite to eat after the race around our beautiful swimming pool. Discounts for advanced registration now at www.StarRanch.net. On today's StarCast, your host Mark interviews  Charles about the race!

In this episode of StarCast, you'll meet Tara! She's a second generation nudist here at Star Ranch. You'll hear her views about what it's like being a single female at the ranch. She's also a member of the cast at the nearby Sherwood Forest Fair. If you are a single female interested in visiting Star Ranch, you'll want to be sure to check out this episode!

In today's episode of StarCast, you'll meet Mark. He's not only a Star Ranch member, he's a full-time resident of the ranch and is a past General Manager. Mark talks about his life as a nudist and about his occupation in the film industry. In fact, Mark curates the annual Naturist Film Festival here at the ranch, as well as aboard the Big Nude Boat sailing each February with Bare Necessities, an Austin-based naturist cruise travel company.  

Mike and his wife have been members of Star Ranch for over 20 years. About 2 years ago they decided to make the ranch their permanent home. Mike has served as President of the Board of Directors and currently is a member of the Star Ranch Council, which is in charge of planning all sorts of fun events for both members and visitors. Hear Mike talk about what it's like to actually live full-time at a nudist resort!

Today, special guest  host, Mike W., interviews the heart and soul of Star Ranch, the lovely Wanda*. Along with her husband, David, Wanda has been a member of Star Ranch for more than 25 years. During that time, Wanda has done just about everything from working in the kitchen to serving as President of the Board of Directors. She's seen many changes  at the ranch over the years, and in this special episode, she reflects on where we've been and what's next as our community continues to grow.*Unfortunately, Wanda passed away just days after she recorded this podcast. A lovely memorial celebration was held here at the ranch in early February, attended by her family and friends. She will always be treasured for her many contributions to our community.

In this episode, we meet Star Ranch members, Mike & Linda. In addition to Star Ranch, they're active in a nationwide organization called Christian Naturists. This past summer, we were lucky enough to host the Christian Naturists' annual gathering at Star Ranch. Hear how Mike & Linda incorporate their love of naturism with their faith. They also discuss body image and how comfortable they feel participating in all of the fun activities at the ranch!

Star Ranch was founded in 1957 with 110 acres of land purchased from a family that has been an important part of Bastrop County since the mid-1800s! Over the past 65 years, we've enjoyed a wonderful relationship with our neighbors that spans generations and continues to this day. In the season 2 debut episode of StarCast, hear the patriarch of the family reminisce about the earliest days of Star Ranch and  how we've both always been there to lend each other a helping hand.