Podcasts about hill country

Monologue:Inspector FindsZombie Apocalypse Cities to Move toHomelessness in Hays CountyRevenge is AddictingGuest:Patton is a talented young artist and an inspiration to many. Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in kindergarten, her life changed dramatically—from being an active little girl to struggling with everyday movements. Nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty” by her parents due to constant fatigue, Patton has endured countless hospital visits and surgeries, including a jaw replacement after arthritis destroyed the joint. Despite it all, she shines as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish and the Arthritis Foundation. She's currently pursuing her dream of becoming a radiology technician through community college.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 Serving all of Central Texas since 2003. "Real Estate Done Right" SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. Your neighborhood Bank. www.southstarbank.com The Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room is in the Texas Hill Country just outside Austin, TX. The venue welcomes over 75,000 visitors annually and sits within the former bottling plant. Family Friendly Fun in the Hill Country! events@deepeddyvodka.com Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmai...

Today on the show, we're transforming the studio into a bonafide Juke Joint, with two star-studded stops today! First up is this year's North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic, June 27th & 28th, at the Betty Davis Ponderosa in Waterford with Frank Kossen, then we'll chat with Next Stop Mississippi's biggest fan, and checkout what's happening around your neck of the woods, before a final stop at Blue Front Café, for the 2025 Bentonia Blues Festival, June 29th through the 21st and in studio with us is none other than blues legends, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Bobby Rush & Mizz Lowe! Stay tuned, buckle up and hold on tight for your Next Stop, Mississippi!"What's Happening Around Your Neck of the Woods" Event Listing:Meredith Michele @ Godfrey'sJuneteenth at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National MonumentJuneteenth Art SoireeCanton Juneteenth CelebrationWatch this episode on MPB's YouTube Channel: Next Stop, Mississippi | North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic & Bentonia Blues FestivalNext Stop, Mississippi is your #1 on-air source for information about upcoming events and attractions across the state. Get to know the real Mississippi! Each week the show's hosts, Germaine Flood and entertainment attorney Kamel King, highlight well-known and unknown places in Mississippi with the best food, parks, music and arts. Check out our Sipp Events calendar to help plan your next trip! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Mueller's passion for America's sports car radiates throughout our conversation about his newly released fifth edition of "The Complete Book of Corvette." Weighing in at a hefty 15 pounds and spanning 352 pages of stunning photography and detailed history, this comprehensive volume tracks the complete evolution of Corvette from its earliest days through the latest C8 models.What makes this book truly special isn't just the technical specifications or beautiful imagery—it's the human stories woven throughout. Mueller shares personal anecdotes about meeting Corvette legends, including his memorable encounter with Zora Arkus-Duntov at the 1994 grand opening of the Corvette Museum. "These aren't just cars," Mueller reminds us. "These are cars designed and built by men and women... and Corvette is a prime example."The interview offers fascinating glimpses into automotive publishing, from Mueller's journalism beginnings at the University of Illinois to his current status as author of approximately fifty automotive books. He explains how his process has evolved over three decades—from physically visiting GM archives to select photos to now having digital access to their extensive image database, sometimes supplemented by collaborations with other automotive journalists for those hard-to-find technical shots.Beyond Corvette talk, our show ventures into car culture with Jeff's exploration of racing superstitions—from Talladega's haunted reputation to drivers' rituals involving lucky helmets and pre-race bologna sandwiches. For those seeking driving adventures, Mars introduces the "Twisted Sisters," a thrilling 100-mile Hill Country loop featuring 65 curves in just a 15-mile stretch, along with family-friendly destinations like Garner State Park and the Cave With No Name.Whether you're shopping for Father's Day or simply appreciate automotive excellence, this episode celebrates the passion, craftsmanship, and human stories behind America's most iconic sports car. Join us for our next live broadcast from Granbury, Texas on June 14th, where we'll continue exploring the fascinating world of automotive culture.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

Ready for a driving adventure that combines family fun with hair-raising curves? Buckle up as we journey through Texas Hill Country to discover the legendary "Twisted Sisters" – a 100-mile loop featuring a breathtaking 15-mile stretch packed with 65 challenging curves. This driving paradise begins in Medina and winds through Leakey, offering spectacular vistas and thrilling hairpin turns that have made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike.The surrounding Hill Country isn't just for gearheads though. We explore family-friendly destinations including Garner State Park's 1,700 acres with 2.9 miles of the Frio River for floating and fishing, plus 16 miles of hiking trails. Nearby Hill Country State Natural Area offers 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Don't miss the mysteriously named "Cave with No Name" near Boerne – a limestone cavern deemed too beautiful to name when opened to the public in 1939.We also dive into the fascinating world of racing superstitions, from Talladega's haunted reputation to the universal avoidance of green cars and the number 13 in motorsports. These beliefs run surprisingly deep in such a technical sport! Our automotive segment features the 2025 Buick Envista, a Korean-built compact SUV offering remarkable value at just $22,900 – less than half the current average vehicle price. With sleek design, comfortable interior, and 30+ mpg efficiency, it's perfect for young families seeking affordable, stylish transportation. Whether you're planning a Hill Country adventure or shopping for a budget-friendly SUV, this episode delivers insights you won't want to miss. Share your favorite driving roads or racing superstitions with us online!Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

Monologue:Epic StormDripping Sprints Art League GalleryState Bills UpdateWomen Can Wear PantsJune is Title IX MonthGuest:Dusty is a West Point graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from SMU. He served in Army field artillery as a top 10% performer, then built a successful business career as a banker and C-level executive, including roles in oil, gas, and clean tech overseas. Following a series of spiritual awakenings, Dusty trained in reiki and shamanic energy work. After a sabbatical in northern California, he met and married his wife Lori. They returned to Austin in 2019, where they now live with their family. He launched his land and tree services in 2020 and began growing the Dynamo Dusty team in 2023.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly!Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 Serving all of Central Texas since 2003. "Real Estate Done Right" SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. Your neighborhood Bank. www.southstarbank.com The Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room is in the Texas Hill Country just outside Austin, TX. The venue welcomes over 75,000 visitors annually and sits within the former bottling plant. Family Friendly Fun in the Hill Country! events@deepeddyvodka.com Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmai...

PLUS - Pastor Greg Young and I discuss upcoming planned demonstrations in The Hill Country.AND - Abortion as a "blood offering" ?

Monologue:Michelle Whistle BottomMETA ScamsSay Goodbye To The PennySummer Pool SafetyGuest:Juana Searcy is a Dripping Springs resident and native of the Houston area who owns Plumb Projects, a trusted local contracting company. She is also the founder of Pride of Dripping Springs, an initiative dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth and allies. Juana is passionate about protecting kids and strengthening community unity in a town she proudly calls home. Her work blends craftsmanship with advocacy, always rooted in integrity and compassion. Whether on a job site or at a community event, Juana leads with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to connection.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 Serving all of Central Texas since 2003. "Real Estate Done Right" SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. Your neighborhood Bank. www.southstarbank.com The Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room is in the Texas Hill Country just outside Austin, TX. The venue welcomes over 75,000 visitors annually and sits within the former bottling plant. Family Friendly Fun in the Hill Country! events@deepeddyvodka.com Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmai...

Happy Hour beer is Real Ale Brewing Hill Country Bock!Thanks for watching!#beer #craftbeer #beerpodcast #craftbeerpodcast #strikeoutbeer #beerstream #realalebrewing #bock #friday #weekend #happyhour

Monologue:Splooting EverywhereDSISD End of School Year RetirementsGuest:Chad Lawson is a former Green Beret and Ranger-certified U.S. Army veteran who spent the final seven years of his distinguished military career in special operations as part of a Special Missions Unit. He reported for boot camp on the morning of September 11, 2001, and medically retired in September 2019. Over the course of his service, Chad completed 15 combat deployments between 2003 and 2018. Chad has received numerous awards for his bravery and leadership, including the Silver Star in 2012 for his heroic actions during a battle in 2011. Chad is an active member of his community and he co-founded The Duskin's and Stephens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen Special Operations soldiers in honor of his teammates Mike Duskin and Riley Stephens, both of whom were killed in action in 2012. Chad also coached his son's youth sports teams and founded TCG—Tenacity, Courage, Grit—a local AAU basketball program that continues to grow under Luke Axtel's leadership. Professionally, Chad is the Head of Sales at Zignal Labs, a company that specializes in open-source intelligence software. This role allows Chad to stay connected with and support the military community.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 Serving all of Central Texas since 2003. 60 years of combined real estate experience. SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or guest spot

Send us a textTrey Blocker is truly one of a kind! The mastermind behind Salvation Spirits and a man of unwavering virtue. In today's episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation about what brought him to our Hill Country community. Trey and his team are crafting award-winning, purpose-driven spirits that are nothing short of magical.

Here at The High Route Podcast we've come to the conclusion of season 2 here on the podcast. We'll pick back up again with season three in late summer.  On this episode, we have the privilege of checking in with Billy Haas. Haas is an IFMGA guide, professional avalanche educator, and ski mountaineer. If you are someone who skims the surface of the ski mountaineering scene, it's easy to see how Haas may not have caught your attention. He barely posts on social media. Google his name, and what populates, mostly are his professional bios—yes, you can find him guiding in the Wasatch, Tetons, and Alaska Range, and other places that require focus and a love for type II fun. But you'll have to dig a bit deeper to get the full picture of Haas and the breadth of his adventuring. Now and then, Haas may author a trip report in the American Alpine Journal, or be part of a crew reporting on a significant descent on, no doubt, complex and steep terrain. What you'll hear about in this podcast is not a “there I was” reflection on this or that steep line. You will, however, learn about Haas' path into guiding, how he once maybe skipped a few lacrosse practices to take an avalanche course on Mount Washington and found a lifelong mountain partnership with Adam Fabrikant.Along the way, there was dishwashing, road trips, lots of aspirational clients, and a vision to be the best he could be practicing his mountain craft. Lastly, we touch upon Haas' story in Issue One of The High Route Journal…titled The Patient. Haas explores his two major heart surgeries— intermittent diversions on his path toward excellence, and climbing and skiing— in good style—Gasherbrum I and II. Thanks for listening, and have a good day, The High Route Team.   If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader and listener-supported enterprise focusing on human-powered turn making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real deal calorie burning to piece it all together.We are also excited to announce Issue 1.0 of The High Route magazine is shipping. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you've spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, "Beautiful Alien" is a good tune to start with. 

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, we have guest host RJ Ochoa from Schreiner University, who sits down with his older brother, Noah Ochoa, to discuss Noah's extensive baseball journey. Noah shares his experiences playing baseball from high school in Loveland to various college levels, including EPCC, University of Arkansas Fort Smith, and Schreiner University. They delve into his recruitment process, the challenges of JUCO ball, and the transition to a four-year college program. The conversation also touches on the emotional culmination of their baseball journey, playing together in Noah's final college season. Additionally, they discuss the impact of the transfer portal, handling setbacks, and plans post-baseball, offering insights and advice for aspiring athletes facing similar challenges. Key highlights: High School Baseball Journey Recruitment, Challenges, and Experiences in JUCO Transition to the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Adapting to New Challenges at Schreiner University Life After and a Lesson from Baseball Advice for Future Athletes Resources: Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country Rotary Voices of Kerrville Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Monologue:EPIC CityNational Park InfluencersIs AI Making You Stupid?Growing Older Isn't for Sissy'sNo State Property TaxGuest:Alice Hutchison realized her dream to publish her first book A Rebel Rising at a very young age. Listen to hear more about her plans for a trilogy of Rebel books. She crafts a story of romance, politics, and conflict that you will not want to put down.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 Serving all of Central Texas since 2003. 60 years of combined real estate experience. SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or guest spot

After 45 years, the faithful spy Caleb returns to claim his inheritance while Joshua allots the land to the Israelites. But instead of looking to retire in comfort, Caleb asks for a fight because his faith is in the promises and victory of the Lord. His bold faith inspires all believers to a vision focused on the character of the Lord. SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 14:6-15  Download Message Notes Here: gracecentralcoast.org/series-the-life-of-joshua 

Monologue:DS Art League Upcoming EventsSchool Choice Bill signed into lawMeme's are illegal in TX?Starbase TX to Mars and BackShowering 101 is Hard Work!Guest:Sasha Vasquez was born in Volgograd, Russia and emigrated to Canada at age 15. When she came to Texas she started her real estate career and brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to everything she does. Her years in the corporate world in Toronto taught her the value of being prepared, staying calm under pressure, and following through—skills she carries with her into all areas of life. Raised by parents who emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance, Sasha has always believed that showing up consistently and doing your best matters. She's someone who cares deeply about people, pays attention to the little things, and takes pride in building trust and lasting relationships. Whether she's learning something new, helping out a friend or client, or figuring out how to make things run a little more smoothly, Sasha brings both curiosity and care to the process.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 Serving all of Central Texas since 2003. 60 years of combined real estate experience. SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or guest spot

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Jen Hardy, who shares her inspiring journey from being a high school soccer player in Austin, Texas, to becoming a successful coach and leader. Jen talks about her challenging yet transformative experience at Schreiner University, where she transitioned from playing to coaching soccer. She elaborates on how she developed her leadership skills, the lessons learned from coaching, and how she addressed her shortcomings to support her athletes better. After leaving public education, Jen co-leads the Academy of MotivAction, focusing on supporting high-stress professionals in overcoming burnout and building resilience. She also discusses her recent honor of giving the commencement speech at Schreiner University and her key message on the importance of self-identity beyond professional achievements. Key highlights: Early Life and Journey to Kerrville College Soccer Experience at Schreiner Transition to Teaching and Coaching Coaching Philosophy and Growth Current Career and Business Ventures Commencement Speech and Reflections Resources: Jen Hardy on LinkedIn MotivAction Other Hill Country Network Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Artwork Nancy Huffman Fine Art

There's something a bit different on today's episode. It all started back in March when I Googled a general term like “backcountry skiing in the news.”A February article from the LA Times was indexed. The piece was by LA Times writer Jack Dolan, and it was titled:  “Backcountry skiing is growing in popularity, but experts warn it's more dangerous than you think.”LINK TO VIDEODolan wrote a story and included an accompanying video. I'd give the video a watch if you've got a moment before listening to the podcast, as it provides some context for the episode during which I interview Dolan. The video is linked in the show notes and on The High Route website. For some skiers and boarders, backcountry touring begins when they realize lift-serve skiing is either too expensive, too crowded, or a combo of the two. Dolan says in the video that a day at an area can feel “like a Day at Disneyland, not the Great Outdoors.” About 30 seconds into the video, the piece pivots from images of skiers in a way-too-long lift line to serene images of powder skiing on some sun-kissed backcountry mountain slope. Yes, the backcountry. A minute into the video, the tone changes. The music becomes more intense, and we learn, through Dolan's careful language, that ski areas are what we already know, somewhat curated and controlled mountainscapes. Soon enough, Dolan begins to explore snow instabilities and avalanches. Topics you are likely aware of if you are a regular THR reader or listener. The combination of the music, the narrative, and the images, at least to me, presents a forbidding vibe. A vibe so intense that I came away from the video thinking, “Why do I partake in backcountry touring?”Mine is just one perspective, I get that Dolan's is another. After asking myself this somewhat rhetorical question, I then found myself asking, why would anyone half interested in backcountry touring want to try the endeavor after seeing the LA Time's video: certainly, some enticing moments in the video capture what most of us seek in the backcountry, but if one word can surmise what I was seeing: that word is scary.More to the point, what I saw in the video seemed dissonant from 99% of my backcountry time. Which isn't and wasn't scary at all, but rather, blissful, cleansing, and frankly, great for my mental health.I suppose, if the general public does a somewhat casual search of the backcountry scene, what populates, most often, is the more extreme: the steep selfy-stick lines, the avalanche incidents, the heroes and heroines dancing along spines, or the way-to-close snap and crack of a weak layer that then cascades to the left as the snowboarder sweeps to the right—all by design. Maybe the algorithm selects for extreme over serene. I'll preface the interview with Dolan by stating that backcountry touring can be dangerous. But, it can also be super safe, outside the possibility of twisting a knee or breaking a bone, which, for that matter, is something that can happen on any sports field or mountain bike trail. Or city street. Part of my motivation for reaching out to Dolan had more to do with explaining that touring can be the opposite of forbidding. And that it's ok and not a ton of work to ski or ride very mellow terrain on any given day. Which is what most of us do anyway.So, in the episode, we get a beginner's perspective on backcountry touring. We should note, as you'll learn, Dolan is no stranger to taking calculated risks. Thanks for listening, and have a good day, The High Route Team.   If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader and listener-supported enterprise focusing on human-powered turn making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real deal calorie burning to piece it all together.We are also excited to announce Issue 1.0 of The High Route magazine is shipping. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you've spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, "Beautiful Alien" is a good tune to start with.

Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week Tom Coni Myers, an expert in crisis preparedness and sustainability.  Coni discusses her extensive background, including her time as a FEMA inspector and trainer, and how it led her to her current mission of educating communities on disaster resilience through her initiative, Be Prepared Be Ready. The highlight of their conversation is Coni's Kids for Kids initiative, which empowers young people to become spokespeople for emergency preparedness in their communities, thereby addressing broader concerns including mental health and sustainability. Throughout the episode, Coni emphasizes the importance of local community involvement and innovative solutions in disaster preparedness and sustainability, making a strong case for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of increasing climate-related disasters. Key Highlights ·       The Importance of Crisis Preparedness ·       Kids for Kids Initiative ·       Community and Organizational Collaboration ·       Preparedness and Sustainability in Business ·       Innovative Solutions for Disaster Resilience ·       Kids for Kids: Spokesperson Campaign Resources Coni Meyers on LinkedIn Coni Meyers on Instagram Coni Meyers on Facebook Other Hill Country Network Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Artwork Nancy Huffman Fine Art

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief takes us deep into the heart of Texas—the Hill Country—where dusty wind runs in the blood, and memories ride tall in the saddle. He's joined by none other than his little brother, Mitch Grey—known to many as Little Feather. Together, they ride back through time, sharing stories of their rural upbringing, their military service, and the unbreakable bond only forged through hard years and harder lessons. As the wind whistles through mesquite and cedar, Little Feather sings songs that echo with soul, grit, and brotherhood. Their first pour is Kiepersol Distillery's Jimmy's Bourbon 10-Year, a Texas gem layered with rich notes of root beer, aged caramel, and old oak. It's the perfect pairing for Craig Morgan's Almost Home—a song written by a veteran, sung by one, and felt by all. The second half of the journey brings a whiskey as bold as the land itself: Charles Goodnight Bourbon. Named for the legendary cattleman, this 115-proof powerhouse roars like a Comanche wind through caliche dust and cedar breaks. Toasted caramel, roasted nuts, and a peppery finish—it's the frontier in a bottle. As the sun sets over the hills, Mitch sings a haunting rendition of Jamey Johnson's In Color, reminding us that true history isn't in the pages—it's in the scars, the sunsets, and the stories passed between brothers. This episode is more than a tasting. It's a living tribute to blood, battle, and the stubborn beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Two brothers. Two whiskeys. Two songs. One bond—unshakable, undeniable, and deeply American. This is The Whiskey Trip. Cheers, y'all.  

Monologue:Wedding BlissFounder's Day HangoversDevelopment in Dripping Springs UpdateOutdoor Patio at Austin Airport is Hot and SmellyGuest:Sheri Soltes founded Service Dogs, Inc. in 1988 on the concept of using dogs rescued from animal shelters. An honors graduate from both the University of Texas School of Law and the University of Texas Plan II Honors undergraduate program, she left her law practice to devote her full time to building Service Dogs, Inc. Under her guidance, Service Dogs, Inc. has led the industry in combining the use of all rescue dogs with positive reinforcement training methodology. In 2023, Sheri served as new Chair of Assistance Dogs International North America (ADI NA). Her work contributed to the revisions of the Air Carrier Access Act making air travel safer for passengers traveling with legitimate Service Dogs. Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane! This week, I am talking with Ann Marie Prim, Director of Human Resources at HFS and 2025 President at Hill Country HR Association.How did Anna Marie get started in her career? Whatled her to HR and Leadership? What does Anna Marie share about her nickname ”Grace”? What does Anna Marie share about her mentors?When did Anna Marie “find her lane” in her career?What does Anna Marie share about learning the business? What does Anna Marie share about volunteerleadership? What does Anna Marie share about visionaryleadership? What does Anna Marie share the upcoming HR + SafetyCongress? What advice does Anna Marie share to help others inthe workplace? …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions. Interview resources:Favorite quote from Anna Marie:“We are in an unknown season – there's a lot of changes happening on the horizon. Saty focused on preparing as-if, but moving forward.”Connect with Anna Marie on LinkedInVisit website to learn more HFSVisit Hill Country HRMA to learn more.Register for 2025 HR + Safety Congress in SeptemberLearn more about the podcast host Bruce WallerCheck out Bruce's books Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the WorkplaceFind Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books) Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track. Subscribe to Bruce's Blog “Move to Inspire” Connect with Bruce on LinkTreeGet relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at bwaller@goarmstrong.com or visit The Armstrong Company.

We start our new series on Texas counties. In this series we'll learn the history, features and offerings of each of Texas' 254 counties. In this first edition we start by learning about Jimmy's home county of Comal. Enjoy! Stock media provided by Artmuns / Pond5

Take a ride with us as we catch up with the Hot Rod Tour of Texas at Spindletap Brewery on Houston's north side. What started four years ago as a modest gathering has evolved into a 300-car caravan of classic automobiles winding through the scenic back roads of the Lone Star State.Tour organizer Jeremy reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts that make this automotive adventure possible – months of scouting routes, coordinating police escorts, and finding unique venues that can accommodate hundreds of vintage vehicles. The tour deliberately avoids highways and toll roads, instead taking participants through charming small towns where children line up outside schools to wave at the procession of rumbling engines.The heart of the Hot Rod Tour isn't just about the impressive machinery – it's about the community that forms when car enthusiasts share the open road. When a breakdown occurs, multiple vehicles pull over to help. One participant even brought a trailer specifically to assist anyone experiencing mechanical troubles. These moments of camaraderie, along with experiences like dining inside the Lone Star Flight Museum or visiting the Hack Winery in Santa Fe, create lasting memories that keep participants returning year after year.The conversation shifts to a broader discussion about American versus foreign cars, with interesting statistics about where vehicles are actually assembled (Tesla tops the list of American-made cars at 89%) and changing perceptions about quality and longevity. The hosts also touch on the growing hybrid market as a pragmatic middle ground between traditional vehicles and fully electric options.Whether you're a dedicated gearhead or simply appreciate the rolling art of classic automobiles, this episode captures the spirit of Texas car culture and the special connections formed when enthusiasts gather to celebrate their passion. Visit hotrodtouroftexas.com to learn more about joining next year's tour through the Hill Country or possibly East Texas!Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

This week on SouthBound, we replay host Tommy Tomlinson's 2023 conversation with Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen. Keen talks about his beginnings as a musician, his decision to stop touring full time, and his Hill Country retreat where he goes to write songs.

Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week Tom sits down with Kerrville-based entrepreneur Mike Russ, owner of Mr. Mint Coins and Collectibles.   Mike shares his journey from starting a car audio business at 19 to eventually transitioning into the collectibles market. He details his experience in buying and selling gold, silver, collectible coins, and sports memorabilia. Mike discusses the importance of educating new collectors, his passion for coins, and how he has managed to build a successful business around his lifelong hobby. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of running a small business, the impact of market trends on gold and silver prices, and Mike's plans for the future of his shop. Listeners will get insights into the unique world of collectible trading and the practical aspects of managing such a venture.  Key Highlights  ·       Mike's Business in Kerrville ·       Mike's Journey as an Entrepreneur ·       Transition to Coin and Collectibles Business ·       Details on Collectibles and Coins ·       Buying and Selling Gold     Resources MR Mint Coins and Collectables   Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network  Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Monologue:Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim (49 Miles and 12,100 feet of Climbing)Make Believe AstronautsRobot Half MarathonDakota Meyer Re-Enlists to Marine Corp.Monkee's of Dripping Springs is a high-end women's boutique located in the heart of Dripping Springs, Texas. Owned and operated by Elona Appleby, the boutique features a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, gifts, and shoes from a range of premium brands and designers. Elona's passion for fashion and dedication to building genuine connections are reflected in every aspect of the Monkee's experience. Whether shopping in-store or online, customers are welcomed into an inviting, personalized environment designed to make them feel special. Under Elona's leadership, Monkee's of Dripping Springs has become more than just a boutique—it's a vibrant part of the community and a destination for style, inspiration, and connection.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

Visit: www.salty.com.au The TRIM Podcast – where timeless roots, independent voices, and modern blues converge. We journey across the gritty backroads and soulful skylines of blues, folk, and Americana with a handpicked lineup of artists pushing tradition forward. From Cedric Burnside's raw Hill Country pulse to Fenn Wilson's poetic Australian resonance, and legends like Bob and Neil, the playlist cuts deep and wide. We also shine a spotlight on rising and homegrown talent including Charlie Bedford, 8 Ball, and The Baker Smith Gamble, capturing the authentic spirit of independent music today. Plug in, turn it up, and take the ride – this is TRIM. Cuts from Cedric Burnside, Johnny Winter, Mike Bloomfield N Al Kooper, Bob Dylan, Samantha Fish, The Baker Smith Gamble, 63 Deluxe, Tomin, Steve Earle, Pieta Brown N Justin Vernon, Our Native Daughters, Kevin Burt N Big Medicine, Salty Dawg, Lurrie Bell N Mississippi Heat, Matt Walker N The Necessary Few, Shawn Kellerman N Jason Ricci, 8 Ball Aitken N Taya Chani, Charlie Bedford, Dom Turner N Rural Blues Project, Fenn Wilson, Ian Siegal, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Neil Young. ARTIST / TRACK / ALBUM ** Australia 1. Cedric Burnside / Coming Real To Ya / Hill Country Love 2. Johnny Winter / Leland Mississippi Blues / Johnny Winter 3. Mike Blomfield N Al Kooper / Albert's Shuffle / Super Session 4. Bob Dylan / Tombstone Blues / Highway 61 Revisited 5. Samantha Fish / Sweet Southern Sounds / Paper Doll 6. ** The Baker Smith Gamble / Right Where You Left It / The Baker Smith Gamble 7. ** 63 Deluxe / Mama's Got You Right / Memphis To Nashville 8. Tomin / Life / A Willed and Conscious Balance 9. Steve Earle / The Gulf Of Mexico / I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive 10. Pieta Brown N Justin Vernon / Flowers of Love / Paradise Outlaw 11. Our Native Daughters / Black Myself / Songs of Our Native Daughters 12. Kevin Burt N Big Medicine / Who is He and What is He To You? / A Tribute To Bill Withers 13. ** Salty Dawg / Misadventure / Pre Release 14. Lurrie Bell N Mississippi Heat / Cold Cold Feeling / One Eye Open: Live at Rosa's Lounge 15. ** Matt Walker N Necessary Few / Hard To Hide / Navigational Skills 16. Shawn Kellerman N Jason Ricci / You're Gonna Learn From This One / Kell's Kitchen 17. ** 8 Ball Aitken N Taya Chani / Nightbird / Nightbird 18. ** Charlie Bedford / Daydream / Daydream 19. ** Dom Turner N Rural Blues Project / Hadn't I Been Good To You / Sit Tight 20. ** Fenn Wilson / Howl / Honey Dates Death: Ghazals 21. Ian Siegal / Master Plan / The Skinny 22. Joanne Shaw Taylor / Black Magic / Heavy Soul 21. Neil Young / Last Dance / Time Fades Away

Diane discusses the latest events in Whakatane including updates on the upcoming local elections.

Conscious Valley has just won an outstanding food producer award for its lamb raised just outside the capital and solid direct to consumers.

Welcome to mid-spring here at The High Route Podcast. Here in the Pacific Northwest, ski crampon season. It is also the season to unearth an interview with Fay Manners, a British alpinist and ski mountaineer, recorded late last summer. Manners caught my attention for one reason: she practices the aforementioned mountain disciplines at a high level. To optimize mountain conditions in winter and the shoulder seasons, it helps to be skilled at rock, ice, and mixed climbing, and when the snow is stable and conditions prime, slapping skis or a snowboard on the feet makes sense, too. Over the years, British alpinist/ski-alpinist Fay Manners has built up a reputation as a go-getter. Which is to say that Manners comes with the full mountain-skills package.In 2024, Manners and Tom Lafaille opened up the Stratonspherique ski line on the Aiguille d'Argentière. On the alpinism side, Manners has the first female ascent of the Phantom Direct route on the south face of the Grand Jorasses. She also climbed the North Face of the Eiger, the American Direct on the Dru, and the Walker Spur on the Grandes Jorasses.Far from exuding the vibe of an adrenaline junkie, Manners imparts an ethos of building skills, becoming fit, and knowing when one is at their limits, and using those skills to—and again, we'll emphasize multi-disciplinarian skills—to move efficiently and safely in the hills.Manners has had her share of close calls. Having recorded this interview last summer, we had kept an eye on Manners and her adventures. When this headline came across a newsfeed, there was a sinking feeling: Two climbers go missing. These stories often don't end well. Manners and her partner, American alpinist Michelle Dvorak, were rescued three days later. The pair lost much of their gear, including their shelter, when rockfall severed a haul line. For those of us following thousands of miles away, the rescue came as a huge relief. On flat ground, Manners is trained and has worked as a data analyst; on less flat ground, she's come into her own as a mountain athlete. But for those just being introduced to the mountains, Manners is a reminder that mountain pedigree is what you make of it. In her twenties, Manners began tapping into snow and climbing while working as a data analyst in New York City. From Vermont's Jay Peak to New York's Gunks, she's lived a full-value life in Alaska, Pakistan, and near her adopted home in Chamonix. Thanks for listening, and have a good day, The High Route Team.   If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader and listener-supported enterprise focusing on human-powered turn making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real deal calorie burning to piece it all together.We are also excited to announce Issue 1.0 of The High Route magazine is shipping. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you've spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, "Beautiful Alien" is a good tune to start with.

Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week we have our first guest host from Schreiner University, RJ Ochoa who visits with Kiara Garza, a junior from the Class of 2026 and a guard on the Schreiner Women's basketball team, to discuss her journey from Rio Grande City, TX, to pursuing a degree in exercise science.  Garza shares her experiences growing up in a small, close-knit community and how it influenced her personality and aspirations. She delves into her high school basketball career, reaching the Thousand Point Club, and transitioning to college basketball with its higher level of competition and maturity. The discussion takes a poignant turn as she recounts her freshman year injury, a severe ankle fracture and the subsequent challenging recovery period. Despite the setback, her determination, buttressed by a strong support system of family, friends, and teammates, kept her motivated to return to the court. Garza talks about the emotional and physical hurdles she had to overcome and emphasizes the importance of resilience, teamwork, and never giving up on oneself. She also shares her future goals in basketball, plans for PT school, and a personal dream of opening a cafe with karaoke. The episode concludes with Rabell giving heartfelt advice to younger athletes facing setbacks or doubts. Key Highlights ·      Introduction and Guest Introduction ·      Growing Up in Rio Grande City ·      Transition to College Basketball and Freshman Year Injury-Recovery and Mental Struggles ·      Return to the Court and New Coach ·      Balancing Life as a Student Athlete ·      Advice for Young Athletes Resources Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country Rotary Voices of Kerrville Cover Art Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Monologue:Dripping Springs Library FundraiserWastewater lawsuit settled for the city of Dripping SpringsMade in America? TX Lottery ScandalMurals in AustinGuest:Osten Art was founded in 2010 by Austin Sepulveda. Austin has refined his style and skills to handle even the largest projects. From live painting for Formula 1 and Make-A-Wish foundation to large scale public art murals, he has worked with over 100 clients both commercial and residential to bring their unique style and vision to life through his immersive mural work. If you're looking for a unique perspective on the world around you and would like to bring a breath of fresh air to your business or home Austin is the man to make it happen! Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes back Abby Filyaw and Phil Taylor from the Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Together, they take a deep dive into the pressing issues of alcohol abuse and recovery in the Hill Country. They discuss the continuing prevalence of alcohol abuse, particularly among teenagers, and emphasize the importance of prevention, education, and recovery support services. The discussion highlights the critical role of building individual recovery plans and the need for person-centered care. Additionally, they touch on the importance of forming networks with other healthcare providers to offer comprehensive support to individuals facing substance abuse and mental health challenges. The episode concludes with the introduction of the Recovery Bill of Rights, which advocates for the dignity and respect of individuals in recovery. Key highlights: Alcohol Abuse and Recovery in 2025 Teenage Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Person-Centered Care in Recovery Mental Health and Substance Use Community and Healthcare Network Recovery Bill of Rights Resources: Check out the Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (HCCADA) for further information on services, programs, and resources. Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Monologue:PimeyesTren De AraguaMicroplastics Everywhere!Real Bathrooms at Founder's DayBillionaires In AustinGuest:Patrick Fortner is the voice behind Red Mike Messages, a series of straightforward leadership reflections shaped by years in public service and a deep belief in servant leadership. He's spent most of his career helping others tell their stories—starting as a newspaper reporter and radio DJ before moving into state government, where he's written speeches, led communications teams, and served in executive roles. Outside of work, he's coached youth sports, mentored scouts, and served on the board of an educational nonprofit for underserved students. Patrick lives in Austin with his wife, and they're recent empty-nesters with two grown offspring. At heart, he's just trying to pay forward the lessons he's learned—one message at a time.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

In this episode of the Building Texas Business Podcast, I sit down with Jacob Robinson, the founder of Dig World, a construction-themed amusement park. Jacob's journey from owning a commercial cleaning business to launching a theme park was inspired by his son Pierce's courage in overcoming a severe illness. Jacob shares how this personal experience drove him to create a space where families can make lasting memories by operating real construction equipment. We also explore Jacob's unexpected invitation to appear on Shark Tank, which initially seemed too good to be true. Jacob describes the rigorous preparation process for the show and how securing a deal with Robert Herjavec provided significant exposure and credibility for Dig World. This experience sparked interest in franchise opportunities nationwide, propelling the business forward. However, Jacob's path has not been without challenges. He reflects on the operational setbacks faced during Dig World's grand opening and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Jacob emphasizes learning from these failures and the need to be patient and ready for success. Throughout the episode, Jacob discusses his leadership evolution, focusing on servant leadership and building a passionate, customer-focused team. He highlights the importance of creating a culture of trust and creativity to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all visitors. Jacob remains committed to expanding DigWorld while offering an affordable alternative to traditional family outings. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I discussed Jacob Robinson's inspiring journey from running a commercial cleaning company to founding Dig World, a construction-themed amusement park inspired by his son Pierce's battle with a severe illness. Jacob shared the story of how an unexpected email invitation led to his appearance on Shark Tank, which resulted in a significant deal with Robert Herjavec and propelled Dig World into the national spotlight. We explored the challenges faced during Dig World's opening day, highlighting the operational setbacks that resulted in temporary closure and how these experiences taught valuable lessons about patience and readiness. Jacob explained the development of custom technology to enhance safety and functionality in the park's machinery, ensuring a secure and manageable experience for visitors operating real construction equipment. We discussed the importance of building a passionate and customer-focused team, emphasizing a culture of creativity and care that enhances the visitor experience and supports the company's mission. Jacob described his evolution from a fear-driven leadership style to one centered on servant leadership, focusing on resilience and motivating his team positively through setbacks. As Dig World plans for expansion, Jacob remains committed to offering an affordable, enriching alternative to traditional family outings, while also contemplating new mascots and improvements to machinery safety. LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Dig World GUESTS Jacob RobinsonAbout Jacob TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris: Jacob, I want to welcome you to Building Texas Business. Thanks for taking time to come on the podcast. Jacob: No, thank you. I'm so honored to be here. Chris: So we can see from behind you. You know Dig World's your company. Take a minute to tell the listeners what Dig World is. What do you do? What are you known for? Jacob: Yeah, great question. So we are a construction theme park where we allow kids and adults to operate real construction equipment. So we let them drive real skid steers, real excavators, real UTVs would take you up and boom lifts, the whole deal. And the only thing is you need to be three years old or older. And so we truly are a fun family theme park, but we allow you to operate real construction equipment. Chris: Wow, I mean, that's amazing Real construction equipment. I can't wait to get into more of the details behind that, but first I have to ask you what was the inspiration to start a company like this? Jacob: Yeah, it's crazy. You don't wake up with a dream every day to start a construction theme park. Chris: Yeah, maybe a construction theme park, but not one where a three-year-old can operate. That's right. Jacob: That's fair? That's fair? Well, no. So we, my wife and I, were blessed. We have three amazing kids. We have nine-year-old, a five-year-old and almost a two-year-old, and so life is good and hectic right now. But my nine-year-old son, pierce, was born in 2015, a happy, healthy baby boy, and life progressed just normally and just fine. And then, in 2017, one morning on a Saturday morning, my wife found him in his crib unconscious and after rushing him to the hospital, we learned that he had contracted bacterial meningitis. We weren't sure if he was going to make it through the weekend, but the Lord had different plans. He was in a coma 12 days and we were in the hospital 75 days. And when we left the hospital, pierce left with a whole host of issues he's nonverbal, he's epileptic, he's deaf in both ears, you know, wheelchair and mental capacity of call it maybe a one-year-old, but but he is a happy little boy and, as I was telling somebody else, you know Pierce sees the world the way that we should all see the world. He doesn't see your skin color. He doesn't see your income. He doesn't see what car you drive. As long as you hang out with them, you've, we could bring people together. You know, you conceptually always understand that life is short, but when you're faced with something like that, you really understand that life is short and precious and so you want to bring people together and create memories and have good times and not just look up and say, man, all I did was work for 40, 50 years. And here I am, and so we had this idea. You know, as I told somebody, we're pretty good arrogant Texans. We thought we could build a theme park. It couldn't be that hard, right. And man, we were wrong and we'll get into that, I'm sure, at some point in the show. But Pierce's always loved construction equipment garbage trucks, dump trucks, really thinking that whole, everything in that category. And so we said, hey, we really think we could build a theme park where kids could actually come and operate real construction equipment. And for the listeners out there, some of you may be thinking, oh, this must be some toned down version. No, these are real. These are 3027s, these are 305s, these are 243 skid steers, and so these are the real deal that we have re-engineered to where it's safe, but these are the real deal that you get to operate the park. So that's how we got started. Pierce is the inspiration behind the park, the inspiration behind really a lot of things that I do in life, and bringing people together to create memories that last a lifetime. Chris: My gosh, I mean what? I mean? That's a mic drop story, jacob. I mean, you know, blessings to you and Pierce and your whole family. I hope to get the chance to meet him one day. Yes, he's the coolest member of our family. So, yes, that is amazing. So, wow. I love the inspiration and the story and this whole idea of bringing people and families together for those memories. So were you in the construction business when you started this, or what? Jacob: were you doing? I would say yes and no. I had a commercial cleaning company. I started in 2015. That was my job. We just recently sold that business and where we started that business was in the construction cleaning space. So anytime a general contractor would go and build a big building or a hotel or an office building, we would come in, we would work for the general contractor and we would do the final clean on that building. So I was kind of in the construction space. We, you know we answered to GCs all day, but I am not a construction guy by trade. I was an ag major at Texas A&M, so I was a janitor turned theme park guy. So it's been a very interesting career, as you can ask my CPA wife from all the meandering roads that we've taken. Chris: Yeah, so you know we're on inspiration. So then let's yeah, let's kind of dig into what a lot of entrepreneurs and business owners you know face is that first step right Of actually getting the courage to, to chase that dream. So let's take us back to that. What was that like? You know what were, you know what were the first steps like, what were the feelings? Like? How'd you convince that CPA wife that you know CPA wife that this wasn't quite as crazy as it sounded? Jacob: Yes, I'm not sure, when we crossed that line that the craziness went out the window. We may have been there for a couple of years, but I would say to those entrepreneurs out there it's easy to say and it's cliche to say, but everybody sees the end of the story, everybody sees Dig World. Now We've been open, we're on Shark Tank, we're franchising. You know everybody's going ah, great idea. Listen, that was not the case when we first started. We went back and counted. I had roughly 248 pitch meetings where they told me no, that I was crazy, it was never going to work. Nobody's ever going to come to this, nobody's. You know, it's not safe All these kinds of things. And so 248, it's a lot of meetings. It's a lot of meetings. It's a lot of no's. It's a lot of no's. To keep coming home and go, no, it was a good meeting. It was a good meeting. What did they give you? Money? Not at all, quite the opposite, but it was a good meeting, right? And so to those entrepreneurs out there that you, you, if you're pounding your head against the pavement and going, man, if one more person tells me no, hey, I've been there with you, I know what that's like. Keep pressing on, keep going. If you have the vision and you have the conviction behind it, I promise you, at some point you are going to find somebody that believes in your vision for no other reason than you've just been at it for so long and you've got conviction behind it that somebody will take a flyer on you. But it was difficult. It was difficult. We started in 2019, and then COVID hit right, and so we told people not only were we the crazy theme park people running around asking people to invest, but then we were the crazy people saying hey, listen, not only are we going to build it, we're going to get a whole bunch of people together. And that messaging wasn't going over very well during COVID, and so you know, we had all of these factors that were not going in our favor. And then, finally, in 21, in 2021, we had a first couple of people start to say yes, and then Domino's started to fall, and then we opened in March of 2022. And, frankly, that was an epic failure, too, that we can talk about as well, but it was a long journey. It was a long journey, and so my encouragement to those that are out there, either on that journey or those that are at the beginning of that journey is take a step, just take a step. Right, do something. Just call somebody and say your dream out loud, right? Call somebody and say hey, listen, I'm going to let a three-year-old drive a skid steer. Right, and the more you start to say it out loud, the better that muscle is going to become being flexed. And then, all of a sudden, you're going to be the confident person that walks in the room and goes no, yeah, of course we're going to put a three-year-old on skid steer. We're going to let them drive an excavator. We're going to have birthday parties here, and then, hey, guess what they? But that theme of just take the step, just do it just go for it. Chris: No one's ever going to believe it as much as you do, so you got to have that passion and belief and eventually you will find someone to get behind you, and then it's on you to deliver. Right, that's right, that's right, that's exactly right. So I do want to get to the story on the opening, but I have to ask you mentioned it earlier, so how did the Shark Tank thing come about? How did you, how'd you wind up on Shark Tank? Let's talk a little bit about that experience and what that was like. Jacob: Yeah, an amazing experience, you know, it just was fantastic all around. An exhausting experience nonetheless, but it was a fantastic experience. You know, we were very blessed. One day I was sitting at my computer and we got an email to our info account and said hey, would you consider being on season 16 of Shark Tank? And clearly we thought it was a joke, right, and clearly thought something was going to be hacked if I responded to it. Chris: Don't click the attachment right, that's right, that's right. Jacob: All of a sudden our bank account gets hacked. But it was actually one of the producers. She had seen us on Instagram and said, hey, listen, would you be interested? Let's learn more about your business, see if it checks a lot of these boxes. And then that started the whole process. And the process is rigorous and it's long, and your fate hangs in the hands of people that you never get to see or talk to. And you know it goes from one lawyer to another lawyer. None of those lawyers have talked to each other, and so the whole process is very interesting. And then you know the show is true. It's true to form. The only thing scripted about the show is the very beginning pitch that you give, and other than that, it's a free for all. The Sharks don't know about your business, they don't have a flyer on your business, they haven't been given any information. It's truly a live pitch pitching again when I'm like, hey, no, hold on, we got the park open, I don't need to pitch anybody again. Plenty of people have told me no, I don't need, you know, five people on national television to blast me and tell me no. But so when we got there, we did the pitch and we were very blessed it went well. We secured a deal from Robert Herjavec, the tech entrepreneur on the show. He's one of the staple sharks and it's just been a great experience and once there's one of those things that you look up and you really have to sit in the fact that it's one of those once in a lifetime crazy things. And even yesterday I was driving to the grocery store and I sat there and I was like man, this really happened. That's crazy and just trying to enjoy those moments. Chris: Well, and it has to be. I mean, it's great that it worked out and you got, you know, some additional investment from a very seasoned person, but just the notoriety of being on right Open, you know, a lot of eyes to you and had to, you know, you know, increase traction and interest in what you were doing. Jacob: Totally. I think, from even, just you know, foot traffic to the park here in Katy. That that's been tremendous. But then even, obviously, you know we went on the show to sell franchises. That that's our next big hurdle is selling franchises across the country and we have been flooded with requests of franchises to bring people, you know, bring a park to their location, their city. Talking to potential franchisees, it really just just totally gasoline on the fire. Chris: Yeah. So let's go back to the opening. You said March 2022. One of the things I like to talk to people about is let's talk about a failure that you've encountered and most people will tell you can do a whole show on them, right. Literally, I was going to say you don't have enough time on this, but you know you shared that. I guess the opening didn't go so well or something around that. So let's talk about what were some of the failures around that. What did you learn that made you better going forward? Jacob: That's right. You know, I tell people one day when I'm, when I give it, when I give a speech one day at a theme park conference, I'm going to be able to tell people I'm one of the very few theme park operators in the world that has opened a theme park and closed it the same day because it went so poorly. And so you know, I do have that badge of honor with me. So we opened the park too soon and that was a hundred percent my fault, right you too soon, and that was 100% my fault, right? You're trying to you build in these parameters in your head. We got to open this date. We got to do this. You know people are waiting and I really wanted it to be open that Thursday of spring break back in 2022. Could I have waited 48 hours more and would that have fixed our problems? Yes, did I? No, and I think a lot of it was. You know, we had been at this for four years. At this point, we were exhausted and here was the finish line. The finish line was on Thursday and we could do this and everybody's gonna love it. Tickets were sold out there. There was plenty of buzz. You know we were being interviewed from broadcaster. You know I was on NPR and we're doing this interview in this country and all over the US, and there was so much media attention. We had helicopters circling over the park doing filming, getting ready for the opening, and when we opened, man, it was an epic disaster, and the reason it was is I pushed the grand opening. All of our machines were not ready. We had not put on our technology of all the machines, not that we were letting people operate those machines, but we did not have enough time built in to put a computer on this machine, and then this machine, and then this machine. And so what happened is we opened the park to hundreds and hundreds of people and we didn't have that many machines going, and so those hundreds and hundreds of people waited in line for hours and it was just disastrous. And people were angry at me, rightfully so. People wanted to tell me what they thought about me, and rightfully so. The amount of refunds that we issued that day were it was probably dollar for dollar, we probably made $0 that day or just lost money, and so we had to shut the park down. So so I go on, and we, you know we were open. We were going to be open that Thursday, friday, saturday, sunday, and I just canceled everything and said hey, I'm so sorry, we're not going to be open, we'll refund you your tickets or you can come back whenever you want. And, man, people were so mad at us. They were so mad at us. The news was doing coverage about how Dig World closed in less than 24 hours and it was a disaster, an epic failure. And so you know you go home that night and something you had been working for four years, there was no, nothing good about it. There wasn't even. There was no silver lining, like you could be, like well, but no, it was terrible and kids left crying. I mean, just like I said, just terrible. And my wife will tell you that, looking back on that night, she goes hey, I thought I lost you mentally that night, like I thought you were so down in the dumps that night that I didn't know where we were going to go from here. And yeah, I remember the next day waking up, I was trying to, I was going to take my son on a walk and I remember getting halfway out of the neighborhood and having to turn around, got to go back into the office. We've got to go on the offensive here and really try to say hey, listen, we're sorry, let's own the mistake right. Hey, we opened too soon, please come back. And so I think you look at it right and it just was one of those epic failures, and we've had many more along the way, right? Advert Hello friends, this is Chris Hanslick, your Building Texas business host. Did you know that Boyer Miller, the producer of this podcast, is a business law firm that works with entrepreneurs, corporations and business leaders? Our team of attorneys serve as strategic partners to businesses by providing legal guidance to organizations of all sizes. Get to know the firm at boyermillercom, and thanks for listening to the show. Jacob: I was thinking of just trying to figure out how to run a theme park, and we've never run a theme park, but that was one. That's an easy recall when somebody asked me to talk about failure. Chris: Right, like you almost were there right Reliving it that day. Jacob: Oh man yes. Chris: Well, the lesson, though, in that you found the positive and I think it's true in so many different circumstances. We're all going to make mistakes, right, we've made them in the past. One thing certain we're going to make them again in the future, it's owning it right, be this, taking ownership of it, and then kind of committing to do better. I think when you do that, you know what, more times than not, what comes from that is grace. You know people grace to you, and I think that's what it seems like what you've experienced. Right, you owned it, so we're going to do better. The community gave you grace, and when you open back up, they came. Jacob: I think don't pass the blame, Even honestly, even if it's not really your blame, right? People want somebody to stand up and say, hey, it's on me, and I think we don't see that a lot of times in leadership throughout you know, whatever. But people willing to say, hey, that was on me, I'm gonna raise my hand, that was on me. And then the key is forgetting quickly and moving on right and not dwelling which, whatever you do, operate out of imagination, not memory. Right, Don't go back there, sit in those failures operate out of imagination, not memory. Chris: That's a good one. I haven't heard that one before I'm writing it down. Jacob: I would like to take credit for it, but somebody much smarter than me said it, so yeah, right. Chris: So I want to talk a little bit about technology and innovation because, I mean, I know these are, you know, big machinery used out in the construction. There's nothing really innovative about them, but it seems to me that using them in your theme park has to have some innovation and technology to make them safe, as you've described them. So you know, tell us about that. How did you come up with it or did you, or where did you find it? Jacob: it? Yeah, great question. So, yes, yes, all of the above. I know I did not come up with it, I'm not smart enough to write code, but we partnered with an engineer and we said hey, listen, this is what we want to do. We believe this can happen. And what we did, in simplistic terms, we built our own computer to put onto the back of the machine. That goes into its wiring to override a lot of the functionality of it. And so when we call it dig world mode, when the computer's in dig world mode, it is safe. The excavators are stationary, they can't go forward and backwards, they only go certain degrees to the right and left and up and down. Our skid steers are heavily governed, the hydraulics and a lot of functionalities are disengaged. We have kill switches and then we can flip the computer back to normal mode and it's a normal functioning machine. And so really, coming alongside a bright engineering team and building this technology that's our technology and putting it on these machines is really outside the box kind of stuff. And finding somebody that wanted to dream alongside with us was the key to success there. And he's still dreaming alongside with us. I mean he had made a technology upgrade this past week. That's one of those things you look at and you go why didn't we do that three years ago? That makes things a lot, you know not safer, they were very safe it makes it simpler for our team to utilize, and so we're always improving. I think that's the other thing. You know you hear it all the time as an entrepreneur, but as a business owner, one of the things that's very easy to do is get stuck in a rut and go well, we've always done it that way, right? I had a call with my business partner this morning and he's newer to the team and he said well, why are we doing that? And I was like well, honestly, I don't know if we've ever asked that question. I think we've just done it and let's try something new here. And knowing that you don't always have the right answers, and your teammate you may have a high school kid that works for you, like I do that comes to you and goes hey, why, why aren't we doing it like this? Could we do it like this? And you go it's a genius idea, let's do it that way. Yeah, and being okay and putting your pride aside and saying let's change and adapt. Chris: Right. So you're clearly kind of in the entertainment business. Let's talk about building a team right, because I think I mean clearly you've got an internal team there, I guess in the office that's got to run the company, some creativity around it, but then you have another team, that's, you know, customer facing. How have you gone about building kind of each of those teams to try to maximize the company's success? Jacob: Yeah, it's a great question, Thank you. I would say, yeah, our two teams I'd almost kind of say like our corporate team. Right, our corporate team is the X's and O's business focus. How do we grow the franchises? How do we optimize the P&L? And really the key to success there is not to overstate cliches, but like go hire somebody smarter than you and go hire somebody that is great at your weaknesses and then give them the reins to run it. I don't go in your lane, you know how to run it. I trust you explicitly. I've given you the keys of the kingdom because if not, if I'm just going to micromanage you, then why would I even have you on my team? That's demeaning to you. I'm going to end up doing the work anyways because I'm a control freak. So I'm going to go hire somebody that really knows what they're doing and say go, do it right. Or my business partner he oversees a lot of different things, but one of them is the marketing, and today he said hey, listen, do we want to spend here? Do you want to spend here? I think the answer is here. Yep, let's go there right, if you think that's interview going. Hey, this is what we sleep and breathe here. We love the customer, we love that people are here. We're going to love on them and we're going to make memories. Can you do that? And that's what I'm going to hire and fire against. If I see you out there and you're not loving on customers and you're not creating memories that last a lifetime, we're going to ask you to leave. But that's what you know from the beginning. We're going to hire and fire against. Do we love people and are we serving them well? And if we do those things, we're going to build a culture that people start to talk about. And every team meeting that we have, I kick off of hey, today we're going to love people and today we're going to think outside the box, and I know you had, you know, a long week at school. I'm asking you from nine to five today to dig deep and love on people because and when you really frame it up, we get to be a part of something so special and so unique. We get to really be a part of this kid or this family's memory bank, and hopefully in a good way. Right, there are going to be hundreds and hundreds of kids for the rest of their lives that are able to say man, when I was five I had my birthday party at this place called Dig World and I got to drive a real excavator. They're gonna tell that story for their whole life. We get to be a part of that. How humbling is that. And so when you really can set the picture for these kids, what we're doing here is not just a job. We're not here today to collect tickets and put you on a machine and say thank you for coming. We are ingraining ourselves into your memory bank, and when we can take that on in the privilege of that, then, man, we can really sky's the limit. Chris: Yeah, well, I could see if you get that light bulb to go off and kind of in any employee, right, it changes the whole dynamic, the mindset and luckily those high school kids I got to believe they're learning great life skills to have to deal with people on the fly. And that's what we do every day. Right, we're dealing with people as we as they come to us, and so that's exactly right. Jacob: And get to teaching that, hey, the customer's not always right Sometimes. You know we can stand our ground every now and then too, and so really, yeah, how do we handle conflict with each other? How do we handle conflict with a customer? You know those are skills that are in an online day and age are becoming less and less, so how do we actually stand in front of another human being and say, hey, listen, I know you're frustrated, let's figure out how we can work through this kind of deal. So hopefully we're teaching them things that can go far beyond Dig World. Chris: Yes, for sure. So we're here in Texas. You started this business here. Tell me some of the things that you found, or have found, to be advantageous about being a Texas-based business. Jacob: Oh man, so many, one. Obviously. Just the people right, the people buy in and they love it. They love supporting the business, they love supporting what we're trying to do here. And so, culturally, it's amazing to be here in Texas. We were fortunate when we started we had a partnership with Texas A&M, my alma mater and so I'm a little biased there but really getting their buy-in, and a university that saw what we were trying to do and said, hey, listen, let's go capture the next generation of construction workers and teach them about Texas A&M. Yes, but let's also teach them about this great industry of construction. And then really, just the flexibility of Texas. You know there's not many states you can just go out and, for the first and foremost, be like, hey, listen, we're going to start a theme park and it's going to let kids operate construction equipment, right, the flexibility and you know we went through the whole rigmarole and everything with insurance and the filings, but really the adaptability of the state and going, yeah, that sounds great, let's do that. And then everybody behind it. It's just, it's been amazing. Chris: That's great. So I'd like to talk about leadership, and you know you're clearly, as a founder and CEO, leader, but how do you think those leadership qualities have developed over time and how would you describe your leadership style? Jacob: Yeah, I tell people a lot of times I think there's two versions of Jacob as the leader. There is pre-Pierce getting sick and then there's post-Pierce getting sick. Not that the goals have changed. The goals are still. Listen, you're running a business. You got to make money and you got to keep the doors open right At the end of the day. That's the name of the game. But mindset around those have changed. The intensity around that has changed and the bigger picture around that has changed. So, for example, pre Pierce getting sick and our cleaning business, we lose a contract. I'm pretty frustrated. I'm probably a little panicky. We're getting a little desperate on how do we replace that contract. I'm driving the team harder. What are we selling? I'm micromanaging more because I'm feeling nervous and anxious. Right, post Pierce getting sick, the intensity is not gone, but the priorities are going hey, we lost the contract, okay, let's go home, let's reset. Tomorrow, we'll find another one. There's another one out there, let's go find another one. Right, and motivating the team that way, instead of fear-based whether it be my fear or the fear I'm instilling rather than going hey, we'll be fine, we're gonna keep doing what we're doing. We're gonna keep doing the X's and O's of the business and it will be there. And so I think, when failure of a grand opening and a grand closing comes, you go. Okay, listen, today was not a good day, today was a terrible day. However, I'm still here, my family's still here, and tomorrow we're going to figure out how we survive this and we're going to pick up and we're going to go to work tomorrow and we're going to figure it out, and then I think, at the end of the day, I'm a servant leader. I hope our high school kids see me doing things that I asked them to do. I hope they see me cleaning the bathrooms. I hope they see me doing this, not to manipulate them to saying, hey, you know, oh, jacob's doing it, I should go do it. No, I want you to see that we're all in this together, right, and I believe in it this much that I'm going to get in here with you and I'm not going do at that point is they go? Yeah, I'll go clean the bathrooms, right, and hey, jacob asked me to do it, I'll go do it because I know he would do it right, rather than the dictator style leadership or the authoritarian style leadership. So I think for me it's coming alongside them, servant leadership, getting in the trenches, dealing with the disgruntled customers and not just making them deal with it, all of those kinds of things, I think. Build in the goodwill with the team and they see somebody that wants to link arms with you, and then what it allows me to do is come alongside them on those times where I either have to discipline or I have to recorrect or reposition, and they go. Ok, I know. But I know at the end of the day, he loves me. I know at the end of the day, it's the best, even if he's firing me. You know at the end that you, moving on, I'm still going to be in your corner, and so I think I view my leadership in those two ways. Chris: I like that. I can identify with it as well, feel the same way. To me the servant leadership is so valuable, right? Your employees have to believe not only they've seen you do it, not that you will do it, they've seen you do it right, and that when you ask them to do it it's important and so that's great. You know, just thinking about the obviously a lot of stuff going on in our world and in any kind of different ways. But you know economically, you know legislatively, what are some of the headwinds, given all that that you kind of see facing dig world as you're kind of looking out over the next 30, 60, 90, 120 days, year, kind of yeah, yeah. Jacob: It's a great question. I would answer it two ways. One you know, as we look at the economics of our park and people coming to our park, you know what we feel like is we sit in that middle or probably lower to middle ground of your discretionary spending as a family, meaning. Meaning, as I compare it to a Disney right, and when the economy goes down a little bit or people are a little worried or nervous, the Disney vacation may go on the back burner. Right, because that's a significant financial investment into that. It's a great experience, but it's significant. Where we fall is on the lower end of that category, hopefully delivering the same memories and experiences and fun and joy, but the price point is significantly cheaper than that. So we feel in good times and in rougher times we hope to be a resource that allows those families to still create memories in that regard. Externally, as we look to grow franchises, the ups and downs of the economy can sway different investors. They can sway how they want to hold their money, what they want to do with their money, what they don't want to do with their money. Now my sales pitch to those individuals are hey, you could take your money and put it over here, or you could take your money and put it over here and you could kind of be in control of it, but you also can create something that's bigger than you for your community, for your family, things like that. So it it will be interesting to see what the next probably call it 120 days have in store for us as far as how we're received on the investment side. But right now, our focus on this phase one is how do we get five franchises across the finish line, and right now, praise the Lord, we're very close to hitting that number. And then we got to get them open and we have to produce right. Chris: At the end of the day, you have to produce and I understand you have two open now or the second one's about to open. Dallas will be open by the end of this year. That's correct. Okay, that's great. So I gotta ask. I mean, you're talking about disney, made me think. Do you have some kind of mascot or anybody like in a big suit when you show up at dig world? You know? Jacob: so. But he said I literally got off a phone call earlier we are, we've honed it into kind of two mascots that we want, and so that will be released soon once the debate can be decided within our team of which way we're going. Chris: Okay very good. So let's just kind of turn to a little more casual side. Yeah, you said you and Katie went to A&M. I'm taking those two data points and making an assumption you're a born and raised Texan, it's a great question. Jacob: It's a great assumption, but no, I am a son of a healthcare executive, and so I was born in Alabama, raised all over Texas, graduated high school in South Carolina, then came to A&M, met my wife, who is a Houstonian, who's a Katie girl and much smarter than I am, and so she had a real job after college, and so I followed her here and I've been here ever since. Chris: Okay, Great story. So just talking about Texas, you know you all have a favorite spot. You like to go within the state to get away, maybe vacation time. Jacob: Yeah, you know it's funny whenever, within the state, melissa and I we love to head over to San Antonio. We love the Hill Country side. We like a couple of the resorts there. That's our, our getaway. And then I think you know when we're getting away. Now we've got young kids. Grandparents and cousins and nephews live in waco and so we head over to waco. We spend a lot of time there. But if melissa and I are just getting away and staying in the state, we're gonna head probably over to san antonio very good. Chris: That leads me to the next question then do you prefer tex-mex or barbecue? Jacob: oh man, that's. Oh man, see that one. That's a tricky question because we'd have to be like specific in the subcategory right. Like'd have, we'd have to like pit two against each other. Chris: I hear you. Everyone says that that's the hardest question saved for last. Jacob: Oh, my goodness, I'm going to have to go barbecue. I'm going to have to go barbecue. Chris: All right, all right. I love how you're going to break it down, though, cause I'm the same way. You know. It's like. Well, I don't know, it depends, I mean it depends it just. Jacob: You know, on Friday night this weekend I had Tex-Mex. On Saturday I had barbecue. So you know like it literally is, but I'd have to go barbecue. Chris: All right, very good. Well, jacob, thank you again for taking time to come on the podcast. I mean your story, obviously from the start of it with Pierce, was amazing, but just such a creative, unique thing that you've created. And you know, just wish you the best of success, thank you. Thank you, honored to be here today. Thank you for taking time Special Guest: Jacob Robinson.

Monologue:Waldorf Astoria coming to the Hill CountryDrones on DemandNERF Wars6000 Year Old Texas ResidentsHemp update from State CapitalGuest:As Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Dripping Springs High School, Galen Zimmerman is more than just a play-caller—he's a mentor, leader, and architect of a winning culture. His coaching philosophy goes beyond X's and O's, instilling discipline, resilience, and teamwork in every athlete who steps onto the field. Under his leadership, the Tigers have thrived, not just in competition but in character, preparing students for success beyond the game. Whether he's guiding a team through a high-stakes fourth quarter or shaping young athletes into future leaders, Coach Zimmerman's impact extends far beyond the scoreboard. His legacy isn't just measured in victories, but in the lessons and values his players carry with them for life.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

In this episode, we recap all the excitement from the First Annual Texas Treasure Sale, held in Fredericksburg, Texas on April 5th!

Episode 140: Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-scriptLive, in-person events, like masterminds and retreats, used to be a lot easier to be profitable with.Now, post-covid, it seems like getting attendees and running profitable events is much more difficult. Many industry leaders have even stopped doing live events because of their struggles with making them profitable.Yet, there are still others who are knocking it out of the park with their live events.In this episode, Shannon Jamail gives us the details about what the winners are doing that the losers are not and how to be profitable with live events in 2025 and beyond.About Shannon Jamail: Shannon is the founder and creator of the Mind & Body Complete Family of Companies which includes her retreat center, Retreat Ranch, outside of Austin Texas. She is a best-selling author, podcast host, retreat leader, therapist turned mentor, Yoga Teacher trainer and tequila connoisseur (not really but she does enjoy sipping on a good pour). Shannon has a passion and a mission to elevate individuals in mind & body in order to connect, grow & thrive through her online courses, books, programs & retreats.  She lives on her ranch with her family in the Hill Country of Texas.Check out Shannon's Courses & Training: http://mindbodycomplete.com/ - use code: TRAILBLAZER for 10% off any program or retreatConnect with Shannon: https://theretreatranch.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mindandbodycomplete/ https://www.instagram.com/mindbodycomplete/ https://www.facebook.com/retreatleadersplaybook https://www.instagram.com/retreatleadersplaybook/ https://www.instagram.com/retreat_ranch/ https://www.facebook.com/retreatranchGrab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerTwitter: https://twitter.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer

I must confess – as much as I love having Todd and James on the podcast, I've actually really been enjoying some of these ‘off' episodes where I get to meet up with pro brewers and learn more about their stories. I'm spoiled to live in an area surrounded by great craft beer and local […]

Monologue:The Law of FurriesYa'll Street23 and Me or NotOnline Life is DyingAustin Hits a MilestoneGuest:Dr. Nadia Bening is a board-certified psychiatrist and the owner of Texas Hill Country TMS. She specializes in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. Research indicates that TMS can activate underactive neural pathways associated with depression, increase dopamine levels, improve blood flow, and enhance neuroplasticity and overall brain health. Primarily used to treat depression and anxiety, TMS provides an alternative to conventional psychiatric medications without many of the common side effects. More information about TMS and Dr. Bening's practice can be found at Hill Country TMS.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly!Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

Welcome back to From the Pasture with Hired Hand, where we sit down with Texas Longhorn breeders to talk about their ranches, cattle, and upcoming Longhorn sales.This week, Jaymie is joined by Randy Murry from New Age Cattle Company, co-host of the first annual Texas Treasure Sale. This exciting new sale brings back the tradition of a Texas Longhorn sale to the heart of the Texas Hill Country.They discuss all the weekend events, including: 

Send us a textWhat began as an acquaintance as winemakers in the Hill Country became a collaboration between William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett; one that's based on a shared winemaking philosophy and a vision for what the Texas wine industry is capable of. We get to sit down and talk to Zinn Brown and Carol Blackmon about the legacy that William Chris is making on the Texas Wine IndustryWilliam Chris

For those of you keen on backcountry skiing podcasts, you will hear a familiar voice on this episoide. Doug Stenclik is our guest—he's part owner of Cripple Creek Backcountry and the host of Totally Deep, Cripple Creek's podcast. The past several years have seen a topsy-turvy world generally and a boom-bust cycle regarding backcountry skiing/riding business. Stenclik offers insight into the business operations of selling items like touring boots and bindings. Business, when it comes to skins and skimo, for example, isn't always rainbows and unicorns. There are supply chain snafus, dry winters, and the undeniable fact that backcountry touring requires some know how and elevated heart rates.   Thanks for listening, and have a good day, The High Route Team.   If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader and listener-supported enterprise focusing on human-powered turn making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real deal calorie burning to piece it all together.We are also excited to announce Issue 1.0 of The High Route magazine is shipping. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you've spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, "Beautiful Alien" is a good tune to start with.

Monologue:Daylight Savings Time SucksFired WineAdam Carolla Hates RealtorsGnomes in UtahAlpha School in AustinSocial Security ChangesGuest:From Christmas Town to Wedding Town. Hailing from the enchanting Christmas town of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Morgan Slaughter has always had a heart for hospitality. With a vision as bright as the holiday lights of her hometown, she moved to Dripping Springs, Texas, determined to make her mark in the world of event planning. Through dedication and passion, Morgan has not only built a thriving career but also found a home in the Hill Country. Now, as she prepares to say "I do" to the love of her life, Nathan, in just a few short weeks, she stands as a testament to hard work, heart, and the magic of turning dreams into reality. We talk weight lifting, social media, GenZ, and more. Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

NEXT STEPS  Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? You may be wondering what's next on your journey. We want to help! Let us guide you to your next steps in your walk with Christ: https://www.hcbc.com/discover  ABOUT HILL COUNTRY BIBLE CHURCH  Wherever you are in life, you have a purpose. Hill Country Bible Church wants to help you find your next step. Our hope is that your journey will include joining us at one of our locations locally, or globally online. CONNECT WITH US!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HCBCAustin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hcbcaustin/

Spring scouting is the key to unlocking mature buck bedding areas in hill country. If you want to tag a big buck this fall, now is the time to hit the woods and find primary and secondary bedding, travel routes, and terrain features that hold deer year after year.In this episode, we break down exactly how to scout hill country buck beds, including:✔ Where Bucks Bed in Hill Country – How they use ridges, points, and leeward slopes.✔ Key Bedding Sign to Look For – Identifying buck beds, rub lines, and transition areas.✔ How Thermals & Wind Impact Bedding – Why bucks bed in specific spots based on wind and thermals.✔ Using E-Scouting to Find Bedding Before You Scout – Tips for mapping out your scouting trips.✔ Trail Camera Strategies for Bedding Areas – How to monitor bucks without blowing them out.✔ Boots-on-the-Ground Scouting – Why spring is the best time to locate untouched buck beds.If you hunt in big woods, hill country, or pressured public land, these scouting techniques will give you an edge when the season rolls around.=============================All Products and Gear Mentioned in this Video=============================Bohning Pocket Quiver: ➡︎ https://amzn.to/4ipwKimBohning Fletching Jig (w/Straight Clamp): ➡︎ https://amzn.to/4iFvwiABohning Right Clamp (for Right Helical Fletching) ➡︎ https://amzn.to/4bGUU5jSitka Equinox Guard Insect Shield Hoody ➡︎ https://alnk.to/3U2AUtFEaston 4mm FMJ Arrows ➡︎ https://eastonarchery.com/arrows_/4mm-fmj-match-grade/My 2024 Gear List Breakdown: ➡︎ https://bit.ly/2024-gear

Monologue:PSA-Don't Eat The PeanutsDripping HappeningsDon't Lose Your HomesteadSW Airlines Does It AgainLine-StandersSXSW First Week WrapGuest:Willem Visser is the Founder and CEO of Amanzi Party Rentals, a Texas-based event rental company serving cities including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2020. In addition to starting and running Amanzi Party Rentals, Visser has been teaching new business owners how to plan for success. Willem's commitment to excellence is reflected in Amanzi's mission to create 5 million smiles through their services, aiming to bring joy and unforgettable experiences to every event.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

This week on SOA, we welcome master of Hill Country blues guitar and beyond, Mr. Luther Dickinson! Luther sits down for a great chat about his storied career, including his time in The Black Crowes, working with Phil Lesh and the thread that runs through it all, North Mississippi All-Stars! It's a great conversation you definitely don't want to miss!

Before we roll into this episode full steam, here's some basic information: this interview was recorded in the fall of 2023. That was when a group from the US, including Jimmy Chin and Jim Morrison, planned to approach Mount Everest's north side to attempt to ski the Hornbein Couloir. The project was part of a larger documentary project. This past fall, in 2024, that team made another attempt but was reportedly stymied by poor conditions. All this is to say that back in 2023, skiing the Hornbein popped up in the news cycle. Around then, I reached out to Jeremy Evans for an interview. He's the author of an excellent book I read titled See You Tomorrow: The Disappearance of Snowboarder Marco Siffredi on Everest. This episode of The High Route podcast is that interview with Jeremy Evans, the Tahoe-based author of this good read. We mostly discuss the book and the protagonist, Macro Siffredi. Siffredi was a Chamonix-based snowboarder who arrived on the extreme descent scene with extraordinary flare in the late 1990s. In 2002, Siffredi disappeared as he descended the Hornbein Couloir on Everest's North Side. He was 23 years old at the time. Although the podcast is not a book review if you enjoy climbing and ski/ride adventures and examinations of human nature and what motivates us in the mountains if you pick up the book, you'll find it doesn't disappoint. Further, Thanks to Evans for his incredible patience as we sat on this episode—we got caught up in life and building out The High Route, but we are deeply appreciative of his time and for making the efforts to illuminate more about Siffredi's life.Thanks for listening, and have a good day, The High Route Team.   If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader and listener-supported enterprise focusing on human-powered turn making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real deal calorie burning to piece it all together.We are also excited to announce Issue 1.0 of The High Route magazine is shipping. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you've spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, "Beautiful Alien" is a good tune to start with.  

Monologue:Strava Local LegendsYoutube Channel is LIVETexas Independence DayRetire in Texas or Hawaii?Make Texas Healthy AgainTexas Wines RuleGuest:Bonnie Villacampa is the founder of the Texas International Wine Competition, a prestigious event that brings global recognition to exceptional wines while supporting meaningful causes. With a passion for the wine industry, she has created a platform that not only showcases top-tier winemakers but also gives back to the community through charitable donations. Her dedication to both excellence in wine and philanthropy has made the competition a respected fixture in the industry. Through her leadership, Bonnie continues to elevate Texas as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...